photo by Jason Arney
Did you know that there are about 30,000 festivals (matsuri) in Japan every year? Even if you went to one every month, it would take you 25,000 years to visit all of them… As you see, going to all of them is impossible, so I chose 5 of them that I really want every foreigner in Japan to visit once.
Aomori: Nebuta Matsuri
Lanters are sent to float down the river or into the ocean (toronagashi) at this matsuri, in order to pray for good health. At night, “nebuta” are carried through the city, and are surrounded by dancers chanting “rassera”.
Period: Every year from August 2 – 7
Access: JR Ou Main Line, Aoimori Railway: Aomori Station
URL: http://www.atca.info/nebuta_en/
Kyoto: Kyoto Gion Matsuri
This festival is held for a whole month starting on July 1st, and has a history of over 1000 years. The matsuri`s highlight is yoiyama, which goes on for 3 days from July 21st. During yoiyama, the city is decorated beautifully and the streets are lined with night stalls and bustling with spectators. Why don`t you go enjoy the night stalls with a beer in one hand, wearing a yukata? It would be a great opportunity to enjoy Kyoto.
Period: July 1 – 31
Access: Hankyu Kyoto Line: Karasuma Station, Karasuma Subway Line: Shijo Station
URL: http://www.kyoto-magonote.jp/en/
Tokushima: Awa Odori
This festival is what represents summer season for Tokushima, the birthplace of Awa Odori which is now held all over Japan. Dancers parade in groups, chanting “yattosa”, accompanied by shamisen, drums, gongs, and bamboo flutes. And everyone may join the festival freely!
Period: Every year from August 12 – 15
Access: JR Kotoku Line: Tokushima Station
URL: http://www.topia.ne.jp/english/tourism/
Akita: Kanto Matsuri
Heavy lantern poles, their shape reminding of a rice ear, are carried through the streets in hope for a good harvest at this festival. At night, surrounded by over 10,000 paper lanterns and accompanied by drums and bamboo flutes, the long poles are carried and balanced to the “dokkoisho” chant. The paper lanterns by the way are filled with real candles. If someone stumbles, everything will go up in flames. Many participants are cheering on the carriers during their difficult performance by shouting chants and cheers.
Period: Every year August 3 – 6
Access: JR Ou Main Line, Akita Shinkansen: Akita Station
URL: http://www.kantou.gr.jp/english/index.htm
Tokyo: Asakusa Sanja Matsuri
A sign of the beginning of summer in Tokyo. This festival brings the bustling crowds of tourists from all over the world to another level. Held once a year, this is an event where the stylish Tokyoites are getting hyped up. The highlight is “miyadashi”, on the last day of the festival, when the portable shrine leaves the main shrine. A festival filled with the Tokyoite`s spirit.
Period: Every year on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the third week of May
Access: Ginza Line, Asakusa Line: Asakusa Station
URL: http://www.asakusajinja.jp/english/
