The Ogaki Festival, a tradition with more than 370 years of history, takes place in Ogaki City, Gifu, on Sat, May 9 and Sun, May 10, 2026. Recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, this early-summer festival centers on Ogaki Hachiman Shrine and features 13 lavish yama floats (ornately decorated festival floats) parading through the city.

Yama float processions and traditional karakuri performances bring fresh color to the castle town

The highlight of the Ogaki Festival, which dates back to 1648, is the procession of 13 yama floats, each featuring karakuri ningyo (mechanical puppets) known for their intricate movements. On the first day, called Shigaku (the festival’s opening day), the floats move freely through the city streets. On the second day, called Hongaku (the main festival day), all 13 floats parade in a line through the fresh greenery of the castle town over a route of about 8.8 km. On both evenings, lanterns light up the floats, creating a more atmospheric setting than during the day, with elegant yama mawashi (dramatic float-turning performances) also taking place. Around 600 food and festival stalls line the surrounding area, filling the whole town with a festive mood.

Key Details

Dates: Sat, May 9, 2026 – Sun, May 10, 2026
Hours:
Sat, May 9: 8:15–21:00 (night procession: 19:00–21:00)
Sun, May 10: 8:30–21:00 (night procession: 19:00–21:00)
Venue: Ogaki Hachiman Shrine and the area around Ogaki Ekimae-dori, including 1-1 Nishisotogawacho, Ogaki City
Admission: free attendance
Parking:
Please use nearby paid parking areas. Some parking areas within traffic restriction zones will not be available.
Temporary free parking: Ogaki City Public Local Wholesale Market, 8:00–22:00, with a shuttle bus to the venue

Access

JR: 5-minute walk from Ogaki Station (South Exit), about 30 minutes from JR Nagoya Station
By car: about 15 minutes north from Ogaki IC on Meishin Expressway, or about 10 minutes from Ogaki‐Nishi IC to the temporary parking area

Inquiries

Ogaki Tourism Association
Tel: 0584-77-1535