Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
The final day of this week-long Buddhist observance at a UNESCO World Heritage temple features torchlit processions and prayers for good fortune.
14–20 Jan 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedHiraizumi · IwateMen of unlucky ages run through icy waters in this harsh February ritual that has cleansed misfortune since the devastating Edo-period Great Fire.
11 Feb 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedIchinoseki · IwateChagu Chagu Umakko Festival, held in June in Iwate Prefecture, honors working horses through decoration, reflecting the region's heritage as a center for horse breeding and agriculture.
14 Jun 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedTakizawa · IwateMajor summer dance festival originating from legend about a demon's defeat, featuring traditional Sansa Odori dance and powerful taiko performances.
1–4 Aug 2027Morioka · IwateThis centuries-old festival features over 100 mikoshi shrines and floats, with the Shishi-Odori deer dance and sacred Kagura-Gongenmai performance.
11–13 Sep 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedHanamaki · IwateOne of Iwate's most enduring celebrations, this autumn festival originated as prayers for harvest, now featuring ornate floats and traditional parades.
14–16 Sep 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedMorioka · IwateTwo days in September when more than fifty groups bring out the performing arts of Tono in Iwate, with a mass deer dance and horseback archery at the shrine.
19–20 Sep 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedTono · IwateThis over 650-year-old festival in a northern mountain town expresses gratitude for the harvest while praying for protection from disaster and the arrival of good fortune.
17–20 Sep 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedKuji · Iwate
