Akayu Onsen Furusato Festival

About this event

The Akayu Onsen Furusato Festival is a spirited, community-rooted festival that combines the annual grand festival of Eboshiyama Hachiman Shrine with the autumn festival of the hot spring resort town. Akayu Onsen Main Street, the primary venue, is immersed in a vibrant festival atmosphere for two full days. On the first day, portable shrines (mikoshi) parade through the streets, featuring children's mikoshi, junior high school barrel mikoshi, as well as Edomae mikoshi and Dokkoi mikoshi. The heroic and energetic carrying styles of the Edomae and Dokkoi mikoshi are a particular highlight. On the second day, lion figures known as 'Abare Jishi' (Wild Lions) descend into the town and roam the hot spring streets. Children's lions and youth lions also appear, touring their respective neighborhoods before performing alongside the Children's Wild Lion Taiko drummers at the Omizaka slope entrance to heighten the festival's climax. In addition, a wide range of activities for all ages are planned, including a fife and drum band parade, Hanagasa dance, bingo tournament, live band performances, paragliding trial flights, kendo tournaments, and judo tournaments. The event also offers plenty of family-friendly attractions such as a 'Working Vehicles Gathering' and balloon art. During the festival, Akayu Onsen Main Street becomes a pedestrian-only zone, uniting the entire community in celebration.

Venue

Akayu Onsen Yukotto

3004-1 Akayu, Nanyo, Yamagata 999-2211