Spectacular August Festivals in Japan

August is an exciting month in Japan–there are many festivals or matsuri (祭) to look forward to. A matsuri is usually sponsored by a temple or a shrine, but it can also be secular. The dates for festivals usually vary depending on the area. Festive occasions in Japan are almost always held with much pomp and splendor – colorful and elaborate floats and the ritual mikoshi (palanquins) parade through the streets, processions organized by locals, numerous stalls sell all kinds of things, and fireworks light up the skies.

Some Japanese festivals in August:

Giant lanterns – Aomori Nebuta Matsuri

Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (青森ねぶた祭り), one of the biggest festivals in Tōhoku region, is held in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture. Nebuta Matsuri attracts plenty of tourists with its showcase of extravagant floats and beautiful lanterns that can measure more than 10 meters. “Nebuta” refers to a prominent warrior-figure–his float is paraded through the streets and accompanied by dancers wearing costumes while chanting “Rasserā”.

Pole Lanterns – Akita Kanto Festival

Akita Kantō (秋田の竿灯), or Kanto Matsuri, is celebrated every August 3-6 in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. The festival commemorates hopes for a good harvest. Over 200 bamboo poles about 5 to 12 meters long are attached with 24 or 46 lanterns and topped with gohei (wooden wands). The poles with all their embellishments can weigh as much as 50 kilos and are carried through the streets by volunteers on their shoulders, backs, palms, or lower backs.

Awa Odori

The Awa Dance Festival (阿波踊り), or Awa Odori, is the largest dance festival in Japan and is celebrated August 12-15 in Tokushima, Tokushima Prefecture. Awa is the old feudal administration name for Tokushima Prefecture, and odori means “dance”. The festival attracts over a million tourists every year with its carefully choreographed dancers and musicians known as ren. Participants adorn bon odori costumes and dance through the streets along with traditional taiko drums, shamisen lute, kane bell, and shinobue flute.