Aizu-Tajima Gion Festival

Aizu-Tajima Gion Festival

This festival - recognised as a Significant Intangible Folk Cultural Asset - has a history of over 800 years and is held over three days (22-24 July) every year. The highlight of the festival is watching a procession of women dressed in beautiful traditional Japanese wedding apparel, making their way to the shrine at the heart of the town. This takes place on the morning of 23 July.

In the afternoons and evenings, floats are marched through the streets bearing local schoolchildren performing traditional kabuki theatre.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttps://www.kanko-aizu.com/about/(English)
Best Season
  • Summer
Related infoThere is ample parking at the community centre just east of the Kumano Shrine where the bridal parade finishes.
Access Details
AccessThe festival is a short walk from Aizu-Tajima Station
View directions
Getting there

By Car:

  • 1 hour drive from Aizu-Wakamatsu City.
  • 2 hour drive from Fukushima City and Koriyama City.

By Train:

  • From Asakusa Station, take the Revaty Train to Aizu-Tajima Station (Takes around 3 hours 15 minutes)
  • From Aizu-Wakamatsu, take the Aizu Railway Line from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station to Aizu-Tajima Station (Takes around 1 hour 15 minutes).

Fukushima Festival Guide

Nearby

The World Glassware Hall
Cultural Experiences

Mitsuishi Shrine (Three Stones Shrine)

The Mitsuishi Shrine (Three Stones Shrine) is located a short 10-minute walk from Tadami Station in Tadami Town. Ichinoiwa, Ninoiwa and Saniwa are the three large stones that have spritual significance.  Ichinoiwa (the first stone) is thought to improve intelligence, Ninoiwa (the second stone) is thought to improve eyesight, and Saniwa (the third stone) is thought to improve connections with others, particularly romantic love. The Saniwa is a popular place to visit for those who are hoping to get married someday. To reach the shrine there is a short hike through dense forest, so it is recommended that visitors wear shoes that are easy to walk in.

The World Glassware Hall
Cultural Experiences

Makie Painting Lacquerware Experience at Suzuzen

Suzuzen was established in 1832 as a lacquerware wholesale shop. Not only can visitors see process of lacquerware being finished using gold and silver dusted designs called 'Makie', but visitors can also have the opportunity to design their own lacquered product using Makie design techniques, which is perfect to take home as a souvenir. Booking & More InformationSuzuzen is made up of 6 kura (Japanese-style warehouses), which have been renovated. The Suzuzen warehouses include a gallery featuring pieces by contemporary artists who use lacquer in their work, and a cafe which is open for lunch. English-language signs also make the history of lacquer in Aizu accessible for overseas visitors.
The World Glassware Hall
Cultural Experiences

Aizu Hongo Pottery Workshops

A little-known treasure, Aizu Hongo pottery (known in Japanese as 'hongo-yaki') is the oldest type of pottery in the Tohoku region. Aizu Hongo pottery's history dates back to the Warring States Period (1467 – 1615), when Ujisato Gamo, leader of the Aizu clan, ordered renovations be made to Tsurugajo Castle. The production of ceramic tiles for the castle roof kick-started the tradition of making pottery in Aizu-Misato Town. During the early 1600s, Masayuki Hoshina (who founded the Matsudaira house) invited ceramic craftsmen to Aizu-Misato from Owari - a region famous for its pottery - in order to increase the skills of locals.It was from this time that Aizu Hongo-yaki production began in earnest. At the peak of its popularity, there were more than 100 potteries in the town. There are currently 13 left, which are centered around Setomachi in Aizu-Misato. The rich variety of wares produced from workshop to workshop is just one of the fascinating things about visiting the area. Aizu-Misato Town is also known for the area's unusual ability to produce both great-quality earthenware and delicate porcelain.Please enjoy taking a look around the various shops, workshops, and kilns, and try making pottery for yourself!
Discover Aizu Area

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