会津絵ろうそくまつり

Historical Background

In the early 1600s, Lord Hoshina Masayuki invited master candlemakers from Kyoto to teach their techniques in Aizu. Skilled artisans painted intricate designs like flowers, birds, landscapes, and family crests, onto plain Japanese wax candles made from haze wax (sumac berry wax) or later, rapeseed oil wax. As a result, these painted candles became status symbols for samurai families, ritual objects for temples and ceremonies, and practical works of art that combined beauty with function. In the 1970s, local efforts revived the craft as an intangible cultural heritage. The Aizu Painted Candle Festival was later established to promote this tradition.

Characteristics

Each candle is treated as a canvas. Using special dyes and a fine brush, artisans paint intricate patterns directly onto the white paraffin wax. Motifs include local flowers, traditional geometric patterns, and seasonal symbols. The most significant part of the festival is the synchronized lighting. Participants will receive a painted candle, and at a given signal, the entire venue will be bathed in the gentle, yet flickering glow of hundreds of unique lights. The silence and reverence of the moment are key characteristics. As the festival is held primarily in winter, often in February, it provides warmth and color during the coldest season. As a result, it becomes a community-driven event, involving local artisans, volunteers, and residents, emphasizing preservation and shared cultural pride.

To know more

Visual presentation of the illuminated festival, capturing the aesthetic of the candlelit display.

A visual record of the 2024 Aizu Painted Candles Festival in Fukushima, Japan.

A detailed introduction to the production process of Aizu candles and the traditional craftsmanship passed down as 'Aizu Candles'.

Introduce the main Yamagataya store to Motoko Kobayashi, the tourism ambassador of Aizuwakamatsu City

More information

Go visit the hands-on workshop!

Founded in 1772, this shop has served for generations as a provider of specialty items for the Aizu Clan. The artworks are distinguished by their vivid and elegant hues, with a particular focus on hand-decorated candles. Traditional motifs like chrysanthemums and mountain peonies are carefully painted using methods passed down through the family line.

The location also includes a workshop where visitors can participate in a decorative art session. (*Reservation required.) This offers a chance to craft a unique memento of your journey. Guests are also welcome to simply observe the creative process during a studio visit.

How to get to Hoshiban

【TEL】0242-27-1873　

【Business hours】9:00～19:00　

【Regular holiday】No regular holidays, closed at the beginning of the New Year (New Years day and January 2nd)　

【Fee】E-rousoku (painted candles) 810yen（As of March 1, 2017）

【Access】Bus: Take the Aizuwakamatsu Town Bus (Haikara-san/ Akabe) to Nanokamachi Station, the a 5 minute walk
Car: About 10 minutes from the Ban-etsu Expressway, Aizuwakamatsu IC

【Website】会津絵ろうそく　ほしばん絵ろうそく店

Photo by Author

Direct Voice from Yoyo Chan

Aizu-Wakamatsu is a place that consists deep and enduring spirit. I believe the Aizu Painted Candles Festival (E-rousoku Matsuri) is the heart of winter, when the light is at its most beautiful. It is an experience unlike any other, offering a profound sense of warmth and history in the cold air. Imagine the castle grounds and historic area illuminated by approximately 10,000 hand-painted candles (e-rousoku). This isn't just decoration, but a spectacle of light that feels cozy and healing. You will connect directly with centuries of Aizu history, as this tradition dates back to the Muromachi period. I invite you back to stand in the glow of the E-rousoku Matsuri. Experience the winter seasonal feeling and the traditional atmosphere, and let the light be as warm as a blanket in the cold air.

References

Aizu Tourism & Business Bureau. (n.d.). Aizu Painted Candle Festival. Tohoku Kanko. Retrieved from https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_10016.html
Fukushima Travel. (n.d.). Aizu Painted Candle Festival. Fukushima Revitalization & Tourism. Retrieved from https://fukushima.travel/destination/aizu-painted-candle-festival/63
Glow and Wonder: Experiencing Aizu Painted Candle Festival, Fukushima. (n.d.). In Travel Guides. ADV Collective. Retrieved from https://app.advcollective.com/travel-guides/Aizu-Wakamatsu/glow-and-wonder-experiencing-aizu-painted-candle-festival-fukushima
Igarashi, Y. (2024, March 28). Aizu Painted Candles: Fukushima's Luminous Traditional Craft. MATCHA. Retrieved from https://matcha-jp.com/en/23475
Rakuten Travel. (n.d.). A Guide to Fukushima's Aizu Painted Candle Festival. Rakuten Travel Experiences. Retrieved from https://travel.rakuten.com/contents/usa/en-us/guide/aizu-painted-candle-festival-guide/
Samurai City Aizu Wakamatsu. (n.d.). Aizu Painted Candle Painting Experience. Aizu Wakamatsu City Official Tourism Site. Retrieved from https://samurai-city.jp/en/experience/2132
The History of Aizu Picture Candles. (n.d.). Erousoku.com. Retrieved from https://erousoku.com/en/history_of_aizu-picture-candle/

By Yoyo Chan

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