Mikoshi and dashi gather in front of Iwase Station for a festival bringing summer to the neighborhood associations
Iwase Station Front Summer Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Weekend in mid-July / Every year
- Location
- Iwase Station Front Shopping Street, on the JR Mito Line
- Area
- Ibaraki Prefecture・Sakuragawa City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 10 min–1 h 30 min · limited express)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
The Iwase Station Front Summer Festival is a local summer festival in which neighborhood associations in Iwase, Sakuragawa City, bring out their and and hold a hana-awase gathering in front of the station.
About Iwase Station Front Summer Festival
Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: つくつくば File:DSC 岩瀬駅前夏祭り華合わせ2.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: つくつくば File:Remini岩瀬駅前祇園祭.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: つくつくば File:DSC 鍬田子ども会山車.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.The Iwase Station Front Summer Festival is a summer festival held in the Iwase urban area of Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
Neighborhood associations from across the area bring out their mikoshi and dashi along Iwase Station Front Shopping Street.
One of the festival’s distinctive features is that mikoshi and dashi departing from local shrines and community centers gather in front of the station for a hana-awase gathering.
Source: 岩瀬駅前夏祭り - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
A highlight is the gathering in front of the station of adult mikoshi, children’s mikoshi, and dashi that have been passed down in each local area.
Depending on the neighborhood association, a mikoshi, a dashi, or both take part, showcasing the distinct character of each district.
On Sunday night, the street in front of the station becomes pedestrian-only, and stalls line the street.
Mikoshi and dashi gather in front of Iwase Station for a festival bringing summer to the neighborhood associations
What to expect
During the festival, mikoshi and dashi from each neighborhood association head to Iwase Station from local shrines or community centers.
In front of the station, mikoshi and dashi from each district gather for a hana-awase gathering.
From 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, the street in front of the station becomes pedestrian-only, and you can also enjoy the stalls.
How to take part
The festival is attended by neighborhood associations, children’s groups, and mikoshi associations from across central Iwase.
As well as adult mikoshi, there are children’s mikoshi and children’s dashi, involving children from the local community.
Check the event information to see whether general visitors can take part, such as by carrying a mikoshi.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Iwase Station Front Shopping Street, on the JR Mito Line.
- Train and bus
A 1-minute walk from Iwase Station on the JR Mito Line.
日曜日の18：00～21：30は歩行者天国となり、この時間帯は桜川市バスが岩瀬駅を通過します。
Source: 岩瀬駅前夏祭り | 桜川市公式ホームページ
Event venue 茨城県桜川市 JR水戸線岩瀬駅前商店街
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
例年は7月中旬の土曜日・日曜日に開催され、日曜日の18：00～21：30は歩行者天国となります。
Once the dates are set, please also check the schedule and activities for the day.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Ibaraki Prefecture / Sakuragawa City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
From 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, the street in front of the station becomes pedestrian-only, so if you are driving, take care to check your route.
During this time, the Sakuragawa City Bus passes through Iwase Station.
Street stalls are also open, so allow extra time when getting around the station area.
Nearby attractions
真壁城
茨城県桜川市にあった城
礒部稲村神社
茨城県桜川市にある神社
Origins and History of Iwase Station Front Summer Festival
The Iwase Station Front Summer Festival began as an event in the Iwase urban area, which developed with the opening of Iwase Station.
It is said to have started in the latter half of the Showa 20s, centered on children’s mikoshi, so that children from Iwase Higashi Ward, Nishi Ward, and Inuta could enjoy themselves.
Adult mikoshi were later made as well, and the festival has continued on a smaller scale as the station-front shopping street has changed.
Official information
The venue, usual time of year, access, and hours when the street is pedestrian-only are listed on the official Sakuragawa City website.
Sakuragawa City’s Commerce and Tourism Division is listed as the contact.
Iwase Station Front Summer Festival at a Glance
The Iwase Station Front Summer Festival is a local summer festival where mikoshi and dashi from neighborhood associations gather at Iwase Station Front Shopping Street in Sakuragawa City.
Children’s mikoshi and children’s dashi also take part, and a hana-awase gathering is held in front of the station.
It is usually held on a weekend in mid-July, with pedestrian-only streets and stalls set up on Sunday night.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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