Hachiman Shrine Annual Grand Festival 'Iizaka Fighting Festival'

About this event

The 'Iizaka Fighting Festival', the annual grand festival of 'Iizaka Hachiman Shrine' to give thanks to the gods for a bountiful grain harvest, is a historic festival whose origins trace back to the late 12th century. Long cherished by local residents, the biggest highlight is the 'Miyairi' held on the second day. After six drum floats parade through their respective neighborhoods, the sight of them violently clashing in the precinct of Hachiman Shrine is thrilling and powerful. The magical scene of swaying lantern lights illuminating the night sky is another major attraction. On the final day, floats from each neighborhood assemble to perform drumming, concluding the festival with the 'Senshuraku Shimedaiko' as they head out for their final neighborhood circuit. The sight of floats weighing as much as 1 ton colliding with each other is breathtaking, and the designs of the floats carried by spirited young people are also a must-see.

Venue

Iizaka Hachiman Shrine

1 Hachiman, Iizakamachi, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-0201