Ehime · Niihama
Niihama Taiko Matsuri
新居浜太鼓祭り
Vast gold-embroidered drum floats hoisted on shoulders, and set against each other by district.
Next
16–18 October 2027
358 days away
Every year, 16 October, for 3 days
Future dates: 16 October 2027 · 16 October 2028 · 16 October 2029
Origin
At root an autumn thanksgiving, but the wealth of a copper-mining town poured itself into the decoration of the floats until they reached a strange opulence. Around a hundred and fifty men lift a single float.
What to look for
The embroidery and metalwork on the floats, and the sheer number — more than fifty move through the city. Each district holds kakikurabe, a contest of lifting and holding. On 17 October the Yamane ground hosts the tōitsuyose, where around twenty floats gather at once.
How to watch
Hachiawase — ramming two floats together — is not an attraction. It is **prohibited** by the districts' own rules; the city bans fighting and bars offending floats from taking part. District leaders sign a written pledge of "peaceful operation" in advance. This is not something to go looking for. Follow the viewing instructions, and never stand behind a carrying team.
Where
Districts of Niihama
Niihama, Ehime
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