7 Unique Festivals to Experience in Japan
From seeing vast ice sculptures in Hokkaido to witnessing thousands of barely-clothed men run through the streets – these spellbinding Japanese festivals could be the perfect centrepiece for your next trip to Japan.
To Brits, surprises await at every turn in Japan, a country with a (sometimes dramatically) different take on everything from vending machines to architecture to public transport.
No less surprising are its festivals, which range from traditional events steeped in hundreds of years of history to more contemporary – and off-the-wall – celebrations.
If you're heading to the Land of the Rising Sun anytime soon, make a beeline for one of these unusual festivals.
1. Hadaka Matsuri (Okayama)
When: February
Where: Okayama
Best for: Unique, daring experience
Nothing can prepare you for the sight of 10,000 men running through the streets wearing only loincloths – but it’s a spectacle worth seeing at least once.
These brave participants compete for sacred sticks called shingi, which are thrown down by a priest at Saidai-ji Temple. It is believed the men who catch these sticks will be blessed with good luck for the rest of the year. Naturally, the competition is fierce.
Reminiscent of the spectacle of lunacy called Takeshi's Castle, this event differs by being thoroughly rooted in history and tradition.
This most unusual of Japanese festivals may seem off-the-wall to us Westerners, but it's undeniably one of the highest-energy festivals on the planet, made even more crazy by the February chill!
2. Takayama Matsuri (Gifu Prefecture)
When: April and October
Where: Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
Best for: Traditional craftsmanship, stunning floats
Takayama’s historic old town plays host to this bi-annual festival, which features scores of beautifully decorated floats called yatai.
The first event celebrates the planting season, while the October one prays for a good harvest.
Locals and tourists alike are drawn to this dazzling display, where floats feature intricate carvings, tapestries and mechanical puppets called karakuri.
As darkness falls, hundreds of stunningly-detailed lanterns illuminate the scene.
3. Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)
When: July
Where: Kyoto
Best for: Traditional culture, historical parades
Gion Matsuri is one of oldest Japanese festivals, originating more than a thousand years ago in order to appease the gods after a plague.
While today's incarnation still pays homage to the initial roots of the event, there are lots of modern and offbeat additions to proceedings.
The festival lasts for an entire month and features everything from music to dance to food.
The climax is on the 17th of July (Yamaboko Junko), where teams of locals pull huge floats through Kyoto as part of a grand final parade.
4. Awa Odori (Tokushima)
When: August 12-15
Where: Tokushima, Shikoku Island
Best for: Dance, participation
Awa Odori is a celebration of dance and music, and takes place during Japan's important Obon season (during which it is believed ancestors return to their family homes). Dancers known as ren give synchronised performances, accompanied by taiko drums, shamisen and flutes.
And the best part is – you can join in too!
Beginner groups called 'Niwaka-ren' can be joined. The only snag is you may have to don a yukata (cotton kimono)! Arguably the most engaging festival in Japan.
Credit: John Penisten - stock.adobe.com
5. Sapporo Snow Festival (Hokkaido)
When: February
Where: Sapporo, Hokkaido
Best for: Winter scenery, ice sculptures
The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place every winter in Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido. While the festival involves all manner of events and attractions, the key focus here is ice sculptures – and you'd be hard-pressed to find larger and more detailed artworks anywhere in the world.
Some of these sculptures are truly vast – rising to the height of a multi-storey building. Others depict characters from popular culture or historical events.
And, this being the winter sports capital of Japan, visitors can also enjoy snowboarding and skiing between stints at the festival proper with its abundant cocoa.
Odori Park and Susukino are the key sites, but smaller events take place across Hokkaido.
Credit: kuremo - stock.adobe.com
6. Tanabata Matsuri (Sendai)
When: August 6-8
Where: Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture
Best for: Beautiful decorations, star mythology
Also known as the Star Festival, Tanabata Matsuri is rooted in the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, lovers who only got to see each other once a year. The festival is actually celebrated across Japan, but by far the biggest celebration is in Sendai.
As you wander around town, you'll encounter many fukinagashi streamers – brightly coloured paper decorations that symbolise the Milky Way.
The magical, whimsical atmosphere makes this event a favourite for families with young children – and of course, couples.
7. Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo)
When: May (odd-numbered years)
Where: Tokyo
Best for: Vibrant parades, religious heritage
Together with Sanno Matsuri and Fukagawa Matsuri, Kanda Matsuri is one of the Japanese capital’s three big festivals.
The event was originally conceived to honour the Kanda Myojin Shrine and encourage locals to pray for prosperity. Today, however, the festival showcases various colourful Shinto traditions – Shinto being the national religion.
The climax of the event is when portable shrines (mikoshi) are taken through the city, accompanied by dancers and musicians. The ancient costumes and celebrations stand in stark contrast to the soaring skyscrapers of modern Tokyo, making it a memorable sight for any visitor.
When it comes to enjoying a festival in Japan, it doesn’t get much more traditional than Kanda Matsuri.
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