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Dive into the Festival in July!

Program Description

Japan Spirit Program: Dive into the Fighting Mikoshi Shrine Festival!

Watching a festival isn’t enough—experience the real Japan, feel Yamato-Damashii (the true spirit of Japan), and carry the mikoshi together with the locals!

What is mikoshi?

A mikoshi is a portable Shinto shrine—a sacred “vehicle” that temporarily houses the deity during the festival. People lift it onto their shoulders and carry it through the streets, sharing the energy, rhythm, and joy of the celebration with the entire community.

And there’s more…

●Learn about the history and traditions, and practice drums and festival songs with local people

●Wear the official festival attire

●Take a lesson on how to carry the mikoshi

(If you prefer not to carry it, you can simply watch up close and cheer with your guide—totally OK!)

●Receive a formal blessing at the shrine

●English-speaking guide included

●Comfortable round‑trip car transportation from the hotel

●A support vehicle is available—if it gets too hot, you can cool down inside

●Plenty of chances for cultural exchange with locals — you’ll make Japanese friends!

An ideal program for those who crave deeper experiences and want genuine interaction with Japanese locals!

Where is this festival held?

It is the Gion Festival of Susanoo Shrine in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Susanoo Shrine is believed to have been founded in the 7th century.

And this festival is truly incredible, because…

●The famous Gion Festivals in Kyoto and Fukuoka trace their origins back to this very Susanoo Shrine!

●The “Fighting Mikoshi” tradition has over 1,000 years of history!

●It is one of Japan’s most dynamic festivals, where mikoshi (portable shrines) are slammed against each other in powerful clashes.

When is this program held?

The program dates are as follows:

●10-day Program: July 11–20

●6-day Program: July 15–20

You can choose the duration that works best for you.

The festival is held only once a year, so this opportunity is truly special.

10-day Program Itinerary

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
July 11		Arrival	Izakaya Dinner
July 12	Shrine Culture Session	Japanese Drum Practice	Meetup with Locals
July 13	Prayer Ceremony at Shrine	Visit to a Shrine Carpenter	Cooking with Locals
July 14	Free Time	Shoe Manufacturing Tour	Festival Song Practice
July 15	Free Time	Festival Outfit Shopping	Meetup with Locals
July 16	Waterfall Swimming Adventure	Gohei Attachment Ritual	Free Time
July 17	Free Time	Indigo Dyeing Workshop	Drum Show Viewing
July 18	Ornament Ritual Viewing	Mikoshi Procession Viewing	Sacred Mountain Procession
July 19	Mikoshi Carrying Experience	Festival Drinking Break	Fighting Mikoshi Viewing
July 20	Departure

6-day Program Itinerary

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
July 15	Arival	Festival Outfit Shopping	Meetup with Locals
July 16	Waterfall Swimming Adventure	Gohei Attachment Ritual	Free Time
July 17	Free Time	Indigo Dyeing Workshop	Drum Show Viewing
July 18	Ornament Ritual Viewing	Mikoshi Procession Viewing	Sacred Mountain Procession
July 19	Mikoshi Carrying Experience	Festival Drinking Break	Fighting Mikoshi Viewing
July 20	Departure

*The schedule is subject to change depending on local conditions.

This Gion Festival is held over three days, from July 17 to 19. The festival has its own story and consists of multiple rituals. Through this program, you will be able to experience the entire sequence from beginning to end and gain a deeper understanding of what a festival truly is.

Special Festival Experiences

Where Tradition, Spirit, and Community Reveal the True Depth of Matsuri

Prayer ceremony

A priest of Susanoo Shrine will conduct a private purification ceremony just for this group. Surrounded by the shrine’s sacred energy, take a moment to center yourself and connect with the spirit of the ritual.

Mikoshi Carrying Experience

Step into the heart of Japanese festival culture by carrying a mikoshi, a sacred portable shrine. This hands-on experience lets you feel the excitement, energy, and spiritual connection that locals cherish during matsuri.

Japanese Drum Practice

Learn the basics of taiko drumming in a friendly, beginner‑friendly session. With step‑by‑step guidance, you’ll enjoy the thrill of creating rhythm together and discover why taiko is such an essential part of Japanese festivals.

Feel the Spirit of Japan with Your Festival Outfit!

Before the festival begins, we’ll go shopping for your traditional festival attire — an essential step to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Japan’s vibrant matsuri culture.

By wearing tabi socks, a sarashi sash (or a black T-shirt), a tenugui headcloth, a happi coat, and a katsugi-mamori protective charm, you won’t just look the part — you’ll feel the energy, pride, and passion that locals bring to every festival. Dressing in these traditional items is a powerful way to connect with the heart and soul of Japan.

* Tabi sizes are limited. If your feet are larger than the available sizes, we kindly ask that you participate wearing your own comfortable shoes.

* If you already have white pants, you are welcome to bring and wear them.

* Happi coats are managed by the festival group and are not available for purchase. The rental fee is included in the program fee, and the coat will be returned after the festival.

Get ready to transform, step into tradition, and celebrate like a local!

Local Experiences Beyond the Festival

This tour is full of hidden gems you won’t get to visit on any other tour!!!

Shoe Manufacturing Tour

This region has a long tradition of skilled craftsmanship. At SPINGLE, you can see master artisans create remarkably lightweight, comfortable shoes with the meticulous quality Japan is known for. After the tour, enjoy a ¥20,000 coupon to select your own pair and experience the craftsmanship firsthand.

Waterfall Swimming Adventure

Escape the concrete jungle and dive into nature’s coolest playground at Saburō Falls. Ride a 30‑meter natural water slide as the rushing water carries you over smooth rock and launches you into a crystal‑clear plunge pool. The mix of speed, splash, and cool mountain air delivers a refreshing thrill that resets your body and mind.

Indigo Dyeing Workshop

Aiya Terroir offers a hands‑on introduction to Japan’s iconic indigo craft. Using naturally fermented indigo, you’ll dip fabric into the dye and watch it shift from green to deep “Japan Blue” as it meets the air. It’s a unique and memorable way to experience traditional craftsmanship and create your own one‑of‑a‑kind piece.

Meetup with locals

There are many locals looking forward to meeting you!! If you want to practice Japanese conversation, there are lots of opportunities.

Accommodation

You’ll stay at Anchor Hotel, a community‑focused accommodation whose staff actively support this tour. They’ll host special meetups for you at the stylish first‑floor bar—an ideal setting to meet new people and enjoy warm local hospitality.

Just a 3‑minute walk from Fukuyama Station, the hotel is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and even Fukuyama Castle. Enjoy your free time exploring everything the area has to offer.

Good news for sento lovers!

There is a shower in your hotel room, but you can also use the large public bath at the adjacent hotel for free every day.

You’re welcome to enter the bath even if you have tattoos, so please don’t worry.

Participation Requirements and Important Notes

●July in Japan can reach around 35°C with very high humidity. For safety reasons, this program is open only to participants in good health.
●In accordance with Shinto tradition, women may not carry the mikoshi in certain areas. While Japanese culture has gradually become more inclusive, and women are allowed to carry the mikoshi in residential areas during this festival as of 2026, only men may carry the mikoshi within the shrine grounds. Thank you for your understanding regarding these cultural customs.
●In Shinto tradition, sake (omiki) is considered a sacred and purifying element.
It appears frequently throughout the festival. If you have allergies or prefer to avoid alcohol for religious or personal reasons, please feel free to consult with us in advance.

●Participants will visit a specialty shop to purchase the required clothing for carrying the mikoshi. The cost is not included in the program fee and must be paid individually. The typical price range is 10,000–20,000 yen

●Carrying the mikoshi is most suitable for participants around 175 cm in height. Those significantly shorter or taller may not be able to carry it for long time. In such cases, you may be assigned alternative roles such as carrying lanterns around the mikoshi.

●On the festival day, participants may walk slowly for a total of approximately three hours.
Please ensure you are physically prepared for extended walking.

●The festival will proceed in the rain; however, some parts of the festival may be canceled in the event of a typhoon or severe weather. Thank you for your understanding.

●The Fighting Mikoshi Viewing on the night of July 19 requires a paid seating ticket, which is not included in the participation fee.
Tickets will be released in late June. We will try to secure the tickets through Cheers, and you will be asked to pay 4,000 yen after arriving in Fukuyama.

●At the Shoe Factory, participants will receive a 20,000‑yen coupon that can be used toward the purchase of shoes.

Location

Fukuyama city in Hiroshima Prefecture

Airport: The nearest airport is Hiroshima Airport.

Station: Fukuyama Station, a stop for the Super Express Train (Shinkansen).

Appropriate age: Ages 18 and above

Maximum number of participants: Only 4 people

This program will be offered even for a single participant.

Participation fee for the program:

10-day Program 573,750 Yen

6-day Program 398,000 Yen

● The fee includes the activities listed in the itinerary, transportation during the program, hotel accommodations, breakfast, the rental fee for a happi coat, guide services, meetup participation fee, and travel insurance. Additionaly, 10-day program fee includes 20,000 yen coupon at Shoe Factory, and one izakaya dinner.

● Please note that transportation to the meeting locations, airfare, lunch, snacks, any dinners not listed, the cost of purchasing festival attire, the cost when purchasing items over 20,000 yen at Shoe Factory, the fighting mikoshi viewing ticket as well as personal expenses such as souvenirs, are not included.

Meeting Details for Day 1

● 10-day Progarm:

- If you’re arriving in Fukuyama by train, please check in at Anchor Hotel between 3:00 and 7:00 PM. The hotel is just a 3-minute walk from Fukuyama Station (Shinkansen stop). Izakaya dinner begins at 7:00 PM.
- Complimentary pick-up is available at 5:00 PM at Hiroshima Airport.

● 6-day Program:

- If you’re arriving in Fukuyama by train, the meeting point is Anchor Hotel at 2:00 PM. After leaving your luggage there, we will head out for festival outfit shopping.

- Complimentary pick-up is available at 12:30 PM at Hiroshima Airport.

Application Process

To inquire or apply, please use the form below. We will respond to your email within 3 days.

If you do not receive a response within 3 days, please contact us at <friends(at)cheers-e.com>. We will reply to you via email or WhatsApp.

Before you apply, we will provide you with a document explaining the detailed terms and conditions. Please review it in advance before completing your application.

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What is Cheers Japan?

Cheers began as an English language school in Japan, and it has now grown into a place that welcomes international guests who love Japan. When we welcome visitors, we don’t just offer sightseeing—we also create opportunities for them to meet and connect with local people who are excited to welcome friends from around the world.

Our community includes English learners of all ages, from children to adults, all eager to communicate with international guests. Through our Program, you’ll have the chance to talk with them in both English and Japanese.

Above all, what matters most is the spirit of mutual respect. It goes beyond language and brings people closer, no matter where you come from!!

Ratings and Feedback from Past Participants on Cheers Service

★★★★★

Always available, always patient and easy to be with. Thank you for your work and for always providing nap-time 😆 (From Singapore)

★★★★★

The support was really great. The response time was very short and the messages were always kind. (From Switzerland)

★★★★★

You guys were very responsive and comprehensive in the information provided. It made the whole experience easy and fun. Thank you! (From the USA)

★★★★★

Helpfull and accomodating. It was the best trip of my life. (From Italy)

If you would like to stay with a Japanese family in a homestay and improve your Japanese conversation skills, we also recommend our Friendship Program!

Planning Company: ACCORD CO., LTD.

Address: 3-5-5 Nogamicho, Fukuyamashi, Hiroshimaken, Japan

Registration No.: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agent (No. 2180)

Name of Branch: Cheers

Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents