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Great Experiences of Local History! Autumn Festivals in Eastern Japan.

July 8, 2024 12:00 PM update

Written by Haruka Kuriyama / Mapping by Miwako Kobayashi

Fireworks and Bon-Odori (Bon Festival Dance) are often associated with summer festivals in Japan. What if we continue onto the next season? This time we dig into autumn festivals that have inherited their region's history. These festivals offer a glimpse into the heritage of the area showcasing scenes that exist only during the event. Check out festival information in advance and join in for a unique experience!

This journey starts from Hachinohe Station; take taking the Tohoku Shinkansen to Morioka Station, then transfer to the Tohoku Shinkansen again towards Koriyama Station. From Koriyama Station, proceed to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station via the Joban Line, allowing for a smooth transit throughout. As festival periods tend to cause nearby accommodations to fill up quickly, it's advisable to research transportation options and lodging facilities well in advance.

2500 servings of Hachinohe Cracker Soup Cooked in a Gigantic Jomon Pot! Enjoy flea markets, stage performances, and more fun events at “The Jomon Pot Festival" in Hachinohe City.

Hachinohe City, known for sites like the Korekawa and Kazahari Ruins from the late Jomon period, holds countless excavated artifacts and expansive settlement remnants. The area is believed to have been a prosperous place with a thriving population in ancient times and the region also boasts a collection of high-artistic-value excavated items, including the national treasure "Jomon Gassho dogu" (goggle-eyed pottery figurine). The "Jomon Pot Festival'' serves as a promotional event for the "Jomon Village Korekawa", using a Jomon pot installed in Hachinohe Park to serve the local dish 'Hachinohe cracker soup (Senbei-jiru),' showcasing the heritage of the Jomon era (pictured). 

Recommended sight seeing spot

Jomon Pot Festival

The Jomon Pot Festival, held annually in early October, is a popular autumn event drawing both locals and visitors alike. It features the region's iconic local dish "Hachinohe cracker soup", prepared in a massive Jomon pot and attracts hugecrowds eager to savor this local delicacy. The soup is made with "Nanbu Senbei", a traditional food made by mixing wheat flour with salt and water, shaping it into discs using iron molds, and then cooking it in a soy sauce-based broth. The spectacle of preparing around 2,500 servings in the gigantic Jomon pot is truly impressive. Additionally, the festival includes stage events featuring the "Jomon Parent and Child" statues (pictured)."

DATA

Address：33-2 Tohkaichi-tenma, Hachinohe City, Aomori
Event date： October 9th, 2023

Over 300 Years of Tradition! Lavish Floats Parade Through the City with the Unique Nanbu-style 'Ondo' Drumming. "The Morioka Autumn Festival" in Morioka City.

The "Morioka Autumn Festival," a part of the Morioka Hachimangu Shrine festival designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property in Morioka City, dates back to 1709 (Hoei 6) when the 23 neighborhoods in the 200,000-koku Morioka Domain were finally completed. It began with each neighborhood parading one float in celebration. Each year, after the Bon Festival, communities engage in float construction and drum practice in preparation for this festival.

Recommended sight seeing spot

Morioka Autumn Festival

The "Morioka Autumn Festival"(pictured), held annually in mid-September, is held in conjunction with the Morioka Hachimangu Shrine Grand Festival. The "Morioka floats" offered in this festival are ornately adorned with scenes from kabuki performances and historical highlights, featuring keyaki (zelkova) wheels shaped like Genji carts that produce a creaking sound. Each float is accompanied by young men playing drums, leading the unique Nanbu-style 'ondo' music, with around 200 pullers for each group, parading in a lively procession.

DATA

Address: 13-1 Hachiman-cho, Morioka City, Iwate Event date： September 14, Thursday - 16th Saturday

3-day Festival at the Asakakunitsuko Shrine Boasts a History of Over 1,600 years.　"Asakakunitsuko Shrine Autumn Festival" in Koriyama City.

The "Asakakunitsuko Shrine Autumn Festival," held at the Asakakunitsuko Shrine in Koriyama, holds an 1875-year history that began the year 135 (during the reign of Emperor Seimu). This shrine, revered as the spiritual center of Koriyama, was initially established by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, who enshrined the Hachiman deity and gifted flags and bows, endearing the deity as "Hachiman-sama". The annual autumn festival takes place here (pictured).

Recommended sight seeing spot

Asakakunitsuko Shrine Autumn Festival

The "Asakakunitsuko Shrine Autumn Festival" (pictured), held from September 27th to 29th, commences with a major ceremony on the 27th, followed by a three-day procession of the portable shrine throughout the city, praying for the safety of the residents. On the 27th, children's sumo matches take place within the precincts, while on the 28th and 29th at 6 PM, the traditional sacred dance of the Asaka region, the "Juni Kagura", is performed in the Kagura hall. At 7 PM on the 28th, 17 neighborhood associations present their floats showcasing the "Hachiman Bayashi", a musical performance tradition of this shrine, along Oodori Street. On the 29th at 7 PM, three main portable shrines and 30 town portable shrines gather on Oodori Street.

DATA

Address:1-6-23 Shimizudai, Koriyama City, Fukushima Event dates: September 27th, Wednesday - 29th Friday

Don't Miss the Aizu Clan Parade Where 600 Warriors March in Traditional Armor! "Aizu Festival" in Aizuwakamatsu City

The Boshin War, which unfolded for 16 months following the Toba-Fushimi Battle on January 3, 1868 (Keio 4), marked the conflict between the forces of the new Meiji government and the former Tokugawa shogunate. This war brought an end to the Tokugawa shogunate that had lasted for over 260 years, signifying the dawn of the Meiji era and a new chapter in Japan's history. The "Aizu Festival" (pictured) embodies the essence of commemorating the fallen and upholding the spirit of the Boshin War as its fundamental principle.

Recommended sight seeing spot

Aizu Festival

The "Aizu Festival" (pictured) takes place over three days in Aizuwakamatsu city center, and aligns with the anniversary of the surrender of Tsuruga Castle during the Boshin War on September 22nd. The festival features a lantern procession by children, the "Aizu Bandaisan Odori" dance involving local groups and individuals, the "Nisshinkan Boys Parade" performed by elementary school students, and a marching band parade. The highlight is the "Aizu Clan Parade" held on the second day, where over 600 participants dressed as historical feudal lords and mounted warriors parade through the city, adding vibrancy to the festivities. Various performances including gunnery demonstrations and drum ensembles are showcased at different locations throughout the event.

DATA

Address：1-1 Outemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Event dates: September 22nd, Friday - 24th, Sunday

Enjoy Eastern Japan More by Experiencing Festivals that Recreate and Preserve History.

Visiting tourist spots, savoring local delicacies, finding solace in nature—there are various ways to enjoy a trip, with each person having different experience that they value. Yet, participating in festivals that are exclusive to specific times of the year guarantees unforgettable memories! When planning your visit, it's advisable to check transportation and surrounding information beforehand.

• All prices in the article include tax. Prices are subject to change without notice.