Japan’s Summer Festivals: Where Tradition Meets Celebration

A Summer of Festivals in Japan

Japan is known for its polite and reserved culture, but the country also knows how to celebrate. Summer in Japan is a season-long party with countless festivals, both local and regional. These summer festivals, or “natsu matsuri,” are a vibrant part of Japanese culture. You can almost always find a natsu matsuri happening somewhere in Japan during the summer months, sponsored by local shrines, temples, or secular organizations.

Famous Natsu Matsuri: A Whirlwind of Tradition and Fun

Some of the most famous and largest natsu matsuri include Aomori Nebuta in Aomori Prefecture, Kiryu Yagibushi in Gunma Prefecture, Bon Festival, the Yokohama Port Opening Festival, and the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival. The Aomori Nebuta, one of Japan’s largest festivals, features a colorful parade of massive warrior floats called “nebuta.” These floats are carried through the city center, accompanied by dancers in unique costumes moving to the rhythmic chant of “Rassera.”

Meanwhile, the Kiryu Yagibushi Festival in Gunma Prefecture is a three-day extravaganza in August, filled with fireworks, dancing, and an overall party atmosphere. “Yagibushi” is a type of lively music and dance central to the festival. The Kiryu Yagibushi Festival is a combination of several historical festivals that honored the region’s textile industry, the Gion Festival, the Tanabata Festival, and the Fireworks Festival.

Honoring Ancestors and Celebrating History

The Bon Festival, a Japanese Buddhist tradition, takes place in mid-August and honors the dead. Families travel to their ancestral homes and visit the graves of their loved ones to clean them and pay their respects. During the festival, people perform a special style of dance called the Bon Odori, or Bon Dance. The dance style and music vary from region to region.

The Yokohama Port Opening Festival (Yokohama Kaiko-Sai) commemorates the opening of the Yokohama Port to international trade in 1859. Most of the festivities take place at the main pier and Yokohama Park. Unique to this festival are the water activities, including ship parades, a dragon boat competition, and fireworks launched from barges.

Fireworks with a Competitive Twist

Finally, the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival lights up the sky on the last Saturday of July near Asakusa. This isn’t your average fireworks display; it’s an intense competition between pyrotechnic groups vying to create the biggest and best fireworks show. Dating back to the 1700s, the festival’s rival competition aspect began in 1810.

Summer Festival Eats and Festive Wear

So, what can you expect at a natsu matsuri? Food, fun, and a lively atmosphere! All natsu matsuri feature “yatai,” or stalls, similar to those found at a carnival in the U.S. These stalls sell souvenirs, offer games, and most importantly, serve delicious food. Most natsu matsuri also have fireworks and various forms of entertainment, usually involving traditional dance and music.

Food is undoubtedly a major highlight of any natsu matsuri. Popular yatai offerings include takoyaki (fried octopus dumplings), yakisoba (noodles), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), kakigori (shaved ice with flavored syrup), hot dogs (yes, even in Japan!), kushiyaki (grilled meat skewers), and a variety of sweets and snacks.

Many people dress up for natsu matsuri, often wearing yukata, the summer kimono. Made from lightweight cotton, yukata are perfect for hot summer days while still retaining the beauty and elegance of traditional kimonos.