Chubu · AichiFestival
One of Japan’s great river festivals, the Owari Tsushima Tenno Matsuri lights up the water with lantern-covered boats and is inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Overview
Held for around 600 years by Tsushima Shrine, the festival centres on Tennogawa Park’s pond. On the eve, five makiwara boats are hung with hundreds of paper lanterns; the next morning, festival boats carry ornaments depicting Noh scenes as musicians play aboard.
When and Where
The 2026 festival is held on Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26, at Tennogawa Park and Tsushima Shrine in Tsushima City, Aichi. The evening festival (Yoimatsuri) begins around 6:00 p.m. on the 25th, with boats setting out about 8:15 p.m.; the morning festival (Asamatsuri) starts about 9:10 a.m. on the 26th.
Getting There
Take the Meitetsu Tsushima Line to Tsushima Station, then walk about 15 minutes to Tennogawa Park. It is roughly 30–40 minutes from central Nagoya.
What to Expect
The signature sight is the makiwara boats after dark, each glowing with about 500 lanterns arranged in a dome, reflected on the water. The morning brings the elegant procession of car-float boats (danjiri-bune) rowed across the pond.
Tips for Visitors
Come on the evening of the 25th for the lantern boats — the most photogenic moment. Paid grandstand (sajiki) seats give a clear view of the water; otherwise arrive early along the park’s edge. It is midsummer, so bring water.
Access and Map
| Dates (2026) | July 25 (eve) – 26 (morning) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Tennogawa Park & Tsushima Shrine, Aichi |
| Access | Meitetsu Tsushima Line to Tsushima Station, 15-min walk |
| Admission | Free (paid grandstand seats available) |
| Official site | Tsushima Tourism Association |
Source: Tsushima Tourism Association (official)
Image: Photo: tsuda / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
