If you ever make it to Japan, you’re in for a big treat. Japan is home to some of the most spectacular celebrations and festivals (known as “matsuri” in Japanese) in the entire world. They offer a unique glimpse into the past that is rich in cultural significance.
Sapporo hosts its annual Ice and Snow Festival every February
Visitors from all over the world go to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Some of the ice sculptures tower over the crowd at a height of 15 metres. The event, which takes place for a full week in the middle of February, is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most well-attended winter celebrations. About two million people from every corner choose japan festival travel. The daytime and nighttime sensations are strikingly different, despite the sculptures being illuminated with strong lighting in the evening.
March in Omizutori
Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan is one of the most famous temples in all of Japan, and it is in the south of the country, and it is where a collection of Buddhist repentance ceremonies known as Omizutori are commemorated through a series of festivities. It’s one of the best festivals of the year in terms of the overall quality of the experiences it provides. From March 1st to March 14th, every night at sunset, big flamed torches are hauled to the pinnacle of the temple and hung over the multitude below, who can watch the sparks and embers fall like fireworks.
It’s a breathtaking sight to witness in the dead of night, and it’s a great chance to take part in Buddhist celebrations and rites that happen all around Japan.
Cherry blossom season: March and April
The cherry blossom tree is the focal point of Hanami, a Japanese tradition that honours the aesthetic value of many flowering plants. Hanami, a Japanese term, means “flower viewing” in English. Cherry blossom trees may be found all over Japan, drawing admiration from locals, tourists, and even individuals from other nations. The three main cities in Japan, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, celebrate the arrival of spring with a festival dedicated to the cherry blossom.
Kanda May Matsuri
The Kanda Matsuri is one of Japan’s three largest and most well-attended celebrations every year. The action occurs in downtown Tokyo. The vibrant and colourful parade, which has one hundred portable shrines and three hundred participants, takes place on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding May 15th.
The Festival of the Tenjin Moon in July
The god of learning and creativity is honoured at the annual Tenjin Matsuri festival. It’s been called the best boat festival in the world because of how artistic and beautiful it is. The summer festival, held in Osaka on July 24 and 25, features traditional Japanese art and dancing throughout both days.
The Gion Matsuri takes place in July
The Gion Matsuri is a month-long festival that is one of Japan’s most well-known festivals. For three out of every month, the city streets in the downtown region of Kyoto are closed to vehicular traffic in preparation for the event’s second-to-last procession.
Celebration of the Awa Odori Dance in August
If you want to get a true sense of the Japanese spirit, you must watch the performers as they make their way through the streets of Shikoku, Japan.
October Jidai Matsuri Festival
If you’re curious about how Japan has changed throughout the centuries, the Jidai Matsuri is the best place to be. Participants in a march through the streets of Kyoto wear clothing that has had an impact on Japanese culture. People of all sexes and ages are participating in the parade.
