10 Traditional "MATSURI" / Festival in Japan

In Japan, there are many traditional "matsuri" which means JAPANESE FESTIVAL. The festivals are very diverse and differ from one region to another. Usually a matsuri is sponsored by local shrine / temple and organized by the local community / community. Matsuri is sometimes interpreted as a traditional event that is used by the local community. It is a tradition that must be held annually. Below are 10 famous Japanese matsuri and you can watch it when you go there!

1. GION MATSURI (KYOTO)

GION MATSURI is the most famous street festival in Japan. Usually held early in the month until the end of July. The highlight of the festival was called "YAMABOKO JUNKO" which was marked by a procession of motorcade of several Japanese-style traditional houses (made of wood) equipped with 4 wheels, climbed and driven by participating communities. The community also wears traditional kimono clothes and complete with accessories such as: samurai, hand fans and triangular hats. This festival is usually held at Jalan Kawaramachi and Oike, Kyoto.

 2. AWA ODORI (TAKASHIMA)

This is the biggest dance festival in Japan which is held every 12 August - 15 August every year. The community, which consists of men, women, seniors and children, is very enthusiastic about this festival and is usually held along the Tokushima City road. Participating communities will wear cotton kimono clothes complete with their hats. More than millions of people gathered and not only the local community but from abroad also came and took the time to dance together.

 3. KANDA MATSURI (TOKYO)

Kanda Matsuri is one of the famous Shinto religious festivals in Tokyo, held in mid-May every year. This festival is usually held at Kanda Myojin Shrine. The people gathered together to pray together in the morning, after which they accompanied the "Mikoshi"; a large portable temple moved from one temple to another. This parade continued throughout the Kanda, Nihonbashi and Akibahara areas, Tokyo. And return to the temple in the afternoon.

4. SUKI MATSURI, SNOW FESTIVAL (SAPPORO)

The Suki Festival is held in February every year. The origin of this festival occurred when 6 local students built statues made of ice in 1950. Now the Suki Matsuri festival is an international contest of giant ice sculptures in Sapporo City.

5. NEBUTA MATSURI (AOMORI)

The Nebuta Festival is held on August 2 - August 7 every year. Nebuta are giant lanterns in the form of scarecrows, like Japanese warriors. The festival is held in the afternoon until evening along the Aomori City road. The people rushed to push Nebuta lanterns and were followed by accompaniments of traditional music instruments & Japanese dances.

6. KISHIWADA DANJIRI MATSURI (KISHIWADA, OSAKA)

The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is held in Kishiwada City, Osaka. Held in mid-September. "Danjiri" is a wooden cart and can weigh more than 3,000 kg. The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival is a festival that can surprise people. Participating communities usually tug on the four-wheeled train very quickly and troop leaders jump around, dance and do attractions on a wooden train.

7. TENJIN MATSURI (OSAKA)

Tenjin Matsuri is a festival supported by Tenmangu Temple in Osaka and is usually held on July 24 - 25 every year. A very important part occurred on the second day where processions were carried out on the roads and rivers. The people wore traditional kimono clothes and made a boat ride to the river. The highlight of the festival is marked by a very beautiful fireworks display. The community can watch fireworks from bridges and river banks.

8. KOCHI YOSAKOI (KOCHI)

The Kochi Yosakoi Festival took place in 1954 where the local community created the Yosakoi Naruko dance. This famous festival is held in mid-August every year. This dance is always accompanied by local folk songs called Yosakoi Bushi. The people who participated danced happily and they usually brought claps made of wood. The clap produced a click-clap sound that made the Kochi festival even more lively.

9. TANABATA MATSURI (MIYAGI)

The Tanabata Festival was held on August 6 - August 8 in Dendai City, Miyagi. This is a festival based on Chinese legends about 2 stars, namely: Altair and Vega. At the time of the festival, visitors can watch the large colorful decoration paper that adorns the street.

10. HAKATA DONTAKU MATSURI (FUKUOKA)

Hakata Dontaku Matsuri is held on May 3 - May 4 every year in Fukuoka City. People from among the children, teenagers and even the elderly were very enthusiastic and took the time to participate in the event, such as parades, parades, marching bands and dances on the highway. This festival can be attended by all citizens who reside in Japan and the aim is to portray the unique culture of each participating country. The clothes they wear are also very diverse and colorful.