Shinobu-Sanzan Akatsuki-Mairi

It is a regular festival of Haguro Shrine that is situated on Mount Shinobu, the symbol of Fukushima City. Carrying the biggest, huge straw sandals in Japan, a length of 12 m, a width of 1.4 m, a weight of 2 t, they will dedicate it to the Haguro Shrine on Mount Shinobu, after walking through the city's main street such as in front of Fukushima Station. Long ago, there was a great gate at Haguro Shrine. Originated from the fact that huge straw sandals were made so that they should meet the size of the feet of the two Deva kings that were settled in the shrine, it has been inherited from the Edo period for over 300 years. It is said that praying for abundant crops, domestic safety, body robustness, and so on will build up our strength. People say that since it is the god of marriage, there is also a traditional legend that love becomes accomplished if we continue praying for 3 years. Because of this, young men and women can be seen constantly. Nowadays, it is also said that miraculous powers can be expected for traffic safety, the success of entrance exams, and so on. In the shrine and the approach roads, you can see the street stall selling Masaru, a bringer of good luck, a Daruma doll, a demon-breaking arrow with gold straw, a wooden plaque and Yuzu candy that relate to zodiac signs, and so on. Many worshipers visit from midnight to next morning.