Handn blog 
Japan is known for its beautiful seasonal landscapes and rich cultural traditions, which are prominently reflected in its festivals and events.
These celebrations offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the unique cultures and customs of various regions.
For foreigners, Japan’s festivals and events provide valuable insights into the nation’s lifestyle and history.
In this article, we will introduce some of the most popular Japanese festivals and events among foreigners, highlighting their unique attractions and how to enjoy them.
目次
- 1. Gion Festival in Kyoto
- 2. Asakusa Samba Carnival in Tokyo
- 3. Sendai Tanabata Festival
- 4. Tenjin Festival in Osaka
- 5. Hakata Dontaku Festival in Fukuoka
- 6. Sanuki Udon Festival in Takamatsu
- 7. Satsuma Pottery Festival in Kagoshima
- 8. Hakodate Night Market
- 9. Mount Fuji Climbing Festival
- 10. Okinawa International Film Festival
Overview:
Gion Festival, held every July in Kyoto, is one of Japan’s three major festivals with a history spanning over 1,100 years. It originated as a festival at Yasaka Shrine to pray for the end of plagues, and has since evolved into a grand celebration. The main feature of the festival is the stunning Yamahoko floats that parade through the streets.
Attractions:
The biggest draw of the Gion Festival is the impressive Yamahoko parade. These traditional floats are beautifully decorated and crafted by local communities. Visitors can also enjoy the preparation and decoration of the floats in the local neighborhoods. Additionally, there are food stalls and shops offering traditional Kyoto cuisine and souvenirs.
Highlights:
Float Viewing: You can watch the procession of the floats, especially the Yamahoko parade on the eve of the event.
Traditional Costume Experience: During the festival, you can rent traditional Japanese clothing such as yukata or hakama. Rental services are available for foreigners.
Overview:
The Asakusa Samba Carnival, held every August in Asakusa, Tokyo, is a Brazilianthemed festival that started in 1981. The event aims to energize Asakusa with the lively rhythms of samba, featuring dancers in colorful costumes parading through the streets.
Attractions:
This festival is a vibrant and energetic event where visitors can enjoy samba music and dance. What sets this event apart is the participation of samba teams from Brazil, dazzling spectators with their elaborate costumes and dynamic performances. The entire Asakusa area takes on a samba atmosphere, with numerous food stalls and activities.
Highlights:
Samba Parade: Enjoy the dynamic samba performances as they march down the main street of Asakusa.
Cultural Experience: In addition to samba music and dance, you can also sample Brazilian cuisine and beverages.
Overview:
The Sendai Tanabata Festival is held every August in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, and is the largest Tanabata festival in the Tohoku region. It began over 400 years ago when the Sendai domain lord Date Masamune introduced the Tanabata tradition during the early Edo period.
Attractions:
The most captivating aspect of the Sendai Tanabata Festival is the elaborate Tanabata decorations, which adorn the streets and storefronts throughout the city. Especially noteworthy are the bamboo decorations, crafted using traditional techniques. The city is also filled with stalls offering local food and hosting various events.
Highlights:
Viewing the Decorations: Marvel at the beautiful Tanabata decorations, especially the stunning night illuminations.
Local Cuisine: Enjoy food from the local stalls that offer regional specialties and delicacies.
Overview:
The Tenjin Festival, held every July at Osaka’s Tenmangu Shrine, is one of Japan’s three major festivals with a history of around 1,000 years. It features a grand procession through the streets of Osaka, along with a fireworks display over the Yodo River.
Attractions:
The scale of the Tenjin Festival is impressive, with portable shrines (mikoshi) and floats parading through the city, and the fireworks display over the Yodo River captivating spectators. During the festival, various performances and stalls are set up by local organizations, offering an authentic Osaka experience.
Highlights:
Portable Shrine Procession: Witness the grand procession of mikoshi throughout Osaka’s streets.
Fireworks Display: Enjoy the breathtaking fireworks show over the Yodo River. Be sure to secure a good viewing spot early!
Overview:
The Hakata Dontaku Port Festival, held every May in Fukuoka, has a history of over 800 years. The festival features parades and events throughout Hakata, with the highlight being the vibrant Dontaku Parade.
Attractions:
The festival’s charm lies in the traditional performances and the participatory nature of the event. The Dontaku Parade showcases local groups performing colorful dances in festive costumes. Throughout the city, you’ll find various stalls and events during the festival, providing a bustling and lively atmosphere.
Highlights:
Dontaku Parade: Watch the lively parade featuring locals dressed in traditional attire, showcasing dances and music.
Street Food: Sample Hakata’s famous local foods and sweets from the many food stalls.
Overview:
The Sanuki Udon Festival is held annually in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, and celebrates the region’s most famous dish: sanuki udon. The festival offers various dishes made with this beloved noodle, along with cooking workshops and stalls selling local products.
Attractions:
The highlight of the Sanuki Udon Festival is, of course, the delicious sanuki udon. The festival gathers local udon shops, allowing visitors to sample different types of udon. There are also udonmaking workshops and stalls selling local specialties, offering a deeper appreciation of this regional delight.
Highlights:
Udon Sampling: Try different varieties of sanuki udon from various local shops.
UdonMaking Experience: Participate in a workshop where you can make your own udon and taste it afterwards.
Overview:
The Satsuma Pottery Festival, held annually in Kagoshima Prefecture, is a celebration of the region’s traditional Satsuma pottery. The festival includes exhibitions, sales, and potterymaking workshops.
Attractions:
The festival provides a unique opportunity to view and purchase Satsuma pottery, known for its intricate designs and craftsmanship. There are also handson workshops where visitors can try making their own pottery, offering an immersive experience in this local art form.
Highlights:
Pottery Exhibition: Admire beautiful Satsuma pottery and learn about the craftsmanship involved.
Pottery Workshop: Try your hand at making your own pottery at one of the festival’s workshops.
Overview:
The Hakodate Night Market is held annually in the summer in Hakodate, Hokkaido, showcasing local seafood and specialties. The market is filled with stalls selling fresh seafood, local products, and souvenirs.
Attractions:
The main draw of the Hakodate Night Market is the fresh seafood and local products. Visitors can sample dishes like seafood bowls (kaisendon) and sushi made from Hakodate’s fresh fish. The market’s lively atmosphere and variety of food stalls make it a mustvisit event for food lovers.
Highlights:
Seafood Sampling: Try fresh seafood dishes such as kaisendon and sushi.
Local Products: Shop for Hakodate’s specialty products and souvenirs, from stylish crafts to gourmet foods.
Overview:
The Mount Fuji Climbing Festival is held every July in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture, to celebrate the opening of the climbing season. The festival features safety prayers for climbers and offers workshops and seminars related to mountain climbing.
Attractions:
The festival provides a wealth of information about mountain climbing. Workshops and seminars teach beginners how to climb safely, making it a great event for those new to mountaineering. The festival also serves as a lively kickoff for the climbing season, drawing many climbers and tourists.
Highlights:
Climbing Workshops: Learn climbing techniques and safety tips at various workshops and seminars.
Meet Fellow Climbers: Interact with other climbers and exchange climbing tips and stories.
Overview:
Held every spring, the Okinawa International Film Festival showcases films from around the world and promotes regional filmmaking. In addition to screenings, the festival features talks, workshops, and booths showcasing Okinawan specialties.
Attractions:
The festival offers a mix of international films and Okinawan culture. Attendees can watch films from around the world, with a focus on Okinawan and Asian cinema. Additionally, there are booths offering local Okinawan products and food, adding a cultural element to the festival.
Highlights:
Film Screenings: Enjoy films from around the world, with a focus on Okinawan and Asian cinema.
Cultural Experiences: Explore booths offering Okinawan food and crafts, adding a local flavor to the event.
Japan’s festivals and events provide a rich opportunity to experience the country’s diverse cultures and traditions. These festivals not only offer enjoyment but also allow a deeper understanding of Japan’s history and lifestyle. For foreigners, participating in these celebrations can be an unforgettable way to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Japan.
