The 43rd Takahata Winter Festival: Waraji Mikoshi Festival and Osaitoyaki Bonfire
Japanese name:第43回たかはた冬まつり わらじみこし祭り・お斎灯焼き
📅 Sun, Jan 10, 2027
About this event
Takahata Town's signature winter tradition, the "43rd Takahata Winter Festival: Waraji Mikoshi Festival & Osaitoyaki," will be held. The highlight is the heroic "Waraji Mikoshi," where participants wrapped in white sarashi cloths carry a roughly 4-meter giant straw sandal (Owaraji) and parade through the town. At night, the approximately 8-meter-tall "Osaitoyaki" bonfire takes place on the riverbed, presenting a breathtaking spectacle as roaring flames rise against the snowy landscape. It is an event where visitors can experience the first spirited festival of the New Year. The Waraji Mikoshi starts at 3:00 PM, with complimentary local sake and wine service beginning at the same time. Afterwards, a torch parade begins at 6:30 PM, and the Osaitoyaki bonfire is scheduled to be ignited around 7:00 PM. The venues are Showa Enmusubi Street, Chosha-mae Street, Mahoroba Street, and the Yashiro River riverbed.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Mahoroba Inishi-no-Sato History Park
2136 Akutsu, Takahata-cho, Higashiokitama-gun, Yamagata 992-0302
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