Summer festivals are a must-see if you want to enjoy Iwate's short summer to its fullest. In summer numerous festivals and events are held throughout Iwate. Come to Iwate and experience its hot, exciting summer!
Morioka Sansa Odori Festival
Morioka City Mon. 8/1/2016- Thu. 8/4/2016
With over 10,000 taiko drummers, Sansa is known as the "Greatest Taiko Parade in Japan." Anyone can join the Waodori or “dancing in a circle” at the end of the parade.
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=56
Ugoku Tanabata Festival; Kesencho Kenka Tanabata Festival
Rikuzentakata City Sun. 8/7/2016
This is a picturesque parade with decorated floats and festive music. The decorations are changed and paper lanterns are lit as the sun sets, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
On the same day, in Kesencho, Rikuzentakata, Kenka Tanabata or "fighting tanabata" is held. In this festival, large logs of cedar which are over 50 years old are tied to floats with thick wisteria vines from the mountains; the floats are then crashed into each other dynamically.
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=58
Chusonji Takigi Noh (Chusonji Outdoor Bonfire Noh)
Hiraizumi Town Sun. 8/14/2016
This is a traditional event in which noh and kyogen plays are performed on Chusonji's Hakusan Shrine Noh Stage (national important cultural property), the oldest stage in Japan to be made of hinoki cypress. Bonfires illuminate the noh and kyogen performances by actors of the Kita school, creating an ethereal world on a late summer night in Tohoku. (no photos allowed)
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=55
Morioka Fireworks Display
Morioka City Sat. 8/6/2016 (Sun. 8/7 in case of inclement weather)
This is a fireworks festival with a history of over 30 years. About 100,000 spectators flock every year to see 10,000 shots of fireworks, including large 30-cm firework balls and creative fireworks made by Japan's best pyrotechnists; the dark sky is lit up with colorful fireworks, and the booming sound echoes through your body.
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=60
Kitakami Michinoku Geino Festival (Performing Arts Festival)
Kitakami City Fri. 8/5/2016 - Sun. 8/7/2016
This is a festival in which over 100 groups from in and out of Iwate perform a variety of traditional art forms, such as Oni Kenbai (national important intangible cultural property), Shishi-Odori, and kagura. The beat of the taiko drums and the tune of the flutes are sure to make you want to dance. In Iwate more and more foreigners are participating in such traditional performances.
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=59
The Northernmost Ama Festival
Kuji City Sun. 8/7/2016
Held at Kosode Fishing Port, you can see Ama (female free divers) catch sea urchins and abalones, eat grilled scallops, and buy fresh seafood. Fun events include the Sea Urchin Catching Contest and local performing arts show.
For more information: http://www.japan-iwate.info/app/location_detail.php?lid=71