Itsukushima Kangen-sai
ReligiousChugoku(Hiroshima)
Annual eventDates
2026-08-05
Venue
Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Moderate crowdElegant court music festival on the sea at Itsukushima Shrine.
Kangen-sai is Miyajima's grandest Shinto ceremony and one of Japan's three great boat festivals. Elegant court music (gagaku) and dance are performed aboard ornately decorated boats that glide across the waters around the iconic floating torii gate. The festival dates back to the Heian period and is tied to the lunar calendar (6th month, 17th day).
Highlights
Gagaku court music performed on boats gliding past the floating torii gate at sunset; Beautifully decorated ceremonial boats illuminated by lanterns; Ancient Heian-era atmosphere on the sacred island of Miyajima
Access
JR Miyajimaguchi Station, then JR Miyajima Ferry or Matsudai Kisen Ferry to Miyajima (approx. 10 min). From Hiroshima Station, take JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi (approx. 30 min).
Tips for Visitors
The boat procession begins in the evening — best viewed from the shore near Itsukushima Shrine. The date follows the lunar calendar so check the exact date each year. The last ferry back to the mainland may be crowded; consider staying on Miyajima island.