Four Great Tohoku Festivals

My last visit to Japan occurred in summer. Previously, I thought it was too hot to travel in summer, but strangely I was fine and even enjoyed the very warm and humid weather. Summer in Japan has its specialties such as lotus, ajisai (hydrangea) and other summer flowers in bloom, water sports, climbing Fuji-san, traditional summer festivals, and fireworks all over the country. Last summer I visited the festival known as the Kagurazaka Matsuri in Tokyo and was greatly impressed by its energy, joy, and long-standing tradition.

During my trips I encountered other festival decorations such as paper lanterns, big figures made of wire and paper illuminated from inside, and richly decorated Tanabata hanging ornaments. Those decorations motivated me to learn more about the summer festivals of the Tohoku region. As a result, I made a plan that I will realize some day!

Nebuta Matsuri

Aomori Prefecture's ‘Nebuta Matsuri’ is held from August 2nd to 7th, and features traditional music and dance performances. The highlight of the Nebuta Matsuri is a parade of giant floats with illuminated colorful compositions that picture warriors, animals, and different scenes. The floats themselves were impressive, so I can only imagine how grand the parade of many floats must be!

Kanto Matsuri

Akita Prefecture's ‘Kanto Matsuri’ is held from August 3rd to 6th, and features giant ‘pyramids’ of lanterns called ‘kanto’. The festival participants show their immense skill at balancing those huge lantern compositions. At night, the view of thousands of lanterns is amazing.

Hanagasa Matsuri

Yamagata's ‘Hanagasa Matsuri’ is held from August 5th to 7th, and features traditional dance performances and a grand parade of groups in different costumes. I watched a similar style of dancing at the Kagurazaka Matsuri and was greatly impressed with the cheerful atmosphere.

Tanabata Matsuri

Sendai's ‘Tanabata Matsuri’ is held from August 6th to 8th, and features huge ornaments with long paper stripes hung all over the city. The most beautiful of these ornaments are displayed on the undercover trade street known as Hirose-dori.

Though all of these summer festivals are held around the same time, it’s possible to catch all four: Aomori from August 2nd to 3rd, Akita on August 4th and 5th, Yamagata on August 6th, and Sendai on August 7th and 8th.