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.
The yama float parade is the festival’s main attraction, featuring warrior figures wearing armor and Noh masks that resemble scenes from historical battle scrolls. Participants join local residents as float pullers, experiencing the excitement and unity of the festival firsthand. Festival attire is provided, including a district-specific happi coat, a T-shirt worn underneath, white shorts, and tabi socks. Participants may also observe the Matsu-ire ritual, held early in the morning, during which sacred pine branches—believed to house the deity—are placed on the floats.
Schedule
12:30 Meet in front of Kehi Jingu Shrine
13:15 Six yama floats gather (photo time)
13:30 Opening ceremony & departure
13:30–15:40 Yama Parade Experience
Optional Viewing (included in the price):
07:00 Observation of the Matsu-ire (pine ritual) at the Yama Float Museum
- Held
- September 4 (once a year)
- Price
- ¥7,700 per person
- Price includes
- Light meal, festival attire (happi, T-shirt, shorts, tabi)
- Minimum number of participants
- 6 people
- Maximum number of participants
- Men: 10 (divided into 4 groups) Women: 8 (divided into 2 groups)
- day of closing
- 14 days in advance
- Required time
- Approx. 3 hours
- Course content
- 12:30 Meet in front of Kehi Jingu Shrine
13:15 Six yama floats gather (photo time)
13:30 Opening ceremony & departure
13:30–15:40 Yama Parade Experience
Optional Viewing (included in the price):
07:00 Observation of the Matsu-ire (pine ritual) at the Yama Float Museum - Reservation
- required
- Location
- In front of Kehi Shrine → in front of the Yama Float Museum
- 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; must be physically able to pull a float.
Please Note: Due to ritual customs, some restrictions may apply to female participants. - Map
“Come try pulling Tsuruga’s stunning yama floats, inspired by dramatic battles from Japan’s samurai era.” — Mr. Dōda, Chairman of the Association for Conservation of Yama in Tsuruga