Kanuma’s autumn festival brings finely carved wooden floats towards Imamiya Shrine. Look for individual animals and figures in the carvings as well as the larger float procession and music.
Kanuma Autumn Festival dates
October 10–11, 2026
Upcoming confirmed edition
Dates and times use JST. The recorded dates apply only to the stated edition. Read the organiser’s programme for start times, tickets, postponements and cancellations.
Where to watch
Kanuma · 鹿沼
Imamiya Shrine and central Kanuma neighbourhoods
今宮神社・鹿沼市街
Floats assemble at Imamiya Shrine and move through central Kanuma. Each neighborhood has its own departure point and return route, so use the date-specific map.
The directions below use one representative location, not every venue entrance or the complete procession route. Use the official venue map for your ticket or programme.
Getting there by train or bus
From Asakusa, take Tobu Nikko Line services to Shin-Kanuma. JR Kanuma is a different station; compare each approach and any edition-specific shuttle before travelling.
Planning your visit
Pick the station that suits your accommodation, then confirm the final journey to the shrine. The floats begin in different neighbourhoods, not one shared departure point.
This is an editorial travel suggestion, not a claim of a personal visit or a guarantee of the programme. When travelling from Canada, use your Japan arrival date to select the festival day.
What to look for
- Carved wooden yatai
- Festival music exchanges
- Shrine gatherings
History and traditions
The festival continues Imamiya Shrine's rites and local float craftsmanship. Kanuma's float tradition is part of the UNESCO-listed float festivals.
Photo: Shikanuma · CC BY-SA 4.0. Original or supplied reduced image; no additional edits. See the original file for its date and context.
Nearby places to consider
Yatai-no-Machi Chuo Park · 屋台のまち中央公園
A float exhibition hall and Kikusui-en garden.
Festival deployment can change which floats are on display; check the exhibition before visiting.
The description and suggested visit refer to the first attraction listed. Other links are separate nearby options; festival traffic and opening hours may affect your plans.
Kanuma Autumn Festival questions
When is Kanuma Autumn Festival?
October 10–11, 2026. These dates belong only to the stated edition; they do not confirm a later year.
How do I reach Kanuma Autumn Festival by public transport?
From Asakusa, take Tobu Nikko Line services to Shin-Kanuma. JR Kanuma is a different station; compare each approach and any edition-specific shuttle before travelling.
Are Kanuma and Shin-Kanuma the same station?
No. JR serves Kanuma, while Tobu serves Shin-Kanuma. Tobu journeys from Asakusa arrive at Shin-Kanuma.
Official programme and sources
- Official reference · www.buttsuke.com ↗
- Official reference · www.city.kanuma.tochigi.jp ↗
- Official reference · kanuma-kanko.jp ↗
Shared source records reviewed October 3, 2026. Some official pages are in Japanese. JapanLiveNow’s English guide is independently edited; the organiser’s latest announcement takes precedence.