Fukushima Travel – Bandai Festival in Inawashiro – A Flame of Remembrance and Gratitude

From July 26 to 27, the town of Inawashiro in Fukushima Prefecture came alive with the 77th Bandai Festival, a summer celebration deeply rooted in history and spiritual tradition. Held at Kamegajo Park, the festival honors the victims of the 1888 eruption of Mount Bandai and expresses heartfelt gratitude for the rich natural blessings the mountain continues to provide.

At the heart of the festival is the “Festival of Fire”, the main event held on the evening of July 26. As the sun set, the sacred torch procession (taimatsu gyoretsu) transformed the night into a mystical landscape. The flames of the torches, swaying gently in the summer breeze, illuminated the streets and filled the town with a solemn yet beautiful glow.

The sacred fire used in the procession—御神火 (goshinka)—was received from Iwahashi Shrine, a spiritual center of the town. Young local runners, called “torch runners”, carried this divine flame from the shrine to the park, where prayers were offered for the repose of the eruption victims and the safety and prosperity of the community.

This annual event is not only a commemoration but also a living tradition that passes on the legacy of resilience, reverence, and community spirit. The torchlight procession, the float parade, and various performances capture the essence of summer in Fukushima and offer a memorable cultural experience to all visitors.

On July 27, the festival concludes with the lively “Aizu Bandaisan Odori,” a traditional group dance that brings together townspeople and tourists in celebration beneath the gaze of Mount Bandai.

📸 Photos taken on July 26.

https://www.town.inawashiro.fukushima.jp/cb/hpc/Article-27855.html