15 Awesome Festivals in Japan
Trip101
What has always surprised us most, and made us fall even more in love with Japan are the numerous festivals, events and celebrations that happen across Japan throughout the year. We know that most of the events taking place during summer, we thought we’d compile a list of the best festivals in Japan.
15. Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, Osaka
The final festival on our list, but by no means our least favorite, is the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri in Osaka. If you’ve been to Osaka before you’ll know well the bright lights of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, but just a short train ride from Namba station is a very different city. This festival includes the use of numerous wooden floats in a tradition that is over 300 years old. We don’t want to give too many spoilers but let’s just say that there is some, specialist (somewhat acrobatic) balancing going on as the huge wooden floats traverse the streets. Just go and you’ll see what we mean.
14. Owara Kaze no Bon Festival, Toyama
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This festival always takes place across the first three days of September. It may be a little bit harder to reach than some of the other destinations on our list but we’re sure that you’ll think it’s worthwhile. If you are searching for something that truly feels like a traditional festival then you should look no further than the Owara Kaze no Bon Festival. You can join in the prayers to appease the gods, avoid natural disasters and ensure a healthy harvest for the coming year. With their unique hats, colorful clothing and stunning dancing you’ll soon be swept up in the ambiance.
13. Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri, Okinawa
This impressive lazer and firework show is great fun if you are in the area! Lasting for three days you can enjoy a parade and witness lots of unique performances on the two main stages. The Eisa is a style of dance that is performed over the O-bon holidays. This time of year is a way to pay your respects and send-off the ancestors who have visited your home. Standing spaces are free, expect it to be busy, or if you’d rather have a bit more added comfort you might want to purchase a ticket for the bleacher-style seating.
12. Yosakoi Festival, Kochi
Yosakoi Festival is actually one of Japan’s 10 largest festivals, which is surprising considering that it is fairly new to the rota. First started just 60 years ago this extremely popular festival takes places from the 9th until the 12th of August and began as a summer pastime. The specialist dancing includes performers that wear bright clothing and dance with ‘naruko’ wooden clappers. In total there are 16 stages in Kochi for this festival so you’ll have plenty of fun throughout the whole day.
11. Jidai Matsuri, Kyoto
This annual event takes place on the 22nd of October to celebrate the foundation of Kyoto and represents Japanese culture through the ages. With over 2,000 participants you should be prepared for the parade to last for 2 hours. You’ll be amazed by the transition through time and be able to see first hand, the Japanese culture, and style developing before your very eyes.
10. Awaodori Festival, Tokushima
One of the many popular dance festivals in Japan, the ‘Fool’s Dance’ is over 400 years old. Most of the events take place during the evening, although there are a few daytime activities. You should expect the center of the town to be closed and instead turned into a giant dance stage. If you want to go to this festival, be sure to book a hotel early as they will be fully booked as the date approaches. There are both free and paid spectator spots so check online beforehand.
9. Akita Kanto Festival, Akita
One of the more traditional and dynamic festivals on our list is the Akita Kanto Festival. Taking place every year in August this festival sees the impressive skills of the locals who balance long bamboo poles called Kanto with lots of paper lanterns on various points of their bodies. Ever wanted to see someone balance a pole, on their hand, forehead or hip? You can’t beat this amazing display of talent. The night display includes a parade of over 250 Kanto poles.
8. Sendai Tanabata Festival, Miyagi
Also known as ‘Star Festivals’ this is the first Tanabata-style festival that has made it to our list. So, what can you expect? This festival celebrates a very special day in which on the 7th day of the 7th month. According to Chinese legend, the two stars Altair and Vega cross paths. The Sendai Tanabata Festival is held every year on the 6th to the 8th August. The streets will be lined with bright and colorful streamers, various street events take place and people will be writing their wishes and hanging them on trees. Oh, and of course, there are fireworks too.
See the rest of the exciting festivals on the list in the original article from Trip101 via the link below!
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