Fukushima Waraji Matsuri 2026 | Dates, Access & Highlights
Fukushima Waraji Matsuri 2026 (Aug 7–9) parades a 12m, 2-ton straw sandal past the station before offering it to Haguro Shrine.
When · Where
- When
- 2026/08/07 09:30 – 2026/08/08
- Where
- Shinobu-dori (Route 13) & Fukushima Station front street（Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture）
- City
- Across Japan
- Getting there
- The parade route runs along Shinobu-dori directly in front of JR Fukushima Station's east exit.
- Price
- Free
- Organizer
- Fukushima Waraji Matsuri Executive Committee (福島わらじまつり実行委員会)
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- The parade route runs along Shinobu-dori directly in front of JR Fukushima Station's east exit. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Free to attend — details on the official page (button above).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- culture seekers, families, groups of friends
Highlights
- A 12m, 2-ton straw sandal — modeled on the giant waraji worn by legendary warrior-monk Benkei — is carried and paraded through the streets
- Aug 7–8: hundreds of dancers perform the 'waraji odori' along Shinobu-dori in front of Fukushima Station, 18:30–20:00/21:00
- Aug 9 (time TBA — check the official site): the giant waraji is ceremonially offered at Haguro Shrine on Mt. Shinobu, a practice tied to safe-travel prayers
Background & story
The giant waraji is offered to Haguro Shrine in a tradition tied to legendary warrior-monk Benkei — the belief that an oversized sandal will scare off evil and ensure safe travels for the god enshrined on Mt. Shinobu.
Good to know
Paid viewing seats exist for the Aug 7–8 parade nights but pricing wasn't published as of this writing — confirm on the official waraji.co.jp site closer to the date. Combine with Yamagata Hanagasa or Sendai Tanabata for a multi-festival Tohoku summer trip.