Japan is a country renowned for its unique culture and traditions, and one of the best ways to experience this is by attending one of the many vibrant festivals held throughout the year. Festivals in Japan, known as “matsuri,” are a celebration of everything from the changing of the seasons to local legends and folklore.
In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the 5 most exciting festivals in Japan, offering you an insight into what makes them so special and how you can best experience them. From the thrilling street performances to the colorful costumes and mouth-watering festival foods, each of these events offers a one-of-a-kind experience that is not to be missed. So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting out, make sure to add these festivals to your Japan itinerary and get ready for an unforgettable cultural adventure!
Table of Contents
1, Aomori Nebuta Festibal (Aomori Prefecture)
Japan is renowned for its colorful and vibrant festivals that take place throughout the year. Among the many festivals held in Japan, Aomori Nebuta Matsuri stands out as one of the most exciting and awe-inspiring. The festival is held annually in the city of Aomori, located in the northernmost part of Honshu Island, Japan’s main island. This festival is a celebration of Japanese culture, history, and art, making it an ideal destination for people coming from abroad to Japan.
A Brief History of Aomori Nebuta Matsuri
History of Nebuta Matsuri dates back to the Nara period (710-794 AD). The festival was originally a religious ceremony held to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the community, and it involved the lighting of torches and the chanting of prayers. Over time, the festival evolved into a more elaborate and colorful event, with the creation of the nebuta floats and the incorporation of music and dance
What to Expect at Aomori Nebuta Matsuri
The highlight of the festival is the massive illuminated floats, known as “nebuta.” These floats are made of bamboo frames and covered in washi paper painted with vivid, colorful designs, such as samurai warriors, mythical creatures, and kabuki actors. Each float can be up to 5 meters tall and 9 meters wide and is illuminated from within, creating a dazzling display of light and color. The floats are accompanied by taiko drummers and dancers in traditional costumes, adding to the festival’s lively and vibrant atmosphere.
Visitors to the festival can also participate in the “Wa Rasse Nebuta Museum,” which showcases the history and craftsmanship of the nebuta. Here, visitors can watch the craftsmen at work, creating the lanterns, and learn about the history and significance of the festival. There are also various food stalls selling local delicacies, such as “Nanbu Senbei,” a crispy rice cracker, and “Nokke-don,” a seafood rice bowl.
When to Go and How to Get There
Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is held annually from August 2 to August 7. The festival is held in the evening, starting at around 7:00 pm and continuing until around 9:00 pm. The best time to see the nebuta is during the evening parade when the floats are illuminated.
To get to Aomori, visitors can take a train from Tokyo to Aomori Station, which takes around 3.5 hours. From there, it is a short walk or bus ride to the festival site. Visitors can also take a domestic flight from Tokyo to Aomori Airport, which takes around 1.5 hours.
Official Aomori Nebuta Festival website: https://aomori-tourism.com/en/event/detail_15.html
2, Gion Festival (Kyoto Prefecture)
When it comes to festivals in Japan, few can match the grandeur and spectacle of Gion Matsuri. Held annually in Kyoto, Gion Matsuri is one of the most famous summer festivals in Japan, and people from all over the world come to see it. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, here’s everything you need to know about this must-see festival.
A Brief History of Gion Matsuri
Gion Matsuri dates back over a thousand years and has its roots in Shinto tradition. The festival is held in honor of the Yasaka Shrine, which was established in the 7th century to protect the city from plagues and natural disasters. The festival first began as a purification ritual and evolved over time into a grand celebration featuring ornate floats, traditional costumes, and lively music and dance performances.
What to Expect at Gion Matsuri
The festival takes place over the entire month of July, with various events and activities held throughout the city. The highlight of the festival is the “Yamaboko Junko” parade, which takes place on July 17 and 24. During the parade, massive floats known as “yamaboko” are paraded through the streets of Kyoto, accompanied by traditional music and dancers in colorful costumes. The floats, some of which are over 20 meters tall, are adorned with intricate decorations and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Japan.
Visitors can also participate in the “Yoiyama” and “Byobu Matsuri” events, which take place in the days leading up to the parade. These events include traditional Japanese arts and crafts, street performances, and food stalls serving local delicacies. The “Mikoshi Togyo” ceremony is another popular event, where portable shrines are carried through the streets of Kyoto in a colorful procession.
How to Get There
Kyoto can be easily accessed by train from Tokyo or Osaka. From Osaka, it takes only 30 minutes to reach Kyoto, and from Tokyo, it will take 2 hours and 30 minutes by bullet train. From Kyoto Station, visitors can take a bus or subway to the festival sites. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Kansai International Airport and take a train to Kyoto from there.
If you’re interested in traveling around Kyoto, check this article out for one of the most famous hot springs in Japan.
3, Sapporo Winter Festival (Hokkaido Prefecture)
If you’re planning a winter trip to Japan, don’t miss out on the annual Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido. This festival is a celebration of snow and ice sculptures, attracting visitors from all over the world. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
A Brief History of Sapporo Winter Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival started in 1950 when high school students built six snow statues in Odori Park. Since then, it has grown into a major winter event, with over 2 million visitors annually. The festival features hundreds of snow and ice sculptures created by artists from around the world. It is held in early February when Sapporo is blanketed in snow, making for a truly magical experience.
What to Expect at Sapporo Winter Festival
The festival is held in three locations: Odori Park, Susukino, and the Sapporo Community Dome. Odori Park is the main site, featuring dozens of massive snow sculptures, some of which are over 10 meters tall. The sculptures are lit up at night, creating a beautiful and magical atmosphere.
Susukino is a district known for its nightlife and entertainment. During the festival, it features ice sculptures, concerts, and street performances. The Sapporo Community Dome is an indoor venue that features ice slides, snow mazes, and ice skating.
In addition to the sculptures, the festival also features food stalls serving local Hokkaido delicacies, such as fresh seafood, ramen, and soup curry.
How to Get There
Sapporo can be reached by plane from major cities in Japan or by train from Tokyo or other parts of Hokkaido. From Sapporo Station, visitors can take the subway or a bus to the festival sites. It is recommended to book accommodations in advance as the festival attracts a large number of visitors.
Here is the official website for the festival in English: https://www.snowfes.com/en/
4, Awa Dance Festival (Tokushima Prefecture)
If you’re looking for a unique and immersive cultural experience in Japan, look no further than the Awa Dance Festival. Held annually in Tokushima Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, this festival is a celebration of traditional Japanese dance, music, and costumes.
A Brief History of Awa Dance Festival
The Awa Dance Festival, also known as Awa Odori, has a long and rich history dating back over 400 years. It originated in Tokushima Prefecture on the island of Shikoku during the Edo period (1603-1868) as a way for people to express their joy and gratitude during the Bon season, a time when ancestors were believed to return to the living world. Over time, the festival evolved to include dance performances that reflected the local culture and traditions of Tokushima.
What to Expect at Awa Dance Festival
The festival takes place in mid-August and features dozens of dance troupes known as “ren.” These troupes parade through the streets of Tokushima, performing a style of dance known as “Awa Odori,” which is characterized by its energetic and lively movements.
What makes the Awa Dance Festival so special is its inclusive nature. Anyone can participate in the dance, regardless of age or skill level. Visitors can join in the fun by renting a traditional costume and joining one of the ren groups, or simply watch from the sidelines and enjoy the colorful and lively atmosphere.
In addition to the dance performances, the festival also features food stalls serving local delicacies, such as “udon” noodles and “soba” buckwheat noodles. There are also traditional craft markets where visitors can purchase handmade souvenirs and gifts.
How to Get There
Getting to the Awa Dance Festival is relatively easy, as Tokushima Prefecture is well-connected to other major cities in Japan. If you’re coming from Tokyo or Osaka, the easiest way to get to Tokushima is by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Okayama and then transferring to the JR Marine Liner, which will take you directly to Tokushima. The entire journey takes about 4 hours.
If you’re flying, you can take a domestic flight to Tokushima Airport, which is located about 20 minutes away from the city center.
5, Chichibu Night Festival
The Chichibu Night Festival, also known as Chichibu Yomatsuri, is one of the most unique and exciting festivals in Japan. Held annually on December 2nd and 3rd in the town of Chichibu, located about 90 minutes from Tokyo, this festival is a must-see for anyone visiting Japan during the winter season.
A Brief History of Chichibu Night Festival
The festival has a history that dates back over 300 years. It started as a way to celebrate the end of the harvest season and give thanks to the gods for a bountiful crop. In an effort to bring rain and ensure a successful harvest, the townspeople decided to hold a festival at the town’s newly built shrine. The festival featured processions of floats, called “yatai,” that were adorned with lanterns and pulled through the streets by teams of men.
Over time, the festival grew in popularity and became an annual event. The floats, which were originally used as portable shrines, were gradually transformed into elaborate works of art with intricate carvings and ornate decorations. Today, the Chichibu Night Festival is known for its stunning floats, traditional music and dance performances, and lively atmosphere.
What to Expect at Chichibu Night Festival
During the festival, the floats are paraded through the town’s streets, accompanied by traditional Japanese music and dance performances. The festival culminates in a magnificent fireworks display that illuminates the night sky over Chichibu.
One of the unique features of the Chichibu Night Festival is the “matoi” performance, where groups of men spin a large pole with lit torches on the end, creating a stunning display of light and movement. This performance is said to represent the purification of the town and ward off evil spirits.
How to Get There
The Chichibu Night Festival takes place in Chichibu City, which is located in Saitama Prefecture, approximately 90 minutes by train from Tokyo. The most convenient way to get to the Chichibu Night Festival is by train. Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo to Seibu-Chichibu Station. From there, you can either walk to the festival grounds or take a shuttle bus or taxi.
