We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
In a country like Japan that prides on its traditions and customs, festivals are often used to showcase them and create a sense of togetherness among people. A Japanese festival is called Matsuri and most of these are religious but there are a few secular festivals too. What’s interesting is that there are no fixed dates for these events, and they change from area to area.
Typically, most famous festivals in Japan have certain common features such as being associated with a shrine or temple and having processions as well as floats. Visiting Japan during these events is certainly a window into the culture and traditions that Japanese steadfastly follow, even after all these years. The origin of these festivals is varied but most of these have evolved over the years, so much so that it doesn’t resemble the original ones at all. Some of the festivals celebrated in Japan are seasonal festivals such as the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido and the Cherry Blossom Festival which takes place in spring. Here are some of the festivals celebrated in Japan:
A Japanese festival that is celebrated throughout the country is Shogatsu, a New Year’s festival which is more of a quiet family event rather than a big celebration. During Shogatsu which falls on 31st December – 1st January, people often get together, pray and eat special foods which symbolise long life.
This is a Japanese festival that celebrates women and girls. Platforms are covered with a red carpet and are used to display ornamental dolls that represent Emperor and Empress and other figures from the Heian period. Although this is celebrated throughout Japan, the biggest celebration takes place in Kyoto.
This is another famous festival in Japan that is celebrated throughout the country and marks the onset of spring. During Setsubun, people throw roasted beans outside their houses to ward off lurking demons. Shrines and temples also host such events and other ceremonies to counteract against evil forces.
If you happen travel to Japan to visit Sounkyo in February, be prepared for some jaw-dropping ice sculptures that have been crafted to celebrate this Japanese festival. They are also known to construct ice buildings that go up to the height of three stories!
This is a grand sumo tournament that takes place in Osaka and one of the few chances to watch this amazing professional match with your own eyes. This is one of the most celebrated events in Japan.
Held in Tokyo in mid-May, this festival features a parade with one of the largest portable shrines in Japan. A stand-out characteristic of this festival is the presence of geisha and tattooed yakuza members and people come in droves to see them.
Kaiko Kinenbi is the Yokohama Port Opening Festival which is more of a celebration than a festival as such. This is an annual celebration to mark the opening of the port and there are often boat races, dances, music, and plenty of tasty food.
This festival takes place in Orodri Park, Sapporo in mid-June. A popular summer Japanese festival, it’s a modern version of a traditional dance event known as awa odori. People love it because it’s like a huge street celebrate that spills over weeks once June begins.
This is one of the most famous festivals in Japan and is also known as Star Festival. During this festival people celebrate the union of the stars Vega and Altair. This is one of the oldest festivals in Japan, having been derived from the Chinese Qixi or Double Seventh Festival. It was introduced in Japan in 794 and continues to be celebrated throughout the country, although the biggest celebration is held in Sendai and the city glows with decorations and paper streamers float everywhere.
For a taste of traditional rituals and events, you would be happy to witness the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Festival in Kamakura in September. There are tea-offering ceremonies, traditional performances showcasing samurai skills as well as various other dances.
For a taste of China in Japan, you must visit Yokohoma, where Kokkeisetsu is celebrated every year at the end of October. There are parades and lion dances as well as a giant moon cake which is offered to some of the lucky attendants.
In the mood for something bizarre? Head to the city of Wakayama where people laugh in time to the bells and commands from a leader who is dressed as a clown. This usually takes place sometime in early October.
In Hiroshima, every November some men wear masks and dress up as lions. Then they run through the streets hunting children, whom they thrash with bamboo sticks. According to legend, children who are beaten thus will be safe from illnesses in the coming year.
Yet another slightly scary festival is Namahage, which celebrates a folk tradition by bringing it to life. Young people dress up as Namahage, which are deities who resemble ogres, and they visit children in their homes in the villages to scare them and ensure they are not lazy in the coming year. The punishment for laziness is that they maybe stolen and taken to the neighbouring mountains.
If you’re keen to visit Japan during any of these festivals, do remember to check the SOTC website for offers and deals on some excellent Japan packages.
