Summer Festivals in Japan are one of a kind!
If you are visiting Japan in summer, you definitely should experience at least one of those unique festivals.
Those summer festivals in japan are a part of Japanese culture deeply rooted in seasonal traditions. Those festivals carry various meanings to each region, such as paying tribute to ancestors and honoring local history.
We will share some of the famous summer festivals with you.
1) Nebuta Festival (Aomori Prefecture)
The Nebuta Festival is one of Japan’s most iconic summer festivals, held in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Despite being located at the northernmost tip of Honshu, it attracts around two million visitors from across the country each year.
Date: Around August 2nd to the 7th
2) Yosakoi Festival (Kochi Prefecture)
This festival started in August 1954 in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture. It was launched by the Kochi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to lift people’s spirits and shake off the gloom of the economic downturn at the time.
The modern Yosakoi Festival is all about keeping up with the times and trying out new trends. So every team has its own unique vibe. You’ll hear everything from traditional Japanese music to rock bands blasting tunes. The hair, costumes, and dances are super creative✨✨ Some teams go for hip-hop or rap styles, others bring in samba, rock, or even old-school Japanese moves. It’s full of energy and surprises, so you never get bored watching!
Date: Around August 9th to the 12th
3) Hakata Gion Yamakasa (Fukuoka Prefecture)
The Hakata Gion Yamakasa officially known as the “Kushida Shrine Gion Grand Festival” is a sacred ritual dedicated to Kushida Shrine with a history of over 700 years.
There are two main types of floats that parade through the city. The “Kazari Yamakasa” beautifully decorated for viewing, and the dynamic “Kaki Yamakasa” which are raced through the streets in powerful competitions.
4)Kanda Festival (Tokyo)
It is recognized as one of Japan’s top three festivals and one of Edo’s (Tokyo’s) three major celebrations.
The Kanda Festival is considered one of the three great festivals of Edo, along with the Sanno Festival and the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival. It’s also counted as one of Japan’s top three festivals, alongside Kyoto’s Gion Festival and Osaka’s Tenjin Festival.
How to enjoy Japanese summer festivals 💫
1)Explore the unique food stalls
You can find all sorts of unique food stalls where you try out those delicious Japanese food /snacks.
2)Experience the breathtaking moment with the fireworks 🎆
Japanese fireworks festivals are super popular with visitors from around the world. The fireworks are perfectly timed to music and beautifully designed. Every region and season has its own style, so no two festivals are exactly the same. That mix of power, beauty, and creativity makes Japanese fireworks truly unforgettable 🙂