A Fukushima YOSAKOI stage filled with the sound of naruko clappers and local music
Utsukushima Yosakoi Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Mid-September / Every year
- Area
- Fukushima Prefecture・Koriyama 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.
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A event held across Fukushima Prefecture, featuring performances with naruko clappers and music and dance rooted in local traditions. It is held every year, rotating among locations across the prefecture, and also features a contest for teams that wish to be judged.
About Utsukushima Yosakoi Festival
The Utsukushima YOSAKOI Festival is an annual YOSAKOI event held in Fukushima Prefecture.
The festival rotates among venues across the prefecture and is distinguished by its use of dances and music rooted in local traditions.
The festival centers on performances with naruko clappers and also features team contests.
It is commonly known as “Utsuyosa.”
Source: うつくしまyosakoi祭り - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
The highlight is the performances by teams holding naruko clappers.
Folk songs and other local elements are incorporated into the dances, singing, and music to express a connection with the region.
A contest is also held for teams that wish to be judged, so you can compare the different expressions of each team as well as enjoy the performances themselves.
A Fukushima YOSAKOI stage filled with the sound of naruko clappers and local music
What to expect
At the festival, participating teams perform to music while holding naruko clappers.
Performances are expected to incorporate songs, dances, and other music rooted in the region.
Teams that wish to be judged take part in the contest, while festivalgoers can enjoy performances by each team throughout the event.
It is also an important rule that the event concludes with a bow.
How to take part
Participation is intended for teams, and teams wishing to be judged can enter the contest.
Teams must use naruko clappers in their performances and incorporate locally rooted music, dances, songs, or similar elements.
Participation is subject to 3 rules: hold naruko clappers and incorporate them into part of the performance; incorporate locally rooted music, dances, and songs, such as folk tunes; and begin and end with a bow.
審査希望チームの募集は行われます。
Location and access
- Address
Koriyama City
Host municipality 福島県郡山市
This map shows the surrounding area, not the exact venue location.
Dates and season
It is usually held in mid-September.
The host location rotates among places throughout Fukushima Prefecture.
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 / Koriyama City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
21世紀記念公園麓山の杜
福島県郡山市にある公園
こおりやま文学の森資料館
福島県郡山市にある資料館
五百淵公園
福島県郡山市にある公園
大安場史跡公園
郡山市にある国指定史跡を中心として都市公園
安積国造神社
福島県郡山市にある神社
安積歴史博物館
福島県郡山市にある博物館
日本きもの美術館
福島県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
田村神社 (郡山市)
福島県郡山市にある神社
郡山市ふれあい科学館
福島県郡山市にある宇宙をテーマとした科学館
郡山市歴史資料館
日本の博物館
郡山市立美術館
福島県郡山市にある美術館
郡山市開成館
福島県郡山市にある野外博物館
Origins and History of Utsukushima Yosakoi Festival
The festival began when efforts to promote YOSAKOI spread throughout Fukushima Prefecture, inspired by a desire to share the excitement of the YOSAKOI Soran Festival, experienced in Hokkaido, with Fukushima.
The 1st festival was held in connection with the 2001 Utsukushima Future Expo, and since then it has continued every year, rotating among locations across the prefecture.
Today, it is considered a hallmark of autumn in Fukushima Prefecture.
Utsukushima Yosakoi Festival at a Glance
The Utsukushima YOSAKOI Festival is held across Fukushima Prefecture, where visitors can enjoy performances featuring naruko clappers and music with a local character.
It began in 2001 and has been held every year, rotating among locations across the prefecture.
A contest is also held for teams that wish to be judged.
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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