Japanese Festivals are various celebrations taking place throughout the year. These festivals, deeply rooted in tradition, offer a glimpse into the rich culture and heritage.
COVID-19 caused the cancellation of many festivals in the past two years. However, this year, there is optimism for a comeback with vibrant and large-scale celebrations. Here, we’ve selected some of the most vibrant and impactful festivals, providing a deeper insight into Japanese culture.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, organizers may cancel or scale down some festivals. Please check before attending.
Aomori Nebuta Festival (Aomori Prefecture)
The Aomori Nebuta Festival features gigantic floats, known as ‘Nebuta,’ accompanied by dancers called ‘Haneto’ parading through the streets of Aomori City. These vivid floats, often crafted by master artisans, depict Japanese and Chinese legends, historical figures, kabuki themes, and deities. The festival, drawing over 3 million visitors annually, is a visual feast accompanied by flutes, drums, and the energetic chants of “Rasserā”. The last day’s finale includes a stunning fireworks display over the sea.
Schedule: Annually from August 2nd to 7th.
Kanda Festival (Tokyo)
Held biennially around Kanda Myojin Shrine, the Kanda Festival is one of Japan’s three great festivals. Its highlight is the large-scale Mikoshi (portable shrines) paraded through the downtown areas like Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Marunouchi. The festival’s origin traces back to Tokugawa Ieyasu’s victory in the Battle of Sekigahara, leading to its development under the Tokugawa shogunate’s patronage.
Schedule: Biennially in mid-May, next in 2023.
Chichibu Night Festival (Saitama Prefecture)
A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Chichibu Night Festival boasts 300 years of history. Furthermore, the festival features decorated Kasaboko and Yatai floats that parade through the streets accompanied by traditional festival music. Thousands of fireworks light up the night sky, creating a spectacular sight.
Schedule: Annually on December 2nd and 3rd.
Sendai Tanabata Festival (Miyagi Prefecture)
On the other hand, Sendai’s Tanabata festival is known for vibrant 10-meter bamboo decorations crafted by local entities. It deviates from the usual July 7th celebration, occurring instead from August 6th to 8th.
Schedule: Annually from August 6th to 8th.
Awa Odori (Tokushima Prefecture)
Awa Odori, a renowned Bon Odori dance festival in Japan, draws over a million visitors to Tokushima annually. The festival features dynamic group dances, known as ‘Ren,’ parading through the city streets. Nevertheless, visitors can even join in the dance, with groups called ‘Niwa-ka Ren’ welcoming beginners.
Schedule: Annually from August 12th to 15th.
Gion Festival (Kyoto Prefecture)
Kyoto’s Gion Festival, with a history of over 1100 years, takes place in July, with the main events occurring on the 17th and 24th. The highlight are the 33 grand floats, 29 of which hold the designation of Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties.
Schedule: Annually throughout July.
Tenjin Festival (Osaka Prefecture)
The Tenjin Festival, one of Japan’s three major festivals, pays tribute to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. The festival features a land and river procession with over 100 boats, and concludes with a stunning fireworks display.
Schedule: Annually from late June to July 25th.
Karatsu Kunchi (Saga Prefecture)
Karatsu Kunchi is a fall festival celebrating the harvest in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. In 2016, UNESCO designated the festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Recognizing its large, beautifully crafted floats parading through the city.
Schedule: Annually from November 2nd to 4th.
Hakata Dontaku (Fukuoka Prefecture)
Over 2 million people participate in Fukuoka’s Hakata Dontaku, a historical festival celebrated during Golden Week. The festival gained fame for its parade of flower cars and participants. Filled with traditional costumes, while various stages throughout the city host performances.
Schedule: Annually on May 3rd and 4th.
Celebrating The Importance of Japanese Festivals
These rich glimpses into the nation’s vibrant cultural heritage peak excitement as we share this with you. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, there’s a hopeful excitement for a triumphant return to lively celebrations this year. Meanwhile, We’re hoping you could get to visit Japan and experience these breathtaking and cultural festivities of a lifetime.
Imagine the Aomori Nebuta Festival’s huge floats, each telling ancient tales, and sense the echoes of history at the biennial Kanda Festival. Experience the Chichibu Night Festival, honored with UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and marvel at Sendai’s Tanabata turning bamboo into art. Kyoto’s Gion Festival, with a millennium-long history, unfolds like a cherished book, certainly revealing the diverse threads of Japan’s cultural tapestry.
Ultimately, these Japanese festivals are not just events; they are living chapters in Japan’s captivating cultural story.
Wanna visit Japan soon? Check out our Japan Travel Guide: How to Create the Perfect Itinerary
