Urabandai Fire Mountain Festival

【A prayer fire that scorches the night sky】 138 years of history and reverence for Mount Bandai. The largest summer festival in Urabandai, the 'Urabandai Fire Mountain Festival'

Held every year on July 21, the 'Urabandai Fire Mountain Festival' is the most grand summer event in Kitashiobara Village. It is not only a spectacular fireworks festival but also an event that embodies the memories of the Meiji eruption of Mount Bandai that transformed the landscape of this area, and the prayers for reconstruction, making it the soul of Urabandai.

■ The lights of 'memorial' and 'gratitude' connecting to the memory of 1888

The unique highlight of this festival lies in the deep historical background hidden in its date of celebration.

• Eruption on July 15, Meiji 21: The great eruption of Mount Bandai claimed many lives and simultaneously gave birth to the beautiful lakes of present-day Urabandai. The festival continues as a 'memorial' for those who lost their lives in this eruption and as a 'gratitude' for the transformation from wasteland to the beautiful tourist destination it is today.
• Traditional 'lantern floating': The lanterns released onto the calm surface of Lake Hibara illuminate the night lake in a fantastical way, etching the weight of history and quiet emotion into the hearts of visitors.

■ A unique 'aerial and water performance' that colors the lake in Urabandai

The climax of the festival is marked by large fireworks that scorch the night sky at an altitude of about 800m.

• The impact of the water star mine: The sight of underwater fireworks bursting on the surface of Lake Hibara and large fireworks shooting into the night sky simultaneously is a luxury unique to lakeside festivals. Surrounded by mountains, the 'echo of sound' that resonates in your belly is also overwhelming.
• The refreshing feeling of a midsummer night: Watching fireworks while being blown by the cool night breeze unique to the highlands brings a comfort far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. The light show unfolding on the stage of nature is a sight worthy of highlighting your journey.