Floats equipped with drums and gongs travel through Kuwana. Their competing rhythms are central to the experience, not merely accompaniment to decorative floats.
Photo: Outside147 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Original date label: 1 August 2004 (according to Exif data). Original or supplied resized image; no additional editing.
Kuwana Ishidori Festival dates
Usually the first Sunday in August and the preceding day
Usual annual season · exact next dates not confirmed
Event dates and times use Japan Standard Time (JST). Usual annual dates are not a confirmed booking schedule for the next edition. Check the organizer’s notices for daily times, admission and weather-related changes.
Where to watch
Kuwana · 桑名
Kuwana Sosha Shrine and nearby neighborhoods
桑名宗社・周辺町内
The map marks one reference point, not the entire route or every entrance. For village rites or moving processions, use the organizer’s venue map.
View reference location on Google Maps ↗Getting there by train or bus
From Nagoya, take the JR Kansai Line or Kintetsu Nagoya Line to Kuwana Station, then walk toward Kuwana Sosha Shrine.
History and traditions
The festival continues Kuwana Sosha’s local float traditions and is part of Japan’s UNESCO-listed float-festival heritage.
Nearby places to consider
These sights can help you plan the rest of your visit. Check each location’s opening hours and access separately; festival road closures may affect the journey.
Before you visit Kuwana Ishidori Festival
When is Kuwana Ishidori Festival?
Usually the first Sunday in August and the preceding day. These are the usual seasonal dates, not a confirmed schedule for the next edition. Check the linked organizer for times and changes.
How do I get to Kuwana Ishidori Festival by public transportation?
From Nagoya, take the JR Kansai Line or Kintetsu Nagoya Line to Kuwana Station, then walk toward Kuwana Sosha Shrine.
What should I plan before visiting Kuwana Ishidori Festival?
If loud percussion is uncomfortable, watch from farther from the drums. Follow the rhythm of several teams before exploring the festival’s tools and decorations at the local exhibition hall.
These planning suggestions are JapanLiveNow’s editorial advice. Admission and operating arrangements follow the organizer’s current program.
Official program and visitor information
- www.kankomie.or.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
- www.kuwana-ishidori.com — official festival or destination information ↗
- www.kankomie.or.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
This guide uses the shared festival source register reviewed on October 3, 2026. Official notices take priority over archive photos and previous editions.