Event date and time schedule (maybe subject to change)
Spring Events
The Toaka Wild Mountain Sakura Festival
Municipality (Area):Shimogo-machi
Date
Venue
20 minutes by car from the Aizu Railway’s Aizu Shimogo Station
Event Information
Enjoy the wild cherry-blossom trees that turn the mountains pink while eating soba and mochi rice cakes.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Toaka-mura Collective Development Committee
0241-67-2020
Website (Japanese)
The Aizu Higanjishi (Three Lion Dance)
Municipality (Area):Aizuwakamatsu City
Date
Venue
Event Information
A traditional event in Aizu. Three dancers dressed as lions dance an old-fashioned dance in time with flute and drum, performing in various areas around the city.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Aizuwakamatsu Tourism Bureau
0242-23-8000
Website (Japanese)
The Tsurugajo Castle Sakura Festival
Municipality (Area):Aizuwakamatsu City
Date
10 minutes by car from the JR Ban'etsu Line’s Aizuwakamatsu Station
Event Information
A children’s mikoshi (portable shrine) parade, light up event, plant market, and tea ceremony will be held.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Aizu Matsuri Association
0242-23-4141
Website (Japanese)
The Rapeseed Flower Festival in Sannokura Plateau
Municipality (Area):Kitakata City
Date
Venue
30 minutes by car from the JR Ban'etsu Line’s Kitakata Station
Event Information
Fields of Rapeseed flowers are spread throughout the area. There is also a Rapeseed maze, and a local goods corner.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
The Atsushiokano Branch Office, Industry Division
0241-36-2115
Website (Japanese)
The Katakuri Lily and Sakura Festival
Municipality (Area):Mishima-machi
Date
Venue
10 minutes by car from the JR Tadami Line’s Aizu Nishikata Station
Event Information
The Katakuri lilies that bloom on the mountains of the huge park (4 hectares) are a sight to be seen. Wild sakura trees can also be enjoyed at the right time.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Mishima-machi Tourism Association
0241-48-5000
Website (Japanese)
The Mt. Hakase Skunk Cabbage Festival
Municipality (Area):Showa-mura
Date
40 minutes by car from the JR Tadami Line’s Aizu Kawaguchi Station, or 50 minutes by car from the Aizu Railway’s Aizu Tajima Station
Event Information
Explore thousands of Skunk Cabbages spread throughout the birch tree forest.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Showa-mura Tourism Association
0241-57-3100
Website (Japanese)
The Torioi Kannon Temple Wakaba Spring Festival
Municipality (Area):Nishi Aizu-machi
Date
Venue
10 minutes by car from the JR Ban'etsu Line’s Nozawa Station
Event Information
The spring festival of Torioi Kannon Temple, one of the top three kannon temples in Aizu. During the festival, the shrine’s principal deity statue will be on display.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Torioi Kannon Temple
0241-45-2061
Website (Japanese)
The Kannonjigawa River Sakura Festival
Municipality (Area):Inawashiro-machi
Date
2 minutes on foot from the JR Ban’etsu Line’s Kawageta Station
Event Information
The spot for cherry-blossom viewing in Inawashiro-machi. Stalls will be set up, and the sakura trees are lit up at night for night-viewing as well.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Inawashiro Tourism Association
0242-62-2048
The Spring Gagaku Concert
Municipality (Area):Bandai-machi
Date
Venue
5 minutes by car from JR Bandai-machi Station
Event Information
Gagaku, known as the “world’s oldest orchestra”, will be performed at the site of the Historical Enichiji Temple hall site.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Bandaisan Enichiji Temple Museum
0242-73-3000
Website (Japanese)
The Atago Kami Festival Kabuki Offering Song
Municipality (Area):Hinoemata-mura
Date
Venue
70 minutes by car from the Aizu Railway’s Aizu Tajima Station
Event Information
A traditional performance that has been performed since the Edo Period. The villagers perform all of the roles, from the actors to the stagehands.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Oze Hinoemata Onsen Tourism Association
0241-75-2432
Summer Events
The One Million Year Walk
Municipality (Area):Shimogo-machi
Date
Venue
In front of the Aizu Railway Yunokami Onsen Station
Event Information
The walk starts at Yunokami Onsen Station, and finishes off at To no Hetsuri .Rare Alpine plants can also be seen.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Shimogo-machi Chamber of Commerce
0241-67-3135
Website(Japanese)
The Ayame Iris Festival
Municipality (Area):Aizu Misato-machi
Date
Venue
10 minutes by car from the JR Tadami Line’s Aizu Takada Station
Event Information
Come enjoy the variety of irises blooming throughout this Japanese-style garden. Tea ceremony and other events are held on Saturdays and Sundays.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Aizu Misato-machi Tourism Association
0242-56-4882
Website(Japanese)
Retro Sidestreet
Municipality (Area):Kitakata City
Date
Venue
5 minutes by car from the JR Ban’etsu Line’s Kitakata Station
Event Information
Travel back in time when you visit these streets, recreated in the spirit of Japan during the 50’s/60’s.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Aizu Kitakata Chamber of Commerce
0241-24-3131
Website(Japanese)
The Karamushi Weaving Village Fair
Municipality (Area):Showa-mura
Date
Venue
25 minutes by car from JR Aizu Kawaguchi Station, or 40 minutes by car from the Aizu Railway’s Aizu Tajima Station
Event Information
Various events will be held, including a display of ancient cloth artifacts, a demonstration of karamushi (ramie) weaving techniques, and tours of the Ramie and Baby’s Breath fields.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Showa-mura Tourism Association
0241-57-3100
Website(Japanese)
Welcome to the Tadami Line! Tadami Snow Festival
Municipality (Area):Tadami-machi
Date
Venue
In front of the JR Tadami Line’s Tadami Station
Event Information
Local products including sake, doburoku (unrefined sake), vegetables, miso, and rice are stored in snow during the winter, and opened at this event.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Tadami-machi Yuki Muro Executive Committee, a part of Aizu Tadami Promotion Group
0241-83-1733
Website(Japanese)
The Inawashiro Fireworks Show
Municipality (Area):Inawashiro-machi
Date
Venue
20 minutes by car from the JR Ban’etsu Line’s Inawashiro Station
Event Information
A fireworks display of about 3000 fireworks that color the night sky. A variety of events will also be held, and stalls will also be open.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Inawashiro Tourism Association
0242-62-2048
The Aizu Tajima Gion Festival
Municipality (Area):Minami Aizu-machi
Date
Venue
Near the Aizu Railway’s Aizu Tajima Station
Event Information
Women wearing wedding kimono parade through the streets. A children’s kabuki performance and other events will also be held.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Minami Aizu-machi Tourist Association
0241-62-3000
Website(Japanese)
The Urbandai Hi no Yama Festival
Municipality (Area):Kitashiobara-mura
Date
Venue
30 minutes by car from the JR Ban’etsu Line’s Inawashiro Station
Event Information
This event features fireworks accompanied by announcements, and fireworks that skim the surface of Lake Hibara.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Urabandai Tourism Association
0241-32-2349
Website(Japanese)
The Mitama Matsuri Ryuto Fireworks Show
Municipality (Area):Yanaizu-machi
Date
Venue
5 minutes by foot from the JR Tadami Line’s Aizu Yanaizu Station
Event Information
A fireworks display meant to honor the ancestors. Once it gets dark, fireworks will be displayed from the shore of the Tadami River.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Yanaizu Tourism Association
0241-42-2346
Website(Japanese)
The Mid-Summer Snow Festival
Municipality (Area):Hinoemata-mura
Date
Venue
60 minutes by car from the Aizu Railway’s Aizu Tajima Station
Event Information
Come enjoy playing in snow during the summer. Events including snow sports, snow fireworks, and a beer garden will be held.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Oze Hinoemata Onsen Tourism Association
0241-75-2432
Autumn Events
The Aizu Festival
Municipality (Area):Aizuwakamatsu City
Date
Venue
10 minutes by car from the JR Ban’etsu Line’s Aizuwakamatsu Station
Event Information
The main event in the Aizu Clan Parade. Over 600 people dressed as members of the Aizu Clan will parade through the streets.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
The Aizuwakamatsu Tourism Bureau
0242-23-8000
Kabuki no Yube (An Evening of Kabuki)
Municipality (Area):Hinoemata-mura
Date
Venue
70 minutes by car from the Aizu Railway’s Aizu Tajima Station
Event Information
A traditional performance that has been performed since the Edo Period. The villagers perform all of the roles, from the actors to the stagehands. This performance is the last performance of the year.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Oze Hinoemata Onsen Tourism Association
0241-75-2432
The Aizu Shiokawa Balloon Festival
Municipality (Area):Kitakata City
Date
Venue
20 minutes on foot from the JR Ban’etsu Line’s Shiokawa Station
Event Information
Over 30 hot air balloons from all over the country come to participate and compete in the autumn Kitakata sky.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Kitakata City Shiokawa General Branch, Industry Division
0241-27-2122
Website(Japanese)
The Oku Aizu Gottsuo Festival
Municipality (Area):Kaneyama-machi
Date
Venue
5 minutes on foot from the JR Tadami Line’s Aizu Nakagawa Station
Event Information
The Gottsuo festival in Oku Aizu is a feast. Enjoy some autumn soba, and the taste of autumn in Oku Aizu.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Kaneyama-machi Commercial Tourism Division (Building & Industry Section)
0241-54-5327
Website(Japanese)
The Nishi Aizu Furusato Festival
Municipality (Area):Nishi Aizu-machi
Date
Venue
10 minutes by car from the JR Ban’etsu Line’s Nozawa Station
Event Information
A variety of events will be held, including a national geta throwing competition, and an autumn walk.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Nishi Aizu Furusato Promotional Committee (Nishi Aizu-machi Commerce and Industry Tourism Division)
0241-45-2213
Website(Japanese)
The Lake Inawashiro Half Marathon
Municipality (Area):Inawashiro-machi
Date
Venue
10 minutes by car from the JR Ban’etsu Line’s Inawashiro Station
Event Information
A marathon event that circles Lake Inawashiro.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Lake Inawashiro Half Marathon Executive Office
0242-62-5365
Website
Yugawa-mura Shin-mai (New Rice) Festival
Municipality (Area):Yugawa-mura
Date
Venue
15 minutes by car from the JR Ban’etsu Line’s Dojima Station
Event Information
This event is held to showcase Aizu Yugawa Rice to people from other areas. Rice harvesting and a lottery to win freshly harvested rice will be held.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Yugawa-mura Industry, Culture, Festival Executive Committee
0241-27-8840
Website(Japanese)
The Urabandai Autumn Festival
Municipality (Area):Kitashiobara-mura
Date
Venue
30 minutes by car from the JR Ban’etsu Line’s Inawashiro Station
Event Information
Over 3,000 servings of Mushroom Hotpot using seasonal vegetables and mushrooms harvested in Kitashiobara Village will be served.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Urabandai Tourism Association
0241-32-2349
Website
The Bange Inishie Kaidou Shin-Soba (Ancient Route, New Soba) Festival
Municipality (Area):Aizu Bange-machi
Date
Venue
10 minutes by car from the JR Tadami Line’s Todera Station
Event Information
Come enjoy the delicious taste of soba made from 100% Aizubange buckwheat flour.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Aizu Bange-machi Tourism & Products Association
0242-83-2111
Website(Japanese)
Oyakuen Garden Koyou no Tsudoi (Autumn Leaf Viewing)
Municipality (Area):Aizuwakamatsu City
Date
Venue
10 minutes by car from the JR Ban’etsu Line’s Aizuwakamatsu Station
Event Information
Oyakuen Medicinal Herb Garden was a favorite place of the lords of Aizu. Come spend a relaxing time viewing the colors of autumn.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Aizuwakamatsu Tourism Bureau Oyakuen
0242-27-2472
Winter Events
The Bange First Otawara Hiki (Straw Bale Tug of War)
Municipality (Area):Aizu Bange-machi
Date
Venue
10 minutes on foot from the JR Tadami Line’s Aizubange Station
Event Information
In the cold of winter, two groups are divided to the east and west, to compete in a tug of war using a bale of hay that weighs 5 tons. Who wins or loses will determined the kind of good luck for the year.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Aizu Bange-machi Tourism & Products Association
0242-83-2111
Website
The Kisai Otawara Hiki (Unique Festival: Straw Bale Tug of War)
Municipality (Area):Aizu Misato-machi
Date
Venue
20 minutes on foot from the JR Aizu Takada Station
Event Information
A 3 ton bale of hay is fought over in a tug of war between a red and white team. Who wins and loses determines whether there will be good harvest or prosperous business in the coming year.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Aizu Misato-machi Tourism Association
0242-56-4882
Website(Japanese)
The Nanokado Hadaka Mairi (The Naked Man Festival)
Municipality (Area):Yanaizu-machi
Date
Venue
10 minutes on foot from the JR Tadami Line’s Aizu Yanaizu Station
Event Information
Men wearing nothing but traditional fundoshi race up 113 stone steps to be the first to climb the rope to the rafters of the temple hall, and win good fortune for the year.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Yanaizu Tourism Association
0241-42-2346
Website(Japanese)
Tokaichi Market
Municipality (Area):Aizuwakamatsu City
Date
Venue
Nearest stations include Aizuwakamatsu Station and Nanukamachi Station
Event Information
The market has a history of over 400 years in Aizuwakamatsu. Various lucky items are for sale at stalls lining the streets, including Okiagari Koboshi figures, traditional pinwheels, candy and more.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Aizuwakamatsu City Street Stall Association
0242-37-2789
The Karamushi Weaving Village Snow Festival
Municipality (Area):Showa-mura
Date
Venue
25 minutes by car from JR Aizu Kawaguchi Station, or 40 minutes by car from the Aizu Railway’s Aizu Tajima Station
Event Information
A rare opportunity to experience the tradition of “winter plant” ramie weaving in current day.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Showa-mura Tourism Association
0241-57-3100
Website(Japanese)
The Aizu Kaneyama Snow Festival
Municipality (Area):Kaneyama-machi
Date
Venue
5 minutes on foot from the JR Tadami Line’s Aizu Nakagawa Station
Event Information
Stage shows and snow removal competitions will be held. Enjoy the special products and local cuisine that are the pride of Oku Aizu.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
The Oku Aizu Snow Festival Executive Committee
0241-54-2311
The Aizu Erousoku (Painted Candle) Festival
Municipality (Area):Aizuwakamatsu City
Date
Venue
Event Information
This even celebrates the erousoku painted candle, a traditional folkcraft of Aizu. Enjoy the fleeting beauty of the snowy landscape, illuminated by 10,000 candles.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Aizu Erousoku Festival Executive Committee
0242-36-5043
Website(Japanese)
The Snow and Fire Festival
Municipality (Area):Mishima-machi
Date
Venue
20 minutes on foot from the JR Tadami Line’s Aizu Miyashita Station
Event Information
A traditional winter festival that asks for good fortune for families, health, and a bountiful harvest.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Mishima-machi Tourism Association
0241-48-5000
Website(Japanese)
The Ouchijuku Snow Festival
Municipality (Area):Shimogo-machi
Date
Venue
15 minutes by car from the Aizu Railway’s Yunokami Onsen Station
Event Information
Ouchijuku is the remnants of a post town that existed in the Edo period. In the evening, enjoy the beauty of the lanterns that light up the pure white snow.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Shimogo-machi Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Division
0241-69-1144
Website(Japanese)
The Tadami Furusato Snow Festival
Municipality (Area):Tadami-machi
Date
Venue
Near the JR Tadami Line’s Tadami Station
Event Information
Various large and small snow sculptures are created along the sides of the building. At night, the area is lit up, and fireworks fill the winter night sky.
Inquiries (in Japanese)
Tadami Furusato Snow Festival Executive Committee
0241-82-5240