Mito Komon Festival | Mito
Celebration
The Mito Kōmon Festival is a representative traditional festival held annually in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It is named after Tokugawa Mitsukuni, a famous scholar of the Edo period and the second lord of the Mito Domain—the well-known "Mito Kōmon." The festival has been held since 1961 (Showa 36) and attracts approximately 900,000 participants each year, making it one of the largest summer events in the northern Kanto region. The opening highlight of the Mito Kōmon Festival is a procession led by Japan's largest portable shrine. Strong men dressed in traditional robes shout "Haiyo! Haiyo!" in unison, creating a powerful and magnificent spectacle that perfectly embodies the spirit of traditional Japanese festivals.
Mito Kōmon Lantern Procession The most poetic part of the night. Mito is one of Japan's three major lantern-producing areas. Hundreds of meticulously crafted traditional lanterns form a long procession along National Route 50, their warm orange-yellow lights reflecting against the summer night sky, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. This is also a favorite moment for many photography enthusiasts.
Mountain Float Parade Ornately decorated floats from various town associations slowly move through the streets, accompanied by live performances of flutes, taiko drums, gongs, and other musical instruments. Each float embodies the traditional craftsmanship and regional pride of its respective town, a living testament to the festival culture of Japan's Edo period.