Your Guide to - Japan National Tourist Organization

24
Festivals and Events of the Four Seasons
The Japanese archipelago, for the most part,
belongs to the temperate zone and its climate is
characterized by four distinct seasonal changes. This
climatic feature has long been a great source of
enjoyment. Above all, the festivals of Japan may well
be one of the country's greatest sources of
enjoyment. Festivals take place virtually every day
throughout the year, somewhere in Japan. Listed
here are only some examples of major Japanese
festivals from a list that is almost uncountable.
SPRING — The plum and cherry
trees burst into bloom
Cherry Blossoms
From the first days of March, when flowering plum
blossoms debut, to the last days of May, when the
last flowering cherry blossoms fall from the trees of
northern Japan, spring is a time for rebirth in the
name of nature and human celebration throughout
the land.
Springtime in Japan literally means flowers, in a
stunning rainbow panoply of varieties and shapes.
Particularly plentiful are blossoms of camellia, iris,
lotus and mustard. Numerous flower festivals are
everywhere.
Festivals and Events
March 1-14 Omizutori or Water-Drawing Festival
of Todaiji Temple, Nara. A solemn rite performed in
the flickering light of pine torches reaches its peak on
the night of the 12th.
March 3 Hina Matsuri or Doll Festival throughout
the country. Festival for girls celebrated at home by
decorating and displaying miniature dolls.
March 15 Otaue Matsuri (Festival) of Kasuga
Shrine in Nara stages a 1,000-year-old classic
dance.
Mid-March (for 15 days) Second Sumo
Tournament, Osaka.
April 1-30 Miyako Odori or Cherry Dance, Kyoto.
Japanese dances presented by "Maiko" apprentice
entertainers.
April 8 Hana Matsuri or Floral Festivals in all
Buddhist temples, in commemoration of Buddha's
birthday.
Takayama Matsuri
April 14-15
Takayama Matsuri
of Hie Shrine in
Takayama, with a
parade of gorgeous
floats.
April 16-17
Yayoi Matsuri of
Futarasan Shrine in
Nikko, featuring a
parade of decorated
floats.
May 3-4
Hakata Dontaku in
Fukuoka features a
parade of legendary
gods on horseback.
May 3-5 Kite Battles, in Hamamatsu. Competitors
fly huge kites to try and cut strings of their opponents'
kites.
May 5 Children's Day throughout the country.
Noted for colorful flying carp streamers rippling in the
spring wind.
May 11 Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River,
Gifu. (Until October 15)
May 15 Aoi Matsuri or Hollyhock Festival in Kyoto
features a magnificent pageant.
Aoi Matsuri
Mid-May (for 15 days) Third Sumo Tournament,
Tokyo
Mid-May Kanda Matsuri of Kanda Myojin Shrine
in Tokyo (held every odd-year). Dozens of Mikoshi
portable shrines are on parade.
May 17-18 Grand Festival of Toshogu Shrine in
Nikko. Highlighted by a spectacular procession of
over 1,000 armor-clad men.
3rd Sun. of May Mifune Matsuri on the Oi River,
Kyoto, featuring a parade of ancient boats.
3rd Sun., previous Fri. & Sat. of May
Sanja Matsuri Festival of Asakusa Shrine, featuring a
parade of 3 large portable shrines and more than
100 smaller ones.