Tag: matsuri
Tohoku’s Kizuna Festival Raucously Blends Six Great Traditions
Tanabata Festival in Sendai
Japanese festivals are raucous and joyful events, filled with noise and songs. For a unique opportunity to see the customs of six communities in one special event, the Tohoku Kizuna Festival can be ideal....
Lanterns Over the Dark Sea Create Dreamlike Kiriko Festival on Noto Peninsula
A glow from festival lights fills the air with excitement. As the warm days of summer arrive, the Noto Peninsula begins celebrating the Kiriko Matsuri, which continues until the early days of autumn. Colorful hanging lantern floats called kiriko are...
Enjoy the Summer Cheer at the Multicoloured Nebuta Matsuri
'Tis the season to be jolly! In Japan’s case, that means the season of summer festivals. One of the most striking festivals in the whole of Japan is the Aomori Nebuta Festival. Kicking off in early August, it takes place in Aomori...
Umi No Hi Festival A Different Way to Experience Tokyo in the Summer
The Umi No Hi festival is celebrated by decorating the beach of Odaiba Bay with paper lanterns. The event name itself is interesting as it plays on the same sound of hi, which means both lantern, as in “Lantern of the Sea,” and day,...
Matsuri, the Sacred Rituals of Prayers and Festivities
Since ancient times, Japanese have gathered at sacred places — a great boulder or ancient tree — to commune with the kami. There, they made offerings and prayed for the safety and prosperity of their communities. This is the origin of the...
