A Brief History

The Ishizaki Hōtō Matsuri began as a Gion-inspired summer festival at Ishizaki Hachiman Shrine, where decorative festival floats were once paraded through the town. After repeated fires destroyed the floats, the festival was suspended. During the mid-Meiji period, the tradition was revived when Kiriko lanterns were introduced from the nearby town of Ushitsu. The festival was reestablished as a lantern procession offering prayers for abundant fishing, good harvests, and protection from fire.