Japanese Summer Festivals in Akita and Oita Scheduled for July 2026

The Tsuchizaki Port Hiki‑Yama Festival in Akita City will take place on July 20‑21, 2026. The two‑day event, also known as the Port Festival, features traditional rites such as the "郷社参り" on the 20th, the "宵宮祭" in the evening, and night‑time processions of the hikyama floats. Temporary parking areas have been set up at the former Aeon Tsuchizaki Port store and nearby sites, with free shuttle buses serving the festival grounds.

In Oita Prefecture, the Hita Gion Festival will be held on July 25‑26, 2026. A preview group parade of nine illuminated mountain floats was staged on July 19 in front of Hita Station, where lanterns highlighted the ornate floats. The festival, a UNESCO‑listed intangible cultural heritage, aims to ward off disease and floods and will feature the floats moving through the city on the main days.