Upcoming events, festivals, and experiences in Iwate, with dates.
Iwate · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience a special autumn at the World Heritage site Motsuji, featuring beautiful bush clover and the traditional Ennen-no-mai dance. The colorful scenery of the Pure Land Garden is an unforgettable sight.
Sep 25 – Oct 20
Get up to 40% off Nambu Tekki! Enjoy high-energy competitions and hands-on artisan workshops. A must-visit annual festival to experience the beauty of Japanese ironware.
Oct 10 – Oct 11
Experience the grandeur of the Fujiwara clan through traditional rituals and performances at the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji. A perfect way to connect with Japan's spiritual history and autumn beauty.
Oct 20
A 1,300-year-old Tohoku tradition! Witness the intense, high-speed race between two sacred shrines in the dark of early morning. A truly powerful and historic experience.
Oct 23 – Oct 25
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
Iwate
A museum tracing the lives of 130 notable figures from Morioka since the Meiji era. Discover the region's deep history and culture through the personal artifacts of figures like Nitobe Inazo.
A place where the legends of Tono come to life. Experience the mystical world of Japanese folklore amidst the serene river pools and lush nature of Iwate.
東日本大震災からの復興を象徴する釜石鵜住居復興スタジアム。ラグビーワールドカップの舞台にもなったこの場所で、震災の記憶、防災の知恵、そして地域との「絆」を感じる特別な時間を過ごしてください。
Experience the famous 'Flying Dumplings' at Genbi Gorge, a scenic treasure of Iwate. The sight of the cable-delivered treats amidst stunning rock formations makes for an unforgettable memory.
A historic hot spring area on the shores of Lake Gosho. Enjoy free footbaths, stunning views of Mt. Iwate, and easy access to nearby sightseeing spots in Iwate.
Experience the quintessential Japanese landscape where a thatched-roof shrine meets seasonal rice fields. A perfect place to find tranquility and witness the cultural treasures of Tono.
