Horikawa Water Magic Festival 2026

On September 25 and 26, 2026, the Horikawa River and Nayabashi area in Nagoya will host the Horikawa Water Magic Festival. The two-day event revives Showa Nama Kabuto Beer for this occasion only, and pairs it with an onboard beer bar, a floating market on stand-up paddleboards, and the illuminated night view from the water. The riverside is also the site of two concurrent events, so the festival works as a single night out with several different stops.

Onboard Beer Bar

A ferry runs from Pier Nayabashi to the onboard beer bar on the river. On board, you can drink Kabuto Beer or a soft drink while taking in the night view from the water.

Date & Time: September 25 (Fri) 16:00–22:00, September 26 (Sat) 14:00–21:00
The final trip is scheduled for one hour before closing on both days. Depending on congestion, boarding restrictions may be implemented or the final boarding time may be moved earlier, so allow plenty of time. Please also understand if the beer sells out.
Price: Enjoyment Ticket: 1,000 yen (includes round trip between Pier Nayabashi and the onboard beer garden, plus one drink). Under-20s: 500 yen. One child of elementary school age or younger is free per one adult (drink not included).
Additional Drinks: Kabuto Beer 800 yen, soft drinks 500 yen
Boarding Point: Pier Nayabashi (Nayabashi Southeast, in front of Terrasse Nayabashi)

Floating Market

SUPs (Stand Up Paddleboards) will appear on the waters of the Horikawa River to provide snacks and other items.

Date & Time: September 26 (Sat), scheduled for the afternoon
Price: Free
Location: Horikawa Nayabashi area waters

Distribution of SRT Fans

SRT Fans will be distributed at the boarding ticket office. Stickers will also be given to those who follow the official SRT Instagram.

SRT is a new road public transportation system integrated with urban development to expand the mobility of the Nagoya city center and increase ground-level activity. You can board and alight at the Nayabashi bus stop and the Yanagibashi bus stop near Nayabashi.

Concurrent Events

Nayabashi Yo-ichi Beer Festival [BIG4]

In addition to the night market, a special two-day “Yo-ichi” will be held where you can enjoy draft beers from four major manufacturers (Asahi, Suntory, Orion, and Sapporo) that are not usually available. There are also plenty of gourmet stalls, so people who do not drink can enjoy it too.

Date & Time: September 25 (Fri) 17:00–21:30, September 26 (Sat) 13:00–21:00
Venue: Plazas and promenades between Nayabashi and Nishikibashi

Gujo Festival (COLORS.366 × Gujo)

This popular event lets you experience the full charm of Gujo. The atmosphere of Gujo comes through the Gujo Odori dance, Gujo’s “delicious foods,” and local specialty products. It is an easy stop on the way home from work.

Date & Time: September 25 (Fri) 16:00–22:00
Venue: COLORS.366

🛏️ View hotels near the event

Event Information

Dates: September 25 (Fri) and 26 (Sat), 2026. Canceled in case of rain.
Time: 25th (Fri) 16:00–22:00; 26th (Sat) 14:00–21:00
Location: Horikawa/Nayabashi Area
Price: Free admission (onboard beer garden is paid)
Contact: Horikawa Water Magic Festival Executive Committee, TEL: 052-972-2891
Homepage: http://horikawa-wmf.com/
Access: Get off at “Fushimi” Station on the Subway Higashiyama Line/Tsurumai Line. Approximately 8 minutes walk from Exit 8.
Remarks: Only takeout food purchased at the information center special tent (Nayabashi Southeast corner) may be brought onto the onboard beer bar. There is no food for sale on board, so those who require food should purchase it at the information center special tent before boarding.

What is Nagoya’s Horikawa Canal?

The Horikawa Canal is a waterway in Nagoya that runs roughly 15 kilometers from Nagoya Port into the downtown area. It was dug in the early 17th century to transport building materials for Nagoya Castle. After the castle’s construction, it became a commercial route for rice, lumber, and other goods moving between the city and the port. Warehouses and merchant operations lined its banks during that period.

In recent decades, the waterfront was redeveloped for public use. It now has walking paths, illuminated bridges, and open gathering spaces. The canal is also used for city events, including the floating beer bars and market stalls of the Water Magic Festival. It remains an active part of Nagoya’s urban landscape, linking the port area to the center of town while serving as a venue for everyday recreation and seasonal events.