Top Festivals in Japan

Experience the Best of Japan’s Rich Culture and Tradition

Japan is known for preserving its rich culture and tradition. One way to experience this firsthand is to attend its traditional festivals, also known as matsuri. These events showcase Japan’s diverse customs and beliefs, offering a glimpse into the country’s vibrant history and culture. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top festivals in Japan that you shouldn’t miss.

🎉 Gion Matsuri

Gion Matsuri is one of Kyoto’s most famous festivals, held annually in July. The festival is named after the Gion district, where it takes place, and dates back to the ninth century. It consists of a parade of massive floats or yamaboko decorated with intricate tapestries and lanterns. The highlight of the festival is the Yoiyama evening, where the streets are lined with stalls selling traditional food and drinks.

🌸 Cherry Blossom Festival

Also known as the Sakura Matsuri, the Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Japan’s most popular festivals. It’s held in various parts of the country, and the dates vary depending on the location and the blooming of the cherry blossoms. The festival usually lasts for a week, with people gathering under the cherry blossom trees to enjoy food, drinks, and festivities.

🎏 Tango no Sekku

Tango no Sekku, also known as the Boys’ Day Festival, is a national holiday celebrated on May 5th. It’s a day to celebrate the health and happiness of boys in Japan. Families with boys display traditional samurai dolls and carp-shaped banners, symbolizing strength and success, outside their homes. The festival also includes various traditional Japanese activities and events.

🐉 Hakata Gion Yamakasa

Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a festival held in Fukuoka City, Kyushu, in July. It dates back to the 13th century and is known for its dramatic race involving massive, 1-ton floats. The highlight of the festival is the early morning race, where teams carry the floats through the streets of Fukuoka while chanting and cheering. It’s a unique and thrilling event that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

🐷 Nebuta Matsuri

Nebuta Matsuri is a festival held in Aomori City, Tohoku, in August. It’s known for its massive lantern floats or nebuta, which are illuminated from the inside. The floats depict historical and mythical figures, and the festival includes various traditional Japanese performances, such as taiko drumming and dancing.

🎭 Awa Odori

Awa Odori is a dance festival held in Tokushima City, Shikoku, in August. It dates back to the 16th century and is one of Japan’s most famous dance festivals. The festival features various dance troupes wearing traditional Japanese clothing and dancing through the streets of Tokushima. It’s a colorful and lively event that attracts both locals and tourists.

🎎 Gion Odori

Gion Odori is a traditional dance festival held in Kyoto in November. It’s performed by geiko, also known as geisha, and maiko, their apprentices. The festival showcases the elegant and refined dance and music styles of Kyoto’s geiko and maiko. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the beauty and sophistication of Japan’s geisha culture.

💮 Kurama no Hi Matsuri

Kurama no Hi Matsuri, also known as the Kurama Fire Festival, is a festival held in Kyoto in October. It’s a unique and intense event that involves a procession of torches through the streets of Kurama. The torches are carried by men dressed in traditional clothing, with the aim of purifying and warding off evil spirits. It’s a must-see event for those looking for a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

🗻 Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo Snow Festival is a winter festival held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, in February. It’s known for its massive snow sculptures, which are illuminated at night. The festival attracts millions of visitors each year and includes various events and activities, such as ice skating and food stalls.

🌊 Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is a festival held in Kishiwada City, Osaka, in September. It’s known for its massive wooden floats or danjiri, which are pulled through the streets by teams of men. The festival is a display of strength, skill, and courage, as the men navigate the heavy and unwieldy floats through the narrow streets of Kishiwada.

🌺 Aoi Matsuri

Aoi Matsuri is a festival held in Kyoto in May. It’s one of Kyoto’s oldest and most prestigious festivals, dating back to the sixth century. The festival consists of a grand procession of people dressed in traditional clothing and carrying various offerings to the Shimogamo and Kamigamo shrines. It’s a beautiful and solemn event that showcases the elegance and grace of Japan’s traditional culture.

🎐 Tenjin Matsuri

Tenjin Matsuri is a festival held in Osaka in July. It’s one of Japan’s three major festivals, along with Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Tokyo’s Kanda Matsuri. The festival centers around the Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the god of learning and scholarship. The highlight of the festival is the river procession, where boats carrying portable shrines and performers sail down the Okawa River.

🏮 Setsubun

Setsubun is a festival held in various parts of Japan on February 3rd. It’s a day to drive away evil spirits and welcome good luck and fortune. The festival includes various traditional customs, such as throwing roasted soybeans and shouting Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! meaning Out with demons! In with good luck!

🍜 Ramen Expo

Ramen Expo is a food festival held in various parts of Japan, showcasing the country’s love for ramen. It’s a great opportunity to try various types of ramen from different regions of Japan and meet ramen chefs and enthusiasts. The festival also includes various ramen-related events and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the best time to visit Japan for festivals?

The best time to visit Japan for festivals is during the summer months of July and August, when many of the major festivals are held. However, other festivals are held throughout the year, so you can plan your visit accordingly.

2. Are the festivals open to tourists?

Yes, the festivals are open to tourists. In fact, many festivals attract thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

3. What should I wear to the festivals?

You can wear anything comfortable and appropriate for the weather, but it’s recommended to wear traditional clothing, such as a yukata, for a more immersive experience.

4. How do I get to the festival venues?

You can take public transportation, such as trains or buses, to the festival venues. However, it’s recommended to plan your route in advance and arrive early, as the festivals can get crowded.

5. Are there any entrance fees for the festivals?

Some festivals may have entrance fees for certain events or activities, but many are free to attend. It’s best to check the festival’s official website or ask at the venue for more information.

6. What kind of food can I expect at the festivals?

You can expect a variety of traditional Japanese food and snacks at the festivals, such as yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki.

7. Can I take photos and videos at the festivals?

Yes, you can take photos and videos at the festivals, but be respectful of the performers and other attendees. It’s also recommended to ask for permission before taking photos of people.

8. What other activities can I do in Japan besides attending festivals?

Japan offers a wide range of activities and attractions, such as visiting historical sites, soaking in hot springs, exploring nature, shopping, and experiencing its unique pop culture.

9. What’s the best way to plan a trip to Japan?

The best way to plan a trip to Japan is to research and book your accommodations, transportation, and activities in advance. It’s also recommended to learn some basic Japanese phrases and customs to enhance your experience.

10. How safe is it to travel to Japan?

Japan is known for its safety and low crime rates. However, it’s still recommended to take basic precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings.

11. What’s the currency used in Japan?

The currency used in Japan is the Japanese yen (¥).