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.
Wearing an original festival happi coat, participants can join in Tsuruga’s traditional folk dance, where more than 3,000 people of all ages gather from across the city. This experience allows you to become part of the grand finale of the festival together with the local residents. Optional advance practice sessions are also available, led by a professional folk dance instructor. Participants can practice three main dance pieces in advance, making it easy to join with confidence.
Schedule
18:15 Meet and change into original happi coat
19:00–20:30 Folk Dance Experience
- Held
- September 4 (once a year)
- Price
- ¥7,700 per person
Option①
Practice sessions for three main dances with a professional folk dance instructor (day before the event).
Additional fee: ¥3,850 per person (tax excluded) ※Includes a tenugui (hand towel) with the instructor’s certificate of completion.
Option ②
September 4 (21:00–22:30)
Join the Naorai (post-festival gathering) after the Tsuruga Festival.
Relax and share your memories with fellow dancers.
Minimum 6 people.
Option fee: ¥5,500 per person (tax included) - Price includes
- Original happi coat
- Minimum number of participants
- 6 people
- Maximum number of participants
- 80 people
- day of closing
- 14 days in advance
- Required time
- Approx. 2 hours
- Course content
- 18:15 Meet and change into original happi coat
19:00–20:30 Folk Dance Experience - Reservation
- required
- Location
- Shopping street near the intersection in front of Kehi Shrine
- Notes
- Transportation: Participants are requested to meet on site; no transportation service is provided.
What to Wear / Bring: Wear comfortable clothing and simply put on the provided happi coat.
Eligibility: Junior high school age and above; participants must be able to take part in light, non-strenuous dancing.
Please Note: The event may be canceled in case of rain. - Map
“Why not join in Tsuruga’s soul dance together with the locals? No experience needed—everyone’s welcome!” — Mr. Sano, Folk Dance Instructor