Japan’s traditional festivals, known as “Matsuri”, are vibrant celebrations that offer a captivating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage. These events bring communities together, offering a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and entertainment. In this article, we will be exploring their origins, the way they are celebrated throughout Japan, and share our recommendations for the best festivals to experience.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents:
What is Matsuri? Origins and Purpose
How Does Japan Celebrate Matsuri?
How to Enjoy Matsuri Festivals
Matsuri Food: Our Top Picks
Best Matsuri Festivals in Tokyo
Best Matsuri Festivals in Kyoto and Osaka
Best Matsuri Festivals Throughout the Country
Unconventional Matsuri Festivals You Need to Check Out
Wrapping Up
What is Matsuri? Origins and Purpose
Shinto Festival Around 1920s, Festival People pass by decorations for a Japanese Shinto festival. Photo by MeijiShowa/Aflo Images
Matsuri, which translates to “festival” in English, has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries. These festivals originated from religious rituals that were held to honor and appease the gods, seeking their blessings for bountiful harvests and protection from natural disasters. Over time, Matsuri evolved to encompass a broader range of celebrations, including commemorations of historical events, traditional performances, and cultural displays.
The primary purpose of Matsuri is to foster community spirit, celebrate local traditions, and express gratitude for life’s blessings. They provide an opportunity for people to come together, donning colorful attire, participating in lively parades, and engaging in age-old customs. Matsuri encapsulate the essence of Japan’s deep-rooted respect for its past and the interconnectedness of its people.
How Does Japan Celebrate Matsuri?
A man wearing a mask during a traditional festival. Photo by Richard A. De Guzman/Aflo Images
Matsuri celebrations vary across Japan, with each region and community adding its unique touch to the festivities. However, there are several common elements that can be found in many Matsuri throughout the country.
Processions and Parades
A prominent feature of Matsuri is the procession or parade, where participants dressed in traditional costumes march through the streets. These processions often include intricately designed floats, portable shrines known as “mikoshi”, and musicians playing traditional instruments.
Traditional Performances
Matsuri festivals offer a platform for showcasing traditional Japanese performing arts, such as Noh theater, Kabuki, Taiko drumming, and traditional dances like Bon Odori. These performances captivate audiences with their mesmerizing movements, evocative music, and vibrant costumes.
Shinto Rituals
Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, plays a significant role in Matsuri. Many festivals incorporate Shinto rituals, such as purification ceremonies, prayers, and offerings at local shrines. These rituals aim to appease the gods and seek their blessings for a prosperous future.
Decorations and Lanterns
Festive decorations and lanterns adorn the streets and shrines during Matsuri, adding a magical ambiance to the festivities. Elaborate paper lanterns, known as “chouchin”, are often hung to illuminate the night and guide the spirits of the deities.
How to Enjoy Matsuri Festivals
Women wearing yukata at a festival. Photo by Yusuke Nakanishi/Aflo Images
Attending a Matsuri festival is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and create lasting memories. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your Matsuri experience:
Dress in Festive Attire: Consider wearing a yukata, a lightweight kimono, or opting for traditional accessories to fully embrace the festival atmosphere.
Arrive Early: Many Matsuri events draw large crowds, so arriving early ensures a good vantage point for the procession and performances.
Participate in Traditional Activities: Join in the traditional dances, try your hand at playing taiko drums, or take part in the Bon Odori circle to experience the true spirit of Matsuri.
Sample Festival Food: Indulge in delicious street food offerings like Yakisoba noodles, Okonomiyaki, and Takoyaki, which are readily available at Matsuri stalls.
Respect Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with basic etiquette, such as bowing when approaching a shrine and removing your shoes when entering sacred spaces.
Capture the Moment: Don’t forget your camera to capture the vibrant colors, intricate floats, and joyful expressions of both participants and spectators.
Matsuri Food: Our Top Picks
Corn on the cob at matsuri mestival. Photo by Aflo Images
Matsuri festivals offer a fantastic variety of amazing foods. Here are some must-try dishes and snacks that will get you in the mood for a great Matsuri experience:
Yakisoba Noodles: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables, meat, and a savory sauce.
Okonomiyaki: A pancake filled with cabbage, meat, octopus and other seafood, topped with a variety of sauces and shaved bonito tuna.
Takoyaki: Octopus-filled balls of batter, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ikayaki: Grilled squid brushed with a sweet soy glaze.
Yakitori: Skewered and grilled chicken, seasoned with a flavorful glaze.
Chocolate Banana: A delightful treat of a frozen banana dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with toppings.
Kakigori: Fluffy shaved ice drizzled with various syrups, often topped with sweet condensed milk or fruit.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn slathered with butter and sprinkled with salt.
Taiyaki: Fish-shaped pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste, custard, or other delicious fillings.
Sweet Potato Sticks: Crispy and golden sweet potato fries, perfect for snacking while exploring the festival.
Best Matsuri Festivals in Tokyo
Tokyo hosts numerous vibrant Matsuri festivals throughout the year. Here are some of the must-visit ones:
Kanda Matsuri
The Kanda Matsuri is a prestigious biennial festival in Tokyo, celebrated in mid-May. It features a week of festivities, including a grand procession through central Tokyo and neighborhood parades of portable shrines. Originating in the Edo Period, it symbolizes prosperity under the Tokugawa shogunate. The festival revolves around the Kanda Myojin Shrine, dedicated to three deities associated with abundance and success.
Sanja Matsuri
The Sanja Matsuri is held annually in Asakusa. It pays homage to the three founders of Sensoji Temple, enshrined in Asakusa Shrine. Taking place over the third weekend of May, the festival attracts nearly two million visitors every year. The highlight of the Sanja Matsuri is the procession of around one hundred portable “mikoshi” shrines, carrying Shinto deities to bring good fortune to the local community. Asakusa comes alive with lively festivities, including food stalls, games, and the captivating sounds of Japanese drums and flutes.
Sanno Matsuri
One of Tokyo’s most famous festivals, The Sanno Matsuri takes place in mid-June. The full-scale festival occurs in even-numbered years, alternating with the Kanda Matsuri in odd-numbered years. Spanning a week, the Sanno Festival offers various events, with the main highlight being a nine-hour parade through central Tokyo. The parade starts and ends at Hie Shrine, dedicated to the guardian deity of Tokyo. Originally associated with the Tokugawa family, the festival celebrated the nation’s political center. In modern times, the parade has scaled down to accommodate traffic, featuring modest floats, around 500 participants in colorful attire, and three portable shrines carrying the Shinto gods.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is an annual event held on the last Saturday of July. It features a spectacular display of fireworks launched from two locations: near Sensoji Temple and near Tokyo Skytree . Over 20,000 fireworks illuminate the sky, with approximately 9,350 launched near Sakura Bridge and 10,650 from the Komagata Bridge area. The festival has a rich history dating back to 1733 when the first Ryogoku River Fireworks Festival was held to commemorate famine victims and pray for a prosperous future. Despite interruptions due to war and pollution, the festival was revived in 1978 and renamed the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, becoming an annual tradition and the biggest fireworks festival in Tokyo.
Tsukiji Honganji Bon Odori
Tsukiji Honganji Temple hosts a lively annual Bon-odori dance festival lasting four days from late July to early August. This highly anticipated event draws visitors from the neighborhood, across Japan, and overseas. Participants gather in a circle around the temple’s scaffold, dancing to a lively medley of songs, including the popular “Tsukiji Ondo”. The scaffold also serves as a stage for captivating taiko drum performances by the renowned “Oedo Sukeroku” Taiko ensemble. Additionally, visitors can savor the flavors of Tsukiji by exploring stalls operated by local restaurants from the area.
Koenji Awa Odori
Koenji Awa Odori, one of Tokyo’s largest summer street festivals, attracts over 1.2 million visitors every year, and features up to 12,000 dance team participants. Taking place on the final weekend of August, this festival is the largest Awa Odori dance event outside of Tokushima Prefecture. Dance troupes known as “Ren”, consisting of up to 100 musicians and dancers, parade through the local streets accompanied by shamisen, drums, flutes, and cymbals. Participants, including people of all ages and genders, wear traditional yukata, geta footwear, and straw “amigasa” hats, showcasing intricate formation dance steps. With a mix of community groups, schools, and competitive troupes from across Japan, Koenji Awa Odori celebrates both tradition and excellence.
Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri
The Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri, one of Tokyo’s three major Edo festivals, is renowned as the “water throwing festival.” During this lively event, participants joyfully throw water on the “mikoshi”, the portable shrines carried through the district. Celebrated annually, the festival reaches its grandest scale with a Hon-matsuri every three years, featuring over 50 “mikoshi” parading the streets. The Tomioka Hachiman-gu, the festival’s host shrine, houses the heaviest “mikoshi” in the Kanto region, weighing 4.5 tons and adorned with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies valued at over a billion yen. While usually displayed at the shrine due to its weight, it becomes the centerpiece during the festival.
Mitama Matsuri
The Mitama Festival held at Yasukuni Shrine is a remarkable event that pays homage to the souls of the deceased. Taking place from July 13 to July 16 each year, it serves as a prelude to the Obon season when Japanese people honor their ancestors. The festival features daytime performances, including traditional dances, taiko drumming, food stalls, games, and even a haunted house. However, the highlight occurs at night when over 30,000 yellow lanterns illuminate the shrine’s main road, creating a dreamlike ambiance. Teams carrying “mikoshi” traverse through enthusiastic crowds, accompanied by a marching band and a spectacular spotlight display at the shrine’s entrance. The Mitama Festival provides a uniquely Japanese experience, blending festivity and deep respect.
Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi
The Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri is a vibrant festival that showcases the traditional “yosakoi” dance from Kochi Prefecture in the fashion-forward districts of Harajuku and Omotesando. Alongside teams from Kochi, dancers from all over the world gather to participate in this lively event. The festival features mesmerizing and energetic performances by the teams, captivating audiences with their dynamic routines. It is a celebration of cultural exchange and joyous expression through dance, bringing together traditional and contemporary elements in a vibrant display of talent and enthusiasm.
Mount Takao Hiwatari Matsuri
The Fire Walking Festival, or “hiwatari matsuri”, takes place at Mount Takao on the second Sunday of March, attracting thousands of visitors. The highlight of the event is the sight of barefoot monks confidently crossing burning wood embers as a purification ritual to ward off evil spirits and pray for various blessings. The festival begins with a solemn procession of chanting monks, followed by captivating rituals where they fend off spirits and undergo physical tests. The climax involves lighting a bonfire and extinguishing the flames, creating a path for the monks to walk and chant barefoot. Public participants can also follow suit, reassured that the embers have cooled.
Best Matsuri Festivals in Kyoto and Osaka
Kyoto and Osaka, two historically significant cities in Japan, host some of the country’s most iconic Matsuri festivals. Here are the must-see festivals in these cities:
Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)
The Gion Matsuri is a famous festival in Kyoto, Japan, held annually in July. It is one of the most renowned and important festivals in the country, attracting millions of visitors from both Japan and abroad. The festival originated in the 9th century as a religious ceremony to appease the deities during a plague. Today, it is a month-long celebration featuring various events, including colorful processions of decorated floats, traditional performances, and lively street stalls. The festival highlights the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto and provides an opportunity for locals and tourists to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and traditions of Japan.
Aoi Matsuri (Kyoto)
The Aoi Matsuri is an annual festival held on May 15th. With a history dating back over 1,400 years, it is one of the city’s oldest and most traditional festivals. The festival is named after the “aoi” (hollyhock) leaves that are worn by participants in the procession. The main event of the festival is a grand parade featuring over 500 people dressed in Heian period costumes, accompanied by horses and ox-drawn carts. The procession winds through the streets of Kyoto, starting from the Imperial Palace and ending at the Kamigamo Shrine. The Aoi Matsuri showcases the elegance and grace of ancient Japanese culture and is a cherished event for locals and visitors alike.
Kyoto Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto)
The Jidai Matsuri, or Festival of the Ages, is a historical procession held annually on October 22nd. Dating back to 1895, the festival celebrates the rich history and cultural heritage of Kyoto. The highlight of the event is a grand parade featuring around 2,000 participants dressed in period costumes representing different eras of Japanese history. The procession starts from the Imperial Palace and proceeds through the streets of Kyoto, showcasing the diverse attire, customs, and traditions of various historical periods. The Jidai Matsuri is a captivating journey through time that offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s fascinating past.
Kurama Fire Festival (Kyoto)
The Kurama no Hi-Matsuri, also known as the Kurama Fire Festival, is a thrilling event held in October at the Yuki Shrine in Kurama, a village near Kyoto. This festival is a fiery display of tradition and spiritual significance, featuring giant torches carried through the streets by participants dressed as warriors. The torches symbolize the purification and warding off of evil spirits. As darkness falls, the flames illuminate the night, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The festival also includes lively processions, traditional music, and spirited chants. The Kurama Fire Festival offers a unique and unforgettable experience, blending ancient customs with a vibrant atmosphere.
Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka)
The Tenjin Matsuri is a vibrant festival held to honor Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and deity of learning and the arts. Known as one of Japan’s three great festivals, it takes place on July 24 and 25, attracting a large number of participants and spectators. The festival features a grand procession of elaborately decorated boats along the Okawa River, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. Spectators can enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with fireworks, food stalls, and various cultural activities. The Tenjin Matsuri showcases Osaka’s rich cultural heritage and provides a memorable experience for locals and visitors alike.
Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival (Osaka)
The Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is a spectacular event held annually along the banks of the Yodo River. It is one of the largest fireworks displays in Japan, attracting thousands of visitors. The festival features an incredible showcase of fireworks illuminating the night sky with dazzling colors and mesmerizing patterns. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by live music performances, food stalls offering local delicacies, and a lively carnival-like ambiance. The Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is a beloved tradition in Osaka, providing a breathtaking visual spectacle and a festive experience for both locals and tourists to enjoy.
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (Osaka)
The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is an annual festival held in Kishiwada City. Known for its thrilling and dynamic procession, the festival features large wooden carts called “danjiri” being pulled through the streets at high speeds by enthusiastic participants. These carts are skillfully maneuvered around corners and through narrow passages, creating an exhilarating spectacle for spectators. The festival also includes traditional music, dancing, and performances that add to the festive atmosphere. With its rich history dating back over 300 years, the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is a beloved event that showcases the community’s spirit, skill, and dedication to preserving this cultural tradition.
Best Matsuri Festivals Throughout the Country
While Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka host many renowned Matsuri festivals, Japan is dotted with captivating celebrations throughout the country. Here are some of the best festivals outside the major cities:
Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori)
The Nebuta Matsuri is a renowned summer festival held in Aomori. It is characterized by its stunning parade of massive, illuminated floats called “nebuta”, which are meticulously crafted with colorful paper and bamboo frames depicting various mythical figures, warriors, and historical characters. The floats are accompanied by lively music, traditional taiko drumming, and energetic dancing. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year who gather along the parade route to witness the vibrant procession.
Tokushima Awa Odori (Tokushima)
The Awa Dance Festival, also known as Awa Odori, is a lively and vibrant traditional dance festival held in Tokushima. With its origins dating back over 400 years, the festival attracts thousands of participants and spectators from all over the world. Dancers known as “ren”, dressed in colorful yukata and straw hats, parade through the streets, dancing to the rhythmic sounds of shamisen, drums, and flutes. The energetic and synchronized movements of the dancers create an electrifying atmosphere.
Sapporo Snow Festival (Hokkaido)
The Sapporo Snow Festival is a renowned winter event held annually in Hokkaido. Originating in 1950, the festival showcases magnificent snow and ice sculptures that captivate visitors from all over the world. The festival features three main sites, including Odori Park, where large-scale sculptures line the park for several city blocks. Another highlight is the Susukino site, which showcases ice sculptures and offers a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. The Tsudome site offers various snow-related activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. The Sapporo Snow Festival has become a symbol of winter in Japan, attracting millions of visitors who marvel at the incredible artistry and creativity displayed in the frozen masterpieces.
Takayama Matsuri (Gifu)
The Takayama Matsuri is a vibrant festival held twice a year in Takayama, a historic town in the Japanese Alps. The festival showcases elaborate floats known as “yatai”, adorned with intricate carvings, lacquer work, and stunning textiles. During the spring festival in April, the “yatai” parade through the streets during the day, while in October, the festival focuses on showcasing the “yatai” at night, illuminated by lanterns. Visitors can witness dynamic performances, including traditional music and dance, and immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
Chichibu Yomatsuri (Saitama)
The Chichibu Night Festival, held annually on December 2 and 3, is a renowned festival in Chichibu, near Tokyo. It showcases elaborately decorated floats adorned with lanterns, tapestries, and exquisite wood carvings. Together with Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Takayama Matsuri, it is recognized as one of Japan’s top three float festivals. The festival is accompanied by lively drum and flute music, creating a festive atmosphere. A highlight is the spectacular fireworks display, a rare treat in winter. Food stalls offering festival delicacies and warming “amazake” line the streets. On December 3, the floats are paraded through Chichibu’s neighborhoods, culminating in a procession towards the city hall.
Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (Miyagi)
The Sendai Tanabata Festival is a time-honored event tracing back to the days of Date Masamune, the first lord of Sendai Domain. Renowned for its elegance, the festival draws inspiration from the ancient Japanese star festival and boasts magnificent decorations. While Tanabata festivals are traditionally held on July 7 across Japan, Sendai’s festival takes place from August 6 to 8, aligning with a calendar that is one month later than the old Chinese calendar to honor the festival’s original seasonality. The entire city, including central Sendai and nearby shopping districts, comes alive with vibrant Tanabata decorations, attracting over two million visitors each year.
Nagasaki Lantern Festival (Nagasaki)
The Nagasaki Lantern Festival, also known as the Nagasaki Minato Lantern Festival, is a vibrant event held in Nagasaki. It is celebrated annually to mark the Chinese New Year and showcase the city’s historical connection with Chinese culture. The festival is characterized by its stunning display of colorful lanterns that illuminate the streets and waterfront areas of Nagasaki. Visitors can enjoy various cultural performances, dragon dances, and traditional Chinese music during the festival. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and joy as locals and tourists come together to witness this captivating fusion of Japanese and Chinese traditions.
Unconventional Matsuri You Need to Check Out
In addition to the traditional Matsuri festivals, Japan is home to some unconventional and unique celebrations that showcase the country’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Here are a few intriguing festivals worth exploring:
The Baby Crying Festival (Naki Sumo)
The Naki Sumo, or Crying Baby Festival, is a unique event held annually in Japan. This traditional festival takes place at various shrines, primarily in Tokyo and surrounding areas. During the festival, sumo wrestlers hold infants and attempt to make them cry in a friendly competition. It is believed that the crying of the babies brings good health and wards off evil spirits. Parents eagerly participate, as it is believed that the louder the cry, the healthier the child will be. The festival attracts locals and visitors alike, who come to witness this unusual, yet culturally significant event filled with laughter, joy, and the sounds of crying babies.
The Penis Festival (Kanamara Matsuri)
The Kanamara Matsuri, also known as the Festival of the Steel Phallus, is an annual event held at the Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki, Japan. This unique and lively festival celebrates fertility and is known for its iconic phallic-shaped decorations and sculptures. Participants gather to carry portable shrines, shaped like giant penises, through the streets, accompanied by vibrant music and dancing. The festival promotes awareness of sexual health and raises funds for HIV research and prevention. It attracts both locals and tourists who join in the festive atmosphere, enjoying food stalls and lively parades. The Kanamara Matsuri is a celebration of openness, inclusivity, and the celebration of life.
The Naked Festival (Hadaka Matsuri)
The Hadaka Matsuri, or Naked Festival, is an annual event held at various Shinto shrines throughout Japan. Participants, usually men, brave the cold weather as they strip down to loincloths and compete for sacred objects. The festival is believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. The main highlight of the event is when participants jostle and fight over the objects, resulting in a lively and energetic atmosphere. Thousands of spectators gather to witness the spectacle, adding to the excitement. Although it may seem unusual, the Hadaka Matsuri is deeply rooted in tradition and holds cultural significance in Japanese society.
Wrapping Up
Matsuri festivals offer an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of Japan. From traditional processions and performances to tantalizing street food and lively atmospheres, Matsuri festivals provide a glimpse into the heart and soul of Japanese culture. Whether you find yourself in Tokyo, Kyoto, or exploring the countryside, make sure to check the local festival calendar and join in the festivities for an unforgettable experience. Each Matsuri offers a unique perspective on Japan’s rich heritage.