The Akiba Festival is held annually on a Sunday between mid- and late September at Chiryu Shrine in the city of Chiryu, Aichi Prefecture.
A traditional festival with a history spanning over 280 years, rooted in legends about fires that occurred during the Edo period and in prayers for fire prevention and extinguishment.
During the day, young people from the city’s six neighborhoods (Takara-machi, Yama-machi, Yamayashiki-machi, Nakashin-machi, Hon-machi, and Nishi-machi) carry treasure chests and parade through their respective neighborhoods, singing *Nagamochi-uta* (folk songs).
At night, young people from each neighborhood gather at Chiryu Shrine to stage a magnificent display of handheld fireworks (Tezutsu); some of these fireworks can reach heights of over 7 meters, while others are launched from the ground.
手筒花火 (Tezutsu) – Hand Fireworks
- Festival: Akiba
- Venue: Chiryu Shrine – Chiryu, Aichi
- Date: Second-to-last Sunday of September
- Neighborhood parade time: Starting at 8:00 AM
- Fireworks time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Fireworks: 260 units (including handheld fireworks)
- Parking: Available (limited spaces)
- Restrooms: Available
Aichi Chiryu Nishimachi Jinden 12