Kuji Fall Festival
Kuji Fall Festival
久慈秋まつり
久慈秋まつり
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What is Kuji Fall Festival
The Kuji Autumn Festival, had a long history over 650 years, the event time is the third Friday to Sunday in September. Parade Floats (Yatai / Dashi) and Portable shrines (mikoshi) will through the main streets of Kuji City, this large parade attract many tourists come to visit every year. The festival is mainly for three shrines, the Grand Shrine, Akiba Shrine, and Tatsumiyama Shrine. As you can see the most fascinating feature of this festival is the float, which is all made by human hand not factory made and has a handmade karakuri style, those dolls and decorations can rise up to 12 meters also they can move smoothly up and down, left to right.
Historical background
Historical background
The Kuji Fall Festival (久慈秋まつり) is a long-standing annual event held by Kuji City, which is located in Iwate Prefecture. It is considered one of the most precious cultural heritages in the region. This event is combined with Shinto customs, local handicraft arts, and a strong spirit of unity. It can be traced back to the Edo period (1603–1868), when people held Shinto ceremonies to honor the guardian deities of nearby shrines. These ancient sacred rituals were meant to pray for a good harvest, community safety, and prosperity. Over time, this festival has also evolved, one of its most notable features being the increasingly exquisite and perfectly decorated floats, which have developed alongside these long-standing traditions.
Characteristics
Characteristics
Parade Floats (Yatai / Dashi)
One of the oldest and most iconic features. Floats are ornate, multi-tiered structures featuring historical figures, mythological scenes, and elaborate woodwork or papier-mâché sculptures.
Traditional Music and Dance
Accompanied by taiko drums, flutes, and chanting known as ohayashi. These performances have roots in folk entertainment and shrine ceremonies passed down across generations.
Mikoshi Processions
Portable shrines (mikoshi) are carried through the streets to transfer the deity’s presence throughout the town. This tradition reflects ancient Japanese beliefs that divine spirits bless the areas they visit.
Current activity
Today’s festival is held annually in September and spans several days. While it preserves its historical essence, it also functions as a community event promoting tourism and cultural continuity. Modern additions—such as evening illuminated float parades—enhance its visual spectacle but remain anchored in tradition.
To know more
Eve of Kuji Fall Festival 2024(Japanese only)
Kuji FallFestival 2010(Japanese only)
Return of the Kuji Fall Festival 2024 (Japanese only)
Kuji Fall Parade 2024(Japanese only)
Directly voice from Kelly
When I was studying this festival, I was reminded of the Faya Festival, which I saw when I went to Valencia, Spain. It was also a pure handmade work that was very exquisite. Just like this festival, many people came to admire the fame that could be passed down. These festivals can not only showcase the value of traditional crafts but also make participants feel the cohesion of the community. The tradition of using a portable shrine is also a unique feature of Taiwanese culture. Seeing this festival reminds me of the temple fairs I've attended in Taiwan. It's also a very moving occasion, because everyone works together to make the whole event a success.
How to access
Central urban area of Kuji City
JR
Take a JR to Kuji Station. Once you arrive at Kuji Station, the festival center (city center) is walkable.
Car
If driving, you can use the Tōhoku Expressway → exit at Kunohe I.C., then drive to Kuji.
Central urban area of Kuji City
JR
Take a JR to Kuji Station. Once you arrive at Kuji Station, the festival center (city center) is walkable.
Car
If driving, you can use the Tōhoku Expressway → exit at Kunohe I.C., then drive to Kuji.
Resources
Kuji City. (n.d.). Kuji Aki-matsuri [Kuji Autumn Festival]. https://www.city.kuji.lg.jp/soshiki/shokokanko/1/1/4/2413.html
AndTrip. (n.d.). Kuji Autumn Festival. https://multi.andtrip.jp/LUC2AITRIP/cdata/luc2aitrip_2188_jaen.html
Hey Japan. (n.d.). Kuji Autumn Festival. https://www.hey-japan.com/event/kuji-autumn-festival
Kuji Tourism Association. (n.d.). Kuji Aki-matsuri [Kuji Autumn Festival]. https://www.kuji-kankou.com/topics/kujiakimaturi/
Tourism All Japan and Tokyo. (n.d.). Kuji Autumn Festival. https://www.tourism-alljapanandtokyo.org/festival-en/f-03-02?lang=en
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