Japan, a country steeped in tradition and history, offers a vibrant tapestry of festivals spanning the length and breadth of its islands. Known as ‘matsuri’ in Japanese, these festivals are not just tourist attractions but the heartbeat of Japanese culture, reflecting its people’s spirit, traditions, and unity. From the snow-covered landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropical climes of Okinawa, each festival paints a unique picture of the local customs, history, and community life. Attending these festivals offers a glimpse into the soul of Japan, where ancient rituals meet contemporary life in a colourful explosion of joy and togetherness. So, let’s discover Japan’s top 10 festivals that you absolutely must experience, exclusively on Designer Journeys.
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1. Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)
Location: Kyoto
Month: July
Highlights:
- Historical processions
- Elaborate floats
- Traditional garb
The Gion Matsuri, held in Kyoto, is one of the most famous festivals in Japan, known for its month-long series of events. This ancient festival dates back to the 9th century and is a testament to Kyoto’s historical and cultural significance. The highlight is the grand procession of floats, known as “Yamaboko Junko,” on July 17th. These floats are massive, some weighing as much as 12 tons and towering 25 meters high, beautifully adorned with tapestries from Japan and the world.
- Cultural Significance: Originally started to appease the gods during an epidemic, the Gion Matsuri has evolved into a symbol of Kyoto’s identity and a showcase of craftsmanship and community spirit.
- Visitor Experience: Spectators can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and traditional music and see locals dressed in historical costumes. The nights leading up to the main parade, known as “Yoiyama,” offer a more intimate look into Kyoto’s local life, with streets lined with lanterns and stalls selling traditional food and goods.
Gion Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Japan.
This festival not only attracts visitors from across the globe but also fosters a deep sense of pride and unity among the residents of Kyoto, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to delve into the heart of Japan’s festival culture.
2. Awa Odori (Tokushima)
Location: Tokushima Prefecture
Month: August
Highlights:
- Dance performances
- Festive music
- Joyous atmosphere
The Awa Odori is one of the largest dance festivals in Japan, taking place in the heat of August in Tokushima Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Part of the Obon season, it attracts over a million tourists each year who come to see the energetic dance performances known as “Awa Odori,” which translates to “Awa Dance.”
- Cultural Background: The festival’s origins date back to the 16th century and have evolved into a massive celebration of dance and music. Participants, known as “odori-ko,” dance through the streets with traditional instruments, creating an infectious rhythm that encourages onlookers to join in.
- Unique Aspects: The dancers wear traditional yukata and happi coats, moving in coordinated groups. Each group, or “ren,” performs distinct dances, with men and women showcasing different styles. The saying associated with the festival, “Fools dance, and fools watch; if both are fools, you might as well dance,” captures the inclusive and joyous spirit of Awa Odori.
- Visitor Tips: For the best experience, visitors are encouraged to observe the dances from designated viewing areas and to participate in the many dance workshops offered during the festival, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of this vibrant cultural event.
Awa traditional dance.
Awa Odori represents the epitome of summer festivals in Japan, embodying the spirit of celebration, unity, and tradition. It’s a testament to the country’s love for dance and music, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Japan during the summer months.
3. Kanto Matsuri
Location: Akita Prefecture
Month: August
Highlights:
- Pole lantern balancing
- Nighttime parades
- Harvest Celebration
Following the festive dances of Awa Odori, the Kanto Matsuri stands as another highlight of the summer festivals in Japan. Held in Akita Prefecture, this festival marks the Tanabata season and is a spectacle of skill and balance designed to pray for good harvests.
- Festival Overview: The name “Kanto” refers to the poles adorned with lanterns that mimic the shape of rice plants, symbolizing hopes for a bountiful harvest. Performers balance these heavy poles, which can be up to 12 meters long and carry over 50 lanterns on their palms, foreheads, shoulders, or hips, showcasing incredible feats of strength and balance.
- Cultural Significance: This festival is deeply rooted in the region’s agricultural traditions, reflecting the community’s respect and dependence on nature’s bounty. The sight of lanterns swaying in the night sky, accompanied by the sounds of flutes and drums, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that captivates both locals and visitors.
- Experience for Spectators: The Kanto Matsuri offers a unique experience, where spectators can marvel at the skilful performances and even try to balance smaller kanto under experienced performers’ guidance during the day. The festival’s climax comes at night when the main street of Akita is illuminated by glowing lanterns, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
This event also know as pole lantern festival.
The Kanto Matsuri not only celebrates the agricultural heritage of Akita but also demonstrates the community’s dedication to preserving traditional skills and art forms. It’s an enchanting event highlighting the beauty and spirit of Japan’s festivals.
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4. Sapporo Snow Festival
Location: Hokkaido
Month: February
Highlights:
- Snow sculptures
- Winter sports
- Illuminations
The Sapporo Snow Festival, or “Sapporo Yuki Matsuri,” is a world-renowned event transforming Hokkaido’s capital into a winter wonderland. Celebrated in February, this annual festival showcases massive snow and ice sculptures that line the streets and parks of Sapporo, drawing visitors from around the globe to witness the snowy spectacle.
- Festival Origins: Originating in 1950 with a few snow statues created by local high school students, the festival has grown into an international event featuring hundreds of sculptures and attracting over two million tourists yearly.
- Sculpture Highlights: The sculptures range from intricate replicas of famous landmarks to characters from popular culture, all crafted with incredible detail and precision. The most giant sculptures are found at Odori Park, serving as the festival’s leading site, with additional attractions at Susukino and Tsu Dome.
- Activities and Experiences: Beyond the visual feast of sculptures, the festival offers a variety of winter activities, including snow slides, snow rafting, and ice skating. At night, the sculptures are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. The festival also features international snow sculpture contests, live music, and local food stalls, providing a whole cultural experience.
The festival transforming Sapporo into a winter wonderland.
The Sapporo Snow Festival showcases its participants’ artistic and creative talents and celebrates winter’s beauty and joy. It’s a testament to the community’s spirit and resilience in the face of cold weather, making it a must-visit event for anyone interested in experiencing one of the most spectacular festivals in Japan.
5. Kanda Matsuri
Location: Tokyo
Month: May (odd-numbered years)
Highlights:
- Portable shrines (Mikoshi)
- Parades
- Traditional rituals
One of Tokyo’s three major Shinto festivals, the Kanda Matsuri is a vibrant celebration in mid-May of odd-numbered years. Centred around Kanda Myojin Shrine, which venerates the deities of good fortune and business prosperity, this festival is a significant event for the local community and businesses in the area.
- Historical Background: Dating back to the early 17th century, the Kanda Matsuri has its roots in the Edo period when it celebrated the prosperity of the Tokugawa regime. Today, it serves as a symbol of unity, tradition, and the community’s vibrancy.
- Festival Activities: The festival’s highlight is the procession of about 200 mikoshi, portable shrines that are paraded through the streets of Kanda, Nihonbashi, Otemachi, and Akihabara. The procession includes participants in traditional costumes, musicians, and dancers, creating a lively atmosphere that engulfs the entire district.
- Cultural Significance: The parade serves as a spectacle for onlookers and a ritual to spread blessings and good fortune throughout the community. Residents and businesses along the parade route set up offerings and decorations, welcoming the mikoshi and participants.
Kanda Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s three major Shinto festivals.
The Kanda Matsuri offers a unique glimpse into Tokyo’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring importance of community and tradition in Japan’s bustling capital. It’s a fascinating event for anyone looking to experience traditional Japanese culture against the backdrop of one of the world’s most modern cities.
6. Tanabata Matsuri
Location: Various, notably Sendai
Month: July
Highlights:
- Bamboo decorations
- Wishes on paper strips (Tanzaku)
- Colourful street decorations
Tanabata Matsuri, also known as the Star Festival, is celebrated across Japan, with the most famous celebrations being in Sendai in August. Based on a Chinese legend, it commemorates the annual meeting of two deities, represented by the stars Vega and Altair, who are lovers separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet just once a year.
- Traditions and Customs: The festival is characterised by decorating bamboo branches with paper strips (tanzaku) where people write their wishes. The streets are adorned with colourful streamers and ornaments, creating a vibrant and hopeful atmosphere.
- Sendai’s Celebration: Sendai’s Tanabata Matsuri is particularly renowned for its elaborate decorations and grand scale. The city’s shopping arcades are transformed with massive, brightly coloured streamers and thousands of paper decorations, attracting visitors from all over the country.
- Cultural Impact: Beyond its romantic origins, Tanabata is a time for people to express their hopes and dreams through written wishes. The festival also includes traditional music, dance performances, and fireworks, making it a comprehensive cultural event.
Tanabata is a time for people to express their hopes and dreams through written wishes.
Tanabata Matsuri offers a poignant reminder of the power of love, hope, and tradition, bringing communities together to celebrate and dream. Whether experienced in the bustling streets of Sendai or a quiet neighbourhood, Tanabata encapsulates the heart of Japanese summer festivities.
7. Nebuta Matsuri
Location: Aomori Prefecture
Month: August
Highlights:
- Giant lantern floats
- Nighttime parades
- Traditional dances
Nebuta Matsuri is one of Japan’s most vibrant and energetic festivals, held annually in Aomori Prefecture. This festival features gigantic lantern floats based on kabuki or mythological stories, parading through the streets at night, accompanied by dancers and musicians.
- Festival Essence: The floats are made of washi paper and lit from within, creating a breathtaking spectacle as they move through the darkened streets. These floats depict gods, warriors, and mythical creatures in vivid colours and dramatic poses, showcasing the artistry and creativity of their makers.
- Participation and Spectacle: The festival is known for its “haneto” dancers, who wear special yukata and hats, jumping and dancing to the energetic beats of drums and flutes. Visitors can rent Haneto costumes and join in the parade, making this one of the most interactive festivals in Japan.
- Cultural Significance: The Nebuta Matsuri originates from the Tanabata festival and has evolved into a celebration to ward off sleepiness during the crucial farming season. The festival binds the community, drawing participants and spectators into a shared experience of joy and tradition.
Nebuta is one of Japan’s most vibrant and energetic festivals.
The Nebuta Matsuri offers an unforgettable experience with its combination of visual artistry, communal energy, and cultural depth. It’s a festival that encapsulates the spirit of Japanese summer, inviting all to partake in its lively and welcoming atmosphere.
8. Hakata Gion Yamakasa
Location: Fukuoka
Month: July
Highlights:
- Race of floats
- Men in traditional attire
- Rituals for purification
Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a thrilling festival held in Fukuoka, known for its race of elaborately decorated floats called “yamakasa.” The festival has a history spanning over 750 years and is deeply rooted in the local community.
- Festival Dynamics: The main event is the Oiyama, a race that occurs early in the morning on July 15th. Teams from different districts compete, carrying heavy floats that weigh up to a ton, racing through the streets of Hakata in a display of strength, speed, and endurance.
- Cultural Elements: The floats are divided into two types: “kakiyama,” which are carried and raced with, and “kazariyama,” which are decorative floats displayed throughout the city. The kazariyama are intricately designed, often depicting scenes from history or mythology, and serve as a visual feast leading up to the race.
- Community Involvement: Preparation for the festival involves the entire community, from the construction and decoration of the floats to the practice runs and purification rituals. It’s a time of unity and celebration, with participants and spectators alike drawn into the excitement and tradition of the event.
The festival has a history spanning over 750 years.
The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is not just a festival but a testament to Fukuoka’s endurance, community spirit, and cultural heritage. It offers a unique blend of physical prowess, artistic expression, and traditional rituals, making it a standout event among Japan’s numerous festivals.
9. Chichibu Yomatsuri
Location: Saitama Prefecture
Month: December
Highlights:
- Night festival with floats
- Fireworks
- Winter Celebration
The Chichibu Yomatsuri is one of Japan’s three great float festivals, which was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. It takes place in early December in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture. This winter festival is celebrated with stunning night parades of floats and a grand fireworks display, offering a warm and vibrant atmosphere amid the cold season.
- Festival Overview: The festival’s highlight is the evening procession of enormous floats illuminated by traditional lanterns and accompanied by music from flutes and drums. These floats are marvels of craftsmanship, decorated with intricate carvings and tapestries, paraded through the streets by teams of local men.
- Fireworks Display: A distinctive feature of the Chichibu night festival is the fireworks show that lights up the winter sky, adding to the festival’s magical atmosphere. The fireworks are a modern addition to the centuries-old tradition, symbolizing prayers for good fortune and happiness.
- Historical Significance: The festival has a history of over 300 years and is deeply embedded in the local culture. It centres around the Chichibu Shrine, with the parade serving as an offering to the gods, ensuring the prosperity and safety of the region.
Chichibu Night Festival is one of three great float festivals registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Chichibu Yomatsuri is a captivating experience, blending the beauty of traditional Japanese festival floats with the spectacle of fireworks. It offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a festive atmosphere in the winter, drawing visitors into the heart of a community’s heritage and celebrations.
10. Sendai Tanabata Matsuri
Location: Sendai
Month: August
Highlights:
- Vibrant streamers
- Traditional music
- Cultural exhibits
The Sendai Tanabata Matsuri is the largest Tanabata celebration in Japan, transforming the city into a colourful spectacle every August. This festival is a highlight of the summer in Miyagi Prefecture, drawing crowds with its elaborate decorations, cultural performances, and festive atmosphere.
- Festival Features: The streets of Sendai are adorned with thousands of vibrant streamers and bamboo decorations, creating a stunning visual display. Each streamer is handcrafted with paper and represents different hopes and dreams, from health and happiness to success and good harvests.
- Cultural and Artistic Performances: Alongside the decorations, the festival is filled with music, dance, and traditional arts. Visitors can enjoy live performances, workshops, and exhibitions that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Sendai and the Tohoku region.
- Community and Visitor Engagement: The festival is a time for community engagement, with local businesses and residents participating in the decoration and festivities. It’s also an opportunity for visitors to learn about Japanese traditions and the Tanabata legend, making it a culturally enriching experience.
Sendai Tanabata Matsuri is the largest Tanabata celebration in Japan.
The Sendai Tanabata Matsuri is a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Tohoku region, offering a vibrant celebration of love, hope, and community. It’s a must-visit festival for those looking to experience the depth of Japan’s cultural traditions in a dynamic and engaging setting. View all our tour options or enquire for more information here.
FAQs
Q: When is the best time to visit Japan for festivals?
A: Japan offers festivals year-round, but spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are particularly vibrant seasons with mild weather, making them ideal for festival-going. Most festivals are held annually and celebrate the shrine’s deity or a seasonal or historical event. Some festivals are held over several days.
Q: Can international visitors participate in the festivals?
A: Yes, many festivals welcome participation from both locals and tourists. Festivals like Awa Odori and Sapporo Snow Festival have events and areas specifically designed for visitor participation.
Q: Are there any tips for attending festivals in Japan?
A: It’s advisable to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially for popular festivals like Gion Matsuri and Cherry Blossom Festivals. Also, respect local customs and etiquette, such as removing shoes and not littering when entering certain areas.
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Japan’s festivals are a colourful tapestry of culture, tradition, and community. Each event, from the snowy spectacles of the Sapporo Snow Festival to the vibrant dances of Awa Odori, offers a unique window into the heart of Japanese life and history. These festivals not only celebrate the seasons and historical events but also bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and joy. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet beauty of Tanabata Matsuri or the energetic parades of Gion Matsuri, Japan’s festivals are an unforgettable experience, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and the warmth of its people.
