Japanese culture and practices are deep-rooted, as manifested by the festivals people celebrate in the country. With the advancing scientific changes worldwide, the Japanese have evolved to match pace with global trends. However, their practices and beliefs have been preserved and celebrated as they were several years ago.
In Japan, the ancient and the modern merge and centuries-old traditions meet contemporary excitement. The festivals are the beating heart of this cultural fusion. This blog talks about the famous festivals in Japan.
Popular Festivals Celebrated In Japan
- Gion Matsuri
This is one of Japan's biggest festivals in July in Kyoto. It is related to the Shinto deities, and the reason for the celebration is to appease the Lord, who would alleviate diseases and bring purification to the environment. The celebration continues for three nights, and houses display their family heirlooms. A variety of street food is available for people to enjoy the delight of the most famous festival in Japan.
- Sanja Matsuri
This is another famous Japanese festival held in Tokyo. The third weekend of May is designated for celebrating the festival in the Asakusa shrine. The three mikoshis, or deities, are prayed to in this festival, followed by Japanese dance and music performances. This is one of Japan's most famous festivals, and many tourists attend it.
- Hakatu Donatu
It is held in Fukuoka city, where a parade runs from the Gofuku-machi station to Tenjin Central Park. Thousands of people wearing traditional costumes showcase their dance and music skills. In addition, there are many hot springs in the Chikushino area and Buddhist temples, which are good places to visit for tourists.
- Aomori Nebuta Matsuri
This is celebrated from August 2 to 7. The main attraction is the parade of colossal lantern floats accompanied by large taiko drums, musicians and dancers. Witness the large parades carrying the floats of Nebuta with the night sky displaying fireworks. This is one of the famous festivals in Japan.
- Sapporo Snow Festival
It is a winter event that displays many statues and ice sculptures. This celebration started in 1950 in Odori Park. If you love winter and snow, Sapporo is a must-see. Imagine towering ice sculptures, some as tall as buildings, illuminated by colourful lights. It's a winter wonderland, a place where creativity and craftsmanship come together in stunning displays.
- Sendai Tanabata Festival
This famous festival in Japan is celebrated in remembrance of the doomed romance of Princess Orihime and the cow-herding man Hokoboshi. It is believed that the lovers reunite on the clear night of Tanabata, like the celestial stars. There is a lot of festivity around this day, which includes special food and the display of washi papers and bamboo.
- Tenjin Matsuri
This is one of the most famous festivals in Japan, celebrated in the city of Osaka. It is a beautiful festival celebrated in the summer and marked by traditional dances, music, and a procession of portable shrines. This is a celebration to appease the deity Tenjin, enshrined in Tenmangu Shrine.
- Kanda Matsuri
If you're in Tokyo on an odd-numbered year, you must witness Kanda Matsuri. It's one of the city's biggest and most spectacular festivals. Hundreds of people carry picture-towering portable shrines through the streets. It's a glimpse into the heart of Japan's Shinto traditions.
Conclusion
Most of the festivals in Japan are a mark to thank nature for its bountiful gifts and to bless the entire community. Japanese are a wonderful community who welcome outsiders and allow people to become a part of their celebration.
While enjoying passionate celebrations in a foreign land, it is good to take precautions and guard yourself against illness or other eventualities. Travel insurance is necessary for all travellers for mental peace and financial protection.