The Docchan Festival is a long-running Saga event known for its mikoshi (portable shrine) performances, and remains one of Imari’s most energetic seasonal traditions. In recent years, the Imari Civic Center has served as the festival’s main venue, hosting a mix of indoor and outdoor events throughout the day.
Originally created in 1990 to recreate the bustling atmosphere of historic Imari Port, the festival draws inspiration from the city’s past as a thriving shipping hub for pottery and trade goods. The name “Docchan” roughly means “which way?”, a reference to merchants who once traveled to Imari and were so overwhelmed by the town’s hospitality and entertainment that they excitedly wondered where to head next.
One of the festival’s signature attractions is the mikoshi parade, where local women carry and lift a portable shrine while chanting in an energetic display of teamwork and community pride. The lively performance, paired with the sounds of traditional Imari Taiko drumming, is considered one of the highlights of the festival.
The event is also packed with family-friendly activities. Past editions have featured working vehicle displays with police cars, fire trucks, and Self-Defense Force vehicles, alongside science shows, mini-train rides, cardboard mazes, and hands-on workshops such as pottery painting and candle making. Food trucks and festival stalls serving local specialties and classic matsuri snacks are another major draw.
Best known for its ceramics heritage, coastal scenery, and local cuisine, Imari offers plenty to explore beyond the festival itself, making the Docchan Festival a popular excuse for an early-summer trip into western Saga.
