Top Festivals in Japan You Can’t Miss
Japan celebrates nearly 100,000 festivals each year, with vibrant culture and deep-rooted traditions coming alive to life in spectacular ways. These events play a significant role in promoting Japan tourism, featuring grand parades, traditional customs, and unique seasonal foods. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most iconic festivals celebrated across Japan.
Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)
Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital. There are various ceremonies held during the festival, but Gion Matsuri is known for Yamaboko Junko. The grand procession of Yamaboko floats through the central streets of Kyoto.
The festival, which is divided into Saki Matsuri and Ato Matsuri every July, has been a tradition since the 9th century.
- Yamaboko Junko
The grand procession of Yamaboko Junko includes two main processions of floats: first during Saki Matsuri, followed by the second procession during Ato Matsuri.
- Mikoshi Togyo
The Mikoshi Togyo is a procession of the Mikoshi (portable shrine), which gets paraded around the city during Gion Matsuri.
- Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine is the most famous shrine in the Gion district, where the Mikoshi is taken before and after the procession.
Sapporo Snow Festival (Sapporo)
The Sapporo Festival, often referred to as Japan’s Winter Wonderland, is one of the biggest winter events. Each February, it transforms Hokkaido’s capital into a magical spectacle for an entire week. The festival often features amazing snow and ice sculptures larger than life.
What started as a display of six snow sculptures created by students in 1950 has now become an annual festival that attracts over two million visitors worldwide. The festival is held at the centre of Sapporo, with certain locations like Odori Park and the Tsudome site shining in the spotlight.
- Odori Park
Odori Park is the main site in the centre of Sapporo, which features some of the most renowned snow and ice sculptures, reaching heights of up to 15 meters.
- TsuDome Site
The Tsudome site offers various snowslides, snow rafting, and numerous other activities for both adults and children. This makes it an authentic family-friendly experience during the festival for you to enjoy.
- Sapporo TV Tower
One of Japan’s oldest landmarks and a TV tower, it features an observation deck that provides an illuminating view of statues alongside the city’s skyline at night.
Awa Odori (Tokushima)
The independent existence of the Awa Odori (originated from Bon Odoori) was not utilised until the 20th century. It is now the largest, oldest, and most famous Obon dance event held in August every year for the last 400 years. Although Tokushima City is often calm and quiet, it becomes lively and vibrant during the mid-August week, drawing over a million spectators and participants for the festival.
- Dance underneath the stars
At night, various stages and elevated enbujo (spectator stands) are set for both wondering audiences and talented performers to experience. The immersive performances bring this vibrant cultural festival to life.
- Nagashi Parade
TheNagashi parade is a vibrant daytime event. Held from morning to noon, it features traditional musical instruments and dance performances. While the dances during the day are slightly subdued compared to the night performances, they bring their unique charm and elegance.
- Street food
Numerous food stalls, called Yatai, serve traditional dishes that are exquisite delights and are essential experiences for everyone.
Tanabata Matsuri (Sendai)
Tanabata Matsuri, also known as the star festival, takes place on the 7th day of the 7th month according to the Lunisolar calendar in Sendai. The festival is rooted in an ancient Chinese tale about two star-crossed lovers, the weaver star (vega) and cowherd star (altair), separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet only once a year. Here are some unique experiences and traditions that the Tanabata Festival brings to Sendai:
- Traditional wish writing
Visitors immerse themselves in the tradition of inscribing their hopes on Tanzaku (vibrant paper strips), which are hung on bamboo branches alongside other decorations and adorned with the festival’s ambience.
- Traditional performances
The festivals showcase traditional music, dance, and theatre performances across the festive grounds, which gives a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
- Shopping and local cuisines
This festival is the perfect place to try local delicacies and traditional crafts. Popular foods such as Takoyaki and Yakitori are among the many dishes that visitors can enjoy.
Obon Festival (Nationwide)
Obon is an annual Buddhist event held to honour the spirits of their ancestors. It has been celebrated in mid-August for more than 500 years. The festival engages in traditional Obon dances, boat processions, visits to ancestral graves, household alters, and the release of floating lanterns into the rivers. The ancestral spirits are believed to return temporarily to the earthly realm during the Obon festival. These customs and traditions offer a warm welcome and a farewell to these spirits.
- Bon Odori
Bon Odori, meaning ’Bon Dance,’ is a traditional Obon dance performed in public places while dressed in yukata (summer kimonos) to welcome ancestral spirits.
- Grave visits and offerings
Individuals go to visit their ancestral graves and house altars to clean and present offerings such as flowers and favourite delicacies as a mark of respect.
- Floating Lanterns
Families release floating lanterns in rivers or lakes, symbolising the peaceful journey and guiding their ancestral spirits back to the afterlife.
Conclusion
The festivals in Japan perfectly capture the essence of the word ‘fest’ in ‘festival’. From centuries-old traditions to modern celebrations, each event reflects Japan’s culture and heritage throughout the year. Be sure to mark your calendar and explore Japan Tour Packages for an unforgettable journey through this incredible country.
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