Ubagami Daijingu | Esashi Ubagami Daijingu Togyosai Festival
Witness 570 years of history come alive as 13 magnificent floats parade through the streets.
As Hokkaido’s oldest shrine, Ubagami Daijingu stands as a testament to the region’s rich maritime heritage. Each summer, the town of Esashi transforms into a vibrant stage for the Togyosai Festival, where golden floats and traditional music create an unforgettable spectacle.
Steeped in history dating back to 1447, the shrine has long protected the local herring fishing industry and early pioneers of Hokkaido. Within its tranquil grounds, visitors can catch the faint scent of the sea breeze and admire the Orii-sha sanctuary, rebuilt in 1836. The weathered textures of its wooden architecture tell a story of centuries-old devotion, having been granted the highest shrine rank in 1817.
The true heartbeat of this historic site is felt every August during the Esashi Ubagami Daijingu Togyosai Festival. Originating as a prayer of gratitude for bountiful herring catches, it is the oldest festival in Hokkaido. As rhythmic festival music inspired by Kyoto’s Gion Festival fills the air, 13 elaborately decorated yama floats—shimmering in gold and silver—make their way through the town’s steep streets. On the final night, all the floats converge in Shinmachi, where the roar of the pullers and the excitement of the crowds build to a breathtaking peak—an unforgettable moment of shared celebration.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- * The event information is based on the dates and content of the most recently held events. Please check the official website for details as the contents are subject to change.
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Event period
- 2026/8/9- 8/11
- Event venue
- Whole town
- Postal code
- 〒043-0041
- Address
- 北海道檜山郡江差町字姥神町99
- Telephone Number
- 0139-52-4815（Esashi Tourism Convention Association）
- Car Park
- free
- Directions
- ●By car: About 10 minutes from Michi-no-Eki Esashi
●By car: About 90 minutes from Hakodate Shindo Hakodate IC
●By bus: About 110 minutes from JR Hakodate Station - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
