This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
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>
Event Dates: August 1st (Fri) - 3rd (Sun), 2025
Location: Along National Route 13 (parade), Shinobu-yama and 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: Traffic restrictions will be in place in the city center during the festival. Check the official website for details.
Seating: Free seating is available. There are currently no paid seating areas.
In case of rain: The event will proceed in light rain. In case of severe weather, it may be canceled or partially scaled down.
Live Streaming: There is a digest video available, but there is no information about live streaming at this time.
【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>
Event Dates: August 1st (Fri) - 4th (Mon), 2025
Location: Central Street and surrounding area of Morioka Castle Park, Morioka City
detail:
Every day from 18:00 to 20:45: Traditional Sansa, creative Sansa, circle dance with general participation, etc
Traffic restrictions: Some sections of Chuo-dori Street and other areas will be closed to traffic after 6:00 PM.
Seating: Paid seating is available (advance tickets from 2,000 yen). Tickets can be purchased on the official website.
Rain or shine: The event will proceed regardless of rain. In case of severe weather, some content may be changed.
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>
Event Dates: August 2nd (Sat) - 7th (Thu), 2025
Venue: 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.
Seating: Paid seating is available (advance tickets from 3,000 yen). Reservations required.
In case of rain: The event will proceed in light rain. In case of severe weather, it 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>
Event Dates: August 3rd (Sun) - 6th (Wed), 2025
Location: Around Sanno-dori Avenue in 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-dori Avenue from 18:00 to 21:30.
Seating: Paid seating is available (from 2,500 yen). Tickets are sold on the official website.
Rain or shine: The event will proceed in the rain. In case of severe weather, it will be canceled.
Live streaming:CNA Akita Cable Televisionhas previously streamed the event. Please check the official website for confirmation shortly before the event.
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>
Event Dates: August 5th (Tue) - 7th (Thu), 2025
Location: Around Tokamachi and Honmachi streets in 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 Street from evening to night.
Seating: Some reserved seats are available for a fee. Advance reservations are possible.
In case of rain: The event will proceed even in the rain. In case of severe weather such as strong winds, it will be canceled.
Live streaming:Yamagata Shimbun Onlinehas previously streamed the event. Official streaming 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>
Event Dates: August 6th (Wed) - 8th (Fri), 2025
Venue: Central shopping streets of Sendai City (including arcades)
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: Some shopping streets will be closed to traffic. Restrictions will also be in place on surrounding roads.
Seating: There are paid seats available for the fireworks display (reservations required). Tanabata decorations can be viewed freely.
In case of rain: Tanabata decorations will be mainly displayed indoors and can be exhibited even in rainy weather. Fireworks will be canceled in case of severe weather.
