List of Ichinoseki Summer Festivals 2026
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 23
1. Ichinoseki Summer Festival
At the festival's main venue in Ōmachi, Ichinoseki City, elaborate Tanabata decorations beautifully adorn the streets, creating a festive atmosphere.
The powerful beat of the Toki no Taiko ("Drums of Time") echoes throughout the town, while the spectacular Iwai River Opening Fireworks Festival lights up the night sky with a dazzling display.
The festival also features a lively mikoshi (portable shrine) procession, as well as energetic performances such as the Kochakoi Dance and the Kurukuru Dance, both of which invite participation from local residents and fill the streets with excitement.
Day 1 highlights (August 7): Fireworks at Iwai River🎆
Where: Along the bank of the Iwai River in Ichinoseki
Start time: around 7pm
Day 2 highlights (August 8): taiko drums, Kurukuru dance parade, mikoshi, samba contest, street food
💃 International residents of Ichinoseki, if you'd like to get involved in the dance parade, please check out this link
Day 3 highlights (August 9): Mikoshi, festivities - and more
Where: centered around Omachi, Ichinoseki
Fujisawa Noyaki Festival
The Fujisawa Noyaki Festival began in 1976 when archaeologist Hanjuro Shiono proposed a festival to revive the ancient Jomon method of open-air pottery firing. This year marks the festival's 49th edition.
At the festival's Special Jomon Village in the Fujisawa Sports Plaza, hundreds of clay artworks are fired overnight in specially constructed Jomon-style kilns.
The towering flames light up the night sky, creating a spectacular and almost otherworldly atmosphere. The fired works are removed from the kilns the following morning and taken to the judging venue.
The entries are evaluated by Chief Judge Kenji Kaneko, Director of the Ibaraki Ceramic Art Museum, along with ten other judges, who select the prize winners.
For more information, please visit the festival's official website.
When: Aug 8th-9th
Where: Fujisawa Undo Park 藤沢運動広場
For more: http://noyaki.net/
Surisawa Crystal Andon Festival
From August 13 to 15, more than 400 traditional paper lanterns (andon) of various sizes light up the streets of the Surisawa Shopping District, stretching from JR Surisawa Station, the gateway to Daito, to the picturesque Kuramachi Street. Their warm glow creates a beautiful summer evening atmosphere.
This long-standing festival welcomes visitors returning home for the Obon holiday.
On August 14, the local merchants' association will also host the Yotsukado Rakuichi (Four Corners Market) from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
When: August 13th-15th (18:00~21:00)
Where: Surisawa Station to Surisawa shopping street/arcade (摺沢商店街)
Ohara Daruma Festival
Local youth carry a giant handmade daruma doll through the Ohara shopping district. After running through the streets while praying for good health and protection from illness, the daruma is taken to the riverside and ceremonially burned, bringing the festival to a dramatic and fiery finale When: August 15, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Ohara Shopping District(Ohara, Daito-cho, Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture)
Cost: Free
10,000 fireworks, featuring water-launched fireworks and massive 2-shaku balls, are set off, providing you with the ultimate fireworks experience.
Please note that setting up tents in viewing areas is prohibited. We appreciate your cooperation.
When: August 16th
Where: The Town of Kawasaki, along the bank of the Kitakami River (near the Kitakami Ohashi brigde). Start time for fireworks: 7pm
Cost: 500 yen per person as a cooperation fee when entering the viewing area (free of charge for children under elementary school age)
1,000 yen per car for paid parking
The National Craft Beer Festival in Ichinoseki, draws beer lovers nationwide eager to sample local brews. Enjoy a diverse selection of beers and dishes featuring local ingredients.
This year, breweries from all over the country will showcase more than 150 types of their finest craft beers. Local eateries will offer snacks highlighting regional produce like eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes, providing a true taste of Ichinoseki. The extensive variety of food makes it a family-friendly event, attracting many families with children.
When: August 21 to 23
Where: in front of the Ichinoseki Culture Center and library
Cost: entry is free. To purchase your beers and food this year, pay at each booth (there is no more ticket system)
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