This site is a web media that delivers all kinds of trivia, from sightseeing and gourmet spots in the six Tohoku prefectures to local, customs, and history.
We'll introduce all the dates for the 2025 Tohoku Six Major Festivals, a major event that brings to life the traditions of each region and can be enjoyed by both locals and tourists!
【Fukushima Waraji Festival: Dates: August 1st (Fri) - 3rd (Sun)
The Fukushima Waraji Festival is a traditional event in Fukushima City where people carry the largest straw sandals in Japan and parade through the city. The straw sandals are meant to symbolize prayers for good health. In recent years, dance events and parades have been added, and the festival has evolved into a modern event while still cherishing its traditions
Fukushima Waraji Festival <Information>
Dates: August 1st (Fri) - 3rd (Sun), 2025
Location: National Route 13 (parade), Mt. Shinobu, Haguro Shrine (dedication)
detail:
August 1st (Friday) 18:30-21:00: Purification ceremony, Kizuna Parade, Waraji Dance, Large Waraji Parade
August 2nd (Sat) 18:30-20:00: Tug of war, Waraji Dance, Finale
August 3rd (Sun) 9:30am - Large straw sandal offering (Haguro Shrine)
Traffic restrictions: There will be traffic restrictions in the city center during the festival. Check the official website for details.
Spectator seats: There is a free area. There are no paid seats at this time.
In case of rain: The event will proceed even if it is light rain. In case of severe weather, the event may be canceled or partially scaled down.
Live streaming: There is a digest video, but there is currently no information on live video streaming.
【Morioka Sansa Odori: Dates: August 1st (Friday) - 4th (Monday)
The Morioka Sansa Odori festival has its origins in a legend of demon slaying, and is characterized by light-hearted drumming and graceful dancing. The parade of several thousand people has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the "world's largest Japanese drum festival."
Morioka Sansa Dance <Information>
Dates: August 1st (Friday) - 4th (Monday), 2025
Location: Morioka City Chuo Street and Morioka Castle Ruins Park area
detail:
Every day from 18:00 to 20:45: Traditional Sansa, creative Sansa, circle dance with general participation, etc
Traffic restrictions: Some areas, including Chuo-dori, will be closed from 6:00 p.m.
Seating: Paid seats available (advance tickets start from 2,000 yen). Tickets can be purchased on the official website.
In case of rain: The event will proceed even if it rains. In the event of severe weather, the event may be subject to some changes.
Live streaming: In the past, Iwate Cable Television 's official YouTube channel. 2025 is yet to be determined.
【Aomori Nebuta Festival: Dates: August 2nd (Sat) - 7th (Thu)
When you think of summer in Aomori, you think of the Nebuta Festival. It's one of the largest festivals in the Tohoku region, with giant lantern dolls (nebuta) and bouncing dancers (haneto) parading through the streets. The sight of the shining nebuta at night and the music of drums, flutes, and hand-held gongs is definitely worth seeing
Aomori Nebuta Festival <Information>
Dates: August 2nd (Sat) - 7th (Thu), 2025
Location: Central Aomori City (National Route 4, Shinmachi Street, etc.)
detail:
August 1st (Fri) 18:00~: Pre-event (stage event)
August 2nd-3rd: From 7:00 PM Children's and Large Nebuta Parade
August 4th to 6th: Large Nebuta floats parade from 18:45
August 7th: Daytime service from 13:00, sea service from 19:15 + fireworks display
Traffic restrictions: Large-scale traffic restrictions will be in place on National Route 4 and other roads from 18:00 to 22:00.
Spectator seats: Paid seats available (advance tickets start from 3,000 yen). Reservations required.
Rain: The event will proceed even in light rain. In the event of severe weather, the event may be postponed or canceled.
【Akita Kanto Festival: Dates: August 3rd (Sun) - 6th (Wed)
The Akita Kanto Festival began as an event to pray for a bountiful harvest, and the highlight is the skill of balancing poles weighing over 50 kg on the forehead, shoulders, and waist. The lights of the lanterns swaying in the night sky are a mystical sight
Akita Kanto Festival <Information>
Dates: August 3rd (Sun) - 6th (Wed), 2025
Location: Around Sanno Boulevard, Akita City
detail:
Every day from 18:35 to 21:00: Entrance → Kanto performances → Interact with the Kanto → Exit
Traffic restrictions: Traffic restrictions will be in place on Sanno Odori from 18:00 to 21:30.
Spectator seats: Paid seats available (starting from 2,500 yen). Tickets are sold on the official website.
In case of rain: The event will proceed even if it rains. It will be cancelled in case of severe weather.
【Yamagata Hanagasa Festival: Dates: August 5th (Tue) - 7th (Thu)
The streets of Yamagata are decorated with the "Hanagasa Dance," where dancers dance with red flower hats in hand, accompanied by the chant "Yasho, Makasho!". Of the six major festivals in the Tohoku region, this festival has a large number of female dancers, creating an elegant and glamorous atmosphere
Yamagata Hanagasa Festival <Information>
Dates: August 5th (Tue) - 7th (Thu), 2025
Location: Tokamachi to Honmachi Street area, Yamagata City
detail:
Every day from 18:00 to 21:45: Hanagasa Dance Parade
Traffic restrictions: Traffic restrictions will be in place on Tokamachi and Honmachi Streets from the evening until night.
Seating: Paid seating is available in some areas. Advance reservations are possible.
In case of rain: The event will proceed even if it rains. It will be cancelled in case of strong winds or other stormy weather.
Live streaming:Yamagata Shimbun Online has broadcast the event. Official broadcasting is unconfirmed. Breaking news may be posted on social media.
【Sendai Tanabata Festival: Dates: August 6th (Wed) - 8th (Fri)
The Sendai Tanabata Festival is a Tanabata event that has been held since the time of Date Masamune, where the town is decorated with gorgeous bamboo ornaments adorned with streamers and folded paper cranes. It is known as the only Tanabata festival in Tohoku that is held in August, and attracts tourists from all over the country
Sendai Tanabata Festival <Information>
Dates: Wednesday, August 6th - Friday, August 8th, 2025
Location: Sendai city center shopping arcade and other areas
detail:
August 5th (Tue) 19:15~: Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival (Eve Festival)
August 6th to 8th: Gorgeous Tanabata decorations on display, mainly in the shopping district
Traffic restrictions: Parts of the shopping district are pedestrianized. Restrictions apply on surrounding roads.
Viewing seats: Paid seats are available for the fireworks display (reservations required). Free viewing of the Tanabata decorations.
In case of rain: Tanabata decorations can be displayed indoors even in rainy weather. Fireworks will be canceled in bad weather.
![56404_m](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAJYAAACWAQAAAAAUekxPAAAAAnRSTlMAAHaTzTgAAAAaSURBVEjH7cExAQAAAMKg9U9tDQ+gAACAdwMLuAABXZHjmQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "[Akita Prefecture] Before enjoying Akita's representative summer festival "Kanto Festival" in Tohoku! Introducing the history and trivia you need to know")
![56404_m](https://jp.neft.asia/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/56404_m-150x150.jpg.webp "[Akita Prefecture] Before enjoying Akita's representative summer festival "Kanto Festival" in Tohoku! Introducing the history and trivia you need to know")
