Tohoku · IwateCultural
At Iwate’s World Heritage temples, a five-day spring festival recreates the pageantry of the Fujiwara golden age.
Overview
The Spring Fujiwara Festival celebrates the Northern Fujiwara clan that made Hiraizumi a cultural rival to Kyoto in the 12th century. Set among the UNESCO-listed temples of Chuson-ji and Motsuji, it blends Shinto and Buddhist rites, classical performing arts and costumed processions. Its centrepiece is a reenactment of the warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune’s arrival in Hiraizumi, performed in full Heian-era dress.
When & Where
The 2026 festival runs May 1 to 5, with the headline ‘Yoshitsune’s Eastward Procession’ staged on May 3. Events centre on Chuson-ji, Motsuji and the streets of Hiraizumi in southern Iwate. Nearest station: JR Hiraizumi Station.
Getting There
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Ichinoseki, then a JR Tohoku Main Line local for the short hop to Hiraizumi Station (about 8 minutes). The temples and festival route are walkable or a quick bus ride from the station; the town is compact and easy to explore on foot.
What to Expect
- A five-day programme across the World Heritage temples
- A costumed reenactment of Yoshitsune’s arrival in Hiraizumi
- Classical Noh, dance and music offerings
- Children’s processions in Heian-period dress
- Fresh spring greenery around Chuson-ji and Motsuji
Tickets & Access
Watching the processions and outdoor events is free. Entry to the temple halls and treasure houses, such as Chuson-ji’s golden Konjikido, is charged separately.
Tips for Visitors
May 3 is the busiest and most spectacular day thanks to the Yoshitsune procession, so arrive early for a good vantage point. Combine the festival with a visit to the temples themselves, and wear comfortable shoes for walking between sites.
Access and Map
| Dates | May 1 to 5, 2026 (Yoshitsune procession on May 3) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Chuson-ji, Motsuji and central Hiraizumi, Iwate |
| Nearest station | JR Hiraizumi Station |
| Access | Tohoku Shinkansen to Ichinoseki, then JR local to Hiraizumi (~8 min) |
| Admission | Free to watch (temple entry fees separate) |
| Official site | Hiraizumi Tourism Association |
Source: Hiraizumi Tourism Association
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