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Festivals
Autumn
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Jidai Matsuri – To commemorate Kyoto’s time as the capital of Japan, the Jidai Matsuri is observed every 22 October through a
procession that starts at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and ends at the Heian Shrine. The parade consists of participants dressed in
costumes from almost every period of Japanese History because Jidai Matsuri means Festival of the Ages.
Nagasaki Kunchi – Every 7-9 October, the city of Nagasaki celebrates the Nagasaki Kunchi, where ship-like floats and dragons are
paraded and displayed around the city.
Winter
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Chichibu Yomatsuri – Recognised as one of Japan’s most beautiful festivals, Chichibu Yomatsuri is held every 2-3 December and is
highlighted by a parade of floats decorated with colourful and bright lanterns on the final night of the festivities.
Yokote Kamakura Festival – Held in Yokote in Akita Prefecture every 15-16 February, the Yokote Kamakura Festival features several
hundreds of kamakura, or snow houses that look like igloos, constructed at different locations around the city. The snow houses each
have a snow altar dedicated to the water deity, where people can pray for plentiful water. Between 6pm and 9pm, visitors can enter
the snow houses where they will be offered rice cakes and warm sweet rice wine to drink. In return you can make an offer to the water
deity at the altar.
Sapporo Snow Festival – Also known as Sapporo Yuki Matsuri, this event is held over seven days in early February. During this time,
different ice and snow statues and sculptures are displayed in various locations in the city. Some sculptures are more than 25 metres
wide and 15 metres high, and some are even used as a stage for concerts.
Sapporo Snow Festival – ©JNTO
Yokote Kamakura Festival – ©JNTO
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