A Fresh Experience of Japan’s Midsummer Festivals: Lanterns, Dancing, Flower Hats, and Taiko Drums—So Much Fun!

By Qidou Travel Network, Photos by Phoenix Travel and Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

In the vibrant summer season, festivals across Japan are in full swing. Famous northeastern events like the Aomori Nebuta Festival, Akita Kanto Festival, Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, Sendai Tanabata Festival, Morioka Sansa Odori Festival, and Gifu Gujo Odori Dance Festival... Have you ever experienced these colorful and exciting traditional Japanese summer carnivals?

Japan’s earliest festivals originated from agricultural societies praying to the gods for blessings. Over time, regional characteristics were added, making festival participation a way to experience the most authentic local culture!

Located in the northern part of Japan, Aomori uses its brief but hot summer to hold the lively Nebuta Festival (also known as the "Sleeping Demon Festival") to drive away sleepiness and evil spirits, as well as to prevent disasters and illnesses. It carries the meaning of praying for a bountiful harvest and good health. The Nebuta Festival, which has been celebrated for nearly 250 years, features massive, brilliantly painted lanterns that are truly dazzling. To fully soak in the festive atmosphere and admire the breathtaking traditional craft lanterns, don’t forget to reserve your seat in advance!

Meanwhile, the biggest summer festival in Akita Prefecture is none other than the Kanto Festival. The name "Kanto" was coined by Akita’s fifth mayor to commemorate Emperor Meiji’s visit to the Tohoku region, drawing inspiration from the phrase “One step more on the hundred-foot pole” from the Jingde Record of the Transmission of the Lamp. During the Kanto Festival, you can witness astonishing performances as 238 large and small lanterns sway in the sky like shimmering rice ears, all while skillful handlers demonstrate their techniques, accompanied by the HAYASI music, energizing everyone present.

Each festival has its own unique charm. During the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, you’ll see the region’s specialty red flower hats—boldly colored and uniquely shaped. Leading the parade are elaborately decorated Zaō Gongen floats (elaborate festival carts adorned with various decorations), followed by about 100 groups performing song and dance, creating an incredibly powerful atmosphere. Male dancers perform with vigor, female dancers with grace, and there are also spontaneous performances by impromptu participants, making the entire festival exceptionally lively.

▲Photo by Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

When in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, you absolutely must not miss the Tanabata Festival. Originating from the Chinese legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, this festival became a temple fair tradition in Japan. During the event, colorful paper ornaments hung on green bamboo poles decorate Sendai’s streets in brilliant splendor. In addition, there are fireworks, parades, concerts, and other activities that bring the festival atmosphere to its peak.

The Morioka Sansa Odori Festival in early August features dance groups from companies, schools, or citizen groups that have registered in advance. The performances include traditional Japanese taiko drums, flutes, and dancing, with participants dancing and marching forward together. While performing the Morioka Sansa dance, participants shout: “Sakkora Choiwaysse!” The kanji characters for “Sakkora” mean “calling happiness,” symbolizing the invitation of fortune. How could you miss out on joining such a joyful celebration?

From June to October each year, the Tahara Tanbo (Rice Field Art) Festival in Inakadate Village, Aomori Prefecture, is also quite special. Vast rice fields are painted with various colors, offering a breathtaking and magnificent view from above. The intricate detail and artistic quality have drawn attention from overseas media—it’s truly something you have to see in person to appreciate.

If you love dancing and want to show off your moves, why not try the Gujo Odori Dance Festival in Gifu Prefecture? The “Gujo Dance” has a history of over 400 years. From early July to early September each year, for 32 consecutive nights, it’s like the whole town throws a giant dance party. Ten different dances are performed in various locations around Hachiman Town, and especially from August 13 to 16, the famous “All-Night Dance” runs from 8 PM every night until 4–5 AM the next morning—absolutely addictive.

No special outfit is required for the Gujo Dance—you can participate in a T-shirt and jeans. However, wooden geta sandals are essential to keep the rhythm, so be sure to buy a pair of comfortable geta at a local shoe store before the festival and dance the night away!

More Related Information
Recommended Quality Itineraries:
Northeast Japan’s Top Five Festivals Carnival & Rice Field Art Tour (7 Days) (Includes reserved seating for Aomori Nebuta Festival and Akita Kanto Festival; domestic flight plus non-stop Shinkansen route)https://www.travel.com.tw/TOU/TOU0010/15JPN7KK01
UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawa-go, Kamikōchi, LEGOLAND, and Gujo Odori Dance Festival Tour (6 Days) – Limited Osaka Departure
https://www.travel.com.tw/TOU/TOU0010/17JPN6N88
(Special arrangements include the brand-new Nagoya LEGO Land opening on April 1st, and the architectural aesthetics of Toyo Ito: Forest of All)

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