life in ichinohe

Experience how jazz brought new life to the historic Ichinohe Mandaikan theater, blending music, culture, and intimacy in the heart of Tohoku.

The day after the Ichinohe Festival, the streets are empty, the colors gone, but the echoes remain flutes in the air, mantises on the path, and the quiet lesson that even small things can be brave.

In northern Japan, the autumn season brings a series of festivals, known locally as aki matsuri (秋まつり), celebrating the harvest, nature, and local heritage. These festivals remain particularly distinctive, often overlooked by travelers. In this article, I will guide you on how to understand, experience, and enjoy them correctly, so read until the very end!

📌 This post is written entirely in Korean as a personal message to my Korean friends. You can read other blog posts in [Español], or [日本語].

Discover the magic of Ichinohe's Food & Fireworks Festival, where local food stalls, vibrant fireworks, and the inspiring spirit of junior high school students come together for an unforgettable summer night in Iwate. From unique ice cream flavors to surprise concerts, this local festival shows the true charm of rural Japan.

An intimate journey through the spiritual corners of Ichinohe, where Kagura dance, moss-covered shrines, and rural silence reveal a different way of experiencing faith.

There’s something magical about festivals in Japan. As many of you may have seen in movies or anime, festivals here feel deeply emotional filled with energy, nostalgia, and charm. The Fuji Shima Festival in Ichinohe was no exception.

From Bogotá to the heart of Tohoku: this is the story of how I came to Ichinohe, a small town in northern Japan that I now call home. Amidst mountains, festivals, and ancient culture. I share my first impressions and the beginning of an adventure that's just beginning.