Shimoda Taiko Festival at Hachiman Shrine (14–15 August)
Shimoda's summer festival: portable shrines and drum floats parade through the town for two days in mid-August.
- When
- 14–15 August
The annual grand festival of Shimoda Hachiman Shrine, better known as the Shimoda Taiko Festival, fills the town's streets on 14 and 15 August. Portable shrines and floats carrying drums move through the old town all day, with flutes, shamisen and drums playing.
Tips
- It falls during Obon, Japan's busiest travel week: book accommodation early.
- The procession route changes through the day; ask at the tourist office near the station.
- Evenings are the most atmospheric, with lanterns on the floats.


