Kusu, Oita Prefecture 2023. 24-26 May Tado Shrine, Kuwana, Mie Prefecture Uesaku Festival Activities. Sakoppi, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. 2-day people's festival in Sendai packed with events such as mikoshi parades, a flea market, warrior processions, taiko drumming and street dancing. The Gion Matsuri is one of the most beloved Japanese festivals, held every July in the ancient geisha district of Gion. One of the largest mikoshi parades of all Japanese festivals. When: January/February Where: Sapporo, Japan How Long: 7 days. Tour Calendar . Sea Bream Netting Festival 3-31 May Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture "Light of Versailles" Winter Illumination. Minatogawa Jinja Shrine, Kobe One of the three main nembutsu kyogen (comic drama) performances in Kyoto. 24-25 May Kabuki is performed by children on eight festival floats parading around the town led by children performing lion dances. A parade of about 100 portable shrines centered on Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Shinshiro, Aichi Prefecture. 12 Japanese Holidays & Celebrations: A Closer Look 1. The girls hair is carefully teased into complex styles and dressed with flowers and ribbons. Shinjuku, Tokyo Gion Matsuri, in the eponym district of Kyoto in July. For nationwide celebrations or large events such as cherry blossom season and the Sapporo Snow Festival, accommodation tends to sell out swiftly, so its prudent to book at least a year in advance. The 400-year-old Otsu Hikiyama Festival is one of this area's three biggest festivals. Late March: Sumo Spring Basho, Osaka Happening in late March, The Sumo Spring Basho is one of the only six annual Grand Tournaments of sumo in the country and it the only chance each year to see a professional match in Osaka. The nature-focused events like cherry and plum blossom viewing and commemorations of historic events are much-loved by the Japanese people. By clicking "Sign Up" or "Sign In with Facebook" I acknowledge and, 3 Ways to Get Wet and Wild in Myrtle Beach, 14 Landmarks That Should Be Considered World Wonders, These Are the Most Peaceful Countries on the Planet, Deserts in Bloom: 6 Spots for Springtime Wildflower Watching, Yoho National Park Is the Most Incredible Place You've Never Heard Of. Children in full make up and costume perform Kabuki plays on stages built in to these lavishly decorated three-storied festival floats. The highlight of the event is the towns two dozen floats that tear down the main passageways of the city. At the beginning of February, the city of Sapporo on Japans northern island of Hokkaido is transformed. Surfing the Hallyu: a guide to South Koreas pop Having lived in Japan for a year, Ive had the opportunity to experience the full cycle of Japanese festivals and celebrations, from country-wide to more niche, local events. 2) Tango no Sekku - Boys' Festival - officially called Children's Day or Kodomo no hi - May 5th. 1st 3rd: O-Shogatsu, All Across JapanShogatsu is the countrys annual New Years Festival and arguably the biggest seasonal event on the Japanese calendar. Interested in a career in travel? The ceremony finishes in a fire bath that is said to purify the shrines. "Setsubun", Some no Komichi is a festival dedicated to Japanese fabric dyeing in Nakai district, in Ochiai in the north, Kawasaki is a city of Kanagawa prefecture, located in Tama Rivers mouth, between Tokyo and Yokohama. Yabusame Matsuri First, Gozan no Okuribi is a bonfire festival in Kyoto, held each year on August 16 to celebrate the end of Obon,, Jidai Matsuri is one of the three most important annual festivals in Kyoto and is held on October 22 each, Another expression we are often asked to translate into Japanese is "happy birthday". Go to Shinjuku-Sanchome Station on the Toei Shinjuku, Marunouchi or Fukutoshin lines. USA/Canada 1-800-285-2726. 5. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". If youd like to join in, head to the east side of the Kamo River, which looks across at the first fire to be lit. Sapporo is a short flight from Tokyo, and acts as a transport hub for visiting the surrounding areas. Every city, town and village in Japan has at least one matsuri (festival) a year. 30th 1st Aug: Sumiyoshi Matsuri, Osaka Considered one of the last summer festivals on the annual calendar, the Sumiyoshi Matsuri, is a traditional style celebration that takes place over three days and sees are various Shinto purification events happen throughout the city. Hachiman Festival in autumn is known for its yatai-hikimawashi event, where 4 floats are paraded around the city. The first Sunday in April: Kanamara Matsuri Held every year at Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki, not too far from Tokyo, is one of the countrys more interesting festivals, Kanamara Matsuri aka the Festival of the Steel Phallus. Enjoy !5- Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori)4. The Japan Festival is a celebration of Wellington's international relations with Japan and our Sister City Sakai . The main Kanda matsuri is held once every two years in odd-numbered years, while festivals held in even-numbered years are on a smaller scale. Top 14 Japanese Festivals and Celebrations 1. Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture Grab a bento (a pre-packed lunchbox containing spring-themed snacks) from a nearby convenience store and picnic under the boughs. Fukuno, Toyama Prefecture Its a lot more of a family focused affair than its western contemporaries. The event kicks off with Shinto offerings, after which 12 portable shrines are decorated and carried to a shrine near a waterfall. 3 May All month: Sounkyo Ice Festival More of an ongoing event than a one off celebration, the small Onsen town of Sounkyo is home to one of the most stunning collections of ice sculptures in the country. 1 - 5 May At Obon, the spirits of the deceased are thought to return to this world for a short time, and are . The following are Japanese national holidays and some of the most important other annual nationwide events. To local people its the Daimonji Festival after the largest and most visible fire, which is in the shape of the character daimonji meaning large or great. Considered one of the countrys best fire festivals, the town is home to a massive tower that is set alight in the hope for good health. Take the Chiyoda Line subway to Yushima Station. Yuki Matsuri. Kotohira, Kagawa PrefectureKemari, a ritual game of kick-ups played by priests in Heian Period (794-1192) robes, is played in the grounds of this famous shrine in Kagawa, west of Takamatsu. Check with your local tourist office for confirmation. Save Ft. Stanton Park Volunteer Day to your collection. The Sapporo snow festival is located in Hokkaido. Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival) Hadaka matsuri translates as 'naked festival'. Kofuku-ji Temple and Kasuga Shrine, Nara Tenn Tanjbi - The Emperor's Birthday. National Foundation Day is a historical holiday on the. February 11th: Kenkoku Kinen no Hi - National Foundation Day. Local teams fly huge decorated kites, attempting to bring kites of other teams to the ground. Leading the way are three boats carrying players performing noh dramas, gagaku musicians and shrine maidens respectively. Archives. Features a parade unique festival floats each decorated with ornately decorated, giant effigies of famous samurai warriors. Gion Matsuri is perhaps Japan's best-known festival, and possibly the largest as well. Start thinking about your experience. We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. It brings Japanese culture and businesses to the capital for an array of spectacular events. 4th: Ose Matsuri, Shizouka Each April men from Shizouka Prefecture dress in womens clothing to dance onboard a boat. Latest Stories. Daito City, Osaka Prefecture Some festivals hold celebrations over a period of several days. Many visitors come for the shigin contest (recitation of Chinese-style poems), and for the rice-cake scattering event. A festival that takes place over two days, with 13 omikoshi portable shrines leaving Fujitsuka Shrine on the early morning of the first day and reaching a temporary shrine that evening. Five huge fires are lit on the hills surrounding the city, to guide the ancestors back to the spirit world. Iba no Sakakudashi Matsuri Early mid June: Yosakoi Soran Festival, Sapporo Taking place in Orodri Park in the popular city of Sapporo, this festival is a must visit event for those in the area during the summer period. Travel to the wetlands of the Kushiro-shitsugen National Park to witness the red-crowned cranes remarkable mating rituals, or go skiing in Furano. Yoshida Jinja, Kyoto The Gion Matsuri is Kyoto's biggest annual event and one of Japan's most important annual events. Known as the world's oldest festival, dating from the mid 6th century.Read more about the Aoi Matsuri. An important element of Japanese festivals are parades in which the local shrine's kami (Shinto deity) is carried through the town in a mikoshi (a divine palanquin). Matsuri fall into two broad categories - smaller matsuri in rural areas, usually held in spring or autumn and based around the rice-growing cycle; and extravagant matsuri held in large towns or cities, often in summer and with a lot of . Seihakusai Shio no Michi Festival DISCLAIMER Festivals may be cancelled or postponed without much warning. Each town performs a ceremony to say goodbye to ancestral spirits and Kyotos is particularly impressive. It is one of the, Yunishigawa Onsen is a thermal resort located in the north of Nikko city, in Tochigi prefecture. Seijin no Hi - Coming of Age Day. Located not too far from Sapporo you can explore the ice buildings that tower up to three stories high! Full Moon in May Ohayoo Every Otaku in the world ! These observances are mostly of Chinese or Buddhist origin but as most Japanese don't really consider their religious significance, they also don't . In Kyoto, I spectated on the city mayors speech welcoming them into adulthood with a gentle reminder of their responsibilities and duties. Latest In-depth Japan Data Guide Video/Live Japan Glances Images People Blog News. Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture Sapporo snow festival. As I found out, celebrations dont usually kick off until about 11pm. It is one of the largest and most popular festivals in Japan. Most festivals and events in Japan center on either Buddhist or Shinto religious holidays. In the evening, people float the lanterns on the river to help guide the deceased back to their resting place. The Saturday and Sunday closest to 15 May If your trip spans this period, theres a good chance youll be able to take part in Hanami. The festival also includes a procession of a boy on horseback and retainers in period costume. Usually people get together to eat special symbolic long life foods like mocha and pray for a healthy new year. Hiroshima Sea Bream Netting Festival Shinto ceremony, parades of warriors in full period dress, traditional music and mikoshi parades. Most festivals are held annually and celebrate seasonal holidays, historical events, or a shrine's deity. List of national holidays. Mikawa Okaeri Matsuri Tokyo Farmers and Kids Festa. Credit: Japan Railpass. Kurayami Matsuri (Darkness Festival) Source: Photo by user used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Yuki Matsuri - January/February: Yuki Matsuri, also known as "Sapporo snow festival", is held for about a week in Hokkaido. Boston is a truly historic American cityone of the oldest in United . Buddhist tradition dictates this is the day the dead return to earth to visit their relatives. Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture During the celebration platforms covered with a red carpet are used to display ornamental dolls which represent the Emperor, Empress, and other figures of the Heian period. 5 May Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration, Registered Office: Audley Travel Group Limited, The New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX29 9SX, 2022 Audley Travel | Registered in England: 3190720, You can find all your favourites in the menu, Japan: a year in festivals & celebrations, Japan's hidden island: Temples & festivals in Shikoku, What to do in Japan: our highlights guide, Japans bullet trains: an all-you-need-to-know guide. The highlight of the festival takes place on the 17th and 24th of July, when a grand procession of floats known as 'Yamaboko Junko' make their way down Kawaramachi and Oike Streets in Kyoto. (June - August) An important element of Japanese festivals are community involvement and fundraising opportunity for the organizations . Fujitsuka Shrine, Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture 1-5 May Big Festivals in Japan Shogatsu (New Year). Nanko Matsuri In this video we will talk to you about the most famous Matsuri (festivals) in Japan.! 17-18 May It's said that if you participate for three years without being recognized then your wishes will come true. Vast snow and ice sculptures are featured, drawing visitors from all over Japan. 1-4 May The flowers are illuminated in the evenings and, as a foreign visitor, youre often encouraged to join in the celebrations by the locals. The islands of Okinawa are abuzz with incredible events throughout the year, so there's something for everyone in each season. In February, you could pair the snow festival with two of Hokkaidos other seasonal offerings. The event attracts two million-plus spectators every May and is held to ensure good luck and prosperity for the district. Asakusa, Tokyo Tagawa is east of Fukuoka city. Young men roll and guide three shrines from the mountaintop Sanposan Shrine 500 meters down to Otori Shrine at the foot of the mountain, over a precipitous, rocky passageway, in a risk-filled procession that takes up to four hours to complete. Attracts visitors from all over the world. 3. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method. 3-5 May Many colourful events in the port town of Shimonoseki including recreations of a samurai era sea battle involving about 200 boats, the famous duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro and a colourful parade of courtesans. A parade of six intricately carved and lacquered floats, each the work of skilled local craftsmen. 21 May & 28 May Prayers to the kami for world peace at 7 pm with fires lit in the temple grounds. Portable shrines containing deities are carried by loin-cloth clad men, local women, and children; all making sure they shake the shrines to excite the deities. The festival features a parade by participants in samurai costume, taiko drum performances and demonstrations of matchlock muskets commemorating the 1575 Battle of Nagashino. 3rd weekend in May 13th-15th: Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo Held in the historic suburb of Asakusa, thus event features one of the largest mikoshi (portable shrine) parades in the country. 5 May It's a popular drinking food. The lovely and historic town in Japan Alps, Takayama city, held one of three most beautiful festivals in Japan, the Takayama Festival (). Urasa Chrysanthemum Festival. Mifune Boat Festival This festivity is one of Japan's most popular winter events, starting out in 1950 when a group of high-school students built snow statues in the local park. Karuizawa Momiji Festival. Ft. Stanton Park Volunteer Day. It is held twice a year in spring and autumn in the old town of Takayama and attracts large numbers of spectators. The parade takes place from 9.30am. The venue is a short walk from JR Nagashinojo Station on the JR Iida Line. The Japanese love celebrations and their calendar is full of them. Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture Attracts 2 million people annually. The ageuma (rising horse) ritual involves young horseback riders in samurai armor riding horses up a steep 3m high cliff. A memorial service for the spirit of Masashige Kusunoki, the enshrined deity of Minatogawa Jinja. Ball shaped Japanese pancakes with a chunk of octopus in the center. During this time shrines host bean-scattering events, and other ceremonies used to drive away evil. The other two festivals are the Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and Saitama's Chichibu Yomatsuri. Attracts 2 million spectators every year. Takigi Noh Performance Bringing in the new year is taken very seriously in Japan. 14-15 May It is respected as a non, Shichi-Go-San is the name of the Japanese custom of celebrating the healthy growth of children of 7, 5 and 3, Spring is well established in May, calling Japanese people to walk around and go outside. Among the most famous matsuri, we can cite: If you happen to be in Japan during one of these festivals, do not hesitate to attend to them, but watch out for the crowd ! Senbon Emmado, Kyoto The Tohoku Craft Beer Festival is one of the more contemporary festivals in Japan that celebrates Tohoku's beer industry. Of Kyoto's many festivals, the big three are the Aoi Matsuri, Gion Matsuri, and Jidai Matsuri. Famous Japanese Festivals 1. It has a long history (dating back to the year 869) and lasts the entire month of July, culminating in a parade of floats the Yamaboko Junko on July 17th. Mikuni, Fukui Prefecture Oct 31st - Nov 10th. As one of the many naked festivals held in Japan, hundreds of men wearing nothing but . Matsuno-o Taisha, Kyoto December Japan Festivals 12. 3-31 May Mikoshi portable shrines at Seiryo-ji Temple on the 21st; children's procession from Otabisho via Daikakuji, Arashiyama and then back to Otabisho. This lovely February event is the first celebration on the festival calendar and takes place in Hokkaidos regional capital, Odori Park. Three days of festival music and ceremonies are held on a floating stage made from canal boats tied together with stalls and other festivities on the banks of the canals in Yanagawa. O-Shogatsu/New Year O-Shogatsu is the most important festival in the year. Japans public transport system is so efficient that you wont notice much disruption during any festival or celebration, but domestic flights can be a little more expensive as many Japanese fly back to their ancestral home to celebrate. Demonstrations of yabusame, traditional Japanese horseback archery. Kamezaki Shiohi Matsuri At the Kameido Tenjin Shrine, in east Tokyo, you can walk under hanging trellises of wisteria. 5 May Ageuma Shinji Performance of traditional noh theatre held outdoors lit only by torchlight at Kofukuji Temple and Kasuga Jinja in Nara. If your trip doesnt fall on any times or dates mentioned here, its worth asking your specialist if there are any alternatives that tie in with when youre planning to visit. Despite the name, most festival-goers are not actually naked. Features dragon dances, baton twirlers and decorated festival floats in the port area of Yokohama. Matsuri are traditional festivals or popular celebrations in Japan. 3-5 May Aoi Festival 24-25 May Theres a different theme every year, with past sculptures including a detailed recreation of Angkor Wat and an Egyptian panorama. Children who have reached one of the important ages will visit a shrine with their family to drive out evil spirits and wish for a long and healthy life. During the month of April, Cherry Blossom Festivals are a very popular time to see trees in bloom. Its also a chance to try a comforting bowl of butadong, a steaming hot dish of rice and marinated pork. The snow festival runs for a week, but Id avoid the busy weekend if you can. It is traditionally believed to predict the success of the coming year's harvest. Shuki Taisai, the Autumn Grand Festival, is the biggest festival in the Nikko area. Tarui Hikiyama Matsuri One of the largest festivals in the Hokuriku region. A tradition all over Japan, Hanami literally means viewing flowers. It was first organized in, Gion Matsuri is one of the more important annual festivals of Kyoto, linked to Yasaka Jinja shrine: it occurs, Fukuro Matsuri is a traditional Japanese festival held in Ikebukuro, a district of Toshima ward in Tokyo, Sawara is the historical district of Katori City in Chiba prefecture. The fires can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Okinohata Suitengu Festival 3-5 May Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture Three days of festival music and ceremonies are held on a floating stage made from canal boats tied together with stalls and other festivities on the banks of the canals in Yanagawa. Kurama Temple, Kyoto Fragile clouds of pink cherry blossom are synonymous with spring in Japan. On the second Monday of January, Seijinshiki is celebrated across Japan. Kaizen Workshop: Increase Your Workplace Productivity and Efficiency. Fireworks, illuminations and the coming together of families are recurrent themes. 14 May All Group Tours 2022 . Unlike Spanish bullfighting, the animals are not wounded and are not killed. Nikko's most important annual festival, featuring yabusame (horseback archery) and a 1000 strong costumed re-enactment of the delivery of Tokugawa Ieyasu's remains to Nikko.
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