A guide to festivals and seasonal attractions in Fukushima Prefecture that the whole family will want to visit!

Five Famous Festivals in Fukushima That You'll Want to Visit with Your Family!

Here are five festivals in Fukushima that offer a chance to experience its culture and traditions firsthand, perfect for families.

[Early Summer, Hamadori Area] A truly spectacular event! The Soma Nomaoi festival revives the spirit of the samurai.

The Soma Nomaoi is a festival held over three days in Soma City, Minamisoma City, and Namie Town in Fukushima Prefecture.The scene, reminiscent of a historical picture scroll, depicts approximately 400 mounted warriors clad in armor advancing across a field.You can enjoy it.

The Soma Nomaoi isIt is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and has a history of over 1000 years.It is said that this practice originated when Taira no Masakado used wild horses as a substitute for enemy soldiers in military exercises at Koganegahara in Shimosa Province (present-day northwestern Chiba Prefecture).

The festival consists of several events, such as "armored horse racing" and "processions," and the dates and venues vary for each event.

[About the various events of the Soma Nomaoi festival]
Armored horse racing... Mounted warriors gallop, their ancestral banners fluttering in the wind. The procession... an event in which approximately 400 mounted warriors advance to Hibarigahara, about 3 km away. Nomakake... A ritual in which young men dressed in white capture wild horses with their bare hands and offer them to the gods. The procession... includes ceremonies to welcome the commander-in-chief and departure ceremonies. The battle for the sacred banner... Mounted warriors charge forward, vying to seize the sacred banner.

You could stay overnight and attend all the events, or you could just go see the ones that particularly interest you. Each venue has an information center where you can get tourist information, which is another attractive feature. You can enjoy a trip to Fukushima by combining these events with sightseeing in the surrounding area.

[Summer, Nakadori Area] The "Fukushima Waraji Festival" features Japan's largest straw sandal parading through the streets.

The "Fukushima Waraji Festival" isA festival in Fukushima City that is said to have continued for over 400 years since the Edo period.It is said that the origin of this custom is the "Akatsuki Mairi," a ritual in which large straw sandals are offered at the Haguro Shrine located on Mount Shinobu.

The giant straw sandal, measuring 12 meters in length, 1.4 meters in width, and weighing 2 tons, is said to be the largest in Japan and was made to match the size of the feet of the Nio statues that were once enshrined in the Niomon Gate of Haguro Shrine.

In addition to being a traditional event to pray for strong legs and safe travels, in recent years it has also become a popular festival to pray for good health, a bountiful harvest, family safety, and business prosperity.

At the Fukushima Waraji Festival,Japan's largest straw sandal parades through the city streets.You can watch the performance. Highlights include the "Waraji Taiko Midareuchi" (a chaotic drumming performance using straw sandals), the "Waraji Ondo" (a folk song with flutes and drums), and the "Waraji Odori" (a graceful dance performed to the music).

Events such as the "Waraji Race," where participants compete against the clock using straw sandal-shaped carts and floats, and "Dancing Soda Night," where people dance to a rap-style remake of the traditional "Waraji Ondo" folk song, are also held.

[Summer, Aizu Area] The Aizu Festival: A graceful historical spectacle unfolds.

The Aizu Festival is said to be the largest festival in the Aizu region.Its roots are said to lie in a lantern procession held in 1928 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Chichibu Yasuhito and Matsudaira Setsuko, the granddaughter of Matsudaira Katamori. It also carries the meaning of comforting the spirits of the Aizu domain lords and others who lost their lives in the Boshin War, and expressing gratitude to our ancestors.

The Aizu Festival features six events over three days, including the "Lantern Procession" and the "Aizu Bandaisan Dance."The "Aizu Clan Lord's Procession" is the largest event of the Aizu Festival.It is said that...

[About the various events of the Aizu Festival]
Lantern procession... An event that signals the start of the Aizu Festival. Aizu Bandaisan Dance... Enjoy traditional circle dancing to folk songs. A memorial service for our ancestors... A ceremony to commemorate and honor the Aizu samurai who died in the Boshin War. Aizu Domain School Procession... A departure ceremony was held at the main keep of Tsuruga Castle, with over 500 people parading in samurai attire. Marching band parade... A parade by elementary school students from the city. Nisshinkan Children's Procession... Elementary school children dressed as samurai march towards Tsuruga Castle.

Please note that the events and venues will vary depending on the date.

[Autumn, Nakadori Area] The "Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival" lights up the night sky.

The Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival is the annual festival of Nihonmatsu Shrine, which has a history of approximately 370 years. It is designated as an important intangible folk cultural property of Fukushima Prefecture, and it is said to have originated when Niwa Mitsushige, the lord of Nihonmatsu Castle, enshrined Nihonmatsu Shrine and allowed his people to freely worship there.

The highlight of the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival is said to be the "Evening Festival" on the first day.During the evening festival, seven taiko drum floats, adorned with countless lanterns, parade through the city from each neighborhood, accompanied by shouts and music. This is the only day when all the neighborhoods participate in the nighttime procession.The scene created by 3,000 lanterns lit in red.You can enjoy this. Finally, we will gather in front of Nihonmatsu Station, and the evening festival will come to an end.

On the second day of the main festival, the "Mikoshi Togyo" (portable shrine procession), considered the most important event of the annual festival, takes place. In the evening, the taiko drum floats return to their respective neighborhoods, their lanterns lit once again, and parade through the streets. On the third day, the post-festival, a joint procession of lantern-lit floats takes place, and the festival music resonates until late into the night.

[Winter, Aizu Area] Flames flickering in the snowy landscape: "Aizu Picture Candle Festival"

The Aizu Picture Candle Festival is an event that showcases the charm of Aizu picture candles, a traditional craft of Aizu. Aizu picture candles are characterized by seasonal flowers such as chrysanthemums, peonies, and wisteria painted on their surface, and each one is handmade by artisans.

The festival takes place over two days, and approximately 10,000 Aizu-style painted candles and other lights are lit at various locations throughout the city.The event will be held at two locations: Tsuruga Castle and Oyakuen Garden, a Japanese garden designated as a national scenic spot. Each location offers a different view to enjoy.

At Tsuruga Castle, painted candles will be lit in tile lanterns made of Aizu Hongo ware and in Aizu lacquerware candlesticks. At Oyakuen Garden, bamboo tubes will be arranged around a heart-shaped pond, creating a mystical atmosphere. In addition, elaborately decorated painted candles will be lit at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, Kitademaru Avenue, and Noguchi Hideyo Youth Street, among other locations.

Depending on the weather,A snowy landscape illuminated by candlelightYou'll enjoy it.

Where should you base yourself for your festival trip? A stay plan that includes "fun, accommodation, and relaxation."

Many people may be wondering, "I want to go to Fukushima's famous festival, but I can't book a hotel near the venue." In that case, why not make Iwaki City your base for your festival trip?

Iwaki City is relatively close to Tokyo and is conveniently located for Access the festivals mentioned by car or train. When staying in Iwaki City,Spa Resort Hawaiians offers four hotels with different concepts to choose from.I recommend this.

At Spa Resort Hawaiians, you can enjoy a large open-air bath using Iwaki Yumoto hot Hot springs, as well as a water park, shopping, and gourmet food. Planning your trip to include swimming in the pool during the day and a festival at night will increase the fun for your children and make your family trip even more satisfying.

If you stay at one of the affiliated hotels, you will receive a 2-day water park admission ticket.Therefore, it's also recommended for a 2-night, 3-day trip using weekends or holidays.

Spa Resort Hawaiians Hotel Hawaiians

Hotel Hawaiians is a large hotel featuring three large public baths with natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source. Access is accessible to Spa Resort Hawaiians via a connecting walkway.

We offer a wide variety of Guest rooms types, including many suitable for family trips.In addition to the "Kizuna Suite Twin + 4.5 tatami mats" with a living space, and the "Superior Fourth" with a private toilet and separate washbasin, there are also rooms with Hot springs baths.

Our buffet offers a variety of dishes to choose from, and we also have a kids' menu.For dinner, you can enjoy approximately 90 kinds of freshly prepared Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. For breakfast, Hawaiian dishes and local Fukushima cuisine are available.

Spa Resort Hawaiians VIR PORT

Willport is a resort hotel located closest to the water park.It is designed to evoke the image of a Mediterranean resort, and you can enjoy a different design on each floor.

The "Superior" type Guest rooms are spacious at 41 square meters and feature plush mattress beds for relaxation. There are also "Welcome Baby Room" certified by the Miki House Childcare Research Institute, ensuring peace of mind for families with babies.

Food are served buffet-style in Restaurant exclusively for hotel guests. For dinner,All-you-can-eat Fukushima Prefecture Sakura Beef and seasonal dessertsYou can enjoy various dishes, and for breakfast, you can have local Fukushima cuisine or Hawaiian dishes. Kids' menus and children's tableware are also available.

Spa Resort Hawaiians Monolith Tower

Monolith Tower is a resort hotel adorned with art.The spa inside the building features a natural hot spring bath with continuously flowing water, a shallow bath for parents and children to enjoy together, and a space for washing each other's backs.It is available.

We offer a variety of Guest rooms, including the "Superior Japanese-Western Style Room" with a raised platform featuring Ryukyu tatami mats, and the "Family Loft" with a loft. The "Junior Suite," with its spaciousness and stunning views from the top floor, is also recommended for family trips.

At the dinner buffet,Hawaiians’ original "French Polynesian cuisine"You can enjoy a variety of dishes. The breakfast buffet includes "Hawaiians Omelets" and Fukushima's local specialty, "Cream Box."

Spa Resort Hawaiians Mauna Village

"Mauna Village" is a glamping facility equipped with a large public bath and a village park where families can play.The rooms are equipped with amenities such as beds and air conditioning, so you can enjoy a comfortable stay just like in a hotel.

For families with children, we recommend the "ASOBI Tent," which features a children's bouldering wall and slide. Other options include an onion-shaped large tent and the "Hawaiians Tent," which offers a panoramic view of the entire facility.

Each room has its own private bonfire space.One of the attractions is that you can enjoy roasted marshmallows and popcorn (for an additional charge). For dinner, you can have a barbecue using ingredients from Fukushima, and for breakfast, you can have eggs Benedict (for adults) or pancakes (for children).

Summary

Fukushima Prefecture boasts numerous fascinating festivals, from those offering fantastical scenery to those with over 1,000 years of history. Experience the traditions and culture, and share cultural moments with your family.

If you're planning to attend one of the festivals in Fukushima Prefecture that we've mentioned, we recommend staying at the Spa Resort Hawaiians hotel in Iwaki City. It offers easy Access to the festival grounds, and you can also enjoy Hot springs and other leisure activities within the resort, making for a more satisfying experience.

If you find a festival or hotel that interests you, take advantage of a long weekend or weekend to go with your family right away.