1. Iwai River Fireworks
When: August 2nd
Where: along the bank of the Iwai River in Ichinoseki
Start time: around 7pm
Cost: Free
Link: http://www.ichitabi.jp/event/data.php?no=88&m=8
2. Hanaizumi Mochi (pounding) Festival
(The #1 mochi pounding festival in Japan!) On the night of the 3rd, the local junior high school band performs music and taiko. On the 4th is the major mochi-pouding event! You can try the mochi for free!
When: August 3rd - 4th
Where: in front of Hanaizumi Town Hall
Link: http://www.ichitabi.jp/event/data.php?no=95&m=8
3. Ichinoseki Summer Festival
Tanabata decorations, dancing, omikoshi, taiko drums! Day 1 (August 2nd): Fireworks at Iwai River
Day 2 (August 3rd): Kurukuru dance, taiko drums, mikoshi, samba contest, street food
Day 3 (August 4th): Mikoshi, festivities - and more
Where: mainly at Omachi, Ichinoseki
Link: http://www.ichitabi.jp/event/data.php?no=63&m=8
4.Fujisawa Noyaki (field burning) Festival
An event to celebrate Jomon-style pottery.
Watch as the night is lit up by a scorching pillar of flames and experience jomon-style foods. Pottery works are baked in kilns throughout the night and judged the next morning. Who will win this grand prize this year?
When: August 10th (18:30-23:00, the jomon noyaki event) - 11th (9am~ examination of works)
Where : Fujisawa Undo Park 藤沢運動広場
Cost:free Link: http://noyaki.net/
5. Surisawa Crystal Andon Festival
For three nights, 400 beautiful andon lanterns will light up the streets of Surisawa.
When: August 13th-15th
Where: Surisawa Station to Surisawa shopping street/arcade (摺沢商店街)
Cost:free Link: https://www.facebook.com/surisawa.andonfes/?ref=br_rs
6. Kawasaki Summer Festival and fireworks extravaganza!
Probably one of, if not THE biggest fireworks show in Iwate!
When: August 16th
Where: Kawasaki town, along the bank of the Kitakami River, beside the Kawasaki big bridge. Start time (for fireworks) : 7pm
Cost:free (event parking costs 1000yen)
Link: http://www.ichinoseki-cci.com/area/kawasaki/page.php ***people come from ALL over for this event, so it gets pretty busy! Suggest getting there early to enjoy the festival and also to secure a good spot!
7. ......And of course, the Ichinoseki Beer Festival !
Be a part of one of the biggest beer festivals in Japan! There will be a selection of hundreds of craft beers from Iwate and all over Japan!
When: August 23rd ~ 25th
Where: in front of the Ichinoseki Culture Center and library
Cost: entry is free, but a batch of tickets are about 2000 yen (pre-sale tickets can be purchased at places like Ichiba (一ＢＡ）outside of the west exit of Ichinoseki Station).
Start times: 8/23: 15:00~20:00 8/24: 11:00~20:00 8/25: 11:00 ~18:00 Link: https://www.facebook.com/ichinosekibeer