About the festival
Saijo Festival is a group of autumn shrine festivals, with danjiri floats and mikoshi. Choose a shrine's program rather than expecting one citywide procession.
Who is it for?
Visitors interested in neighborhood float traditions and shrine-specific ceremonies.
Photo: NFA999 at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Original date: 7 December 2006 (original upload date). Original image or Commons thumbnail; no additional edits.
Dates and times
Usually mid-October; dates differ by shrine
Usual season; next dates not confirmed. Times use JST. See the official programme for session times and changes.
Venue and parade route
Saijo · 西条
Isono Shrine is one of the main festival centers. The Kawairi rite takes place at the Kamo River, separate from the shrine grounds; other shrine festivals have their own routes.
伊曽乃神社ほか市内社寺・河川敷
The map pin marks a reference venue, rather than every entrance or the full parade route.
Getting there by train or bus
- Take a JR Yosan Line limited express from Matsuyama or Takamatsu to Iyo-Saijo. Use the official float map for the shrine or river section you want to reach.
What to see
- Danjiri floats
- Shrine offerings
- Kamo River Kawairi rite
History and origins
Floats appear in 18th-century shrine records. Neighborhoods continue the tradition of offering danjiri and mikoshi.
Planning your visit
Our editorial suggestions for planning your trip.
Pick one shrine's timetable and follow its viewing places; trying to combine every rite can mean unnecessary travel.
Places to visit nearby
Railway History Park in SAIJO
鉄道歴史パーク in SAIJO
Railway exhibits around Iyo-Saijo Station.
Visit before leaving the station area, then allow travel time to your chosen shrine.
These stops and the suggested order are editorial recommendations. Check each venue's opening hours and festival-day road closures before travelling.
Saijo Festival: common questions
When is Saijo Festival?
Usually mid-October; dates differ by shrine This is the usual season, rather than a confirmed timetable for the next edition. Times are Japan Standard Time (JST).
Where does Saijo Festival take place?
Isono Shrine is one of the main festival centers. The Kawairi rite takes place at the Kamo River, separate from the shrine grounds; other shrine festivals have their own routes.
How do I get to Saijo Festival by public transport?
Take a JR Yosan Line limited express from Matsuyama or Takamatsu to Iyo-Saijo. Use the official float map for the shrine or river section you want to reach.
Do all Saijo shrine festivals happen on the same day and route?
No. Dates and routes differ by shrine. The Isono procession and Kamo River rite also require different viewing locations.
Official sources
- Festival and visitor guide 1 (www.city.saijo.ehime.jp) ↗
- Festival and visitor guide 2 (www.city.saijo.ehime.jp) ↗
- Festival and visitor guide 3 (www.city.saijo.ehime.jp) ↗
Sources reviewed: .