Tohoku is home to six prefectures in northern Japan–Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi, and Fukushima. Each prefectural capital distinctly their own, traditional festivals are highly anticipated events throughout the year. Generally, these festivals are held around the same time in early August–except for one rare opportunity in June.
The Tohoku Kizuna Festival was initially created to remember the lives lost in the Great East Japan Earthquake. Now, it’s an opportunity to collectively celebrate the pride of Tohoku. All six traditional festivals collaborate for the experience of a lifetime–Aomori Nebuta Festival, Akita Kanto Festival, (Iwate) Morioka Sansa Odori Festival, Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, (Miyagi) Sendai Tanabata Festival, and Fukushima Waraji Festival.
In a parade with approximately 1000 dancers, enjoy the gems of Tohoku! With each northern Japan prefecture present, the parade features intricate floats, floating bamboo structures, elegant dances, and songs passed from generations back.
In 2024, the festival was held in Sendai, Miyagi. The parade was held at Jozenji-dori Avenue and Nishikicho Park.
The Tohoku Kizuna Festival is on a rotating yearly basis. It was announced that the festival will be temporarily suspended in 2025, and instead will be exhibited at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. In 2026, the Tohoku Kizuna Festival will be held in Morioka City, Iwate.
The original Tohoku festivals
Listed below are the festivals included in the Tohoku Kizuna Festival and the original dates that they are held.
Aomori Nebuta Festival
Marvelous, illuminated floats depicting legendary warlords and other human figures.
Akita Kanto Festival
Balancing 12-meter long bamboo structures, kantō bearers test and compete with their unique skills.
Iwate Morioka Sansa Odori Festival
In an effort to thank the legend of Mitsuishi, locals dance in a parade involving more than 5,000 taiko drums and 6,000 flutes.
Miyagi Sendai Tanabata Festival
The origin of two Tohoku festivals, 3000 bamboo branches decorate the streets and welcome the god for a plentiful harvest.
Yamagata Hanagasa Festival
A Flower Hat Folk Song Parade with over 10,000 dancers parading and enlivening the city.
Fukushima Waraji Festival
A straw sandal weighing two tons is carried throughout the streets to pray for good health — this festival is usually held on the first Saturday and Sunday in August.
Tiffany Aguilar @u11747
Deep love for experiencing the miracles in the mundane, connecting with kind locals, and daydreaming the next adventure.
