Matsuri Guide

Name in Japanese and English

• 和歌祭（わかまつり） (Waka Matsuri)
• Waka Matsuri, the Grand Festival of Kishu Tōshōgū (Wakayama)

History

The Waka Matsuri (和歌祭, Waka matsuri) is the grand spring festival of Wakayama City (和歌山市, Wakayama-shi), centered around the Kishū Tōshōgū (紀州東照宮, Kishū Tōshōgū) in the Wakaura (和歌浦, Wakaura) district. It is the annual shrine festival (例祭, reisai) dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康, Tokugawa Ieyasu), and is known as one of the largest festive rites in Wakayama, featuring a massive procession of nearly 1,000 participants.

The festival tradition dates back to the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai), having started in Genna 8 (1622) (元和8年, Genna hachi-nen). The Waka Matsuri is also known by several honorary titles: "Kishū no kuni matsuri" (紀州の国祭, Kishū no kuni matsuri), "Tenka matsuri" (天下祭, Tenka matsuri), and "Gongen matsuri" (権現祭, Gongen matsuri), reflecting its status as a "great festival" and its Tōshōgū roots.

The most iconic highlight of the festival is the spectacular mikoshi-oroshi (神輿おろし, mikoshi oroshi): the mikoshi (神輿, mikoshi) is carried down the 108 steep stone steps (石段108段, ishidan hyaku-hachi-dan) of the shrine before the start of the togyō gyōretsu (渡御行列, togyō gyōretsu), the grand procession through Wakaura. The parade features traditional performances such as Saika-odori (雑賀踊, Saika odori) and Naginata-furi (薙刀振, naginata furi), giving the festival a distinct "epic" local feel.

Place and date of the event

• Place: Kishū Tōshōgū (紀州東照宮, Kishū Tōshōgū) and the Wakaura (和歌浦, Wakaura) area in Wakayama.
• Address: 紀州東照宮 〒641-0024 Wakayama-ken, Wakayama-shi, Wakaura-nishi 2-1-20.
• GPS Coordinates: 34.1926° N, 135.1657° E.
• Access: From JR Wakayama Station (和歌山駅, Wakayama-eki) or Nankai Wakayamashi Station (和歌山市駅, Wakayamashi-eki), take a bus toward Wakaura; depending on the line, get off at Gongen-mae (権現前, Gongen-mae) (very close) or Wakaura-guchi (和歌浦口, Wakaura-guchi) and walk for ~5 min. Expect traffic restrictions (交通規制, kōtsū kisei) around the shrine and parade route on the day of the event.
• Date: Generally the 2nd Sunday of May.
  

Sequence

The Waka Matsuri is concentrated into one major day, set amidst the fresh greenery (新緑, shinryoku) of Wakaura. The atmosphere blends a deep religious core (annual shrine festival, protective prayers) with a grand public spectacle, drawing thousands of spectators to the parade's key points.

The most dramatic moment occurs early in the day: the mikoshi-oroshi (神輿おろし, mikoshi oroshi), where carriers rush down the 108 steps of Kishū Tōshōgū. Following this, the togyō (渡御, togyō) procession begins: the mikoshi leads or anchors the march, followed by numerous groups in traditional attire, musicians, and performers.

In the procession, you can witness performances unique to Wakayama: Saika-odori (雑賀踊, Saika odori), Naginata-furi (薙刀振, naginata furi), drums (太鼓, taiko), and other costumed groups. The entire display creates a sense of a period scroll come to life (時代絵巻, jidai emaki) as it winds through the streets of Wakaura.

Practical advice

Photos

The "must-see" spot is the 108 steps area: arrive very early if you want a clear view of the mikoshi-oroshi (神輿おろし, mikoshi oroshi). For the procession, aim for a section where the parade spreads out (better visibility) rather than a narrow bottleneck. A versatile zoom lens + a light telephoto lens will help capture expressions, movement, and details (naginata, costumes) without having to fight for a spot.

Weather

Early May in Wakayama is typically mild, but humidity can be high, and a quick shower is always possible. Plan for layers (cooler morning, warmer afternoon) and a light poncho—it is more practical than an umbrella in the crowds.

Transport

The easiest way is train + bus from JR Wakayama or Nankai Wakayamashi. Buses can be crowded on the way there and especially on the way back. Roads around Wakaura are often under regulation (交通規制, kōtsū kisei), so allow extra time and be prepared to walk the last kilometer.

Visitor tips

To see everything without rushing, choose one "big moment": either the steps (action) or a good section of the togyō gyōretsu (渡御行列, togyō gyōretsu) (variety). In the crowd, the magic word remains すみません (sumimasen, "excuse me"). When the mikoshi arrives, always leave an exit path on the side—the flow moves quickly.

To bring

Cash, water, power bank, thin towel (for heat/humidity), poncho, and a small protective cover for your gear (plastic bag/camera cover). If you will be standing for a long time, well-broken-in shoes make all the difference.

Sources & References

• Waka Matsuri Official Website (wakamatsuri.com)

  Official site: presentation, date rule (2nd Sunday of May), and festival background.

• Waka Matsuri Official Website: Access

  Bus access and practical information (stops, general route directions).

• Kishū Tōshōgū (Official): Location, Contact, Access

  Official address (〒641-0024 Wakayama-shi, Wakaura-nishi 2-1-20), telephone, and visiting information.

• Visit Wakayama (Official Tourism): Waka-matsuri Festival

  English event page: location, key points, and general access information.

• Wakayama Shimpo: Waka Matsuri (2025) Report

  Local press article: description of the mikoshi-oroshi on the 108 steps and historical background (founded in 1622).