Top 4 Must-See Festivals in Gamagori, Aichi — A City Full of Tourist Attractions

Gamagōri City in Aichi Prefecture is a charming destination blessed with a mild climate and the scenic beauty of Mikawa Bay. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities such as clam digging in spring, swimming in summer, and admiring colorful autumn leaves in fall. The city also offers plenty of attractions, including Takeshima Island—revered as a sacred site—Laguna Ten Bosch, a popular theme park, and the relaxing Gamagōri Onsen hot springs.
In this guide, we will introduce some of the best festivals in Gamagōri City, events that highlight its rich culture and lively traditions. If you are planning a trip, be sure to use this as your travel reference.

1. Gamagori Festival

The Gamagori Festival is a lively two-day celebration that showcases the best of Gamagori, Japan. Held near Gamagori Station, the event is filled with stage shows, live music, dance performances, food stalls, and local products that highlight the city’s charm. During the daytime, visitors can enjoy exciting activities like hot-air balloon rides and tug-of-war contests. In the evening, the festival comes alive with traditional Yosakoi dance, making it a full day of fun for all ages.
The highlight of the Gamagori Festival is its spectacular fireworks display, held on the second night. Crowds gather at Takeshima, Gamagori Pier, and the Civic Hall to watch breathtaking fireworks light up the sky. Unique features include the synchronized “Music Starmine,” water-launched fireworks, and the massive Shōsan-jakudama Firework with a diameter of 650 meters—one of the largest along the Pacific Coast. The power and beauty of the display make it an unforgettable summer event in Aichi Prefecture.

2. Tsutsuji Festival

The Tsutsuji Festival is a spring event held at the scenic garden of the Gamagori Classic Hotel, a place long known as one of Gamagori’s best spots for azaleas. From late April to early May, the 3.4-hectare garden bursts into color with about 3,000 azalea plants in vibrant shades of pink and red. Visitors can admire five different varieties of azaleas that create a breathtaking floral landscape.
During the festival, the hotel’s restaurant also offers a special “Azalea Lunch” buffet. Using fresh local ingredients, the menu features dishes like roast beef and delightful desserts that women and families especially enjoy. From the hotel grounds, guests can take in panoramic views of Takeshima Island, its connecting bridge, and Mikawa Bay, making the experience even more memorable. The Tsutsuji Festival perfectly combines beautiful blooms, delicious cuisine, and scenic landscapes for a truly relaxing spring outing.

3. Miya Festival

The Miya Festival (三谷祭) is a traditional celebration in Gamagori City, designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset. With over 300 years of history, this festival takes place on a Saturday and Sunday in mid-October. Known as one of Japan’s unique and sacred festivals, it even captivated the famous novelist Naoya Shiga, a leading figure of the Shirakaba literary movement.
Highlights include the daimyo procession at Ken Shrine and Wakamiya Shrine, the lively Shichifukujin (Seven Lucky Gods) dance, and children’s performances, all showcasing the charm and cultural richness of the event.
The greatest spectacle is the Kaichu Togyo (Sea Parade). Once interrupted for 36 years, it was revived on the festival’s 300th anniversary. During this breathtaking ritual, four brilliantly decorated floats covered in gold leaf are pulled with great strength by groups of men. When the floats are drawn into Mikawa Bay, the combination of roaring cheers and splashing waves creates a scene full of energy and the bravery of Gamagori’s men.

4. Gamagori City Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Festival

Every early February, on a Saturday and Sunday, Gamagori City comes alive with the Gamagori City Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Festival, a lively local celebration full of charm. This annual event showcases the rich bounty of the Mikawa Bay area, including freshly caught seafood and Gamagori’s famous greenhouse-grown mandarins. Visitors will find a wide variety of agricultural, forestry, and marine products produced right in Gamagori.
The festival is family-friendly, featuring exciting stage performances and events that children will surely enjoy. Mothers and home cooks will appreciate the food education seminars, while hearty meals that can be enjoyed from morning onwards are also introduced. Visitors can participate in fun activities such as a “mandarin grab challenge” and enjoy delicious local treats like oden and pot-au-feu. With so many special programs, this festival offers the perfect opportunity to taste and experience the blessings of Gamagori.

◎ Summary

Gamagori, known as one of Aichi Prefecture’s most popular suburban areas, offers not only scenic views of Mikawa Bay but also family-friendly festivals that highlight its culture and produce. If you’re visiting for the festival, don’t miss out on nearby attractions such as Laguna Ten Bosch and the Takeshima Aquarium. Surrounded by breathtaking coastal scenery, the Gamagori City Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Festival is a must-experience event where you can feel the strength and spirit of Gamagori while enjoying its local delights.