Kehi Shrine Grand Festival
“Keisan Matsuri” (The Long Festival)
The Kehi Shrine Grand Festival, known as the “Keisan Matsuri”, begins with the Yoimiya on September 2 and concludes with the Tsukinami-sai on September 15, following a series of sacred rituals and celebrations. Today, citizen parades and folk dances are held in conjunction with the festival, which is also widely known as the Tsuruga Festival.
Dating back to the late Muromachi period (1467-1573), this historic festival symbolizes Tsuruga’s heritage as a prosperous port town that flourished through the Kitamae-bune trade ships. Highlights include the magnificent yama float parades and the lively mikoshi (portable shrine) processions. Although much of the festival was once lost to wartime damage, it was restored through the dedication of local residents and continues to be carefully preserved today.
This experience allows participants to not only watch, but to actively take part as a member of the festival.
Participants first learn about the meaning and etiquette of the mikoshi from the chairman of the Tsuruga Mikoshi Association. After sharing a light lunch with local mikoshi bearers, you will join the mikoshi procession, carrying the shrine together with the community. Participants will be provided with a light meal and traditional festival attire, including a district-specific happi coat, T-shirt, white shorts, and tabi socks. Those who wish may also join a Naorai, a post-procession gathering to relax and celebrate together after the rituals.
Schedule
11:00 Explanation by the chairman of the Tsuruga Mikoshi Association (30 min)
11:30 Light meal with local Kawasaki district residents near Kehi Shrine
13:00–15:00 Mikoshi Procession Experience
16:00 Naorai gathering (optional)
Optional Viewing (included in the price):
08:30 Shinko-sai ritual
09:10 Gohoren (sacred palanquin) procession
10:00 Children’s mikoshi procession
SHINKŌ-SAI
GOHŌREN
- Held
- September 3 (once a year)
- Price
- ¥7,700 per person
- Price includes
- Light meal, festival attire (happi coat, T-shirt, white shorts, tabi)
- Minimum number of participants
- 6 people
- Maximum number of participants
- 30 people
- day of closing
- 14 days in advance
- Required time
- Approx. 4 hours
- Course content
- 11:00 Explanation by the chairman of the Tsuruga Mikoshi Association (30 min)
11:30 Light meal with local Kawasaki district residents near Kehi Shrine
13:00–15:00 Mikoshi Procession Experience
16:00 Naorai gathering (optional)
Optional Viewing (included in the price):
08:30 Shinko-sai ritual
09:10 Gohoren (sacred palanquin) procession
10:00 Children’s mikoshi procession - Reservation
- required
- Location
- Port of Tsuruga Tourism Association meeting room→ Kehi Shrine→ Kawasaki-cho Naorai (post-festival gathering) venue
- Notes
- Transportation: Participants are requested to meet on site; no transportation service is provided.
What to Wear / Bring: Tabi socks will be provided, but please also bring white sneakers in case your feet hurt.
Eligibility: Junior high school age and above; participants must be physically able to carry a mikoshi.
Please Note: Due to ritual customs, some restrictions may apply to female participants. - Map
“Carry the Kawasaki District mikoshi together and feel the energy of the Tsuruga Festival right up close.” — Mr. Tanaka, Head of Kawasaki District