What it is
The Myōken Festival is the autumn festival of Yatsushiro Shrine, long dedicated to Myōken, a deity of the North Star. It is counted among the three great festivals of Kyushu. On November 22 the deity is carried down to a temporary shrine in town, and on the 23rd a procession of around 40 groups brings it back.
The procession includes lion dancers, tall kasaboko floats, decorated horses, and the Game, a giant creature with a turtle’s body and snake’s head. At the Togisaki riverbed the horses race through the water and the Game spins and lunges, the liveliest moment of the day. The festival is part of the UNESCO listing of Japan’s float festivals.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Nov 22, evening | Okudari: The deity is carried from the shrine to its temporary shrine in town |
| Nov 23, day | Procession: The full procession returns through the city to the shrine |
| Nov 23, around midday | Togisaki riverbed: Horses and the Game perform on the riverbed and in the water |
Which day should you go?
Nov 23
See the procession in town, then move to the Togisaki riverbed for the horses and the Game.
What to look for
The Game
A huge beast with a turtle's body and a snake's head, said to have carried the deity across the sea. It spins and charges at the crowd.
Horses in the river
Decorated horses are run through the shallow river, splashing the onlookers.
Kasaboko
Tall umbrella-shaped floats, each decorated by its own district.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kumamoto | Kyushu Shinkansen to Shin-Yatsushiro | about 15 min |
| Fukuoka | Kyushu Shinkansen from Hakata to Shin-Yatsushiro | about 50 min |
On the day. From Shin-Yatsushiro, take a short train or bus to central Yatsushiro. The riverbed events are at Togisaki on November 23.
Crowds. Spots on the riverbank fill by late morning. Expect to get splashed near the water.
Where to stay
Kumamoto
A larger city with many hotels, 15 minutes away by Shinkansen.
Yatsushiro
A few business hotels near the festival.
When to book. Booking 1 month ahead is usually enough.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- Where to watch. The riverbed gets crowded. Arrive early and expect to get splashed near the water.
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.
Otabisho御旅所
The kami's temporary lodging during a festival, often in the busiest part of town.
Shishimai獅子舞
A lion dance, in which dancers inside a lion costume with a large wooden head perform to drive away evil and bring good fortune.
References
- Yatsushiro Myōken-sai Preservation Society: festival information.
- Yatsushiro City: Yatsushiro Myōken-sai.
Last checked 2026-10-13.