Events around Roopt Ishinomaki Hagurocho

This festival lights up the eve of the Matsushima Air Base Air Show (the following day, October 4) in Higashimatsushima City. What was long held as the 'Summer Festival' in August has shifted to the 'Autumn Festival' in October starting in 2026 to avoid the intense summer heat.

This year's format allows you to enjoy it for two consecutive days, combined with the Air Show. In the city of Blue Impulse, you can savor the afterglow of the flight and local food stalls and stages. The venue, time, and content will be finalized on Higashimatsushima City's official page as the event approaches, so please check once before your visit.

This is the one day of the year when the home base of the Blue Impulse is open to the public. Admission is free and no application is required.

In addition to flight demonstrations, equipment displays are also held. You can see the sky from outside the base, but the loudness of the sound when viewed directly underneath cannot be experienced without entering.

In 2026, the event has moved from its usual late August toearly October(as a measure against intense heat). On the preceding day, October 3, the renamed "Higashimatsushima Autumn Festival" will be held. Flights are heavily dependent on weather, so please check the announcement on the day before heading out.

This is a night illumination at Entsuin in Matsushima, famous for the reflection of autumn leaves in Shinji Pond. The entire garden is lit up, and the scenery where the water surface and autumn leaves overlap in two layers is a classic of Matsushima's autumn.

Its beauty transcends language, so it is highly recommended for international visitors. It's a great evening excursion from Matsushima accommodations, or for those staying in Shiogama or Higashimatsushima. Please check the official website for lighting times before your visit.

This is a winter tradition in Matsushima, an oyster-themed festival. You can compare steamed, grilled, and fried oysters, enjoy free samples, and even a warming foot bath.

You can savor the blessings of the Sanriku sea on the spot, making it a prime target if you're staying in Matsushima in winter. The date is approximately the first Sunday of February, but please check the Matsushima Tourism Association's announcement for the confirmed date as the event approaches.

This festival is associated with the "San Juan Bautista" ship, from which Date Masamune dispatched the Keicho Embassy to Europe. Held at the San Juan Museum and Park, which houses a replica ship, it features local fife and drum corps, marching bands, traditional performing arts such as Watanoha Shishifuryu, food and merchandise stalls, and commemorative photos on the ship.

Admission to the museum is often free on the day of the festival, allowing you to experience history and festivities at the Ishinomaki seaside all at once. The dates will be announced on the official website as the event approaches.

This is the biggest festival in Ishinomaki. It began with gratitude to the pioneers who opened the mouth of the Kitakami River and has continued for over 100 times.

During the day, there are parades and Sonobei boat races in the city center, and at night, fireworks light up the Kitakami River. After the earthquake, it also became a festival for "repose of souls" and "reconstruction," holding great significance for local people.

The fireworks reflect on the river surface, so they are clearly visible even from the opposite bank. Traffic regulations will be in place around the venue, so accommodation within walking distance is a strong advantage.

This is an Obon event where lanterns are floated on Matsushima Bay to send off ancestors. Lights and fireworks combine over the sea of one of Japan's Three Views.

The 15th is the eve festival, with fair stalls, Bon Odori, and taiko drums. The 16th is the main event of the Daiseigakie, where lanterns are floated after sutra chanting. On both nights, memorial fireworks are launched for about 15 minutes.

These are not fireworks for tourism, but rather farewell fires. It is customary to watch them quietly.

This is a fireworks display for memorial and reconstruction on the Naruse River, continuing since the Taisho era. The highlight is the summer night scene where lanterns floating on the river surface combine with approximately 1,000 fireworks.

One of the summer highlights for accommodations in Higashimatsushima. It's a fixed-date event held on August 16 during Obon. Details of the event will be announced on Higashimatsushima City's official page as it approaches.