The "Chosai" Festival Coloring Autumn in Tomonoura | A Traditional Autumn Festival with Drums Resonating and Floats Parade Through Town

Tomonoura Seasonal Chronicles Vol. 4 by Hotel Ofutei Staff

Hello from the staff at Hotel Ofutei.
Tomonoura, a scenic port town facing the Seto Inland Sea, is blessed with beautiful seasonal landscapes and traditional events carefully passed down through generations.

From the summer Otebi Fire Ritual to the early summer Bentenjima Fireworks Festival, Tomonoura offers distinct charms throughout the year.
When autumn arrives, the usually serene streets become enveloped in the resonant boom of taiko drums and spirited, energetic chants.
This is Tomonoura's traditional autumn festival, known as "Chosai" (or Chosai/Nagasai).

In 2026, the three-day festival took place from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20, with Kaji-cho and Gion-cho serving as the host districts.
Elaborately decorated festival floats parade through the streets as townspeople of all ages come together to participate, creating a festive scene unique to Tomonoura's autumn.
In this article, we introduce the vibrant appeal of the inherited "Chosai" tradition and recommended ways to enjoy walking through the town on festival days.

Tomonoura's Autumn Festival Honoring the Deities of the Sea

Tomonoura's autumn festival is the annual festival of Watasu Shrine, held every year around September.
Watasu Shrine is located within the grounds of Nunakuma Shrine--affectionately known to locals as "Gion-san"--and enshrines Owatatsumi-no-Mikoto, the deity of the sea.

Having flourished as a port town for awaiting favorable tides where countess vessels came and went, praying for safe voyages has always been deeply intertwined with the daily lives of Tomonoura's maritime community.

This three-day autumn festival, locally known as "Omatsuri," carries those ancient prayers into the present day.
The popular name "Chosai" originally refers to the festival float (dashi) that parades through the town on the final day.
It is also called "Futon Taiko" because it features three stacked, decorated futon cushions topped with a taiko drum.

Alongside the grand float procession, preserving the centuries-old prayers for maritime safety remains a vital and meaningful aspect of this festival.

A Special Autumn Welcomed by Host Towns Once Every Seven Years

In Tomonoura's autumn festival, eight historic town districts take turns serving as the designated host district (toban-cho).
These eight districts are Enoura-cho, Nishi-machi, Michigoe-cho, Seki-machi, Ishii-cho, Kaji-cho, Hara-machi, and Gion-cho.

Because Kaji-cho and Gion-cho serve jointly as a single host pair, the turn arrives once every seven years despite there being eight districts.
For the residents of the host town, it is a long-awaited and deeply meaningful year.

As the festival approaches, the host district comes alive with preparations--assembling the float, crafting paper lanterns (andon), and making handcrafted display figures known as "Tsukurimono."
Each district pours creativity into its decorations and float presentation, making every year's festival distinct and endlessly engaging.
Seeing festive decorations line quiet alleys and watching locals prepare together conveys the community's joyful anticipation for the autumn festival.

Welcoming their turn once every seven years, the entire town unites in dedicated preparation.
Behind the scenes lies the living tradition of Tomonoura, treasured and preserved by its local community.

Three Days of Lively Festivities in Tomonoura

The magic of Chosai extends far beyond the float procession on the final day.
Spanning three full days, the autumn festival offers different traditional events to experience each day.

【Day 1 | Mikoshi Procession and Akashimono Lanterns】

On the first day, the "Togyosai" ceremony takes place, transporting the sacred mikoshi (portable shrine) from Watasu Shrine to the host district.
At night, large illuminated lantern displays called "Akashimono," painted with pictures and calligraphy, parade through town to signal the festival's commencement.
Illuminated by warm lantern light, the historic streetscapes take on an enchanting nighttime character distinct from daytime sightseeing.

【Day 2 | The Otabisho Festival in the Host District】

On the second day, the "Otabisho-sai" festival is held in the host district.
Imaginative "Tsukurimono" displays decorate the streets alongside music, dance, and theatrical performances.
Strolling through the town to admire the unique handcrafted decorations is one of the highlight experiences of the festival.

【Day 3 | Kangyosai and the Grand Chosai Float Parade】

On the final day, the "Kangyosai" ceremony takes place as the mikoshi returns from the host district to the shrine.
This leads directly into the grand climax of the festival: the Chosai float procession.
With the rhythmic thunder of taiko drums and spirited chants echoing through the air, the massive float traverses the town, immersing Tomonoura in festive excitement.

The Thrill of Chosai: Resonant Taiko Drums and Energetic Chants

"Chosai-ja! Chosai-ja!"

To these powerful, rhythmic chants, the gorgeously decorated float advances through the narrow streets.
Drummers beat taiko drums atop the float while pullers synchronize their shouts, navigating Tomonoura's charming historic lanes.
In narrow spots framed by historic townhouses, the team coordinates precise movements with unified focus.
Watching this powerful display of teamwork and skill is truly captivating.

As the float approaches, the taiko drumming intensifies and mixes with shouts from spectators, filling the town with vibrant energy.
The sight of the majestic float passing before your eyes and the resonance of drums nearby offer an unforgettable experience that photos alone cannot fully capture.

Recommended Town Walks on Festival Days

If you plan to watch the Chosai festival, we recommend arriving in Tomonoura a little early to explore the town before the festivities begin.
Start near the harbor around the Joyato stone lantern and gangi steps.
After admiring the calm Seto Inland Sea, take a relaxed stroll through the historic narrow alleys lined with traditional townhouses.

On festival days, paper lanterns and festive banners adorn the streets, creating a special townscape distinct from ordinary days.
It offers an authentic glimpse into local life and community bonds rarely seen during standard sightseeing.
From late afternoon into the evening, the sound of taiko drums and shouts echoes through the streets as the festive mood reaches its height.

Allowing ample time to stroll from the harbor toward the festival sounds creates a relaxing and memorable way to experience Tomonoura's autumn festival day.
Please note that some viewing spots and narrow alleys can become crowded; please follow the guidance of local festival staff and enjoy the event safely.

Tomonoura Autumn Festival "Chosai" Basic Information

• 🗓️ Schedule: Held annually around September for 3 days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
• ⛩️ Location: Nunakuma Shrine & Tomonoura Town Area (around the host district)
• 🎉 Key Events: Mikoshi Procession (Togyosai), Otabisho Festival, Return Procession (Kangyosai), Chosai Float Parade
• 📍 Access: Approx. 10-15 minutes on foot from Hotel Ofutei to Nunakuma Shrine
• 🪙 Admission: Free (General viewing throughout the town)

*Festival dates, parade times, and routes vary by year. Please verify the latest official information before visiting.

[References]

▷ Fukuyama City "Festivals & Events in Tomo"
▷ Fukuyama City "Nunakuma Shrine"
▷ Agency for Cultural Affairs Japan Heritage "Tomonoura's Passionate Three Autumn Days (Autumn Festival Chosai)"

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