Unmissable Japanese Events
In local Shinto festivals all over Japan, mikoshi (portable shrines) are carried through the streets. This is one of around 200 mikoshi that are paraded around Kanda and surrounding areas of Tokyo as part of Kanda Matsuri, held on the weekend closest to May 15, but only in odd-numbered years. (CC)
What better way could there be to experience a country than to take part in one of its festivals? Japan has a very wide range of events, some of which have a history dating back over a thousand years, while others celebrate modern pop-culture. The scale of some festivals is enough to make a lasting impression, while other times it’s the distinctive nature of the proceedings, or the fervour with which attendees participate that makes them memorable. I can guarantee that nothing quite like any of the events covered here can be experienced in any other country, so if one is on when you’re in Japan, you really ought to do your best to go.
- Comic Market: A fan’s festival of manga and anime
- Design Festa: A bonanza of art and creativity
- Kashima Gatalympics: Mud, mud and more mud
- Koenji Awaodori: Music, dance and euphoria
- Yabusame: Horseback archery samurai-style
- Miyako Odori: Kyoto’s geisha dances
- Sapporo Snow Festival: A winter wonderland
- Asakusa Samba Carnival: Tokyo de Janeiro
- Hanami: Cherry blossom parties
- BOAT RACE: Power, speed and gambling
- Fuji Rock Festival: Music in the mountains
