A mikoshi procession in plain festival clothing entering a traditional Japanese shrine at night

Yamanakako Myojin Anzan Festival 2026: September 4-6 Processions and Late-Night Schedule

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Information checked: August 17, 2026, 8:31 AM JST.

The annual Yamanakako Myojin Anzan Festival returns to Yamanaka Suwa Shrine from Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6. The main public spectacle is the evening mikoshi procession, and the official schedule continues until around 10:30 PM on Friday and after 11:00 PM on Saturday.

Short answerThe eve festival begins on September 4, with the mikoshi leaving Yamanaka Suwa Shrine at 6:30 PM. The main festival on September 5 includes daytime performances and another 6:30 PM procession returning to the shrine around 10:45 PM, followed by ceremonies after 11:00 PM.

Key Facts For Travelers

Affected areaYamanaka Suwa Shrine and the Yamanaka district of Lake Yamanaka.
Festival datesSeptember 4-6, 2026.
Key evening departures6:30 PM on both September 4 and September 5.
LocationYamanaka Suwa Shrine, Yamanaka 13, Yamanakako Village.

Choose Friday or Saturday for the Mikoshi

On Friday, September 4, shrine rituals and performances begin in the afternoon, and the mikoshi departs the shrine at 6:30 PM for the otabisho, where it is scheduled to arrive at 10:30 PM.

On Saturday, September 5, drumming and kagura begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a float and dance procession from 1:00 PM. The returning mikoshi leaves the otabisho at 6:30 PM and is scheduled to reach Yamanaka Suwa Shrine at 10:45 PM.

Sunday Is a Smaller Closing Day

The official schedule lists a closing ceremony at 11:00 AM and a sumo event at 3:30 PM on September 6. It also notes that the children’s procession is held only in odd-numbered years, so visitors should not plan around that item in 2026.

This is an active religious and community festival rather than a staged tourist show. Keep procession paths clear, follow local instructions, and avoid flash or close-range photography during ceremonies.

Traveler Actions

  • Arrive before 6:00 PM if the evening mikoshi is your priority.
  • Plan the return trip before the procession begins because the main schedule runs late and local transport may be limited.
  • Keep shrine gates, procession routes, and emergency access clear.
  • Dress for a cool lakeside evening and bring a quiet light for walking after dark.
  • Check the tourism association or shrine for last-minute schedule or weather changes before traveling.

Official Sources

Update History

  • August 17, 2026: Created from the official tourism-association schedule for September 4-6, including the evening mikoshi times, closing-day program, shrine address, and odd-year note for the children’s procession.
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