Written by Patrick Balfe
Take part in a real-life fox-themed wedding in Hida Furukawa.
What happens
The Hida Furukawa Fox Fire Festival is based on an old folklore about the appearance of mysterious fires moving through the streets of the town. Over the years, the event evolved from a business event to part of a shrine festival to what it is today, which is a legit fox-themed wedding.
Each year, dozens of couples apply to get married during the annual event. The lucky winning couple and attendees adorn themselves in fox makeup and outfits, and a wedding procession makes its way through the town. The traditional shrine festival coincides with the wedding ceremony, and the closing ceremony of the festival is held in the festival square.
The event area will feature a variety of food and drink stalls, as well as workshops for fox mask painting and lantern-making.
Schedule
- 12:00 p.m. – Celebration ceremony on stage at Festival Square, Fox Fire Market, and face painting
- 1:30 p.m. – Mikura Inari Shrine annual festival
- 2:30 p.m. – Rickshaw procession departure
- 6:30 p.m. – Bridal procession from Festival Square
- 7:30 p.m. – Closing ceremony at Festival Square
How to get there
The event mostly takes place at the Hida Furukawa Festival Square and Shinshūji Temple, both in front of Hida-Furukawa Station on the Takayama Main Line. Festival Square is approximately a 2-minute walk from the station, and Shinshūji Temple is a 5- to 10–minute walk from the station.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
