Japanese Festivals | Travel Guide
Throughout the year there are many festivals in Japan, every region has its fair share of mainly spring, summer, and autumn festivals, but even in winter, some locales have festivities on the calendar. Summer is undeniably the peak of festival season, and fireworks are often part of it. If you visit Japan in summer, chances are you will happen upon a local festival, whether you are in the city or in the countryside.
-
Kyoto Gion Matsuri | Beautiful decorations and flashy events
The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the three most famous festivals in Japan with more than 1000 years of history. I’m crazy about this festival which is cool, high-spirited and elegant at the same time.
-
Hiroshima Toro Nagashi | Beautiful scenery and wishes for peace
Every August 6th, the first atomic bombing in history is commemorated in the city of Hiroshima. In the evening, a beautiful lantern festival is held at the Atomic Bomb Dome. This is the Toro Nagashi matsuri.
-
Tokyo Mitama Matsuri | Various fun events and beautiful decorations
For the spectacular Mitama Festival, the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo is decorated with more than 30,000 traditional Japanese lanterns, running all the way from the great torii gate to the main gate of the sanctuary.