Sukagawa’s night sky and a torch-lit festival that carries on memories of the Warring States period
Sukagawa Taimatsu Akashi
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/11/14Scheduled
- Season / frequency
- Around November, currently the second Saturday of November / Held annually
- Location
- Goro-yama Summit (within Midorigaoka Park)
- Area
- Fukushima Prefecture・Sukagawa City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 20 min–1 h 40 min · bullet train)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.
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Age restrictions
- Bearers in the large torch procession must be high school students or older. Other supporters are described as “anyone.”
- Official website / social media
- Official website
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Sukagawa Taimatsu Akashi is a traditional fire festival in Sukagawa City, entrusting the flames of its giant torches with memories of the Warring States period and prayers for the repose of the dead.
Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: Fumihiko Ueno File:Taimatsu Akashi, Sukagawa, Fukushima prefecture Wikivoyage banner.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 Fumihiko Ueno https://www.panoramio.com/photo/56994077Display size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: Fumihiko Ueno File:Kuriyasawa, Sukagawa, Fukushima Prefecture 962-0866, Japan - panoramio.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 Fumihiko Ueno https://web.archive.org/web/20161023031900/http://www.panoramio.com/photo/56994077Display size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.About Sukagawa Taimatsu Akashi
Sukagawa Taimatsu Akashi is a fire festival passed down in remembrance of those killed in battles connected to the fall of Sukagawa Castle during the Warring States period and in gratitude to those who came before.
On a late-autumn night, the flames of the torches illuminate Sukagawa’s sky as the festival mourns those killed in battle on both the Nikaido and Date sides.
As a traditional event representative of Sukagawa City, it conveys the region’s history and prayers for the repose of the dead to the present day.
Source: 松明あかしの由来／須賀川市公式ホームページ
Festival highlights
Highlights include erecting and lighting torches on Goro Mountain.
The sacred fire received at Nikaido Shrine travels through the city and is brought to the venue. The program also includes the main torch procession, smaller torch processions, and performances of drums with torches.
The great flames scorching the night sky and the resonant beat of the drums create a festival scene steeped in history.
Sukagawa’s night sky and a torch-lit festival that carries on memories of the Warring States period
What to expect
At the festival, the sacred fire is received at Nikaido Shrine and carried by the Sacred Fire Procession.
The main torch procession and smaller torch processions take place in the city, while torches are erected and lit on Goro Mountain.
Performances of taiko drums with torches are also presented at the venue, making it possible to enjoy a nighttime event where fire, processions, and music come together.
How to take part
The event is open to the public, and members of the public can join the small-torch procession.
As this event brings you close to the torch flames, please follow staff instructions and take care when watching.
Supporters are also being recruited to serve as large-torch bearers, guides, and in other roles. Eligibility requirements vary by role.
For general participation in the small-torch procession, follow the instructions given on the day.
In 2026, supporters were recruited for roles including large-torch bearers, guides, hospitality staff, and small-torch-making instructors. Applications could be submitted by post, fax, or email.
The supporter application deadline is September 18, 2026. Bearers in the large-torch procession had to be high school students or older.
Source: 「松明あかしサポーター」募集／須賀川市公式ホームページ
Location and access
- Venue and address
The event takes place mainly at the summit of Goro-yama (within Midorigaoka Park), and also around Taiko-dori.
The location is around Nakamachi, Sukagawa, Fukushima Prefecture (Taiko-dori) and Goro-yama (within Midorigaoka Park).
- Train and bus
About a 10–15-minute walk from JR Sukagawa Station.
- By car
About 10 minutes from Sukagawa IC.
Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue in 2026.
- Parking
A temporary free parking area is planned near the venue for 2026.
Please use the designated parking areas and refrain from parking on the street.
Source: 令和8年度「松明あかし」／須賀川市公式ホームページ
Address Around Nakamachi, Sukagawa, Fukushima Prefecture (Taiko-dori) and Goro-yama (within Midorigaoka Park)
Dates and season
The 2026 Taimatsu Akashi will be held on November 14 (Saturday).
The torches are scheduled to be lit at 6:30 p.m. During the day, the torch procession, a small-torch-making workshop, and activities at the hospitality event plaza are planned.
From evening into the night, the sacred fire will be received at Nikaido Shrine, the torches will be lit at the summit of Goro-yama, and the small-torch procession and torch-drum performances will take place.
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 Fukushima Prefecture / Sukagawa City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The viewing route is one-way, so please follow staff instructions and signs.
Sparks from the torches may fly, and access to Goro-yama or viewing may be restricted depending on crowd conditions.
Please refrain from using tripods along the viewing route, flying drones around Goro-yama, and eating or drinking on Goro-yama.
Nearby attractions
ムシテックワールド
福島県須賀川市の科学館
須賀川市立博物館
福島県須賀川市にある博物館
須賀川牡丹園
福島県須賀川市にある牡丹園
Origins and History of Sukagawa Taimatsu Akashi
Taimatsu Akashi is said to have begun as an event to mourn those involved in the battle in which Date Masamune captured Sukagawa Castle in Tensho 17 (1589).
During the Edo period, an event in which people threw flaming torches at one another was held on day 10 of lunar month 10 to mourn the war dead.
After undergoing further changes, the festival continues today on Goro-yama as a fire festival mourning those killed in battle on both the Nikaido and Date sides.
Official information
The Sukagawa City official website provides information about the origins of Taimatsu Akashi and related event announcements.
For the latest information, including the date and event details, check Sukagawa City’s Taimatsu Akashi guide.
Source: 松明あかし／須賀川市公式ホームページ
Sukagawa Taimatsu Akashi at a Glance
Sukagawa Taimatsu Akashi is a fire festival that continues in remembrance of those killed in battle during the Warring States period and in gratitude to those who came before.
Highlights include carrying the sacred fire, the torch procession, lighting the torches on Goro-yama, and taiko performances—fire, processions, and music.
Details about the 2027 date and how to take part will need to be confirmed in future announcements.
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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