Fancy delving into the heart of Japan that will take you across the entirety of the nation? Then check out these fascinating festivals & celebrations that are considered hallmarks of Japanese culture.
Nebuta Festival
Regarded as one of the more important festivals when summer dawns in Tohoku, Nebuta Festival is associated with the building of warlord-shaped lantern floats or ‘nebutas’ which are used to parade through the streets. Held annually from the 2nd – 7th of August, the visitor will be greeted by scenes of smiling locals clad in Haneto costumes and floral straw hats that make for the perfect capture on your camera.
Michinoku Yosakoi Festival
Though, held across Japan, Sendai’s Michinoku Yosakoi Festival sees the gathering of over 5,000 dancers and 150 teams in mid-October for one jaw-dropping display. An event which dates back to 1998, the Festival is synonymous with flag twirls, spins and a wide array of dance moves that complement the elaborate costumes worn which mirror the traditional kimono.
Sapporo Snow Festival
Associated with slips, slides and many a snow game, the Sapporo Snow Festival is celebrated in February and is your ‘go-to’ event if you happen to be staying in Japan during winter. Held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, this enthralling spectacle takes on varying levels of fun and engagement with ice sculptures, snow slides, curling and even snowball fights among its main highlights.
Takayama Festival
Divided into 2 distinct festivals, Takayama Festival comprises the Sanno Festival (spring) and the Hachimangu Festival (autumn). With the former, you will be rewarded with cherry blossom sightings and locals offering prayers at the Hie Shrine in the hope of a bountiful harvest. In light of the latter, patrons will catch a glimpse of gigantic, illuminated yatai floats being paraded through the Edo-era streets of Gifu. For those staying at Travelodge Honmachi Osaka which is one of the hotels in Osaka Japan, visiting Gifu in April and October will be worthy investments of one’s time.