Tohoku · FukushimaFestival
Around 500 costumed warriors parade through Aizuwakamatsu in the largest festival in the Aizu region — and it happens in September, not summer.
Overview
Aizu Matsuri is built around the Aizu Hanko Gyoretsu, the Domain Lord Procession, in which roughly 500 people in period armour and costume march through the city in commemoration of the Aizu domain and the Boshin War. It regularly draws over 200,000 spectators.
Alongside the procession sit a lantern parade, a children’s procession from the old Nisshinkan academy, a fife-and-drum corps parade, and the Aizu Bandaisan Odori, a mass dance that spectators are invited to join.
When and Where
19–21 September 2026 — Saturday to Monday, the last day being a national holiday. The Aizu Matsuri Association files the event under autumn, not summer.
The 19th brings the lantern procession and the Bandaisan Odori in the evening. The 20th is the main day, with the Senjin Kanshasai memorial rite followed by the Domain Lord Procession. The 21st has the Nisshinkan children’s procession and the fife-and-drum parade.
What to Expect
- The Aizu Hanko Gyoretsu with around 500 costumed participants
- Matchlock gun demonstrations and Byakkotai performances staged at several points along the route
- The Chochin Gyoretsu lantern procession on the evening of the 19th
- Aizu Bandaisan Odori on two evenings, open to spectators to join
- The Nisshinkan Doji Gyoretsu children’s procession on the 21st
- Tsurugajo Castle as the backdrop to the main events
Admission and Practicalities
Free. Timings differ by sub-event and the association publishes a detailed schedule closer to the date.
Enquiries go to the Aizu Matsuri Association on 0242-23-4141.
Tips for Visitors
The main procession on the 20th is the one to plan around. Shinmei-dori and the approach to Tsurugajo give the best views, and both fill early.
Use the Haikara-san or Akabe loop buses from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station rather than driving — central roads close for the procession.
Late September in Aizu can be cool in the evenings, particularly for the lantern procession. Bring a jacket.
Access and Map
| Dates | 19–21 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Times | Varies by sub-event; main procession on 20 September |
| Venue | Tsurugajo Castle and Shinmei-dori, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima |
| Access | JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, then the Haikara-san or Akabe loop bus towards Tsurugajo |
| Admission | Free |
| Official site | Aizu Matsuri Association / Aizuwakamatsu Tourism Navi |
Source: Aizu Matsuri Association
Image: Photo: Asturio Cantabrio / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
