Aug/16 Funekko-nagashi in Morioka

Funekko-nagashi is a local festival in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. It is said that the origins of Funekko-nagashi date back to 300 years ago, the time of Yukinobu, 4th Lord of the Nambu Domain in the late 17th century. It was the Princess Makukohime who is remembered for beginning this Buddhist memorial service for the dead.She began the tradition of decorating mortuary tablets with offerings, placing them in small boats, and floating them on the river.
And ever since then, it has become a part of Okuri-bon when the people pray for the repose of those souls lost in battle, familial ancestors, a bountiful harvest, and the health and prosperity of the general public.
3-meter tall wooden boats shaped like dragons are decorated with paper lanterns and flowers. In the evening, groups of men wearing fundoshi wade into the Kitakami River leading the boats one by one and set them ablaze. The view of burning boats floating down the river is so fantastic and beautiful.
After the Funekko-nagashi, the beautiful fireworks show is held to finale the festival. Approximately 3,000 fireworks are set off into the night sky.


4:00pm- Funekko-nagashi
5:00pm - 7:00pm lantern floating
6:30pm - 7:00pm torch throwing
6:30pm - 7:30pm lantern floating
7:30pm - 8:00pm fireworks display

Address: 1 Senbokucho, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture (around Meiji Bridge)
Access: a 7-min walk from Senbokucho Station

*Please check the official website for the latest information. We can't answer any question about the article.

PurposeFestivals,spiritual places,Traditional folk,experience,nature,let's hang out!
Airport/Sta.Morioka Sta. (about 1.7km) Google Transit