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Awa Odori Dance – ©JNTO
Festivals
Just like everywhere else in the world, Japan observes a long list of festivals all year round, and some are several centuries-old traditional
festivities that were introduced by the Chinese many, many years ago. A lot of these celebrations are to honour a deity or to commemorate a
specific historical event, usually held every year, and may last for one day or even as long as a month.
Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival – ©JNTO
Awa Odori Dance – ©JNTO
Spring
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Aoi Matsuri – Observed in the city of Kyoto, Aoi Matsuri is one of Kyoto’s three most famous festivals (along with the Gion and Jidai
festivals). It involves a parade comprised of more than 500 people wearing Heian Period aristocratic costumes. The procession is held
on 15 May every year with the parade beginning at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and concluding at the Kamo Shrines.
● Takayama Matsuri – The city of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture observes the Takayama Matsuri twice each year, on 14-15 April and 9-10
October. The April festival is to celebrate the Hie Shrine in the southern part of Takayama’s old town and the October festival is to
celebrate the Hachiman Shrine in the Northern part of Takayama’s old town. The festivals include large floats that have been lavishly
decorated and are paraded around town.
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Sanja Matsuri – Considered to be one of the three biggest festivals of Tokyo, the Sanja Matsuri is held on the third weekend of May
in the Asakusa district. Portable shrines, or mikoshi, are elaborately adorned and carried through the streets. The Shinto gods in the
parade are said to bring good fortune for the local businesses and residents.
Kanda Matsuri – Observed on a weekend in the month of May on odd numbered years (e.g. May 2017, May 2019), the Kanda Matsuri
consists of a one-day procession around downtown Tokyo and mikoshi parades through the streets.
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