Kujirabune Festival

What Is the Tomida Kujirabune Festival?

The Tomida Kujirabune Festival is a spirited "whale-boat" (kujirabune) festival held each August at Toride Shrine in the Tomida district of Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture. Known as a distinctive event of a seaside town, in which lavishly decorated floats re-enact the chasing of a whale and the hurling of harpoons in imitation of real whaling, it is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is also inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list as one of the "Yama, Hoko, Yatai float festivals."

History and Origins

The Tomida Kujirabune Festival is a festival rare even nationwide, re-enacting the scene of whaling on land. It is said to have begun in connection with the whaling carried out in various places during the Edo period, wishing for safety in fishing, bountiful catches, and the prosperity of the region. Tomida is a port town facing Ise Bay, and against the background of the lives and faith of people who have lived alongside the sea, this distinctive event took shape. The "whale-boat floats" modeled on whale boats are gorgeous constructions that each neighborhood takes pride in, carefully protected and handed down as treasures of the region.

Highlights

The greatest attraction is the "whale-striking" scene, in which the whale-boat floats chase a papier-mâché "whale" and spiritedly hurl harpoons. The sight of young men skillfully maneuvering the whale boats to corner the thrashing whale is full of intensity, allowing visitors to experience the excitement of whaling on land. The beauty of the lavishly decorated whale-boat floats and the spirited movements to festival music are also highlights. Visitors can savor an original and dynamic festival distinctive to a port town that has lived alongside the sea.

When It Takes Place

The festival is typically held in August at Toride Shrine and the surrounding area in the Tomida district of Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture. As a summer festival, its season is summer. Because the dates of events including the "whale-striking" vary from year to year, visitors are advised to confirm details in advance through official announcements from Yokkaichi City and the local preservation society and tourism association.

Access

The Tomida district can be reached from Tomida Station on the JR Kansai Main Line and Kintetsu-Tomida Station on the Kintetsu Nagoya Line. Located in the northern part of Yokkaichi, it can be accessed by JR or Kintetsu from the direction of Nagoya. Toride Shrine is within walking distance of both stations. As crowds are expected in the area during the festival, public transport is recommended.

Around the Area

Yokkaichi is an industrial city in northern Mie Prefecture, and the factory night views of the Yokkaichi industrial complex have become a popular tourist draw in recent years. With a location facing Ise Bay, seafood is also abundant. Nearby, attractions of northern and central Mie are dotted around, including Yunoyama Onsen, the nature of Mount Gozaisho, the Ise Grand Shrine, and the Suzuka Circuit. Together with the distinctive Tomida whale-boat festival, it is an area where one can enjoy the history, culture, and industrial tourism of Mie.

← Explore More Festivals