Iwate’s Fall, Bathed in the Colors of the Festival. [Iwate Tourism Campaign Promotion Council]

Hanamaki Festival

“The Hanamaki Festival, with a history spanning more than 430 years”

In Hanamaki City, located nearly in the center of Iwate Prefecture, the “Hanamaki Festival” is held every fall.

With a history and tradition spanning over 430 years, this festival features beautiful, elegant floats with flickering flames; majestic mikoshi that set a world record for the largest number gathered in one place; the Shika Odori and Kagura Gongen Mai dances, which have been passed down since ancient times, and the elegant Hanamaki Bayashi Odori—all of which showcase the full splendor of Hanamaki’s traditional culture.

In 2015, the Hanamaki Festival set a world record for the “number of mikoshi paraded at the festival grounds.” The number was a staggering 114! During the festival, the entire city is filled with excitement and energy.Please come and experience this autumn festival—one of the finest in the Tohoku region—which is truly “magnificent and splendid.”

■Dates: September 11 (Fri) – 13 (Sun), 2026
■Venue: Kamimachi “Festival Plaza” (around the Kamimachi Arcade, Hanamaki City)
■Access: About a 15-minute walk from Hanamaki Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line
■Inquiries: Hanamaki Festival Executive Committee (Hanamaki City Tourism Division) 0198-41-3542
■Click here for details　 Hanamaki City Website [Announcement from the Hanamaki Festival Executive Committee]

Morioka Autumn Festival

“A gathering of the neighborhood floats each community is proud of! A seasonal tradition that heralds the arrival of autumn in Morioka”

Morioka Hachiman Shrine, founded in 1680 by Lord Nanbu Shigenobu, the 29th head of the Nanbu clan, is known as the guardian shrine of Morioka. As a center of faith and a place for celebrations deeply rooted in the lives of the people, it attracts many visitors throughout the year.

Held in conjunction with the annual festival of Morioka Hachiman Shrine is the “Morioka Autumn Festival,” during which floats from each neighborhood gather and parade through the city. This festival is said to have originated in 1709 to celebrate the completion of the 23 neighborhoods of the castle town of the Morioka Domain, which had a revenue of 200,000 koku,It is said to have originated when young people from each district presented elaborately designed emblems to Morioka Hachiman Shrine and paraded down the main street of the castle town for three days.

Every year, around the time the Obon festival ends, each neighborhood begins building its festival floats, and at the same time, drum practice for the festival begins. It’s said that when people hear the sound of drums coming from all around, they truly feel that autumn has arrived.

The highlights of the festival are the Hachiman-gori Parade on the 14th and the Float Procession on the 15th. All the floats gather together and parade through the city to the sound of drums. The large floats that suddenly appear at street corners bring the spirit of autumn to Morioka.

■Event Dates: September 14 (Mon) – 16 (Wed), 2026
■Venue: Morioka Hachimangu Shrine and throughout Morioka City
■Access: Morioka Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line
■Inquiries: Morioka Tourism and Convention Association (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation) 019-621-8800
■Click here for details　 Morioka Autumn Festival | Morioka Tourism Information

Otsuchi Festival

“Sanriku Autumn Festival: Where Tradition Meets Excitement”

The Ōtsuchi Festival is a collective term for the two annual grand festivals held at Ōtsuchi Inari Shrine and Kotsuchi Shrine.
From the Yoimiya Festival at Ōtsuchi Inari Shrine to the arrival of the mikoshi procession at Kotsuchi Shrine, the entire town is filled with a lively, electric atmosphere throughout the festival period.

The highlight is the “river crossing,” in which the mikoshi is carried across the river.At Ōtsuchi Inari Shrine, the mikoshi crosses the Ōtsuchi River, and at Kotsuchi Shrine, it crosses the Kotsuchi River. The sight of the mikoshi making its way down the river, sending up sprays of water, and the courageous bearing of the bearers is truly spectacular.

In addition, at the “Hikifune Festival” held at Ōtsuchi Inari Shrine, a procession centered around an imperial barge carrying a portable shrine circles the bay toward Horai Island—the town’s symbol—and features a variety of highlights, including tiger dances, shishiodori,and Ōkagura—all performed by 17 local performing arts groups from the town—all coming together in one place, offering plenty of highlights to enjoy.

Why not visit the Sanriku-Otsuchi Festival—a three-day celebration where tradition and excitement come together—to welcome the arrival of fall?

■Event Dates: September 18 (Fri) – 20 (Sun), 2026
■Venue: Otsuchi Inari Shrine, Kozuchi Shrine, downtown Otsuchi, and other locations
■Access: About a 15-minute walk from Otsuchi Station on the Sanriku Railway Rias Line
■Inquiries: Otsuchi Town Tourism and Exchange Association (General Incorporated Association) 0193-42-5121
■Click here for details　 Otsuchi Town Tourism and Exchange Association (General Incorporated Association)

Kuji Autumn Festival

“The largest fall festival in the northern part of the prefecture, with a history spanning over 600 years!”

In Kuji City, located on the coast of northeastern Iwate Prefecture, the “Kuji Autumn Festival” is held every year from the third Friday to Sunday in September.Boasting a history and tradition dating back to the 1360s—more than 600 years—it is the largest festival in northern Iwate Prefecture and is said to have originated as a way to pray for and give thanks for bountiful harvests and the warding off of disasters and the bringing of good fortune.

The highlight of the “Kuji Autumn Festival” is the float parade. On the first day’s “O-tori” and the final day’s “O-kaeri,” all eight groups of floats and portable shrines from across the city parade down the city’s main streets.The floats are elaborately crafted each year with new designs inspired by Kabuki and historical tales. They feature special mechanisms—such as decorations that rise up or smoke that billows out—and when these effects are activated during the parade in time with the “Ondo” songs that each float group takes pride in, the audience erupts in applause and cheers.

At the eve of the festival, festival floats and portable shrines gather together, and the sounds of festival music echo through the streets; on the main day, a parade of local performing arts takes place,featuring street dances such as “Nanyadoyara”—said to be the oldest Bon dance—as well as a Soran dance performed by local junior high school students. One of the festival’s attractions is that visitors can enjoy every moment from the eve of the festival through to the very last day.

■Dates: September 18 (Fri) – 20 (Sun), 2026 *Pre-festival event on September 17 (Thu)
■Venue: Downtown Kuji and other locations
■Access: About a 10-minute walk from Kuji Station on the JR Hachinohe Line
■Inquiries: Kuji Autumn Festival Executive Committee (Kuji City Tourism and Local Products Association, General Incorporated Association) 0194-66-9200
■Click here for details　 Kuji Autumn Festival

Japan’s hometown Tono Festival

“Experience the Full Range of Traditional Performing Arts Born in Japan’s Hometowns”

Surrounded by mountains, Tono City has long served as a key transportation hub connecting the inland regions with the coast, with many people passing through over the years.With extreme temperature fluctuations, the area frequently suffered severe crop failures during the Edo period. In these harsh conditions, the folk tales and traditional performing arts—passed down from generation to generation—served as a source of comfort and support for the people.

Currently, there are over 60 traditional performing arts groups in Tono City, and the “Japan’s Hometown Tono Festival” is the event where they all come together.On the first day, various folk performing arts groups—including those performing the “Shishi Odori,” “Rice-Planting Dance,” “Nanbu Bayashi,” “Sansa Odori,” and “Kagura”—parade through the streets.In addition, the city streets serve as a stage for the spectacular “Shishi Odori Grand Group Dance,” in which local Shishi Odori groups dance in unison with the audience, as well as a Kagura joint performance featuring various Kagura troupes, and the night unfolds amid a magical atmosphere.

On the second day, at the historic Tono-go Hachiman Shrine Horse Arrows Ground, the Tono Nanbu-style Yabusame, a parade of local performing arts, and Kagura dances will be performed.The Nanbu-style Yabusame ritual, in which an attendant official chases after the archer while repeatedly calling out “Well shot!” is a rare tradition found nowhere else in Japan.

The “Tono: Japan’s Hometown Festival” brings together all of Tono’s traditional performing arts. We invite you to enjoy these traditional performing arts, which have been passed down through the generations.

■Event Dates: September 19 (Sat) – 20 (Sun), 2026
■Venue: September 19 (Sat): Downtown; September 20 (Sun): Tono-go Hachimangu Shrine
■Access
September 19 (Sat): About a 5-minute walk from Tonno Station on the JR Kamaishi Line
September 20 (Sun): About 15 minutes by taxi or paid shuttle bus from Tonno Station on the JR Kamaishi Line
*Parking for private vehicles will be available on both days
■Inquiries: Tonoh City Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) 0198-62-1333
■Click here for details　 Tonohi Time | Tonoh City Tourism Information Site

Miyako Autumn Festival

“The dazzling, beautiful Funayama floats and the community-wide traditional dance are truly spectacular!”

Located at the easternmost tip of Honshu, Miyako City is a port town renowned for the beautiful rias coastline unique to the Sanriku region. “Jodogahama,” a nationally designated scenic spot within Sanriku Revival National Park, is a picturesque location where white volcanic rock known as “ryumongan” rises from the crystal-clear sea.In the summer, it is a popular beach and one of Iwate’s most iconic swimming spots.

Miyako City, which has long been known for its thriving fishing industry, is brimming with fresh seafood, including wild abalone, sea urchins, cod, octopus, and wakame seaweed. Cruise ships and a variety of other vessels call at Miyako Port, attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad to the city.

The “Miyako Autumn Festival” is held every September in Miyako City.
The “Miyako Autumn Festival” is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
The annual “Hand-Dance Parade” on the first day and the “Boat Float Parade” on the second day fill the “town” with excitement.
For this milestone year, the guest on the first day is “Hōsen,” a “NEO Awa Odori” group that is exploring new possibilities in the performing arts.
On the second day, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the sister-city agreement, the “Kuroishi Neputa” from Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture, will vividly light up the night sky over Miyako.

A parade featuring traditional folk dances performed by local residents and elaborately decorated boat floats will add a splash of color to the town, while the spirited chants unique to a port town and the powerful, resonant drumbeats will stir your heart. We hope you’ll come and join us.

■Dates: September 19 (Sat) – 20 (Sun), 2026
■Venue: Downtown Miyako
■Access: About a 1-minute walk from Miyako Station on the JR Yamada Line
■Inquiries: Miyako Autumn Festival Executive Committee (General Incorporated Association) Rikuchu Miyako Junior Chamber of Commerce 0193-65-7266
■Click here for details　 Miyako Autumn Festival / Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture Website Miyako City

Yamada Festival

“A Festival Designated as a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property, Held in a Fishing Town”

Yamada Town, located in the central coastal region of Iwate Prefecture, is home to Yamada Bay and Funakoshi Bay, which are known as some of Japan’s premier fishing grounds.The Funakoshi Peninsula, with its outstanding coastal wilderness scenery featuring cliff faces, rocky shores, and red pine forests, is often called “the last unspoiled wilderness remaining on Honshu” and has been designated as part of the Sanriku Revival National Park (formerly Rikuchu Coast National Park).

In Yamada Town, which is blessed with such bountiful gifts from the sea, the “Yamada Festival” is held every fall. During this festival, the Yoi-matsuri and annual grand festivals of the two shrines—Yamada Hachiman Shrine and Osugi Shrine—are held simultaneously.

At Yamada Hachiman Shrine, founded in the 19th year of the Kyōhō era, a group of people called “toneri” carry the portable shrine and parade through the neighborhood for an entire day.When the portable shrine returns to Yamada Hachiman Shrine after 9:00 p.m., the participants face the “Gokaidori”—climbing the shrine’s steep stone steps. They muster all their strength to carry the shrine to its sanctuary at the top of the steps.

Meanwhile, at Ōsugi Shrine—founded in the 7th year of the Tenmei era—the attendants perform the “Oshio-gori” ritual, in which they immerse themselves in the sea up to their chests to purify the portable shrine.Finally, the portable shrine is placed on a small boat called a “koshibune,” and prayers are offered for maritime safety and a bountiful catch at Myojin Cape, which enshrines the god of the sea. Afterward, the procession returns to land following the “Kaijō Togyo,” a procession around Yamada Bay.

The “Yamada Shin-ko Festival,” a procession in which a divine spirit is transferred to a portable shrine and paraded through the neighborhood, was designated as an “Intangible Folk Cultural Property” of Iwate Prefecture in Reiwa 6 and continues to be passed down by local residents as a traditional festival with a unique cultural heritage.

■Event Dates: September 19 (Sat) – 21 (Mon), 2026
■Venue: Downtown Yamada Town
■Access: About a 10-minute walk from Rikuzan-Yamada Station on the Sanriku Railway Rias Line
■Inquiries: Yamada Town Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association) 0193-65-7901
■Click here for details　 Yamada Festival Official Website

Kamaishi Festival

“The ‘Hikifune Festival,’ Tohoku’s oldest boat festival, and the ‘Joint City Procession’ featuring magnificent mikoshi”

The “Kamaishi Festival” began in Shōwa 42 as a joint festival commemorating the 30th anniversary of Kamaishi City’s establishment, combining the traditional festival of Ozaki Shrine with that of Yamagami Shrine, the guardian shrine of the Kamaishi Steel Works.

It is held annually on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday that include the third Sunday in October. On the first day, the Ozaki Shrine Pre-Festival Ceremony features a dedication of Kagura; on the middle day, in addition to the Yama Shrine Pre-Festival Ceremony, the “Boat-Pulling Festival”—the biggest highlight of the “Kamaishi Festival”—takes place.The “Boat-Pulling Festival” is a traditional event passed down from the Edo period, in which the divine image is transported by boat from the Okumiya (inner shrine) of Ozaki Shrine on the Ozaki Peninsula and returned to the Satomiya (main shrine) located in the city.Led by the imperial barge carrying the portable shrine, more than a dozen boats parade through the harbor with their fishing flags fluttering in the breeze. On board, tiger dances and Kagura performances are dedicated to the gods, and the sight of the boats passing close to the wharf is truly spectacular.

On the final day, a joint procession takes place along the city’s main streets, featuring tiger dances, kagura, festival floats, and folk dances, as well as the magnificent mikoshi from both shrines. The excitement of this traditional festival fills the streets.

■Event Dates: October 16 (Fri) – 18 (Sun), 2026

October 16
Ozaki Shrine Eve Festival 6:00 PM–
October 17
Ozaki Shrine Mikoshi Maritime Procession (Boat-Pulling Festival)11:30 a.m. –
Nippon Steel Yama Shrine Eve Festival 5:30 p.m. –
October 18
Ozaki Shrine and Yama Shrine Joint Festival 11:20 a.m. –
Joint City Procession of Both Shrines’ Mikoshi 12:10 p.m. – Departing from the Kamaishi Local Products Center parking lot,departing from the Otabisho at Yakushi Park around 1:00 PM
■Venue: Downtown Kamaishi and Kamaishi Port (Kamaishi City Fish Market)
■Access: Kamaishi City Center: About a 15-minute walk from Kamaishi Station on the JR Kamaishi Line; Kamaishi Bay (Kamaishi City Fish Market): About a 20-minute walk from Kamaishi Station on the JR Kamaishi Line
■Inquiries: Kamaishi Tourism and Local Products Association (General Incorporated Association) 0193-27-8172
■Click here for details　 [Kama-navi: Kamaishi Tourism] Official Website of the Kamaishi Tourism and Local Products Association

For more information on fall festivals in the prefecture, click here → 　 Iwate’s Fall Festivals