Docchan Matsuri: A Traditional Summer Festival in Imari, Saga, Featuring Women's Mikoshi to be Held on May 31
The 35th Docchan Matsuri will be held on May 31 at the Imari Civic Center in Imari City, Saga Prefecture. The event features traditional "Women's Mikoshi" parades, Imari drums, science shows, and interactive activities for all ages.
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- 📰 Published: May 26, 2026 at 19:00
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The 35th Docchan Matsuri will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Imari Civic Center, which will serve as the new main venue in Imari City, Saga Prefecture.
The event offers numerous free-admission programs for both children and adults, including traditional "Women's Mikoshi" (portable shrine) parades carried by local women, performances of Imari drums, the "Working Cars EXPO," science shows, and a city-wide rally featuring a lottery.
Event Overview
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Venue: Imari Civic Center (391-1 Matsushima-cho, Imari City, Saga Prefecture)
Organizer: Docchan Matsuri Executive Committee
*The event will proceed in case of rain, though some programs may be adjusted or canceled.
Event Highlights
Kazu-sensei's Science Time: A show where children can enjoyably learn science through impressive experiments.
Working Cars EXPO: Featuring police cars, fire trucks, and JSDF vehicles. This year, the Imari City Library's mobile library will also join.
Mini Train Experience: In cooperation with JR Kyushu's Saga Railway Division, visitors can ride a mini-train and try on crew uniforms.
Lottery Rally: Participate by taking photos at 3 of the 8 designated spots in Imari city. Winners receive local prizes (first 100 participants, free of charge).
Workshops: Enjoy pottery painting, sticker making, and aroma candle crafting (material fees apply).
Cardboard Maze: Challenge a special maze created by a local cardboard manufacturer.
Access
The venue is approximately a 15-minute walk from Imari Station. Temporary parking (Imari City Hall) and nearby paid lots are available for car travelers. Free shuttle buses will run every 30 minutes starting at 9:40 AM.
About Docchan Matsuri
The festival recreates the historical atmosphere of the former Imari Port, which once flourished as a shipping hub. Its name originates from the merchants who used to wonder, "Docchan (which way) shall I go next?" when seeking hospitality in the city.
Inquiries: Docchan Matsuri Executive Committee, PR Division (Sanko Co., Ltd.): 090-8833-9389
The event offers numerous free-admission programs for both children and adults, including traditional "Women's Mikoshi" (portable shrine) parades carried by local women, performances of Imari drums, the "Working Cars EXPO," science shows, and a city-wide rally featuring a lottery.
Event Overview
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Venue: Imari Civic Center (391-1 Matsushima-cho, Imari City, Saga Prefecture)
Organizer: Docchan Matsuri Executive Committee
*The event will proceed in case of rain, though some programs may be adjusted or canceled.
Event Highlights
Kazu-sensei's Science Time: A show where children can enjoyably learn science through impressive experiments.
Working Cars EXPO: Featuring police cars, fire trucks, and JSDF vehicles. This year, the Imari City Library's mobile library will also join.
Mini Train Experience: In cooperation with JR Kyushu's Saga Railway Division, visitors can ride a mini-train and try on crew uniforms.
Lottery Rally: Participate by taking photos at 3 of the 8 designated spots in Imari city. Winners receive local prizes (first 100 participants, free of charge).
Workshops: Enjoy pottery painting, sticker making, and aroma candle crafting (material fees apply).
Cardboard Maze: Challenge a special maze created by a local cardboard manufacturer.
Access
The venue is approximately a 15-minute walk from Imari Station. Temporary parking (Imari City Hall) and nearby paid lots are available for car travelers. Free shuttle buses will run every 30 minutes starting at 9:40 AM.
About Docchan Matsuri
The festival recreates the historical atmosphere of the former Imari Port, which once flourished as a shipping hub. Its name originates from the merchants who used to wonder, "Docchan (which way) shall I go next?" when seeking hospitality in the city.
Inquiries: Docchan Matsuri Executive Committee, PR Division (Sanko Co., Ltd.): 090-8833-9389
FAQ
どっちゃん祭りはいつ開催されますか？
2026年5月31日（日）に開催されます。
どっちゃん祭りの会場はどこですか？
伊万里市民センター（佐賀県伊万里市松島町391-1）が会場です。
祭りの入場料はかかりますか？
入場は無料です。一部ワークショップ等で別途材料費がかかる場合があります。
どのようなイベントが予定されていますか？
女みこし、伊万里太鼓、サイエンスショー、はたらくくるまEXPO、ミニトレイン乗車体験、ガラポン抽選会などが予定されています。
シャトルバスは運行されますか？
伊万里市役所、伊万里駅、伊万里市歴史民俗資料館を往復する無料シャトルバスが、9時40分から約30分間隔で運行されます。