亮点
- 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
由来与背景
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 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
温馨提示
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.
交通
Shinobu-dori (Route 13) & Fukushima Station front street — Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture