Uwajima's main claim to fame is bull sumo çç¸æ² ushizumÅ, where two bulls decked out with holy ropes grapple each other by the horns and attempt to push each other out of a sumo ring. This is no modern gimmick, but an age-old tradition solemnly officiated by the same priests who run human sumo tournaments.
It's held on January 2, the 1st Sunday of March, the 3rd Sunday of May, July 24 during the Warei Festival, August 14, and the 3rd Sunday of November. The match starts at noon and takes around 3 hours. Tickets cost ¥3000, be sure to book in advance. On festival days there are free shuttle buses to/from the station.
The annual Warei Festival, held July 22-24, features not only bull sumo but a series of parades featuring Uwajima's symbol: the black-bearded and red-robed bull demon ç鬼 ushioni. Book accommodations early if in town during festival time.
