Upcoming events, festivals, and experiences in Iwate, with dates.
Iwate · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Chuson-ji, where 500 chrysanthemums meet vibrant autumn leaves. A perfect moment of peace and traditional Japanese elegance.
Oct 20 – Nov 15
A special festival showcasing the diverse traditional performing arts of Shizukuishi. Don't miss this opportunity to witness historic cultural treasures like the Nishine Nenbutsu Kenmai in person.
Nov 22
Witness the start of the UNESCO-recognized Hayachine Kagura at Kagura-no-Yakata. Experience the divine, dynamic, and 500-year-old traditional dance up close.
Jan 2, 2027
Witness the sacred opening of the UNESCO-listed Hayachine Kagura. Experience the profound beauty of traditional Japanese dance and spiritual history within the majestic atmosphere of Hayachine Jinja.
Jan 3, 2027
日本三大奇祭の一つ、黒石寺蘇民祭。炎の中で繰り広げられる蘇民袋争奪戦の熱狂は一生の思い出に！
Jan 7, 2027
Experience the dramatic Donton-sai fire festival and the traditional Hadakamari procession at Morioka Hachiman-gu. A must-see winter tradition in Iwate.
Jan 15, 2027
A special winter festival at Mokeiji Temple featuring dramatic torchlight processions and the elegant Ennen-no-mai dance.
Jan 20, 2027
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Iwate's traditional festival, featuring ornate floats and a magical nightscape of glowing lanterns. A must-see cultural experience in Oshu City.
Jan 22, 2027
A high-energy water festival! Experience the thrill of the Daito Ohara Mizukake Matsuri to enjoy traditional purification and a refreshing Japanese summer.
Feb 11, 2027
Witness the intense battle for the Somin-bukuro bag on March 17 at Saijamine Shrine. Be sure to dress warmly to experience this powerful traditional festival.
Mar 17, 2027
Experience the rhythmic ironware drums and charming floats of a traditional Japanese spring festival in Iwate. A perfect way to witness local history and culture.
Mar 31, 2027
Experience the power of UNESCO-listed Hayachine Kagura! A special spring event to witness the divine Osumi Kagura dance up close.
Apr 25, 2027
Don't miss the Minamoto no Yoshitsune procession! Experience the beauty of the Heian era amidst the stunning landscapes of Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji in Hiraizumi.
May 1, 2027
Experience the UNESCO-listed Hayachine Kagura at the historic Takekagura Denshokan. Witness the divine beauty of traditional Japanese dance in early May.
A must-see traditional festival in Iwate featuring a massive 1,000-person parade and powerful Shika Odori dances. Enjoy the lively food stalls and cultural performances during your visit!
May 3, 2027
A special moment by the beautiful Kinshu-ko Lake. Enjoy the stunning autumn colors and the refreshing seasonal air in this heartwarming local festival.
May 29, 2027
Experience the sacred Hayachine Kagura up close! Witness 500 years of tradition and the majestic atmosphere of Hayachine Jinja during this special festival.
Jul 31, 2027
A historic festival dedicated to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Haichimine Kagura. Experience powerful traditional dance amidst the stunning nature of Iwate.
Aug 1, 2027
Iwate
A stunning 2-hectare sunflower field that reaches peak bloom in mid-August. The view of the yellow flowers against Mt. Nansho is perfect for photography and enjoying the beauty of summer in Iwate.
Located at 700m altitude, Gado-ko Lake is a stunning scenic spot selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Dam Lakes. Experience breathtaking views of birch and oak forests during the seasons of fresh greenery or autumn colors. It is the perfect destination for those looking to refresh through camping, ca…
A nationally designated historic site featuring mid-Jomon stone circles and reconstructed pit dwellings. A perfect historical park to learn about ancient Japanese life.
A memorial observation deck overlooking the Saiji Ohashi Bridge. It is a precious site where you can experience the power of nature and the importance of disaster preparedness.
Discover the elegance of Nanshoso, a historic residence in Morioka. Whether it is the mesmerizing reflection of autumn leaves on polished floors or enjoying matcha in a serene garden, this experience offers a beautiful escape into traditional Japanese culture.
A breathtaking white mudstone landscape on the Kitakami River named by Kenji Miyazawa. We recommend checking the live camera footage before your visit to see the 'English Coast' in person.
