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The sight of a two-ton straw sandal stretching 12 meters long being carried through the streets is one to remember - Bryce
Photo from: Travel to Tohoku; https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1008889.html
Photo from: Omatsuri Japan Blog; https://omatsurijapan.com/blog/fukushima-warajimatsuri/
Historical Background
The Fukushima Waraji Festival has its origins traced back to an ancient religious event called the Shinobu Sanzan Akatsuki-Mairi. This was a traditional mountain pilgrimage to Mount Shinobu, where offerings of straw sandals (waraji) were given to the gods to pray for safe travels and strong legs. During the Edo period, straw sandals served as symbols of physical strength and protection on journeys. The modern Waraji Festival began in 1970, bringing local beliefs into a vibrant summer event for a larger community and incorporating new performances and interactive activities for all. The Festival is hosted annually in early August, typically lasting three days from Friday to Sunday.
Characteristics
Giant Straw Sandals
A giant 12-meter-long straw sandal is paraded through the city by local volunteers. This represents health and strong legs, which is deeply rooted in Fukushima's cultural heritage. This is paraded through downtown Fukushima, lined with spectators and performers
Straw Sandal Dance (Waraji Odori)
A string of straws called wara-no-wa is held by festival participants and danced to the rhythm of taiko drums and flutes. The choreography is designed to be simple and inclusive, allowing all festival attendees to participate and enjoy.
Hands-on Traditions
Visitors can participate in and join sandal weaving, waraji carrying, and straw ring making workshops to encourage participation in the festival and in preserving the crafts.
Photo from: Fukushima Waraji Festival; https://www.waraji.co.jp/en/
More Information
Local Fukushima TV Channel with commentary on festival
Japanese Only
Tutorial on how to make straw sandals from the festival
Japanese Only
Highlights from the 2023 Fukushima Waraji Festival
Japanese Only
Direct Voice from Bryce Li
When I first heard about a festival dedicated to a sandal, I didn't expect the sheer size of it. A sandal felt too ordinary, something used every day and so easily overlooked. But when I saw images of this festival, it completely changed my perspective. Imagine a bus-sized sandal weighing a whopping two tons being carried by dozens of youth from Fukushima, with the chants of "Wasshoi" being carried through the air and the beats of taiko drums.
What stuck me the most was how the festival celebrated something that is often taken for granted, our legs and the journeys we make in our lives. The waraji represents physical health and reflects the journey of Fukushima itself. Through movement, sound, and the shared effort of the Fukushima community, the Waraji festival represents the region's identity, endurance, and hope.
References
Fukushima Waraji (Straw Sandals) festival. TRAVEL TO TOHOKU. (n.d.). https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_10068.html
Fukushima Waraji Festival. Tokimeku Tohoku. (n.d.). https://tohoku-kizunamatsuri.jp/special/en/festival/fukushima/
Fukushima Waraji Matsuri. Fukushima Guide - Fukushima City Tourist Information. (n.d.). https://www.f-kankou.jp/en/experience/festivals/459/
Waraji Festival 2026. Japan Travel. (n.d.). https://en.japantravel.com/fukushima/waraji-festival/32105
How to get to Fukushima Waraji Festival
Along Route 13 in Central Fukushima City
TEL: (+81) 24-536-5511
Fukushima Station is accessible through local lines: Tohoku Line & Yamagata Line as well as Shinkansens: Tohoku Shinkansen & Yamagata Shinkansen
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