Event Information

Introduction of annual events

There is a string of attractive events throughout the year in Shiroishi city.

  • January

    First Kokeshi Doll Carving of the Year
    The first Kokeshi doll carving of the year is held at Koretaka Shrine, also known as Kokeshi Shrine, which is dedicated to Prince Koretaka Onomiya, who is considered the founder of Kiji-shi (Kokeshi doll craftsmen). It is a ceremony to mark the New Year for the Yajiro District, where Kokeshi dolls are produced.
    Date
    January 2
    Location
    Yajiro Kokeshi Village

  • February

    Yajiro Kokeshi Village "Hina no Utage Exhibition"
    Many "Kokeshibina" and "Koma-bina" wooden dolls made by local Yajiro craftsmen and other craftsmen from all over the Tohoku region will be on display and for sale. In a manner distinctly different from traditional Kokeshi dolls, these wooden dolls have charming expressions and a gentle, warm air to them, evoking the feeling of an early spring.
    Date
    Late January to early March
    *Dates vary each year
    Location
    Yajiro Kokeshi Village

  • March

    Mizubasho no Mori (Skunk Cabbage Forest) Season Opening Ceremony
    Skunk cabbage flowers begin blooming in early April. More than 50,000 plants bloom all across the ground, with their neat white blossoms viewable until late April. Along the path from the parking lot to the skunk cabbage flower area, you can also see lovely wildflowers, such as katakuri (dogtooth violet) and selibaoren (Japanese goldthread), which bloom even before the snow thaws.
    Date
    Late March to early April
    *Varies each year depending on snowfall conditions.
    Location
    Mizubasho no Mori (Skunk Cabbage Forest)

  • April

    Shiroishi Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
    In Masuoka Park, where Shiroishi Castle is located, more than 200 Somei-yoshino cherry trees, usually begin blooming in early April, among the earliest in the prefecture. The area around Shiroishi Castle is lit up at night, attracting many cherry blossom-viewing visitors who also enjoy viewing the cherry blossom illumination at night. The beautiful contrast of the pink cherry blossoms against the white plaster walls of Shiroishi Castle is breathtaking.
    Date
    Early to late April
    *Period of the illumination depends on the blooming of cherry blossoms
    Location
    Shiroishi Castle Honmaru Square and other locations in Masuoka Park

  • May

    Shiroishi Citizens' Spring Festival
    The festival has a long history and is said to have been started by local residents with the permission of Katakura Murayasu, the fifth generation head of the Katakura family. The festival has been lovingly passed down among the local people for 300 years. In addition to the Shinmeisha Mikoshi Parade, there will be the parade of portable shrines and taiko drum floats that have been passed down in each district, as well as an armor parade by the Katakura Matchlock Gun Association and the Katakura Juku armor replica craft group.
    Date
    May 3
    Location
    Shiroishi City central area

  • May

    National Kokeshi Doll Competition / Shiroishi City Local Products Festival
    The purpose of this event is to introduce and promote Kokeshi dolls from all over Japan, to deepen appreciation and recognition of the beauty of Kokeshi dolls, to improve their excellent quality design and techniques as a craft, and to promote and develop the tourism and craft industry. In addition to watching demonstrations by craftspeople at the venue, there will also be exhibits and sales.
    Date
    May 3-5
    Location
    Shiroishi City Culture and Sports Activity Center

  • June

    Minami Zao Summer Mountain Opening
    The Summer Mountain Opening, an event that heralds summer in the Zao mountain range, is held jointly every year by Shiroishi City and Shichikashuku Town for the purpose of promoting friendship among participants while enjoying alpine flora such as hakusanichige (Anemonastrum narcissiflorum) and shirane-aoi (Glaucidium palmatum) on their way to the still-snowy summits. The courses vary each year, some going between Miyagi Zao Shiroishi Ski Resort and the summit of Mt. Fubo, some going from Katta mountain pass through Shibakusadaira to Mt. Fubo.
    Date
    Late May to early June
    *Varies each year depending on snowfall conditions
    Location
    Summit of Mt. Fubo

  • August

    Shiroishi Summer Festival
    Various events will be held around Shiroishi Station Street and Sumairu Plaza, including stage performances by citizen groups and food and drink booths. A large tower is also set up, around which Shiroishi folk dance and Bon Festival dance are held, attracting many citizens. The finale features a fireworks display, which can be seen over Shiroishi Castle from the street in front of Shiroishi Station.
    Date
    Mid-August
    Location
    Street in front of Shiroishi Station, city center

  • September

    Shiroishi Zao Kogen Marathon
    The Shiroishi Zao Kogen Marathon, held at the foot of the majestic Zao mountains, is famous for its amazing elevation differences and some of the highest ups and downs in Japan. Runners confident in their physical fitness will gather from all over Japan for an invigorating run across the Zao Plateau in autumn. There is also a 5K walk, so those who prefer not to run can participate.
    Date
    Mid-September
    Location
    National Hanayama Youth Outdoor Learning Center Minami-Zao Campground

  • October

    Oni Kojuro Festival
    There will be reenactments of the fierce battles from the summer campaign of the siege of Osaka between second generation family head Shigenaga Kojuro, who earned the name Oni "Demon" Kojuro, and Yukimura Sanada. There will be many highlights to enjoy, such as a battle between the Kojuro and Sanada troops, with 60 warriors on each side, and matchlock gun demonstrations.
    Date
    First Saturday in October
    Location
    Shiroishi Castle Honmaru Square, etc.

  • November

    Shiroishi Agricultural Festival
    This is an autumn harvest festival that has been held for over 40 years, featuring a large market of Shiroishi produce. In addition to new rice, fresh vegetables and fruits are sold at reasonable prices. There are also stage presentations, exhibitions of calligraphy and paintings by elementary and junior high school students, and exhibitions of products from Shiroishi and its sister cities Noboribetsu in Hokkaido and Ebina in Kanagawa Prefecture.
    Date
    Two weekend days in early November
    Location
    Shiroishi City Culture and Sports Activity Center (White Cube)

  • December

    Opening of Miyagi Zao Shiroishi Ski Resort
    Since snow usually begins to accumulate in mid-December, a Shinto ritual is held to pray that there will be no ski accidents or winter mountaineering disasters. This event heralds the arrival of winter in Minami-Zao, and is crowded with skiers eagerly awaiting the opening. If skiing becomes possible prior to the opening of the ski area, lifts may be operated as a pre-opening event.
    Date
    Mid-December
    *Opening dates are subject to change depending on snowfall conditions
    Location
    Miyagi Zao Shiroishi Ski Resort

Select Language

Introduction of Pochi Warrior Kojuro
Shiroishi’s Charming Spring
Miyagi Zao Sightseeing Navigation

Select Language

Introduction of Pochi Warrior Kojuro
Shiroishi’s Charming Spring

Access

Miyagi Zao Sightseeing Navigation

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