What it is
Hiwasa is a quiet town on the coast of southern Tokushima, known for Ōhama beach, where sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Each October its Hachiman shrine holds its autumn festival, and the town’s districts bring out their chosa, heavy drum floats decorated in red and gold.
The bearers carry the floats to the shrine and down to Ōhama beach, then walk them into the sea, lifting and swaying them in the waves while the drums keep beating. Chosa festivals are found along this coast of Shikoku, but the sea entry makes Hiwasa’s especially striking.
Kami of this festivalHachimanThe kami of archery and protection, guardian of the samurai and of the nation. Tens of thousands of Hachiman shrines stand across Japan. Read the story →The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Yoimiya: The eve of the festival |
| Sunday | Chosa at the shrine and the sea: Eight chosa floats gather at the shrine and are carried into the sea at Ōhama beach |
Which day should you go?
Sunday
Watch the chosa enter the sea at Ōhama beach, then see them lifted at the shrine.
What to look for
Chosa
Drum floats with red and gold canopies and great cushion-shaped roofs, carried on the shoulders of local teams.
Into the sea
The bearers wade into the waves with the floats on their shoulders.
The drummers
Children sit inside the float and beat the drum as it moves.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokushima | JR Mugi Line to Hiwasa | about 1 h |
| Osaka | Highway bus to Tokushima, then JR Mugi Line | about 3 h 30 min |
On the day. Hiwasa Hachiman Shrine and Ōhama beach are about 15 minutes on foot from Hiwasa Station.
Crowds. A local festival. Find a spot on the beach early to watch the floats enter the sea.
Where to stay
Hiwasa
A few inns and guesthouses by the sea.
Tokushima
More hotels, about 1 hour away by train.
When to book. Hiwasa has few rooms. Book 1–2 months ahead.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Check the times. The schedule, including when the floats enter the sea, is set each year. Check with the town before you go.
- Combine. Hiwasa is also home to Yakuō-ji, a temple of the Shikoku pilgrimage, and a sea-turtle museum.
Glossary
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Minami Town tourism: Hiwasa Hachiman Shrine autumn festival.
Last checked 2026-10-13.