Even the Japanese agree on these: 5 must-see festival events you can’t miss

By MOOK Scenic Spots Chen Wenlin, compiled and reported
 
Japan is renowned not only for its delicious cuisine and breathtaking seasonal landscapes, but also for its preservation of cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship, which many other countries seek to emulate. Among these, the various festivals held in different regions throughout the year are a pinnacle of traditional culture. This time, we introduce five festivals that even the Japanese themselves aim to experience at least once in their lives. Come and soak up the vibrant atmosphere in Japan this year!

1. Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival

The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a sacred offering ritual held during the Yamakasa Grand Festival at Kushida Shrine by the people of Hakata to pray for protection against summer illnesses. With a history and tradition spanning over 770 years, it has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is one of the unique “Intangible World Heritage” elements within UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list.

Held annually from July 1st to 15th, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa centers around the Hakata district, where fourteen spectacular “yamakasa” floats, each towering over ten meters high and exquisitely ornate, are constructed—leaving spectators in awe. The term “yamakasa” refers to ceremonial floats carried on the shoulders using six carrying poles, believed to have originated with the Hakata Gion Yamakasa. Each yamakasa is meticulously crafted by skilled Hakata doll makers, with entirely new creations built and displayed each year, reflecting the themes and styles of their respective eras.

2. Akita Kanto Festival

The Akita Kanto Festival is counted among the Three Great Festivals of the Tohoku region and is held annually from August 3rd to 6th. Its primary purpose is to pray for an abundant harvest and to ward off disasters. The festival features a truly unique performance where performers balance 46 lanterns attached to long bamboo poles using various parts of their bodies—such as their hands, foreheads, and even stomachs—and parade and perform along a roughly one-kilometer route.

The kanto (lantern poles) come in various sizes—large, medium, small, and junior—based on their weight and the number of lanterns. The large kanto can weigh up to 50 kilograms, giving you an idea of the incredible strength and balance required by the performers. It’s truly one of Japan’s most spectacular festivals.