Shimonita Suwa Shrine Autumn Grand Festival

Saturday, October 10 & Sunday, October 11, 2026

Home to the World Heritage Site Arafune Cold Storage, the Shimonita Geopark, and a town full of nostalgic local flavors, Shimonita comes alive with excitement during these two special days.

From the solemn procession of the mikoshi portable shrine beginning early in the morning, to seven magnificent festival floats, the sounds of traditional festival music echoing through the surrounding mountains, graceful dancers in colorful costumes, and the thrilling contests as teams skillfully maneuver their floats against one another—the town is filled with the sights, sounds, and energy of the festival.

We invite you to experience this traditional autumn festival of Shimonita, Gunma, passed down through generations since the Tenpo era (1830–1844).

Saturday, October 10

Festival Float Parade

13:40　Festival Float Departure Ceremony (Suwa Shrine)
14:00　Float Parade through the town
16:30　Dinner Break
17:30　Float Parade in the Pedestrian Zone
　　　　(Float contests will take place at various locations along the route.)
20:20　Festival Float Closing Ceremony (Nakamachi Intersection)

Sunday, October 11

Mikoshi Procession & Festival Float Parade

8:00–10:40　Suwa Shrine Mikoshi Procession through the town
13:50　Festival Float Departure Ceremony (in front of Aoiwa Park)
14:00　Float Parade through the town
16:00　Dinner Break
17:00　Float Parade in the Pedestrian Zone
　　　　(Float contests will take place at various locations along the route.)
19:35　Traditional Festival Music Performances by Each District
　　　　(Suwa Shrine Plaza)
20:10　Closing Ceremony (Suwa Shrine)

Traffic Restrictions

Saturday, October 10: 15:00–21:00
Sunday, October 11: 15:00–21:00
Some areas will be restricted from 14:00–16:00 on Sunday. Please refer to the festival route map for details.

Important Information and Requests

* General vehicles will not be permitted to enter or travel through restricted areas during the traffic restriction periods.
* We apologize for the inconvenience, particularly to residents and businesses within the restricted areas, and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
* Some bus routes through central Shimonita will be temporarily changed.
* Drivers and pedestrians are asked to follow the instructions of police officers and traffic control staff.
* Visitors arriving by car may use the parking lots at Shimonita Town Hall, Shimonita Kosei Hospital, and Shimonita Elementary School. Please note that municipal parking lots will not be available.
* The organizers accept no responsibility for theft, accidents, or other incidents occurring in the parking areas.
* Please help us keep Shimonita clean by taking your litter with you and disposing of waste appropriately.