Kakeyo Festival
秋田掛魚まつり
“Kakeyo Matsuri is a unique winter festival in Akita that celebrates fishing traditions through a striking cod procession.”
-Aria
Embedded Files
https://shun-gate.com/zh/roots/roots_58/
Historical Background
Historical Background
The Kakeyo Festival is held every year on February 4th at Konourayama Shrine in Konoura, Akita. With a history of over 300 years, it originated as a ritual where fishermen offered part of their cod catch to the local deity to express gratitude and pray for safety and good harvests. Konoura has long been a major cod-fishing port, and the festival developed from fishermen’s traditions into a village-wide event. Over time, displaying large cod became part of the celebration, and today the Kakeyo Festival is known nationwide as one of Japan’s unique folk festivals.
https://shun-gate.com/zh/roots/roots_58/
Characteristics
Characteristics
Like many traditional maritime rituals, the Kakeyo Festival centers on offering freshly caught cod to the local deity as a gesture of gratitude and prayer. While most festivals feature symbolic offerings, the Kakeyo Festival uniquely displays actual, full-sized cod hung dramatically at the shrine, emphasizing both the fishermen’s skill and the harsh winter seas they face. Its origins in life-risking winter fishing give the festival a distinctive sense of realism and reverence compared to other coastal celebrations. The event also preserves traditional practices such as communal participation, verbal prayers for safety and bountiful harvests, and the competitive showcasing of the largest fish. Over the years, it has retained its raw, rustic atmosphere, making it one of Japan’s most visually striking and culturally unique winter festivals.
To know more
To know more
A news report on the revival of the Kakeyo Matsuri (Cod-Hanging Festival) in 2025, marking its return after a five-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Only Japanese subtitles ）
Kinpo Kagura Performance by Children at the Kakeyo Matsuri
（No subtitles)
Tourists record videos of the 2025 Kakeyo Festival.
(No subtitles)
More Information
Experience the Centuries-Old Kakeyo Matsuri in Nikaho!
Every February, the coastal town of Nikaho in Akita Prefecture comes alive with the Kakeyo Matsuri, a festival with over 300 years of history. During this unique event, large cod caught in the nearby seas are carried to Konourayama Jinja Shrine, suspended with straw ropes, symbolizing prayers for a bountiful catch and maritime safety.
Stroll around the shrine and you’ll witness the spectacular “cod procession,” enjoy traditional music and performances, and feel the lively spirit of this fishing village celebration. Each cod measures about a meter in length and weighs over 10 kilograms, making the procession both impressive and fun—perfect for photos!
Admission to the festival is free, and there are often guided explanations and interactive experiences available. Arrive early and you might even participate in small ceremonial activities, experiencing firsthand this tradition that has been passed down for over three centuries. For travelers who love seafood, culture, and unique local events, the Kakeyo Matsuri is a must-see!
Carrying cod on their shoulders, pairs of participants marched under the guidance of Kinpo Kagura performers, slowly making their way two kilometers from Konoura Port to Konourayama Shrin.Photo by CHIE MARUYAMA.
(https://shun-gate.com/zh/roots/roots_58/)
Children dressed in light blue and white costumes stood at the center while performers played flutes and drums, dancing as an offering.Photo by CHIE MARUYAMA.
(https://shun-gate.com/zh/roots/roots_58/)
After all the cod were offered, Kinpo Kagura music resumed and the priest led prayers while the audience quietly offered coins and joined their hands in prayer.Photo by CHIE MARUYAMA.
(https://shun-gate.com/zh/roots/roots_58/)
The festival’s highlight was cod soup made by local moms, featuring large chunks of cod and flavored with cod liver.Photo by CHIE MARUYAMA.
(https://shun-gate.com/zh/roots/roots_58/)
How to Get to Event Location
Address
Kinuura Shrine
18 Kinokurayama, Konoura, Nikaho City, Akita 018-0311
Access
Approximately a 10-minute walk from "Konoura Station" on the JR Uetsu Main Line.
Contact
Nikaho City Tourism Association
TEL: 0184-43-6608
Official Website
http://www.nikaho-kanko.jp/sight/event.html
References
References
Akita Convention & Visitors Bureau. (n.d.). Kandara-matsuri (Kakeyo-matsuri) ni ittekimashita! [I went to the Winter Cod Festival (Kakeyo Festival)!]. Ameblo. https://ameblo.jp/concier-acvb02/entry-11757609723.html
Akita Prefecture. (n.d.). Akita-bushi [Akita folksong]. https://www.pref.akita.lg.jp/pages/archive/261
akitafes. (2017, February 18). Kakeyo-matsuri [Kakeyo Festival]. Akita no chiisana matsuritachi. http://akitafes.com/2017/02/18/%E6%8E%9B%E9%AD%9A%E3%81%BE%E3%81%A4%E3%82%8A/
OH! MATSURi. (n.d.). Kakeyo Festival (Cod Festival). Japanese Traditional Festival Calendar. https://ohmatsuri.com/en/matsuri-list/kakeyo-festival-cod-festival
Shun Gate. (n.d.). Small fishing village celebrates Kakeyo Festival with over 300 years of history. https://shun-gate.com/en/roots/roots_58/
Page updated
Report abuse