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Festival · Aichi · Chubu

Tenno Matsuri

天王祭り

A 600-year-old river festival in Tsushima, Aichi, held each July, where lantern-lit boats float down the Tenno River to traditional flute music, honouring the deity Gozu Tenno.

Festival boats at Tenno Matsuri in Tsushima
Festival boats at Tenno Matsuri in Tsushima © Bariston, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dates
25–26 Jul 2026Every year
Links
Official websiteJapanese
Venue
Tsushima ShrineShimmeicho, Tsushima-Shi, Aichi 〒 496-0851Tsushima Station 津島 (Meitetsu Bisai Line, Meitetsu Tsushima Line)Walk 15 minutesMore about this place

The Tenno Matsuri is an annual river festival in Tsushima, Aichi, held every July with a history of over 600 years. The centrepiece of the two-day event is the evening festival where a dozen boats, each adorned with nearly 400 paper lanterns, float down the Tenno River accompanied by the sound of Tsushima flutes. During the morning festival, the boats are decorated with Noh dolls, accompanied by musical performances. The festival pays homage to the deity Gozu Tenno. It has been designated as an important intangible folk cultural property. In 2016, it was added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

At Hey Japan!, we strive to keep the events listed on our website as current as possible. However, event organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or modify admission requirements without prior notice. Check official websites before attending any event.

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