Oyama Sankei (Mount Iwaki Pilgrimage)

About

The biggest festival of Iwakiyama Shrine and said to be the largest autumn festival in the Tsugaru region, this mass pilgrimage is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. To give thanks for the harvest and pray for their households, villages from all over Tsugaru climb together to the inner shrine on the summit of Mount Iwaki to greet the sunrise. On the first day, Mukaiyama, groups set out from their villages; on the second, Yoiyama, they arrive at the shrine at the foot of the mountain for purification. Young men carry huge banners and offerings, often more than 10 meters long, drawing applause from onlookers, and the celebrations in the shrine grounds go on all night. The third day, Tsuitachiyama, falls on the first day of the eighth lunar month, when pilgrims reach the summit shrine for the sunrise. Today, a skyline road and chairlift let anyone make the climb with ease.

Sources

• OfficialIwakiyama Shrine iwakiyamajinja.or.jp
• Reference祭典暦 | 岩木山神社 iwakiyamajinja.or.jp

Last checked: Oct 10, 2026. Event information is based on official announcements, but changes may not always be reflected here. Please check each official website for accurate details.

Other events this month

• Nakawa Autumn Festival
• Towada City Autumn Festival