Every year, Japan hosts amazing traditional festivals, some of which are centuries old. Festivals, also known as Matsuri, are all very beautiful stories that are rooted in the traditional beliefs of the Japanese people, these legends have given rise to interesting festivals in this country. Interestingly, what makes traditional festivals in Japan special is the fact that many of them are well-preserved customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. These festivals are worth seeing because of their historical background and very happy atmosphere. If you don’t know which events are the best to see, we have introduced the most famous festivals in Japan below.
Hakata Dontaku Festival, Fukuoka / Hakata Dontaku Matsuri
Hakata Dontamko is a Japanese festival held in Fukuoka during the Golden Week holiday in May. The two-day festival, which is more than 800 years old, features folk dances from Fukuoka and the Kyushu region along the streets of the city, complete with bands. In Haka Dontaku, as one of the most famous festivals in Japan, excitement and liveliness are the first words. The festive music is so cheerful that it even invites the audience to join the participants.
Feature of Hataka Dontaku Festival, one of the most famous festivals in Japan
In addition to grand parades, the festival features live performances on stages throughout the city, as well as delicious food and drink stalls near Hakata Port.
Festival time
This festival is held on May 3 and 4 every year during the Golden Week holiday.
Kyoto Gion Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Japan
Kyoto Gion Matsuri is the annual festival of Yasaka Shrine, which is about 1100 years old. This festival, along with Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka, is considered one of the best Japanese festivals. July hosts the Kyoto Gayon Festival. But the highlight of this festival is the procession of 33 large chariots known as Yamahoku, which move through the streets of Kyoto. Almost all chariots display the cultural characteristics of their region. The festival consists of two processions, a large main procession followed by a smaller procession.
A feature of the Kyoto Gayon Festival
Since the festival spans an entire month, you’ll no doubt see the chariot procession while you’re in Kyoto in July. There are also a number of fringe events that take place alongside the main event. These events include: watching locals decorate ornate floats, beautifully decorated folding screens in traditional houses, and more.
Festival time
The festival, which takes place throughout the month of July, is scheduled in conjunction with the Grand Chariot Parade on July 17. Also, the second smaller march will be held on July 24.
Read more: Japan’s autumn festivals Complete list
Tenjin Festival, Osaka / Tenjin Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Japan
Tenjin Matsuri can be introduced as one of the most famous festivals in Japan. This festival is held in Osaka.
The first day of the festival consists of a ceremony held in Osaka’s temple grounds, while the second day includes two processions, one on land and one on water. People parading through the streets in colorful costumes are dressed as Japanese mythological characters and symbols. Groups of dancers and musicians move through the streets towards the Okawa River along with instruments and songs. After sunset, floating temples are placed on boats and move on the water in groups with special performances. In addition to all this, the fireworks show makes the most beautiful nights in Japan for the audience.
Features of Tenjin Festival
The procession along the Okawa River makes this festival unique. You can see new boats (Japanese classical theater) and bunraku (puppet show) passing by the river.
Festival time
This festival is scheduled for July 24 and 25 every year. The main festivities, including a street parade, a procession on the river, as well as a fireworks display, are held on the second day.
Aomori Nebuta Festival / Aomori Nebuta Festival
The Aomori Nebuta Summer Festival is a Japanese fire festival where around 20 huge lantern floats (known as nebuta) are paraded through the streets of Aomori in northern Honshu. Also, the festival has dancers accompanied by musicians who accompany the parade with flute and drum instruments.
The feature of Amori Nebuta Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Japan
Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of the most famous festivals in Japan, was registered as an important intangible cultural asset of Japan in 1980. If you plan to participate in this festival, don’t miss the last day of the festival, on this day, the nebuta floats are placed on boats in Aomori Bay and move along the water with a fireworks display.
Festival time
This festival is held between August 2 and 7 every year. The chariot parade is scheduled for every evening except August 7. On this day, the carriages float on boats in the bay instead of on the street.
Read more: Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, Japan
Sendai Tanabata Matsuri, Miyagi
Tanabata Festival, also known as “Star Festival”, is one of the most famous festivals in Japan. This festival is famous for the presence of colorful streamers that can be up to 5 meters long. These streamers are displayed in the city center.
A feature of the Sendai Tanabata Festival
Apart from watching beautiful streamers, live music performances, traditional dances, street food stalls and fireworks display to start the festival on the evening of August 5 are also other events of the Sendai Tanabata Festival.
Festival time
The festival was traditionally celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month of the year through the lunar calendar, when Japan switched to the solar calendar, the Tanabata Festival was moved to August and is now held annually on August 6-8 with festivities. will be
Karatsu Kunchi Festival, Saga / Karatsu Kunchi Festival
The Karatsu Festival is held in Saga Prefecture, just southwest of Fukuoka. As one of the most famous festivals in Japan, this festival has many fans among the people of this country. This festival is dedicated to the parade of large and decorated chariots. The construction of these chariots may take up to three years. Some of the chariots are decorated with gold and display the taste and art of their makers during the parade.
The feature of Karatsu Konchi festival is one of the most famous festivals in Japan
The floats used in this festival are similar to other floats you see all over Japan, some are 7 meters high and come in impressive shapes such as lions, colorful fish and even flying dragons.
Festival time
This festival will be held from November 2 to 4.
The Japanese lantern festival is one of the most famous festivals in Japan
The Japanese lantern festival is one of the most beautiful and famous festivals in Japan, which is held in different cities and regions of this country. In these festivals, they use bright and decorative lanterns that give a remarkable beauty to the space. Some of the most famous lantern-related festivals in Japan include:
Nara Tokae Lantern Festival
The festival is held in the historic city of Nara, and hundreds of paper lanterns are lit throughout Nara Park and surrounding areas. This ceremony has become famous for its mystical and relaxing effect.
Nebuta Matsuri Festival
The Japanese lantern festival is held in the city of Aomori in the north of this country. In this celebration, large lanterns are made in the form of historical, mythological or fictional characters and are displayed in the streets.
Nagasaki Lantern Festival
This festival is held on the occasion of Chinese New Year in Nagasaki city. During this festival, thousands of lanterns with different designs and colors are displayed and illuminate the streets.
Toro Nagashi festival is one of the most famous festivals in Japan
In this festival, which is held on certain nights of the year, especially the “O-Boon” festival, floating lanterns are placed on the water. This custom is to honor the souls of the departed and creates a beautiful image of floating lanterns on the water.
The time of the Lantern Festival, one of the most famous festivals in Japan
The timing of the lantern festival in Japan depends on the type of festival and the region where it is held. Below are the times of some of the most famous lantern festivals in Japan:
- Nara Tokae Lantern Festival
Time: early August (10 days in this month)
Location: Nara Park and historical temples in Nara city.
- Nebuta Matsuri Festival
Time: 2 to 7 August every year
Location: Aomori city in northern Japan.
- Nagasaki Lantern Festival
Time: coincides with Chinese New Year (late January or early February)
Location: Nagasaki city.
- Toro Nagashi Festival
When: Usually in the middle of August, during the Obon festival.
Location: Rivers and reservoirs throughout Japan.
- These festivals are generally held in the summer months (August) or in connection with special occasions (such as Chinese New Year). If you are planning to visit, you can check the exact time and schedule for each year.
Read more: Everything about the Japan Light Festival
Anime festival in Japan
Anime festivals are one of the most popular and famous festivals in Japan in recent years. Meanwhile, anime festivals dedicated to manga are more popular. These festivals include events for fans of anime, manga, video games, and other elements of Japanese pop culture. In the following, we have introduced some of the most famous anime festivals in Japan:
Comiket Festival
This festival is known as the largest gathering of anime and manga fans in the world, which is held twice a year (summer and winter) in Tokyo. This event is an opportunity to sell and trade doujinshi (manga and fan-created stories) and buy rare anime-related items. These features have placed Kumite among the most famous festivals in Japan.
Summer Comiket: usually held in mid-August.
Winter version (Winter Comiket): held at the end of December.
- Venue: Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight).
Anime Japan Festival
One of the largest anime fairs in the world, held in Tokyo every year in March. This exhibition is dedicated to showcasing the latest anime products and news and includes both producer and fan groups.
- Time: Usually held at the end of March.
- Location: Tokyo International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight).
G-Fest Festival
A festival dedicated to Godzilla-related products and Japanese sci-fi films. Although this festival is not specifically anime, it is also very popular among anime fans.
- Time: July 12 to 14
Cosplay Events
Various festivals are held all over Japan that are dedicated to fans of cast play (dressing up as anime and manga characters). Harajuku Street in Tokyo and various areas such as Akihabara are popular places for these activities.
- Time: It will be held in early August.
- Location: Nagoya, Japan.
Gunma Anime Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Japan
A smaller festival that promotes Japanese anime in local areas with activities such as anime screenings, workshops, and meet-and-greets with voice actors.
- Time: It will be held in September.
- Location: Kyoto city.
Japan Hanami Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Japan
Hanami festival is one of the most beautiful and famous festivals in Japan, which is dedicated to cherry blossoms. This festival dates back to the ancient ages of Japan, where people enjoy the beauty of nature and the beginning of a new life.
History of Hanami
The Hanami ceremony began in the Nara period (710-794) and was originally dedicated to viewing the blossoms of the plum tree. Later in the Heian period (794-1185), cherry blossoms were added to it with more popularity. At first, this ceremony was reserved only for nobles and courtiers, but with the passage of time, it spread among other classes of people as well.
Hanami is one of the most famous festivals in Japan
During this festival, many places are lit up with night lighting (yuzakura) and create a stunning sight. Also, some cities hold cultural events, music and traditional performances related to Hanami.
Hanami festival time
Hanami festival is one of the Japanese festivals held in late March and early April (depending on the region). (when the cherry blossoms reach their peak)
venue
Parks, temples, and natural sites such as Ono Park in Tokyo, Maruyama Park in Kyoto, and historic castles such as Hiroshima Castle are popular spots for hanami.
final word; The most famous festivals in Japan
Japan, a country with many history and traditions, invites people to discover its unique culture by holding numerous festivals. Festivals play an important role in showing what Japan was and is. Whether it’s cherry blossom festivals or vibrant Awa Odori dances, it tells a story of Japan’s deep traditions.
These famous festivals in Japan are like time machines that bring to life ancient rituals, traditional shows and lively parades. They give us a different look at the diverse cultural world of Japan, combining old and new traditions in a very interesting way. So, if you have chosen a tour of Japan to spend your vacation, we suggest not to miss participating in the most famous festivals in Japan.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most famous festivals in Japan?
- Hanami: Cherry blossom festival held in spring.
- Gion Matsuri: A big festival in Kyoto city held in July.
- Tanabata: Star Festival held in summer.
- Awa Odori: A dance festival held in Tokushima.
- Nebuta Matsuri: A festival in Aomori with a giant lantern parade.
- Kanamara Matsuri: A traditional fertility festival held in Kawasaki.
How is the Hanami festival held?
Hanami means cherry blossom viewing. People gather under sakura trees, have picnics and enjoy the beauty of nature. This festival is usually held in the months of March and April.
Is there a fee to participate in festivals in Japan?
Most festivals are free to attend. But for some events or special places, an entrance fee may be charged.
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