Aizu Clan Parade

Overview

The Aizu Festival is the largest autumn festival held annually for three days in late September in Aizu Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. The festival is centered around four main events: the Aizu Feudal Clan Procession, the Nisshinkan Child Procession, the Lantern Procession, and the Aizu Bandaisan Folk Dance. These events take place at Tsuruga Castle and throughout the city center, including Shinmei Street and Chuo Street. According to the official Aizu Wakamatsu tourism website, the festival originated in 1928 from a lantern procession celebrating the marriage of Prince Chichibu no Miya Yasuhito to Matsudaira setsuko, the granddaughter of Matsudaira Katamori, the last feudal lord of the Aizu domain .

The Aizu Festival has a unique dual significance: it celebrates the restoration of honor for the Aizu domain, which was branded as an "enemy of the emperor" after its defeat in the Boshin War (1868-1869), and it serves as a memorial for those who died in that conflict. Today, the festival includes a formal ceremony called the Ancestor Thanksgiving Ritual, which combines gratitude for predecessors with mourning for the war dead. According to the Aizu Festival Association, the 2026 edition will be held from September 19 (Saturday) to September 21 (Monday, a national holiday) .

History and Origins

The origins of the Aizu Festival date back to 1928. In that year, Prince Chichibu no Miya Yasuhito married Matsudaira Setsuko, the granddaughter of Matsudaira Katamori, who had been the feudal lord of Aizu during the Boshin War. The marriage was seen as a symbol of the rehabilitation of the Aizu domain's honor, and local children's associations organized a lantern procession to celebrate. This became the prototype of the current Lantern Procession, which originally expressed pure joy and relief that the stigma of being an "enemy of the court" had been lifted from the Aizu family . Contemporary newspaper articles from 1928 describe children from all over the city gathering with handmade lanterns and parading through the night streets.

After World War II, the lantern procession evolved from a simple wedding celebration into a more complex event that also included memorial services for the dead of the Boshin War. After the war, the first Aizu Festival was held in 1953 (Showa 28), and it subsequently developed through the efforts of local residents, with the Aizu Festival Association established to manage the event (the 73rd edition was held in 2025). The addition of the Ancestor Thanksgiving Ritual in the postwar period transformed the festival into both a celebration and a solemn remembrance.

The centerpiece Aizu Feudal Clan Procession has grown in scale along with the postwar development of the Aizu Festival, as part of tourism promotion and historical education. The procession recreates the successive feudal lords of Aizu, from the Ashina period (15th-16th centuries) through the Gamō, Uesugi, and finally the Matsudaira period (17th-19th centuries). Approximately 600 participants dress in full samurai armor, battle surcoats, and attendant costumes to create an authentic historical pageant that winds through the city streets .

Another crucial element is the connection with the Nisshinkan, the domain school established by the Aizu clan. This school emphasized both literary and martial arts, and its most famous legacy is the "Juu no Okite" (Rules of the Group), which states "Naranu koto wa naranu mono desu" (What must not be done must not be done). The Nisshinkan Child Procession recreates the image of children who studied at this school, with sixth-grade students from designated elementary schools marching in warrior costumes. This is not merely a parade but an educational event that transmits the Aizu spirit to the next generation .

Highlights

The Aizu Feudal Clan Procession (Aizu-han Kōgyōretsu) This is the main event of the festival, held on the second day (Sunday). About 600 participants dressed in armor, surcoats, and attendant attire march from Tsuruga Castle's main compound through the city center over a route of approximately 5 kilometers . The procession is organized as a "successive lords edition," recreating the lords from the Ashina, Gamō, Uesugi, and Matsudaira periods, with participants wearing costumes based on strict historical research. At the front, the attendant group performs elaborate maneuvers with hair-tipped spears, drawing applause and cheers from spectators along the route. The departure ceremony begins at 9:30 AM on the special stage in Tsuruga Castle's main compound, where the gathered warriors present an impressive sight.

The Nisshinkan Child Procession (Nisshinkan Dōji Gyōretsu) On the final day (Monday, a national holiday), approximately 200 sixth-grade students from designated elementary schools march from Wakamatsu Daiichi Junior High School to Tsuruga Castle's main compound. The children dress in samurai costumes and walk with solemn dignity along Chuo Street . This procession recreates the image of children who studied at the Nisshinkan domain school; participants learn about Aizu domain history and the "Juu no Okite" rules beforehand and embody that spirit. Upon arrival at Tsuruga Castle, a "return-to-camp ceremony" is held, featuring performances by kindergarten children from Wakamatsu Daisan Kindergarten, who dress as the "Women's Brigade" (Jōshi-tai) and the "White Tiger Brigade" (Byakkotai). The serious expressions of the children inspire hope for Aizu's future in the spectators.

The Lantern Procession (Chōchin Gyōretsu) On the first evening (Saturday) at 6:00 PM, participants depart from Tsuruga Castle's main compound and march to Shinmei Street. Children from local children's associations throughout the city carry handmade lanterns . This event directly inherits the tradition that began in 1928 with the celebration of Prince Chichibu's wedding; the warm, swaying lights create a beautiful scene in the night streets. Lanterns are decorated with characters such as "peace" (heiwa) and "gratitude" (kansha), or with pictures, each family creating their own with their children's wishes. Approximately 1,000 participants walk about 1.5 kilometers from Tsuruga Castle to Shinmei Street over about one hour.

The Aizu Bandaisan Folk Dance (Aizu Bandaisan Odori) On both the first and second evenings, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, the dance takes place on Shinmei Street. Participants form circles and dance freely to the folk song "Aizu Bandaisan," whose lyrics begin with "Ei-yah, Aizu Bandaisan wa" . Individuals and groups of fewer than 10 people may join without prior registration; groups of 10 or more must register by September 5. If the dance circles are too crowded to enter, participants can approach staff members wearing yellow happi coats labeled "Aizu Festival" for guidance. On the final evening, an awards ceremony is held with individual prizes (Best Individual Dancer, Best Costume) and group awards, and the excitement continues late into the night.

The Ancestor Thanksgiving Ritual (Senjin Kansha-sai) This Shinto ceremony takes place on the second day at 8:30 AM on the special stage in Tsuruga Castle's main compound. The ritual expresses gratitude to the predecessors who built the foundation of Aizu, while also offering prayers for the repose of the souls of Aizu domain samurai and civilians who died in the Boshin War . Shinto priests recite norito (prayers) and participants offer tamagushi (sacred sakaki branches), all conducted with solemn dignity. Since the departure ceremony for the Feudal Clan Procession follows immediately, this ritual forms the spiritual core of the festival. The Ancestor Thanksgiving Ritual attracts more local residents than tourists and serves as an occasion to confirm community solidarity.

The Drum and Fife Corps Parade (Koteki-tai Parēdo) On the final day, running parallel to the Child Procession, drum and fife corps from 19 elementary schools in the city march from Chuo Street to Shinmei Street . Students from each school perform marching band arrangements, and the streetsides are filled with cheering family members and friends. The corps end their performance at the southern intersection of Shinmei Street and then disband on the south side road of City Hall. This parade showcases the achievements of music education in the region and also carries the meaning of celebrating children's growth.

Event Information and Access

1. Dates: Annually held for three days around September 19-21. The 2026 edition is scheduled for September 19 (Saturday), 20 (Sunday), and 21 (Monday, national holiday). For the latest schedule and confirmation of whether events will be held as planned, please check the official website .

2. Venues: Tsuruga Castle main compound (1-1 Oite-machi, Aizu Wakamatsu City), Shinmei Street (Sakae-machi), Chuo Street, Bakuro-machi Street, Nanuka-machi Street, and other locations throughout the city .

3. Access (public transportation): Approximiately 20 minutes on foot from JR Aizu Wakamatsu Station. Alternatively, take the Aizu Bus "Haikara-san" or "Akabee" to "Tsuruga Castle Entrance" stop, then walk 5-7 minutes .

4. Access (by car): Approximately 15 minutes from Aizu Wakamatsu IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway. Due to congestion around Tsuruga Castle during the festival, use of the temporary parking lot (diagonally opposite Odagaki Post Office) is recommended .

5. Admission: All events are free to view. If paid seats or special programs are available, please refer to the official website .

6. Contact: Aizu Festival Association (phone: 0242-23-4141). Located in the Tourism Section of Aizu Wakamatsu City Hall. The official website is linked from the Aizu Wakamatsu Tourism Navi (aizukanko.com) special feature page.

7. Traffic Regulations: Vehicle entry from Kitademaru Intersection to Tsuruga Castle will be restricted during the departure and return ceremonies of the Feudal Clan Procession. Specific times should be checked on the official website .

8. How to participate (dance): Individuals and groups of fewer than 10 people may freely join the dance circles. Groups of 10 or more must submit a registration form by September 5 .

Surrounding Area Information

Tsuruga Castle (Wakamatsu Castle), the main venue of the Aizu Festival, is one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles. Visitors can enjoy views of the city from the castle keep. The castle grounds contain a museum displaying artifacts from the Boshin War and materials on Aizu domain history. During the festival, the castle keep is often open for special nighttime viewing, offering an excellent photography spot overlooking the lantern procession from above. Within a 10-minute walk from Tsuruga Castle are the national Important Cultural Property "Former Takizawa Honjin" and the reconstructed building of the Nisshinkan domain school, making the area ideal for historical exploration.

Shinmei Street and its surroundings are lined with shops selling Aizu traditional crafts and restaurants serving local cuisine such as wappa-meshi (steamed rice in a wooden bowl), kozuyu (clear soup with seafood and vegetables), and sauce cutlet rice bowl (sauce katsu don). Particularly along Shinmei Street, Taisho-era Western-style buildings remain, and the area called "Retro Yokocho" offers shopping and dining in a nostalgic atmosphere. During the festival, numerous temporary food stalls appear, offering yakisoba, takoyaki, and candied apples.

Multiple accommodation options (business hotels, inns, hot spring resorts) are available near Aizu Wakamatsu Station, but rooms tend to fill early during the festival period. The Aizu Wakamatsu Washington Hotel (5 minutes from the station on foot) and inns in the Aizu Higashiyama Onsen area (15 minutes from Tsuruga Castle on foot) are convenient. Higashiyama Onsen has a history of over 800 years, allowing visitors to soothe their fatigue after festival viewing. For souvenirs of Aizu's famous products such as Aizu lacquerware, Okiagari Koboshi (good-luck dolls), and Aizu miso, the shopping arcade on Nanuka-machi Street is convenient.

Related Information

1. Official website of the Aizu Festival Association (within Aizu Wakamatsu Tourism Navi): event schedules and registration form downloads are available .

2. The Aizu Feudal Clan Procession involves about 600 participants who recreate the successive feudal lords from the Ashina period to the Matsudaira period .

3. Children participating in the Nisshinkan Child Procession learn about the "Juu no Okite" rules of the Nisshinkan domain school in advance and embody that spirit .

4. The Lantern Procession originated in 1928 as a celebration of Prince Chichibu's wedding; while it initially expressed joy, today it also carries meanings of mourning and gratitude .

5. The folk song "Aizu Bandaisan" used for the Aizu Bandaisan Dance is one of Fukushima Prefecture's representative folk songs and was once adopted as a Ministry of Education-approved song. The dance steps are simple, allowing first-time participants to join immediately.

6. The Ancestor Thanksgiving Ritual is conducted in Shinto style to mourn the Aizu samurai and civilians who died in the Boshin War (1868-1869) .

7. During the Aizu Festival period, Tsuruga Castle keep is open for special night viewing until 9:00 PM (last admission at 8:30 PM). Illumination timed to the lantern procession is also implemented.

8. Traffic regulation information should be obtained from official announcements by the Aizu Wakamatsu Police Station and the Aizu Festival Association. Particularly on the second and third days in the morning, large-scale traffic regulations are in place in the city center .

9. The Aizu Festival is not registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage but is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukushima Prefecture as a historical tradition transmission event.

10. Samurai costumes for festival participants can be rented from costume rental shops in Aizu Wakamatsu City. Advance reservation is required, so those interested are advised to inquire early.

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