TOP 5 FESTIVALS YOU CANNOT MISS WHEN VISITING JAPAN
Japan is not only famous for its ancient culture but also attracts visitors with its numerous festivals held throughout the year. What makes these festivals so captivating, drawing thousands of tourists to visit and experience them? Let’s explore the top 5 unique festivals in Japan that you must not miss!
1. Oshogatsu New Year
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January in Japan is known as "Oshogatsu," meaning "New Moon." This traditional festival originates from the custom of welcoming Toshigamisama, the deity of health, good fortune, and prosperity. Oshogatsu marks the New Year and is Japan’s longest holiday, running from January 1st to January 3rd each year.
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Before the festival begins, the Japanese clean and decorate their homes. Decorations, called "oshogatsu kazari," are made from bamboo, pine, and straw, and are hung at the entrance of homes or shops to welcome Toshigami and ward off evil spirits. Inside the house, people display "kagami mochi," a two-tiered round rice cake with a mandarin orange or mikan on top, along with other decorations representing the zodiac of the coming year – for 2025, it will be the year of the snake.
During Oshogatsu, the Japanese also honor their ancestors and gods, praying for blessings, prosperity, and peace. On January 1st, many Japanese people go to watch the sunrise and then visit temples to pray. They also practice the custom of giving money to children as New Year’s gifts, called "Otoshidama." Children also engage in traditional kite flying (takoage) and the Karuta card game. During the New Year’s break, many people enjoy shopping for "fukubukuro," mysterious gift bags filled with discounted goods.
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Osechi ryori, a beautifully arranged food box, is a staple during Oshogatsu. Each dish carries its own meaning; for example, kuromame (sweet black beans) symbolize good health, and kamaboko (fish cakes) represent purity. The ritual involves offering traditional foods and incense at the altar with the hope of removing the difficulties of the past year..Oshogatsu is a perfect time to explore traditional Japanese culture and admire cherry blossoms in Japan.
2. Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival at Hirosaki Park (Late April)
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The cherry blossom festival at Hirosaki Park takes place from late April to early May, one of Japan's most captivating spring events. Hirosaki Park is famous for over 2,600 cherry trees, creating a stunning scene when the flowers bloom, offering a breathtaking natural view.
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In Japanese, "Hanami" is a combination of "hana" (flower) and "mi" (viewing), meaning the enjoyment of admiring flowers. The highlight of this festival is the cherry blossom tunnel, where visitors can walk among rows of blooming trees, feeling as if they’ve entered a fairytale world. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated beautifully, transforming the park into an enchanting, romantic scene, captivating all who visit. Thousands of people gather here to socialize, picnic, and admire the blossoms.
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Apart from admiring the flowers, visitors can enjoy a variety of local delicacies at food stalls, ranging from traditional Japanese dishes to light snacks, all served under the cherry blossoms.
The cherry blossom festival at Hirosaki Park is not just about admiring the flowers but also about enjoying the unique cultural and culinary experience, creating unforgettable memories during the springtime in Japan.
3. Hakata Dontaku Festival (Fukuoka)
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The Hakata Dontaku Festival is one of the largest and most famous festivals in Fukuoka, Japan. It takes place over two days, May 3rd and 4th, during the Golden Week holiday. The festival celebrates the arrival of spring and commemorates the cultural development of Hakata city. This is a time when locals and visitors from all over gather to participate in various festivities.
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Hakata Dontaku stands out with its colorful parades, where groups of artisans, musicians, and dancers perform traditional displays, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Kyushu region. The traditional costumes, lively music, and captivating dance create a joyful and vibrant atmosphere during the festival.
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In addition to cultural activities, Hakata Dontaku is an excellent opportunity to try local delicacies. Visitors can find many food stalls offering tasty dishes such as Hakata ramen, udon, sushi, and other street foods, providing a perfect chance to experience the unique flavors of the Kyushu region.
4. Takayama Festival (Gifu)
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Takayama Festival, held in Gifu Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most famous traditional festivals. The spring festival takes place on April 14th and 15th, while the autumn festival is celebrated on October 9th and 10th. It’s a time when locals honor protective deities and pray for a bountiful harvest.
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Takayama Festival is known for its grand parades, featuring elaborately decorated float vehicles called "yatai." These floats, made of wood and intricately designed with traditional patterns, are pulled through the historic streets of Takayama by groups of people in traditional attire, creating a festive and colorful atmosphere. The festival also includes traditional puppet shows and music, showcasing the talents of local performers.
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Takayama Festival not only offers rich cultural experiences but also the chance to taste local specialties like Hida beef, one of Japan’s finest beef varieties, along with traditional dishes such as Takaya ramen Gifu, rice balls, and traditional sweets.
5. Inuyama Festivals (AICHI)
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The Inuyama Festival, held in Aichi Prefecture, is one of Japan's most significant and captivating traditional festivals. It takes place annually on April 14th and 15th. The festival is an opportunity to honor local culture and offers visitors a chance to experience Japan’s unique beauty.
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The festival features a parade of 13 historical floats called "Yamaboko," each standing three stories tall and weighing up to 5 tons. These floats, beautifully decorated with 365 lanterns, are paraded around the town under cherry blossoms, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
The Inuyama Festival was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in December 2016, making it a national treasure of Japan. In particular, the festival features traditional artists, puppeteers and musicians, offering visitors a rich cultural experience. One of the highlights of the festival is the Karakuri performance, a traditional Japanese puppetry art. These performances are often performed on yatai, attracting the attention of a large audience.
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During the festival, visitors can enjoy many local specialties such as udon, rice balls, and traditional snacks. The food stalls are lively, offering an excellent opportunity to experience the unique flavors of Japanese cuisine in the festive atmosphere.
Japan is a land of vibrant festivals where culture, nature, and tradition come together to create unique and unforgettable experiences. From the warm atmosphere of Oshogatsu New Year’s Festival, the romantic cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Park, the lively Hakata Dontaku Festival, the historic Takayama Festival, to the traditional ambiance of the Inuyama Festival – each event brings its own unique flavor, helping visitors better understand the soul and lifestyle of the Japanese people. If you have the chance to visit Japan, don’t forget to include these festivals in your itinerary to fully experience and appreciate the fascinating culture of the land of cherry blossoms.