A Celebration of Tradition and Fireworks
The Toyohashi Gion Festival, held annually in mid-July, is one of the most anticipated events in Toyohashi. This year, the festival runs from July 19 to 21, offering a blend of historical charm and modern-day excitement. The festival has deep roots dating back to the Edo period and is renowned for its unique tezutsu (handheld cannon) fireworks, believed to have originated in the Mikawa area.
History of the Toyohashi Gion Festival
The Toyohashi Gion Festival originally began as a ritual at Yoshida Shrine (also known as Gozutenno Shrine or Yoshida Tenno Shrine). Established in 1124, the shrine enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a deity known for warding off epidemics.
Utagawa Hiroshige: Yoshida, Tennō Festival on the Fifteenth Day of the Sixth Month
The shrine has been cherished by warriors since ancient times and was particularly revered by Minamoto no Yoritomo. Toyohashi's strategic location along the Tokaido route played a role in its historical significance.
Yoshida Shrine is also considered the birthplace of handheld cannon fireworks. The festival believed to have started in the early Kamakura period, used fireworks to drive away evil spirits using fire. Over time, the festival evolved into a full-fledged fireworks display, becoming one of Japan’s oldest fireworks traditions.
About Handheld Cannon Fireworks
The Toyohashi Gion Festival begins on Friday, July 19 with the dedication of large cannon fireworks and the tezutsu handheld cannon fireworks at Yoshida Shrine. These handheld fireworks are made by filling gunpowder into a section of Moso bamboo with its nodes removed. The fireworks are launched while being held under the arm or against the stomach.
The large cannon fireworks, similar in shape to the handheld ones but launched from a fixed platform, have been part of the Gion Festival since the 18th century. Each neighborhood prepares its large cannons, which are then carried by parishioners to Yoshida Shrine.
By the time the large cannons arrive at the shrine, night has fallen, and it is time for the dedication of the handheld cannon fireworks. Prepared over two months in advance, starting from cutting the bamboo, the handheld fireworks are launched by the association's officers and the youth from the eight towns.
The entire series of rituals, starting with the launching of handheld cannons, is conducted with great care. The parishioners of Yoshida Shrine consider the handheld cannons to be dedicated offerings.
Fireworks Festival
The fireworks festival held on the banks of the Toyokawa River includes a fireworks competition, starmine displays, and water-based fireworks, attracting many spectators every year. The fireworks festival begins at 19:00, with rare daytime fireworks launched before sunset.
On the day of the fireworks festival, the area along the Toyokawa River is the most bustling of the year. Various fireworks are launched from floating platforms on the river and from three locations on the riverbank. The continuous display ensures that for the entire two-hour duration of the event, there are always fireworks somewhere, making it the largest fireworks event in the Higashi-Mikawa region.
A unique highlight of the Toyohashi Gion Festival's fireworks festival is the 140-meter-long Grand Starmine display along the Toyokawa River. The event also features a showcase of large fireworks from 28 companies selected by the Japan Fireworks Association, taking full advantage of the venue's expansive space.
While the fireworks festival is technically the pre-event of the Toyohashi Gion Festival, it has grown into a larger event than the main festival ceremony itself!
Festival Highlights
Day 1: July 19 (Friday) - Tezutsu Fireworks
From: 18:30 to 22:00
The festival kicks off at Yoshida Shrine with an awe-inspiring display of tezutsu fireworks. Around 350 handheld cannons will be ignited, each shooting flames and sparks in a dramatic and powerful spectacle. This event is a tribute to the gods and a testament to the bravery and skill of the participants who hold these flaming cannons.
Day 2: July 20 (Saturday)
Grand Fireworks Display
From 18:00 ~ 21:00
On Saturday, head to the Toyokawa River for a grand fireworks display starting at 18:00. Expect to see about 12,000 fireworks light up the sky, including the mesmerizing Kingyo Hanabi and the Melody Wide Star Mine. The event also features the 37th Toyohashi Mayor's Cup, an 8-inch shell fireworks competition, and a collaborative river stage fireworks display. The event ends at 21:00.
Day 3: July 21 (Sunday)
Mikoshi Procession
Starts at 17:00 from Yoshida Shrine
The festival concludes with a mikoshi (portable shrine) procession, starting at 17:00 from Yoshida Shrine. This traditional parade is a vibrant and engaging spectacle, where participants carry the mikoshi through the streets, accompanied by music and cheers from the crowd.
How to Get There
From Nagoya to Toyohashi
While you may be tempted to get to Toyohashi by car - that's not a particularly good idea. Instead, it is advised to take public transport.
By Shinkansen (a bit expensive)
Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Nagoya Station to Toyohashi Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
By Local Train (Reasonable)
Alternatively, take the Meitetsu Line from Meitetsu Nagoya Station to Meitetsu Toyohashi Station, which takes about 50 minutes.
Walking to the Festival Site
Yoshida Shrine is a short taxi ride away or about a 20-minute walk.
Getting to the Festival Site by Bus
Buses are available from Toyohashi Station to the festival site. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient routes.
MAP
Pro Tip
Arrive Early. The festival attracts large crowds, especially on Saturday for the grand fireworks display. Arriving early ensures you get a good viewing spot.
The Buzz
The Toyohashi Gion Festival is more than just a fireworks display; it’s a celebration of history, culture, and community spirit. Whether you're there for the breathtaking tezutsu fireworks, the grand pyrotechnic displays, or the lively mikoshi procession, this festival offers something for everyone.
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