A market with 300 years of history, Toka-ichi attracts over 100,000 people who, amid deep snow, come to shop for good luck charms.
Several hundred shots of fireworks decorate the ritual of Sai-no-kami held at the snow-covered Tsuruga-jo Castle.
With the melting of snow, three lion-masked dance groups visit Aizu accompanied by traditional music.
One-day festivals are held in towns throughout the city. Tourists who visit Aizu during this time will see a portable shrine procession or festival vendors.
A platform stage is set on the Yugawa River which runs through Higashiyama Onsen. Dancers in yukata (cotton kimono) show their graceful moves accompanied by the well-known Aizu Bandai-san song as spectators join in the Bon Odori ring.
Aizu's largest event held at the Tsuruga-jo Castle site. The highlight of this festival is the mock procession of historic feudal lords. 500 participants dressed in 17th through 19th century warrior outfits walk from the castle through the city. The procession is followed by an elegant performance of Noh theater held by a burning fire in the early evening.
