Enjoy Fukui Phoenix Festival; the Biggest Celebration for Fukui Locals

Come to enjoy the Fukui Phoenix Festival in the first week of August, to celebrate Fukui city’s revival from past disasters.See Yosakoi dances, the famous Niagara fireworks, wear a yukata and feel the city’s energy.Located along the Japan Sea, it is a great excuse to escape the city and relax in rural Japan.

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Fukui Phoenix Festival:What it stands for!

We call fireworks, “flower fire” in Japanese because they are like beautiful flowers that bloom in the night sky and disappear in an instant- much like cherry blossoms. Back in the 16th century, when fireworks were first introduced to Japan, fireworks were used to ward off evil spirits. Today, going to see fireworks in Japan is a fun summer activity, and many firework events take place across the country in July and August.

Usually, there is a festival going on with food, drink, snacks, toys and game booths. Spectators walk around the area with food and drink in hand and wait excitedly for firework shows to begin. A firework festival typically starts in the early evening and lasts for about an hour to an hour and a half. Many spectators compete for a good viewing spot, and some reserve their spot hours in advance. At popular firework events, you’ll see picnic mats lined up on the floor in the early morning, reserving the best viewing spots. You’ll probably see what I mean if you go to the Fukui Phoenix Festival, a popular three-day summer festival with its main attraction being the fireworks that illuminate Fukui city’s summer sky.Fukui city is the capital of Fukui prefecture, one of the smallest prefectures in Japan. Located along the Japan Sea, it’s not a typical place to visit for many, but it is a great place to visit if you want to enjoy the enchanting nature of rural Japan.

Roots of the Fukui Phoenix Festival can be traced back to 1946, to the “Fukui City Reconstruction Festival”. This festival took place to reinvigorate the Fukui residents after the massive air raid that devastated the city in World War 2. Misfortune continued, however, after a big earthquake hit Fukui in 1948, bringing further damage and deaths to the town. In 1954, the festival began again as the Fukui Phoenix Festival, in the hope of reviving the devastated Fukui prefecture, residents, and the economy. The phoenix’s symbolism fitted so perfectly with the city’s theme to push the residents forward and revive again, that the Phoenix is now Fukui city’s symbol. The Fukui Phoenix Festival brings thousands of people to Fukui city and is an annual event that many people look forward to. Why not visit this beautiful and beguiling festival?

Wearing a Yukata or cotton summer kimono

Many people, especially girls in their teens and 20’s, like to go to firework festivals wearing a yukata or cotton summer kimono. Traditionally, designs of a yukata were simple- dyed indigo patterns/tie-dye designs on white cotton- and were worn after bath time. Today, the colors are brighter, portray modern designs, and they have turned into an exotic piece of clothing that is usually only worn at summer festivals. That’s why there is something special and exciting about going to a firework festival wearing a yukata. Seeing so many other women, children and men dressed in yukatas is a fantastic sight. Why not go to the Fukui Phoenix Festival to experience this year’s Japanese summer?

Events to join during the Festival

The Fukui Phoenix Festival usually starts on a Friday or Saturday of the first week of August and lasts for three days. During the festival, you’ll get to watch the Yosakoi parade that takes place in Fukui city’s Phoenix street. Yosakoi is a unique dance that was originally developed in Kochi prefecture, where teams of men and women shake instruments called Naruko (clappers) and dance to the rhythm of the instruments. About 40 dance teams participate every year, each with their unique outfits and dances, and choice of songs. Some combine traditional dancing to modern music. They also have a loud taiko drum (Japanese drums) performance where a few hundred people hit the drums—you will feel the power and energy of the Fukui people!

There are other events such as the World Beer Festival, where you can enjoy more than 20 kinds of both domestic and imported beers. It’s a great chance to try a glass of Japanese beer that you’ve never tried before!

At night, sit down and relax near the Asuwa river to check out the beautiful fireworks. 10,000 colorful fireworks are launched, and if you have a right spot, you might be able also to see their beautiful reflection on the river. The fireworks end with an artistic display of Niagara sparklers that resemble a waterfall. Hear the spectators happily clap and cheer during the firework finale that marks the beginning of the festival.

To conclude, the Fukui Phoenix Festival is an important reminder to the Fukui residents that they can overcome anything because they have already endured the worst. Feel the festival’s energy in the person, and enjoy a Japanese summer festival at a less-visited prefecture. Look up at the “flower fire” in the night sky and walk around in a yukata with a Japanese beer, or two, in hand!

How to visit?

A 3hr 30 min train ride from Tokyo. Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station (2hr 40 min), then transfer to the Express Thunderbird and get off at Fukui station (about 50 min).

During Fukui Phoenix Festival, traffic is restricted, and public transport is highly recommended- you more than likely will not be able to cab. Stick to trains- Phoenix street is just a 5 min walk from JR Fukui Station.

Address: 1-1-1 Chuo, JR Fukui Station, Fukui 901-0006, Fukui Prefecture (Fukui Station Tourist Information Center)
Tel: 81-(0)776-20-5348 (Fukui Station Tourist Information Center)