Hanamaki Matsuri

Event Overview

Hanamaki Matsuri is a traditional festival held annually in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, boasting over 400 years of history. Dating back to the founding of the town in 1593, it is a major event celebrating local community and tradition through the Toriyagasaki Shrine rituals. The festival showcases the rich culture of Iwate through magnificent "Furyu" floats, a massive number of portable shrines (mikoshi) that once set a Guinness World Record, and powerful traditional performances like Shishi-odori and Kagura Gongen-mai.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

In 2015, the festival was recognized by Guinness World Records for having 114 portable shrines at a single venue. The sight of over 100 shrines filling the streets, accompanied by the powerful shouts of "Wasshoi!", creates an overwhelming and high-energy atmosphere.

Watch the elegant "Hanamaki Hayashi" music accompany the parade of ornate floats through the streets. At night, the floats are illuminated by gaslights and electric decorations, creating a magical, glowing spectacle against the dark sky.

Experience powerful, rhythmic dances such as the Shishi-odori (Deer Dance), where performers strike drums against their bellies, and the Kagura Gongen-mai. These performances are deeply rooted in local spiritual traditions and offer a mystical glimpse into Japanese heritage.

Schedule

The main event is held on September 11th. Generally, the festival takes place over three days from the second Friday of September.

• 15:00–16:00: Free-roaming floats and shrines
• 16:10–16:20: Opening remarks
• 16:20–17:40: Kagura Gongen-mai (Held at Manabi Gakuen if raining)
• 17:40–18:30: Portable shrine parade
• 18:30–20:00: Float parade
• 20:00–21:00: Kagari-bi Shishi-odori (Cancelled if raining)
• 15:00–16:10: Children's shrine parade
• 16:10–16:40: Community safety patrol parade
• 16:40–17:40: Shishi-odori (Held at Manabi Gakuen if raining)
• 17:40–18:50: Float parade
• 18:50–19:10: Toriyazaki Shrine shrine procession
• 19:10–21:00: General portable shrine parade
• 15:00–15:10: Opening remarks
• 15:10–16:50: Float parade (Toward Hanamaki Station)
• 15:40–16:40: Hanamaki Hayashi dance (Proceeds in rain; cancelled in heavy rain)
• 16:40–18:00: Portable shrine parade
• 19:30–20:00: Grand closing ceremony
• 20:00–21:00: Free-roaming floats and shrines

Venue & Access

The festivities center around the Omatsuri Hiroba area near JR Hanamaki Station.

• *Nearest Station**: Approx. 15-minute walk from JR Hanamaki Station.
• *Parking**: Temporary parking may be available near Hanamaki City Hall, the Civic Gymnasium, or the Cultural Center (Please check official details).
• *Traffic Restrictions**: Large-scale road closures (pedestrian zones) occur from around 3:00 PM to after 9:00 PM on the main street leading from Hanamaki Station to the City Hall.

Tips for Visitors

Enjoy various food stalls offering local delicacies, such as premium Iwate meats and takeout versions of the famous Hanamaki Wanko Soba. To avoid the heaviest crowds, especially with children, consider finishing your meal earlier in the evening.

Essentials

• *Clothing**: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Bring a light jacket for the evening, as temperatures can drop during night performances.
• *Payment**: It is highly recommended to carry cash for food and drink stalls.
• *Reservations**: No advance reservation is required to watch the parade. Please check the official website for the latest schedule and traffic updates.