2026 Tsukidate Yakushi Festival
Japanese name:2026つきだて薬師まつり
📅 Tue, Nov 3, 2026
About this event
Held in Kurihara City, Miyagi Prefecture, the '2026 Tsukidate Yakushi Festival' is a historic and vibrant major event that traditionally reenacts the 'Fujiwara Clan Yakushi Pilgrimage,' which is associated with the lore of the Sugi Yakushi from approximately 800 years ago. It is a gorgeous festival recreating the Heian period, reenacting the procession where Fujiwara no Hidehira's wife, Kita no Kata (childhood name Shizuhatahime), accompanied by her clan, traveled from Hiraizumi to pay a visit of gratitude after praying to Yakushi Nyorai and recovering from a serious illness. Centered around an imperial ox cart carrying 'Shizuhatahime' selected in an August contest, the procession parading like a Heian picture scroll is a sight to behold. Mikoshi portable shrine carrying, Yosakoi dancing, and Ryujin (dragon god) dancing from various districts will also join, aiming to deepen mutual interaction among citizens and contribute to building a vibrant community through the festival. 'Machikari' and 'Motteke-ichi' will also be held concurrently, adding to the liveliness.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Ruriden (Yakushido)
Yakushiyama Park, 1-1 Tsukidateyakushidai, Kurihara, Miyagi 987-2264
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