Funekko Nagashi, a 300 year-old tradition of the Morioka Obon Festival.

  • Iwate
  • Sightseeing
A Morioka specialty! Funekko Nagashi
On August 20, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, held its first "Funekko Nagashi" event in three years, a 300-year-old tradition of the Bon Festival.
The event was held near the Meiji Bridge on the Kitakami River, one of the largest rivers in Japan, where boats decorated with lanterns and Bon Festival offerings were set on fire and floated down the river to send off the spirits of ancestors and pray for good health and safety.
Although the event was postponed for four days due to rain (it is held on August 16 every year), many people visited the riverbank.
Boat floats come down the river with fierce flames
Eight boats, handmade by eight neighborhood associations and residents' associations in Morioka City, were set on fire and floated down the river with intense flames and crackling sounds.
Fireworks were occasionally shot over the boats, illuminating the water surface in vivid colors, and the audience commented, "Beautiful..." The fireworks were so powerful that 3,000 shots were shot over the river.
3,000 fireworks shot up into the night sky
The audience shouted, "Beautiful..." The venue was filled with excitement as many spectators gathered along the riverbank to watch the powerful fireworks display of 3,000 shots.
Another popular feature of the festival is the "Memorial Fireworks," a one-of-a-kind display of fireworks that can be set off while reading a message to the spirits of the dead.

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Click here for details of the Boat Float Float
For train + accommodation "Iwate Area" reservations, please see [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ].
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