There are many festivals around the world. From a Japanese point of view, there are some festivals that make you think “What the heck!
But there are also Japanese festivals that people from all over the world would think “What the heck!
There is no doubt that festivals in every country have meaning and traditions that should be respected.
You would like to know what kind of festivals in Japan are surprising to the rest of the world.
So, first of all, I would like to introduce three famous Japanese festivals.
There are many traditional festivals in Japan, but the most spectacular and grandest of them all are known as the “three major festivals of Japan.
This article introduces the three major festivals in Japan: Kyoto Gion Matsuri, Osaka Tenjin Matsuri, and Tokyo Kanda Matsuri.
Experience these wonderful festivals, which are a great example of Japanese tradition and culture.
What is a Japanese festival anyway?
Japanese festivals take various forms depending on the region and traditions. The following is a summary of their characteristics.
- Festivals based on seasons and events
- Festivals centered on shrines and Buddhist temples
- Gorgeous parades and processions
- Ties to local communities
- Inheritance of tradition and culture
Thus, Japanese festivals are important events that reflect the seasons and regional characteristics and value tradition and culture.
It is not like a party, so don’t make a fool of yourself! LOL!
Gion Festival, Kyoto, Japan
The Gion Festival is one of the three most famous festivals in Japan, held annually in July in Kyoto.
This festival takes place in the Gion district of Kyoto and has a history of over 1000 years.
What exactly is the attraction of the Gion Festival held in Kyoto, which reflects the beauty of Japan?
Let us introduce you.
Attractions of Gion Festival, Kyoto
The charm of the Gion Festival lies in its spectacular procession of floats and stalls.
The sight of approximately 30 floats decorated and paraded through the streets with classical music is breathtaking.
The festival is especially exciting during the Mae-matsuri on July 17 and the Goto-matsuri on July 24, when the Yamaboko Junko procession takes place.
Other highlights of the Gion Festival include venues lined with food stalls and street vendors.
Locals and tourists alike throng these stalls to enjoy traditional street food and local specialties.
The Gion Festival also features a stage and fireworks displays, which add to the festive atmosphere of the festival.
In addition, Gion Festival is also marked by rituals and prayers at shrines.
The sight of worshippers visiting shrines and offering thanks and prayers to the gods offers a glimpse of traditional Japanese religious beliefs.
Thus, Kyoto, Gion Festival is a rare opportunity to experience Japanese tradition and culture.
The pageantry and power of the event will be a special memory for many tourists and locals alike.
Yamaboko floats are truly powerful and very attractive.
No matter how proud you are of your muscles, you are not allowed to take them home as souvenirs.
Basic Information on Gion Festival
- Holding period: July 1 – July 31
- Yamaboko Junko: Mae-matsuri July 17 / Gosai July 24
- Location：Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- access：Gion-Shijo Sta. on Keihan Main Line, Kawaramachi Sta. on Hankyu Railway
- Official website：https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/major/gion/
Tenjin Festival, Osaka, Japan
Tenjin Matsuri is another of Japan’s three major festivals, held annually in Osaka in July.
This festival is centered around Osaka’s Tenmangu Shrine and boasts a history of more than 1,000 years, making it one of the most popular summer festivals in Osaka.
Attractions of the Osaka Tenjin Festival
The Tenjin Festival is characterized by a procession of boats on the river.
In this event, called Funatogyo, sacred boats sail down the Okawa River, drawing prayers and cheers from participants and tourists.
Since the river is crossed by a sacred boat, you cannot cross the river even if you bring your own raft.
I tried to cross the river on a raft once, but it sank. I am sure the Titanic sank because it tried to cross the river during the Osaka Tenjin Festival.（Just kidding.）
A variety of events are also held during the Tenjin Festival, including a spectacular fireworks display and live performances on boats.
These events add color to the Osaka summer and attract locals and tourists alike.
The Tenjin Festival is not only a great opportunity to experience traditional Japanese festival culture, but also a great chance to enjoy the excitement of Osaka.
Basic Information on Tenjin Festival
- Holding period:Mainly from July 21 to 25 (various events are held from late June)
- Place: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine area, 2-1-8 Tendobashi, Kutai, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
- Access：Minamimorimachi Station on Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line and Sakaisuji Line, Osaka Tenmangu Station on JR Tozai Line
- Official website：https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/saijireki/tjm
Kanda Festival, Tokyo, Japan
The Tokyo Kanda Festival is a traditional festival centered on the Kanda Myojin shrine in Tokyo and is known as one of the three major festivals in Japan.
The festival is held annually in May and boasts a history of more than 400 years.
Attractions of the Kanda Festival, Tokyo
One of the attractions of the Kanda Festival is its spectacular portable shrine procession event.
The portable shrines depart from the sacred stage of Kanda Myojin and parade through the surrounding towns.
The highlight of the festival is an event called mikoshi miyairi.
The portable shrines of each town head for Kanda Myojin at the same time from the assembly point.
Spectators are captivated by the powerful scene of vigorous mikoshi carriers competing with each other to carry the mikoshi.
As an aside, this is a portable shrine competition, but there is an event called a cavalry battle at an elementary school field day event.
In this event, one rides on a three-man cavalry horse and competes with the other cavalry horse for the red and white hats.
I was assigned to the general’s battle, and I lost to the other female general. I was so frustrated that I still remember it. And that girl has become so beautiful now…
Also during the Kanda Festival, stalls and food stands will line the streets, as is typical of Japanese festivals.
In addition, the Kanda Festival also features a variety of traditional performing arts, such as stage events and kagura dances.
These performances evoke the ancient culture and beliefs of Japan and further enhance the festival atmosphere.
The Tokyo Kanda Festival is a rare opportunity to experience Japanese tradition and culture.
The historic portable shrine procession, traditional entertainment, and lively local atmosphere provide a rich and enriching experience for festival-goers.
Basic Information on Kanda Festival
- Holding period: Mid-May
- Place: Around Kanda Shrine, 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Access：Ochanomizu Station, JR Chuo and Sobu Lines; Ochanomizu Station, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
- Official website：https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/kandamatsuri/ (in 2023)
Conclusion
In this issue, we have introduced the three major festivals in Japan.
Gion Matsuri, Tenjin Matsuri, and Kanda Matsuri are important festivals that symbolize Japanese tradition and culture.
These festivals should be visited at least once when visiting Japan for foreign travelers.
A trip to Japan to experience the festival culture and experience the pomp and traditions of Japan will surely be a wonderful and memorable experience.
We hope you will visit the three major festivals in Japan and enjoy the charm of Japanese festivals.
【This article was written by：よだとも/YodaTomo】
