Guide
The Spring Fujiwara Festival is a traditional celebration held annually in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, to honor the prosperity of the Oshu Fujiwara clan. Held over five days from May 1st to May 5th, the festival brings history to life through rituals and performances set against the backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage sites like Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji. It is a rare opportunity to experience the rich culture of the Heian period through traditional ceremonies, child processions, and local performing arts such as Noh and Kyogen.
The absolute highlight is the "Minamoto no Yoshitsune Eastern Journey Procession" on May 3rd. This event recreates the legendary welcome given to the warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune when he arrived in Hiraizumi while fleeing from his brother, Yoritomo. Approximately 100 participants dressed in authentic Heian-period attire march from Chuson-ji to Motsu-ji, creating a breathtaking, living historical scroll. Occasionally, famous actors portray Yoshitsune, drawing large crowds to the streets.
On the final day, the energy shifts to Hiraizumi Station for the "Benkei Power Mochi Competition." Inspired by the legendary warrior Benkei, participants compete to carry massive rice cakes, providing a high-energy and entertaining conclusion to the festivities.
The festival runs for five days from May 1st to May 5th.
The festivities are spread across the historic landmarks of Hiraizumi.
To see the Minamoto no Yoshitsune procession up close, it is essential to know the walking route between Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji. Since the procession moves from the morning through the afternoon, plan your arrival time to secure a good viewing spot.
As much of the event involves walking outdoors and standing for long periods, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please check the official website for the latest updates, as schedules and routes may change due to weather or crowd conditions.