Fukushima Travel – Rice Planting Festival in Aizumisato

On July 12, the town of Aizumisato in Fukushima Prefecture hosted the Otaue Matsuri (Rice Planting Festival)—recognized as one of the Three Great Rice Planting Festivals of Japan. Held annually with deep reverence and local pride, this sacred event blends agricultural tradition, spiritual ritual, and unique regional culture, making it one of the most iconic summer festivals in the Aizu region.

📍 Event Details

Festival Name: Aizumisato Rice Planting Festival (Otaue Matsuri)
Location: Aizumisato Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan
Date: July 12, 2025 (annual event held in early to mid-July)
Status: Designated as one of Japan’s Three Great Rice Planting Festivals
Admission: Free to the public

🌱 A Sacred Ceremony Rooted in Tradition

The festival is more than a performance—it is a Shinto-based agricultural rite that honors the spirit of rice and gives thanks for a good harvest. Participants recreate ancient planting rituals, dressed in traditional costume, accompanied by music and solemn blessings from shrine priests.

But what makes Aizumisato’s festival stand out is a rare cultural twist:

🌾 The role of “saotome” (rice-planting maidens) is performed not by women, but by men—a tradition unique to this region, passed down through generations.

This inversion adds a layer of ceremonial depth and gender symbolism, reflecting Aizu’s distinctive approach to ancestral customs.

🎎 Festival Highlights

Traditional male saotome planting rice seedlings in rhythm, wearing straw hats and white attire
Shinto purification rites and offerings led by local shrine priests
Processions, ritual chanting, and community-wide participation
Taiko drums and rice-planting songs echoing through the rice fields
A breathtaking scene of green paddies, blue skies, and deeply rooted cultural pride

📷 Travel Tips

🕒 Best viewing time: Morning to early afternoon on festival day
📸 Photography tip: Capture close-ups of the male saotome in the muddy fields for dynamic contrast
🎒 What to bring: Sun hat, water, and comfortable walking shoes
🚗 Access: Approx. 30 minutes from Aizu-Wakamatsu by car; or use the JR Aizu Line to reach Aizumisato area

✨ Why You Should Visit

The Rice Planting Festival in Aizumisato is a shining example of living Japanese tradition. As one of the most important rice festivals in the country, it combines ritual, rhythm, and regional identity in a moving tribute to the land. The festival’s unique feature—male saotome dancers—adds even more cultural depth, setting it apart from similar events across Japan.

If you’re planning a Fukushima tour or searching for authentic rural experiences in Japan, this festival offers both spiritual meaning and unforgettable visual beauty.

https://isasumi.or.jp/otaue.html