The Uozu Tatemon Festival is held each year on the first Friday and Saturday of August, and it's an event that illuminates the summer nights with tradition, energy, and community spirit. The festival was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2016, and originated around 300 years ago as a way to pray for safety at sea and good fishing catches.
At the heart of the Tatemon Festival is the Tatemon itself—a structure made up of over 90 lanterns which are arranged in a triangular shape around a towering 16-meter-high pillar. The Tatemon weighs around 5 tons and measures 10 meters in length, and requires a team of about 80 participants to pull it. As this happens, the sound of traditional taiko drums and flutes fills the air, creating an atmosphere that draws spectators into the heart of Uozu’s proud tradition.
Can't time a visit to Uozu to coincide with the festival? Visitors can also view miniature versions of the Tatemon on permanent display at the Ariso Dome and Niikawabunka Hall, helping to preserve the legacy of this dynamic event.
There is no admission fee to enjoy the atmosphere of the festival, but bringing along some yen is highly recommended—there are various stalls set up for the event selling food and drink items, and they accept cash only.
Getting there
The Uozu Tatemon Festival takes place around the precincts of Suwa Shrine in Uozu, which can be accessed in around 12 minutes on foot from Dentetsu-Uozu Station on the Toyama Chihō Railway Main Line.
For those who opt to drive, the shrine is around 15 minutes by car from the Uozu Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway. Several designated lots will be available to park in.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
