The season for our beloved end-of-summer tradition, the “Benten Ennichi Festival” has arrived once again. Now in its 39th year, this special one-day festival will be held from 12:00 noon on Sunday, September 6th, at Zuiko Park and inside the Joyful Minowa Arcade.
The shopping street will be divided into eight blocks, each hosting its own creative stalls. From games to popcorn, cotton candy, and donuts, you’ll find all sorts of nostalgic and fun treats. This is a beloved event that the whole community looks forward to, and one that has delighted so many visitors year after year. We hope you’ll bring your whole family to stroll through the shopping street and enjoy a relaxing summer evening together.
Event Overview
The festival runs from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 6th. It will take place across three venues, each with its own unique atmosphere: Zuiko Park, inside the Joyful Minowa Arcade, and the Nakajima Benzaiten venue. We hope you’ll feel the warmth of our old-fashioned downtown neighborhood, where the streetcars still run through the streets. Please note that some details may change on the day, and certain stalls may close early once they run out of items.
What to Expect Inside the Zuiko Park Arcade
From nostalgic entertainment like kamishibai storytelling and balloon art (performed by Shogo Balloon) to handmade goods for sale and hands-on workshops, there’s something here for both kids and adults to enjoy together. You’ll also find a classic goldfish scooping game, along with plenty of local street food and treats, including downtown food stalls and specialties from Tokamachi, Niigata—perfect for snacking as you wander around. There’s even a portrait drawing corner where you can capture a fun memory of the day.
One highlight not to miss is the free “Underwater Coin Drop” game, where you can win a toy prize. Game tickets will be handed out on the day in front of the Joyful Hall and at the Benten Ichi reception tent. Since tickets are limited and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, we recommend arriving early if you’re interested.
Don’t Miss the Nakajima Benzaiten Venue
At this venue, you can try the “Wish-Dissolving Prayer Tag Spot,” where you write down a wish on a tag and dissolve it in water—a wonderfully calming and slightly mystical experience. Any underwater coins you collect at Zuiko Park can be exchanged for prizes here. There’s also an omikuji fortune-telling corner and a beautiful flower-floating hand-washing basin (hanachozu), making it a lovely spot to take some photos as you take a peaceful stroll around the shrine grounds.
Plenty of Festival Stalls Along the Shopping Street
From in front of Arakawa Ichi-chu to Minowabashi, the street will be lined with unique stalls of all kinds. Expect classic festival fun such as darts, raffles, shaved ice, yo-yo fishing, donuts, ring toss, cotton candy, super ball scooping, and a Strack Out–style pitching game, plus popcorn, and more. Take your time wandering the shopping street and discovering everything it has to offer. Please note that these stalls are only available on the day of the festival, and some details may change.
About the Festival Tickets
If you shop at any of our participating stores between Monday, August 31st and Saturday, September 5th, you’ll receive a free festival ticket. These tickets can be used at the stalls on the day of the event, so be sure to stop by a nearby participating store during this period. Please note that tickets are limited in number, so we apologize in advance if they run out before you’re able to get one.
A Few Notes for Your Visit
This year’s festival is held with the support of the Arakawa Ward Council of Social Welfare, and in cooperation with Arakawa Ichi Junior High School and Roku-Zuiko Elementary School. We’re deeply grateful to our community for helping keep this tradition alive for so many years. Please note that bicycle parking near the venue is limited, so we kindly ask that you consider walking or using public transportation to get here.
Come enjoy a lively and fun-filled day with your family in our old-fashioned downtown neighborhood, where the streetcars still roll through the streets. We at Joyful Minowa look forward to welcoming you!