The Tsu Festival takes place in Tsu City, Mie from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11, 2026. With a history spanning nearly 390 years, the festival traces its origins to 1635, when Takatsugu Todo, the second lord of the Tsu Domain, encouraged the festival at Tsu Hachiman Shrine as a celebration for the local deity.

Today, the Tsu Festival brings together traditional local performing arts such as Tojin Odori, Shagoma, and Yahata Shishimai, along with powerful taiko drumming, Anotsu Yosakoi dance performances, and the traditional boat-shaped float “Anotsu-maru.”

Rather than being held at a single venue, the festival takes place across various locations in central Tsu. Visitors can walk through the city while encountering traditional performances, music, dance, food, and other festival activities, offering a chance to experience both the historic and contemporary sides of Japanese festival culture.

Traditional performing arts passed down through generations

One of the highlights of the Tsu Festival is its collection of traditional local performing arts, which have been passed down through generations.

Tojin Odori is one of the most distinctive performances associated with the festival. Performers wearing colorful costumes and distinctive masks dance to traditional music, creating a memorable and unique spectacle.

Visitors can also see Shagoma and Yahata Shishimai, as well as other local performing arts such as Irie Wakabayashi. These performances offer international visitors an opportunity to discover local traditions that may be difficult to encounter during a typical sightseeing trip.

Experience the energy of Anotsu Yosakoi

The Tsu Festival also features Anotsu Yosakoi, which adds a lively and contemporary atmosphere to the historic celebration.

Anotsu Yosakoi began in 1998 and has become an established part of the Tsu Festival. Dancers in colorful costumes perform energetic routines to music, bringing together traditional festival culture and modern dance.

In 2025, 52 teams and approximately 2,000 dancers from across Japan participated in Anotsu Yosakoi. For visitors interested in Japan’s Yosakoi culture, the performances provide an exciting opportunity to experience this energetic style of dance up close.

The festival also features the Tsu Festival Grand Parade, where various groups and performers take to the streets of central Tsu. The traditional boat-shaped float “Anotsu-maru” is another distinctive feature of the festival.

A Festival That Brings The Streets of Tsu to Life

The Tsu Festival is held at multiple locations throughout the city, including Ojo-nishi Park, Ojo Park, Saibansho-dori, Phoenix-dori, Kannon Park, the area around Tsu Station, and Tsu-Shinmachi-dori.

Food and PR booths are also scheduled during the festival, allowing visitors to enjoy local food and other offerings while exploring the festival areas.

In 2026, a new venue called “START BASE” will also be established at Messe Wing NHW. The venue is planned to feature food trucks, food and product sales, stage performances, hands-on activities, and tourism information. It will also serve as a hub for the festival’s shuttle bus service.

With performances and activities spread throughout the city, visitors can enjoy the festival while exploring Tsu and experiencing the atmosphere of a local Japanese celebration.

Key Details

Dates: Fri, October 9 – Sun, October 11, 2026
Venue: Ojo-nishi Park, Ojo Park, Saibansho-dori, Phoenix-dori, Kannon Park, Tsu Station area, Tsu-Shinmachi-dori, and other locations in Tsu City, Mie
Main highlights: Tojin Odori, Shagoma, Yahata Shishimai, taiko drumming, Anotsu Yosakoi, Tsu Festival Grand Parade, traditional boat-shaped float “Anotsu-maru,” and local food and PR booths

Access

Tsu Station is served by JR Central, Kintetsu Railway, and Ise Railway and provides access to several of the festival venues.
As the festival takes place at multiple locations throughout the city, traffic restrictions may be implemented during the event. Shuttle bus services are also planned, with START BASE at Messe Wing NHW serving as a shuttle bus hub in 2026.
Visitors are advised to use public transportation and check the latest transportation information before traveling.

Inquiries

Tsu Festival Executive Committee
Tel: 059-229-3234
Hours: 10:00–18:00
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays

Please check the official website for the latest details on the festival schedule, program, venues, traffic restrictions, and shuttle bus services, as information may be subject to change.