What it is
In western Kagawa, drum floats are called chosa. The Toyohama Chosa Matsuri brings together 23 of them, each around 5 meters tall and decorated with gold-thread embroidery and red cushions, carried on long poles by teams of young men.
Over three days in October, the floats tour the town and gather at the shrines. On Saturday they all meet in the afternoon and parade with lights after dark; on Sunday the teams lift and show off their floats in front of the crowds.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Saturday | Gathering and night parade: All 23 chosa gather in the afternoon and parade with lights after dark |
| Sunday | Kakikurabe: Teams lift and parade their floats at the shrine grounds in friendly competition |
Which day should you go?
Saturday
See all the floats together in the afternoon and stay for the lit night parade.
What to look for
The chosa
Drum floats about 5 meters tall, covered in gold-thread embroidery of dragons and heroes, carried on poles about 14 meters long.
The drummers
Children ride inside each float, beating the drum as it moves.
Kakikurabe
Teams hoist their floats high and parade them in front of the crowd.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Okayama | JR to Kan'onji or Toyohama | about 1 h 30 min |
| Takamatsu | JR Yosan Line to Toyohama | about 1 h |
On the day. The floats gather near Toyohama Station and along the coast.
Crowds. The floats are huge and heavy. Stay well back when they are lifted and swung.
Where to stay
Kan'onji
Close to Toyohama, with a few hotels.
Takamatsu
A larger city with more hotels, about 1 hour away.
When to book. Booking 1 month ahead is usually enough.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
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.
Yatai屋台
A festival float with a roof, often carrying musicians or a small stage. The same word also means a street food stall.
References
- Kanonji City: Sanuki Toyohama Chosa Matsuri dates, https://www.city.kanonji.kagawa.jp/site/pressrelease/70798.html
- Kanonji Tourism Association: Toyohama Chosa Matsuri, https://kanonji-kanko.jp/toyohama-festival/
- Matsuri Stream (Nippon Matsuri Network): Toyohama Chosa Matsuri.
Last checked 2026-10-13.