
2025/ 5/ 10
There are many festivals throughout Japan that convey local traditions, history, and culture. There are festivals throughout the year, from those held as religious ceremonies to worship Japanese gods to those that convey traditional Japanese performing arts, and festivals are an essential part of getting to know Japan on a deeper level. In this article, we will introduce the festivals known as the three major festivals in Japan, as well as particularly famous festivals around the country. Use this article as a reference to learn about Japanese festivals and use it as an opportunity to get to know Japan on a deeper level.
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Originally, a "festival" was a religious ceremony to pray and give thanks to gods, Buddhas, and ancestors.It is something that gives you a sense of the ancient Japanese traditions.
Japanese festivals feature colorful floats, dancing, and powerful drumming, and seeing them in person will naturally lift your spirits.
Let's learn more about Japanese traditions by focusing on festivals that are religious ceremonies and festivals that showcase traditional Japanese performing arts.
Among the festivals held throughout Japan, this one stands out for its scale and history.Japan's Three Greatest Festivals"There is something called ".
Although there are various theories, we will introduce the festivals generally known as "Japan's Three Great Festivals."
"Gion Festival"OctoberThis is a festival held in Kyoto.
The Gion Festival has a history of over 1,000 yearsYasaka Shrine FestivalIt has become a festival that Japan can be proud of and is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The highlight of the festival isYamahoko ParadeAt the festival, beautifully decorated floats with spears and naginatas are paraded through the town.
The Tenjin Festival is a festival held at Tenmangu shrines all over Japan,Osaka's Tenjin FestivalIt is considered one of the most important festivals in Japan.
Related events start in late June, but the highlights of the festival areAugust 7th and 24thThere will also be a votive fireworks display on July 7th.
"Kanda Festival" is in Tokyo.A festival held at Kanda ShrineSo, the main festivalOnce every two years, in mid-MayIs done.
Along with the Sanno Festival in Tokyo and the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, it is counted as one of the three major festivals of Edo and is a historically important festival in Japan.
In addition to the three major festivals in Japan, there are other noteworthy festivals all over the country. First, we will introduce spring festivals that convey Japanese traditions.
If you're looking for a spring festival, try the "Sanja Festival" is famous.
Starting from the third Saturday in May, the event will run for three days on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.It takes place over three days, and it is said that Asakusa is at its liveliest during this period. It is one of Japan's most famous festivals.
It is danced as a religious ritual.Binzasara Dance" has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Tokyo.
Kyoto'sAoi Festival"A festival held on May 5th.
The highlight is the 8km procession of people dressed in the attire of Heian nobles.Street Ceremony" It is an important Japanese festival that conveys Japanese culture to the present day.
The Suwa Onbashira Festival is held once every seven years (in the year of the tiger and monkey)is in Nagano Prefecture.Suwa Taisha Shrine Festival.
This important festival, which has been going on for over 17 years, involves pulling a large fir tree over 1200 meters tall from the mountain as a "pillar" to be erected within the shrine grounds. It conveys Japanese traditions.
During the lively summer months, when many fireworks displays are held, many of Japan's most famous festivals are also held.
"Aomori Festival" is one of the most popular festivals in Japan, where people pray for good health by waving lanterns called "Nebuta".Held from October 8st to November 2ndWill be
It has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
"Tokushima City Awa DanceIsHeld annually from August 8th to 12thThis is a summer festival that Japan is proud of around the world.
This is a representative festival of Bon Odori, an important traditional Japanese performing art, and has a history of over 400 years.
"Hakata Gion Yamakasa"Kushida Shrine's Annual FestivalIt has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
July 7st to 1thThe highlight is the "Oi YamakasaThe Yamakasa runs a distance of about 5km.
Okinawa's "Okinawa Island-wide Eisa Festival" was originally a festival that started as a competition.One of the important events to convey the traditional Japanese dance "Eisa"This festival isHeld over three days in late AugustWill be
We will also introduce some of Japan's most representative autumn festivals.
Among the Danjiri festivals held throughout the Kansai region, the "Kishiwada Danjiri Festival" is especially famous in Japan.
You can see floats called "Danjiri" racing through the streets of Osaka, and the highlight is the "Danjiri" floats spinning around at high speed.Spinning" is a must-see.
In autumn, autumn festivals called "Kunchi" are held all over Kyushu.Held for three days from October 10thto be doneNagasaki Kunchi" is one of the most well-known festivals in Japan.
The votive dances are not limited to traditional Japanese dances, but many of them have an exotic flavor and are uniquely gorgeous.
In Japan, festivals are held despite the cold winter weather. We will introduce some winter festivals in Japan.
"Namahage Sedo FestivalIsA three-day festival held in early February.
"Namahage" refers to a masked, straw-clad messenger of the gods, and in Oga, Akita, there is a custom in which Namahage go around to houses to ward off evil spirits.
The "Namahage Sedo Festival"A combination of the Shinto ritual "Seido Festival" at Shinzan Shrine and the custom of "Namahage"This is a festival where you can feel the traditions of Japan.
The annual festival of Chichibu Shrine is "Chichibu Night FestivalIt is counted among the "Three Great Float Festivals of Japan," along with the Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Takayama Festival in Gifu.
Held annually over two days on December 12nd and 2rdOn the second day, a votive fireworks display will also be held.
If you're visiting festivals around Japan, why not also experience the unique natural scenery of each region?
Here we will introduce some recommended accommodations near the festivals introduced here, where you can fully enjoy Japan's nature.
Kyoto is one of Japan's top tourist spots. If you want to experience the deep charm of Kyoto, we recommend "Re Tour Kyoto."
You can rent an entire glamping villa or lodge exclusively and spend a relaxing time listening to the murmuring of the river.
If you're looking for accommodation in Nagano, there's Yatsugatake PRIVATE WOODS NADA, located at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake, one of Japan's most famous resort areas.
The cabin-type rooms come with a semi-open-air bath and sauna. The BBQ menu, which features local Nagano ingredients, is also recommended.
BAYFRONT VILLA TAMATE, a glamping villa with sauna that is limited to one group per day, is a facility you should definitely check out on your trip to Tokushima.
From the villas with glass on both sides, you can spend your time relaxing and enjoying the beautiful views of the Japanese sky and sea, which change with the time.
If you are traveling to Fukuoka, we recommend "GLAMPDOME Fukuoka Fukutsu."
There are 16 dome tents to choose from, including types with private saunas and large types that can accommodate up to 12 people, so you can choose the one that best suits your travel needs.
Not only can you enjoy Japanese traditions at the festival, but you can also take part in a wide range of outdoor food-related experience activities, such as pizza making and smoking experiences.
Glamping Akunahama, located just a 0-minute walk from the sunrise spot Akunahama, is a facility we highly recommend to anyone considering a trip to Okinawa, Japan's tropical resort.
This interconnected dome tent has a door separating the living space from the BBQ space, allowing you to relax with a welcome drink.
At Rinku no Yado MARUYA Izumisano, a maximum of 6 guests can freely use all six rooms, including traditional Japanese tatami rooms and Western-style rooms, during their stay.
It also has easy access to Kansai International Airport, making it a great base for traveling to Osaka.
If you're looking for a place to stay in Chichibu, Saitama, one of the areas where you can enjoy Japan's abundant nature, we recommend Chichibu Bettei Komura.
You can spend an elegant time in villa-style rooms with private pools and semi-open-air baths.
Japanese festivals allow you to experience Japanese culture and traditions in a deep way.
In addition to the three major festivals, Japan has a variety of festivals throughout the year, so if you are planning a sightseeing trip, be sure to check the festival dates and experience some of Japan's most exciting festivals.
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