2025 Event Outline

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Friday, August 1, 2025 - Saturday, August 2, 2025: Main Festival

Sunday, August 3, 2025: Giant Waraji (Straw Sandal) Offering

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National Route 13 Shinobu Dori (Shinobu Street), etc.

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Approx. 5-minute walk from JR Fukushima Station

Praying for Strong Legs with Japan's Largest Waraji

It is said to originate from the "Akatsuki Mairi," a winter Shinto ritual that has continued for over 400 years since the Edo period. The Akatsuki Mairi began with the offering of "waraji" (straw sandals) to the Nio guardian kings enshrined at Haguro Shrine on Mt. Shinobu, a symbol of Fukushima City. The waraji, made to fit the Nio kings' feet, are an extraordinary 12 meters long. The waraji offered at this Akatsuki Mairi is for one foot, and the summer Waraji Festival is when the waraji for the other foot is offered. Originally, these offerings were made to pray for strong legs, travel safety, and other wishes, but in recent years, they also include prayers for good health, bountiful harvests, family safety, and business prosperity. The sight of the 12-meter-long giant waraji being carried through the city streets and offered to Haguro Shrine on Mt. Shinobu is truly spectacular. The Waraji Festival also features captivating dances. The "Waraji Ondo," danced by participants, was composed by Mr. Yuji Koseki, the model for the TV drama series "Yell." Marking its 50th anniversary in 2019, the festival was revamped with Mr. Yoshihide Otomo, a musician associated with Fukushima City, as general producer, aiming for a tradition that will last 100 years. The original "Waraji Ondo" was rearranged based on the rhythm of the "Fukushima Bon Odori Uta," a traditional Bon dance song from Fukushima. The biggest difference from previous Waraji Festivals is the change to a style featuring live performances by a large ensemble using traditional instruments from the Tohoku region, such as flutes and taiko drums. The dance has also been renewed to match this dynamic music. Dancers hold rings called "Wara-no-wa" (straw rings) in both hands, performing powerfully and華やか (gorgeously/splendidly) with characteristic lower body movements that evoke the image of strong legs. The reborn Waraji Festival, aiming to be a dance everyone can enjoy, further enlivens the Fukushima summer. It is usually held on the first Friday of August and the following Saturday.

Enjoying the Ever-Evolving Waraji Odori Together

Everyone is welcome to join the finale of the Waraji Festival! Please come and participate in the renewed Waraji Odori. Also, during the festival period each year, waraji-making workshops are held. No advance registration is needed, participation is free, and you can join casually by signing up on the day. You can take home the waraji you make as a good luck charm.

Learn More and Enjoy the Fukushima Waraji Festival