What are the famous festivals in Japan? Introducing festivals from all over the country

Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

In Japan, traditional festivals are held all over the country.
Festivals have been deeply rooted in each region for a long time and are carefully passed down through the generations.

This time, we will introduce some famous festivals in Japan.

Introduction to Japanese festivals

There are many different festivals all over Japan.

Many Japanese festivals are held to express gratitude to the gods.

Since ancient times, Japanese people have believed that gods reside in everything around us.
For example, the sun, rain, mountains, rivers, seas, plants, and animals.

As a result, there is a custom of praying to the gods of nature for bountiful harvests and good health, and a festival culture developed.

Many tourists from overseas visit Japanese festivals.
You can learn about the charm and traditions of Japan through festivals, so be sure to visit and experience them for yourself.

What are the famous festivals in Japan? Introducing festivals from all over the country

Japan has a variety of festivals, from small ones where local residents take part, to large ones that attract many people from all over the country.
This time, we will introduce some famous Japanese festivals that are also popular with foreign tourists.

Gion Festival (GION MATSURI·Kyoto)

祇園祭 写真

The Gion Festival held in Kyoto is one of the three major festivals in Japan.
It is held at Yasaka Shrine every year from July 1st to July 31st.

The Gion Festival is said to have begun in 869 as a way to quell an epidemic.

The highlight of the Gion Festival is the "前祭（SAKIMATSURI）" and "後祭（ATOMATSURI） "of山鉾巡行（YAMAHOKOJUNKOU） is.

33 Kyoto city前祭 So, 23 units.後祭 (10 units) of luxurious山車（DASHI） will parade through the streets.
The floats are vehicles decorated with flowers and dolls, and serve as landmarks for the gods to come down.
Its beautiful appearance has earned it the nickname "a moving art museum."

[Gion Festival]

Tenjin Festival (TENJIN MATSURI·Osaka)

天神祭 写真

The Tenjin Festival in Osaka is one of the three major festivals in Japan, along with the Gion Festival.
It has a history of over 1,000 years.

The Tenjin Festival is a summer festival held once a year where Tenjin-sama appears from the main hall of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine.

It is held every year on July 24th and 25th, with approximately 3,000 fireworks being set off on the night of the 25th.

陸渡御（RIKUTOGYO） or船渡御（FUNATOGYO） This is also a highlight of the Tenjin Festival.
陸渡御 People神輿（MIKOSHI） The procession involves carrying the floats and walking slowly in a line to the pier where the boat procession takes place.
The sight of around 3,000 people in colorful costumes marching along beating drums is a sight that can only be found in Japan.

船渡御 teeth,神輿 An event in which people are put on boats and cross the river.
The sight of about 100 boats rowing away is magnificent and beautiful.

[Tenjin Festival]

Kanda Festival (KANDA MATSURI·Tokyo)

神田祭 写真

Kanda Festival is also one of the three major festivals in Japan and is held in May of odd-numbered years.
This traditional festival has been held since around 1600 and is celebrated with great fanfare in areas such as Kanda, Akihabara, and Nihonbashi.

The highlight of the Kanda Festival is the gorgeous神輿（MIKOSHI） And a glittering costume.
Over 100神輿 They parade through the town, and you can enjoy the powerful chants and lively atmosphere.

[Kanda Festival]

  • Location: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
  • Event period: 5 days centered on the Sunday closest to May 15th in odd-numbered years
  • Official website: Kanda Matsuri special site

Sapporo Snow Festival (SAPPORO YUKI MATSURI·Hokkaido)

さっぽろ雪まつり 写真

This is one of Japan's most famous winter festivals, held in the snowy country of Hokkaido.

The Snow Festival began in 1950 when junior and senior high school students created snow sculptures in Odori Park.
Afterwards, snow sculptures were made of foreign regions that have friendly relations with Sapporo, attracting attention from overseas.

It is held every February.
There are displays of snow and ice sculptures, as well as a long slide made of snow and ice.

In recent years, events have also been held where projection mapping is shown on snow and ice sculptures.

There will also be food stalls where you can enjoy Hokkaido seafood, local specialities, and alcoholic drinks.

[Sapporo Snow Festival]

Aomori Nebuta Festival (AOMORI NEBUTA MATSURI・Aomori)

青森ねぶた祭 写真

This is a summer festival held in Aomori City.

"Nebuta" was placed on the山車（DASHI） They pull the toy and parade through the city.
"Nebuta" means lantern, and at the Aomori Nebuta Festival, doll-shaped and fan-shaped lanterns are used.

The giant Nebuta is very impressive.
The largest Nebuta, including the cart, is approximately 9m wide, 7m deep, and 5m tall.

Another highlight is the跳人（HANETO） The dancers, called "Rassera, Rassera (Rassera, Rassela)" is the chant.
Tourists can also buy or rent costumes and take part in the parade.

[Aomori Nebuta Festival]

  • Location: Aomori City Center, Aomori Prefecture
  • Event period: August 2nd to August 7th every year (August 1st is the eve of the festival)
  • Official website: Aomori Nebuta Festival Official Site

Sendai Tanabata Festival (SENDAI TANABATAMATSURI・Miyagi)

仙台七夕まつり 写真

The Sendai Tanabata Festival is a traditional festival with over 400 years of history.

The Tanabata Festival is said to have originated as a prayer for a good harvest out of fear of cold damage.

During the festival, approximately 3,000 colorful bamboo decorations are displayed throughout the city.
Bamboo decorations are gorgeous ornaments hung from bamboo and are displayed in hopes of improving handicraft and weaving skills.
They are made from Japanese paper and the largest ones are about 10 meters long.

Another highlight is the "Nanatsubazari" decorations, which represent seven wishes.

A fireworks display will also be held on August 5th as a pre-festival event.

[Sendai Tanabata Festival]

  • Location: Sendai city center and surrounding shopping districts, Miyagi Prefecture
  • Event period: August 6th to 8th every year
  • Official website: Sendai Tanabata Festival

Chichibu Night Festival (CHICHIBU YOMATSURI・Saitama)

秩父夜祭 写真

The Chichibu Night Festival is a festival held at Chichibu Shrine and has a history of over 300 years.

At the Chichibu Night Festival, the "山車（DASHI）There will be a parade and a fireworks display.
One of the features of this event is that it is held in winter, which is rare in Japan.

Fireworks in the clear winter air look even more vibrant and dynamic.

[Chichibu Night Festival]

Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Display (NAGAOKA MATSURI OOHANABI TAIKAI(Niigata)

長岡まつり大花火大会 写真

It is said to have started as a fireworks display in 1879.

The fireworks display was suspended during the war, but resumed in 1947.
During the war, 80% of the city of Nagaoka was burned down in air raids.
It was reopened as a sign of the reconstruction.

It is now famous as the largest fireworks festival in Japan.

[Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Display]

Awa Dance (AWA ODORI・Tokushima)

阿波おどり 写真

The Awa Dance of Tokushima Prefecture is said to be one of the three major Bon Dances in Japan.
A lively dance accompanied by drums, shamisen and other instruments is performed.

The costumes are unique, consisting of kimonos or yukatas, geta sandals, and straw hats on the head.
The sight of all the dancers dancing together is full of energy.

[Awa Dance]

  • Location: Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture
  • Event period: August 11th to August 15th every year
  • Official website: Awa Odori Official Website

Hakata Gion Yamakasa (HAKATA GION YAMAKASA(Fukuoka)

博多祇園山笠 写真

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is said to have begun in 1241 as a prayer for the easing of an epidemic that broke out in Hakata, Fukuoka.

During the event, a large "飾り山笠（KAZARIYAMAKASA）will be on display at various locations around the city.
The Yamakasa are decorated with gorgeous dolls of various themes made by Hakata doll makers.

From around July 10th, a 3m tall, 1t heavy Yamakasa float will parade through the streets of Hakata.舁き山笠（KAKIYAMAKASA）" will be held.

Also, on the final day, July 15th, at 4:59 a.m., seven Yamakasa floats will run 5km in the "追い山笠（OIYAMA）" will begin.

[Hakata Gion Yamakasa]

  • Location: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
  • Event period: July 1st to July 15th every year
  • Official website: Hakata Gion Yamakasa

Summary: Experience history and culture by participating in Japan's famous festivals

Festivals are held all over Japan.
There are many festivals, from small to large.

It is said that Japanese festivals originally began as a way to express gratitude to the gods.

Japanese festivals are often attended by not only Japanese people but also many foreigners and tourists.

Be sure to take part in a Japanese festival and experience Japanese history and culture.

*This article was written based on information from August 2024.

　

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The author of this article

Motoko Kano

Motoko Kano

Japan Association for Construction Human Resources Manager, Management Department and Research Department

I was born and raised in Aichi Prefecture.

I work to raise awareness about JAC and the Specified Skills system, as well as researching and thinking about how we can help foreign workers to work with peace of mind.

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