There are love languages, but are there travel languages? When planning international trips, everyone focuses on something different. Some people want to explore nature, while others are more interested in soaking up local culture.
In Japan, there’s something for everyone. Voted as the top travel destination by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers, Japan’s incredible geographic, cultural, and culinary diversity cater to a wide host of interests. And in the spirit of Japanese culture, you can bet there’s a festival to celebrate it.
Below, we’ll take a look at can’t-miss festivals that celebrate everything from needlepoint to—wait for it—belly buttons. Find what you love or break from the norm and experience something entirely new.
Connect with local culture and plan your adventure with confidence using Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion method. No more rote memorization! Learn how to communicate naturally and intuitively, developing a deeper and more practical understanding of Japanese.
Matsuri (festivals) are not limited to one particular place, or one time of year. Here are a few of the many options for adding memorable festival experiences to your itinerary.
1. Sapporo Snow Festival
When: February 4-11
Where: Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome
What to expect: It’s a winter wonderland! Visitors to the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Sapporo Snow Festival) can bundle up and brave the cold to see between 300-400 elaborate ice and snow sculptures. The festival’s official website provides details about the specific activities at each location, but you can expect things like slides made of ice, a snow maze, musical performances on stages made of snow, food vendors and nighttime displays.
Fun facts: It all started in 1950, after the residents of Sapporo had cleared the snow from their streets and deposited it in Odori Park. A handful of teenagers built snow sculptures for a one day event. It has now blossomed into the biggest winter festival, happening over the course of a week in three locations, attracting more than 2 million people.
Making such a large event happen is a huge task, and community volunteers are an important part of the festival. Each November, applications are accepted for a variety of support positions (including joining the fun of building the sculptures!). Non-Japanese volunteers are encouraged to apply as well, provided they can speak conversation-level Japanese. Be ready to engage in a more meaningful way and lend a hand with the winter excitement by strengthening your language skills. If this one is on your bucket list, Rosetta Stone’s convenient, bite-sized lessons can get you conversation ready!
2. Hari Kuyo
When: February 8
Where: Various shrines and temples (check your local guide)
What to expect: Tourists visiting shrines on February 8 may find themselves perplexed by the solemn atmosphere and the sight of sewing implements embedded in soft sweets. For around four hundred years, needleworkers and tailors throughout Japan (and elsewhere), take this holiday as an opportunity to thank their tools and to pray for increased skills in the coming year. They save their broken pins and needles, then give them a funeral and a soft and sweet place to rest, in tofu or konnyaku (soft jelly cakes) on special altars. There is a great sense of affection, a warmth and gratitude for these simple instruments essential to artists who stitch and sew.
Fun facts: The essence of divinity inherent in even inanimate objects is a Shinto belief, and the Hari-kuyo funeral for needles honors the kami (spirit) of the needles. Another component of this emotional ceremony is the idea that when a person—usually a woman—spends much time and care in hand stitching, she is imbuing her emotions into the work. Often feelings and things left unsaid are sewn into the very fabric of their creations. This ritual not only puts to rest the broken pins and needles, but also allows the seamstress to let go of their emotions and begin the new year with a lighter heart.
3. Yokote Kamakura Festival
When: February 15-16
Where: Yokote City, Akita Prefecture
What to expect: Each February in Yokote City, the winter landscape blossoms with kamakura (rounded, hollowed-out snow structures, more similar to quinzhee than igloo in construction). Visitors can enter the larger kamakura for cozy, traditional hospitality that includes sharing fortifying refreshments like amazake (sweet sake), and grilled mochi (rice cakes). Miniature versions of kamakura are illuminated by candlelight, the warm glow illuminating paths, creating a magical and beautiful scene.
Fun facts: This winter festival has been celebrated for more than 450 years, and has origins in New Year’s traditions. The bonfires were originally used to ceremonially burn the New Year’s decorations from the previous year, and eating rice cakes are said to bless one with good health in the year ahead. During the festival, altars are built in the kamakura to honor water gods and prayers are offered to ensure plentiful clean, pure water.
Don’t fret if your travel plans to Yokote City don’t happen to coincide with the festival! You can visit the Yokote City Fureai Center Kamakura Museum year round, and enter into a sub-zero gallery with displays of the snow huts, created by traditional kamakura artisans.
4. Omizutori
When: March 1-14
Where: Todaiji Temple, in Nara
What to expect: This week-long Buddhist festival has dramatic nightly fire ceremonies, and culminates with a sacred water ceremony. Each night, young monks carry giant torches, running up stairs to the top of a part of the temple called the Nigatsu-dō. The whole time they wave the enormous torches, drawing circles and casting sparks and ash onto the onlookers below. The previous year’s sins are purged with the cleansing fire, and it is said that to have sparks and ash fall upon you wards off and protects from evil spirits. Late on the final night, after the fire ceremony, people may drink from the sacred healing waters collected in clay pots. The end of the festival happens just as the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, and marks the spiritual transition from winter to spring.
Fun facts: This festival has been celebrated for more than 1200 years, and was the earliest recorded use of incense in a Japanese religious rite. The legend says that the founder of the temple invited 13,700 gods to attend a celebration. Onyu-Myojinlate, the deity of the Onyu river, had been fishing and arrived late. To make up for his delay, he made water spring from a well near the shrine.
One of the most charming ways to spend an afternoon before the fiery nocturnal festivities is to visit Nara Park and buy special treats to feed to the more than 1200 shika (deer) who live there. Special nutritionally appropriate “deer crackers” can be purchased, and deer will politely bow in respect and thanks.
5. Takayama Matsuri
When: Spring Festival (April 14-15), Autumn Festival (October 9-10)
Where: Spring Festival—Hie Shrine in the southern half of Takayama’s old town; Autumn Festival—the Hachiman Shrine in the northern half of the old town.
What to expect: The main events in both spring and autumn are the beautiful yatai (floats), that feature otherworldly performances of karakuri ningyo (marionettes). These dolls and marionettes are so detailed and articulated that they seem to come alive before your very eyes. Food stalls offer sake and deliciously indulgent Hida beef, which we know as Wagyu.
Fun fact: For a close look at the intricate yatai any time of year, visit the Matsuri no Mori museum. Descend into an underground gallery that houses both impressive full-sized replicas as well as smaller versions that are one third the size of those used in the autumn festival. Around the festival, you’ll see giant taiko drums, gleaming illustrated golden screens, and plenty of karakuri dolls.
6. Aoi Matsuri
When: May 15
Where: Central Kyoto
What to expect: The festival originated in the seventh century as an agrarian rite to ward off evil and pray for an abundant harvest. Today it is a majestic eight kilometer procession of 600 people richly dressed in garments of the Heian Period Imperial Court, accompanied by oxcarts and horsemen and archers, all in their finery. Each year there is a Saiō, or young maiden dressed in 12 layers of silk, who partakes in purification rituals and joins the procession to praise deities at the shrine.
Fun fact: Aoi is known most commonly as hollyhock, though technically it is wild ginger. In a translation of The Tale of Genji by Edward Seidensticker, it is poetically known as a “heartvine” due to the lovely heart-shaped leaves. No matter what it is called, the green leaves are seen everywhere adorning the costumes and carts.
7. Kanda Matsuri
When: The weekend closest to May 15
Where: Kanda Shrine and surrounding central Tokyo districts
What to expect: Hundreds of mikoshi, a kind of sacred religious palanquin that is used for the transport of deities, are carried and paraded through the streets of the neighborhoods near the Kanda Shrine. There are musical performances including taiko drummers and nagauta, a traditional “long song” played on the shamisen (a three-stringed instrument) that accompanies classical dance or kabuki.
Fun fact: Plan your travels carefully if the Kanda Matsuri is part of your itinerary. This festival is held only in odd numbered years.
8. Sanja Matsuri
When: May 17-19
Where: Asakusa Shrine, Tokyo
What to expect: More than 2 million people visit Tokyo for this huge, joyful festival that honors the kami of the three men who founded the temple. Excited crowds cheer as more than 100 mikoshi are lifted onto the shoulders of revelers and paraded through the 44 districts of the neighborhoods surrounding the Sensoji Temple, bringing good fortune for the locals and their businesses. But these portable shrines for the gods are not handled softly and gingerly—quite the opposite! They are dramatically bounced and shaken in an action known as tamafuri, the rollicking motion is meant to energize the deities and enhance their blessings of luck and prosperity.
Fun fact: Look closely at some of the bearers of the mikoshi and you will see that many are clad in traditional fundoshi, or loincloth-like undergarments, with their exposed flesh almost entirely covered in the detailed, elaborate tattoos of the Yakuza. This has led to the festival being colloquially known as “the Yakuza Festival” or the “Tattoo Festival,” and offers a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of members of the legendary gangs.
9. Hakata Gion Yamakasa
When: July 1-15
Where: Hakata district of Fukuoka
What to expect: The exciting main event at this religious festival is a race through the seven districts, where teams of men hoist kakiyama (floats that are carried) weighing one ton upon their shoulders and run through the streets at full speed. It’s so arduous that they must work in teams and shifts, constantly flowing with precise choreography. Stationary kazariyama with scenes of historical or cultural importance dot the area, and reach heights of more than 13 meters.
Fun fact: The festival is nearly 800 years old and has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan by UNESCO.
10. Gion Matsuri
When: July 1-31
Where: Central Kyoto
What to expect: Kyoto’s largest festival dates back to 869 C.E. and was established by Emperor Seiwa. The city was suffering from a plague, and as a rite of purification to appease the gods, 66 spears were arranged in a garden and mikoshi were used to transport gods from the Yasaka Shrine. In every procession, there are twenty-four yama (smaller floats that are carried) and 10 hoko (large floats). The hoko are gigantic and impressive, some weighing in at 12 tons and reaching heights of 25 meters. These are pulled with huge ropes, and roll along the streets on wheels taller than most people. The beautiful textiles created in this area adorn the floats, and musicians perch atop to play flutes and drums for the crowds. Don’t forget to bring your appetite! In the evenings, the area is closed to traffic and the pedestrian-only spaces become home to all manner of food stalls.
Fun fact: Don’t miss the Byobu Matsuri which provides the rare treat of peeking inside some homes in the area. Families open their doors to display heirlooms and byobu (ornate folding screens) to the public.
11. Tenjin Matsuri
When: July 24-25
Where: Osaka
What to expect: This exciting festival is the largest in Osaka and features both water and fire! There are processions with a dragon dance, taiko drummers, and it reaches a climax on July 25 with a parade of more than 100 boats on the Okawa River. This is followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Fun fact: The origins of this matsuri are more than 1000 years old! It now celebrates the kami of Michizane Sugawara, the Shinto god of learning, but began as a purification ritual to ward against the diseases that plagued the city during the hot and humid summer weather.
12. Hokkai Heso Matsuri
When: July 28-29
Where: Furano
What to expect: Not all Japanese festivals are ancient and solemn. The whimsical Hokkai Heso Matsuri originated in 1969 to honor Furano, the “bellybutton” of Hokkaido as it’s located right in the center. Nearly 80,000 tourists visit to witness the fun, and more than 4000 dancers flood the streets to dance and display their bare bellies with fanciful faces painted on them, known as zubara. For a small fee, a limited number of 100 people are allowed to “jump in” and participate in the competitive dancing!
Fun fact: Spectators can fill their bellies with offerings from the selections of “belly button gourmet” foods, where local vendors prepare unique dishes that correlate to belly buttons.
13. Nebuta Matsuri
When: August 2-7
Where: Aomori
What to expect: More than 2.5 million visitors venture to Aomori, at the northern edge of Japan’s main island of Honshu. There are floats of brightly colored lanterns that are illuminated from within, depicting scenes and characters from folktales. There are even smaller, children’s floats in the mix. The floats judged the best are taken to the sea for a cruise around the port. Visit the Nebuta Museum, conveniently located next to the Aomori station in the central waterfront district, to get a taste of the festival any time of year.
Fun fact: The word nebuta translates to “drowsiness,” and it is suggested that the festival began to serve as a way of awakening people from the languid summer months to prepare them for the autumn harvest season.
14. Kanto Matsuri
When: August 3-6
Where: Akita
What to expect: This festival began in the Edo period, as both a cleansing ritual and a way to pray for a good harvest in the fall. There is a spectacular parade in the evenings, where illuminated paper lanterns are hung by the dozens from poles as long as 12 meters. These lanterns are not merely carried, but balanced on foreheads and shoulders, seemingly defying gravity as they list and sway high above the streets below.
Fun fact: The lanterns, called chōchin, are meant to resemble komedawara (traditional bags used to transport and store rice).
15. Awa Odori
When: August 12-15
Where: Tokushima
What to expect: Dating back more than 400 years, the “Dance of Fools” is a part of the Obon Festival, a Buddhist observance welcoming the spirits of the dead back to their ancestral homes. More than a million people visit for this colossal four day long dance party on the island of Shikoku. Thousands of ren (dance troupes) flood the streets in full costumes, creating a brilliant and kinetic display of joy and tradition.
Fun fact: Ona adori (ladies’ dance troupes) wear braided amigasa, elaborate traditional hats made of natural materials like cypress bark, straw, or stripped bamboo. They are not only decorative but practical accessories, shading eyes from the bright sun. Amigasa were also often worn by ninjas! The wide brims helped disguise the identity of the wearer and could easily conceal anything from documents to weapons.
16. Nagasaki Kunchi
When: October 7-9
Where: Nagasaki
What to expect: This autumn matsuri honors Nagasaki’s guardian deity at Suwa Shrine, and is unusual in that the dances show international elements. Nagasaki was the only port open to non-Japanese traders during the Sakoku period in Japan, and the celebration reflects influences from Holland, Portugal, and China. Traditional performances include jaodori (dragon dance), kujira no shiofuki (the blowing of the whale), kokkodesho (drum dance), and Oranda manzai (the Dutch dance). This festival is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Japanese government.
Fun fact: The dragon dance is performed to the accompaniment of traditional Chinese instruments, and the immense dragon is handled by 10 trained performers. The dragon dances and frolics, attempting to catch and eat an elusive golden ball that represents youth and everlasting life.
17. Jidai Matsuri
When: October 22
Where: Kyoto
What to expect: The “Festival of the Ages” is an ideal destination for history buffs! It began in 1895 and celebrates the establishment of Kyoto as the capital of the nation.The two and a half hour long procession, the Jidai Gyoretsu, immerses spectators in history. The route from the Imperial Palace to the Heian Shrine is walked by more than 2000 participants dressed in historical attire representing major events in reverse chronological order from the Meiji Restoration (early 19th century) to the Enryaku era (8th century).
Fun fact: Great care is taken to properly research and recreate the traditional historic costumes worn in the parade, including using the same methods and materials to weave and dye the fabrics.
18. Chichibu Yomatsuri
When: December 2-3
Where: Chichibu, just 90 minutes from central Tokyo
What to expect: Large crowds gather in the cold evening to witness impressive floats built in the traditional manner with no use of nails or modern tools. These floats are overflowing with ornate paper lanterns, gilded wood carvings, and rich tapestries. They are carried from the Chichibu shrine to the plaza in front of the City Hall, and once there, an immense fireworks display lights up the night sky.
Fun fact: This winter night festival is another event designated as one of intangible cultural heritage by Unesco, and has been celebrated for more than 300 years.
Get to know Japan even better with Rosetta Stone
If you find yourself in Japan, chances are there’s a festival near you—and what a wonderful opportunity they provide in complementing and enriching your experience.
You’ll need to speak confidently to get the most out of your trip. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on joining the bellybutton dances at the Hokkai Heso Matsuri, or ordering delicious festival foods like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and takoyaki (fried balls with octopus).
Rosetta Stone has everything you need to explore Japan and expand your conversation skills. Our lessons are bite-sized, fun, and engaging. And with TruAccent, you’ll get to perfect your pronunciation every step of the way!
Written by Erin Vargo
0 Commentaires