Luan in Japan ・ Stories from Ichinohe

The earliest autumn festival in northern Iwate Prefecture! Every year, on the last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of August, Ichinohe Town comes alive with a grand event dedicated to mark the changing of the seasons with color, music, and timeless tradition (More than 200 years!) Three unforgettable days, the town fills with the sounds of drums and flutes as portable shrines are carried through the streets. Visitors can experience Ichinohe’s proud performing arts, such as the dynamic Nebata Deer Dance, a tradition recognized as an intangible folk cultural asset of Iwate Prefecture, and more! But the true highlight of the festival is the procession of five magnificent floats. Unlike anywhere else, each float showcases the Nanbu style entirely handcrafted by local float groups who pass down their skills from generation to generation inspired on old folk tales. A breathtaking display of visual arts, performance, music and dance. The community spirit, as the floats illuminate Ichinohe’s streets, remind us of the deep cultural roots that continue to thrive today.

🗓 Date: Saturday, June 28 🕐 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Venue: Ichinohe Town Ichinohe Junior High School (12 Sunamori, Ichinohe Town) 🎟️ Admission: Free

🗓 Date: Sunday, June 15 🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM 📍 Venue: Bandai-kan Theater (万代舘) 🎟️ Admission: Free

Join us for the Fuji Shima Instagram Live matsuri, where we'll be showcasing traditional Japanese culture and entertainment.

Event Details: 📅 Sunday, May 18th 🕚 From 11:00 AM 📍 Kozuya Elementary School Gym (right next to Kozuya Station) 🚃 About 1 hour from Morioka (IGR) / 50 min from Hachinohe (Aoimori) 🎟 Free admission