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Ofunato Industry Festival

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Event
Information

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[When]                 Early October
[Where]               Ofunaport (Ofunato Disaster Prevention, Tourism and Exchange Center 

[Time]                  10:00am - 15:00pm (both days)
[Address (Eng)]   7-6 Chayamae Ofunato-cho, Ofunato, Iwate 022-000
[Address (Jap)]   〒022-0002 岩手 大船渡市 大船渡町茶屋前 7-6

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During the mid-Autumn season, Ofunato city holds their Industry Festival which celebrates the various types of local products, varying from different kinds of seafood, vegetables, fruits as well as woodcrafts and carpentry created and flourished here in Ofunato. (A total of 46 booths were set up during the festival in 2022.)

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The festival was held outdoors utilizing the rotary in front of the Ofunato train (BRT) station along with an outdoor stage filled with performances by local taiko groups, middle school and highschool brass bands, renowned artists from Ofunato and outside of Ofunato, along with famous traditional dance groups.

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You can get a taste of atmosphere during this two day festival in the pictures below but a few of thigs I would like to mention for those planning to stop by for this festival:

  • In 2022, the festival was held on the 8th and 9th of October in accordance to the Fireworks Festival held in Rikuzentakata City. As such, it may be win-win situation if you are able to get your hands on the ticket for the fireworks too!!

  • Traditionally, during this festival the city hands out FREE charcoal grilled sanma (AKA: pacific saury) to the first 500 customers each day. It is first come first serve, so I suggest you come in during the morning!!

  • Although it may vary depending on the year, in 2022 they held a 餅撒き (mochi maki = Mochi rice cake throwing) event. This may sound odd, but this is a traditional way to celebrate newcomers and would often be done after a new house is built. But I digress, during this event you may find mochi with a red sticker indicating "当" where you can trade it in for a special gift!!

  • There are plenty of parking available but it is spread out.. For those who may feel that way, the BRT is another way to go about. For many of these city festivals, in order to keep a consistant flow of people going in as well as out, public transportations schdules will be adjusted accordingly. Keep an eye out for a change of schedule at the station!!

  • When in doubt ask questions! Even if you are walking around or just looking around  if anything interests you go up and ask! The people here are shy to first reach out, but once they get going, they are very friendly!! Worst case scenario, they will call me and I'll pop-up to help!!

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