Summer Festivals are just around the corner, happening everywhere in Tokyo and all around Japan. Fun time for families, with great street food vendors and many Japanese games to play
as a family or just for children. Much of these festivals are sponsored by either shop merchants or the nearby shrines and temples. It is said that there are at least 300,000 Matsuri all across Japan, and over 100 during the summer season.
Here are some of the notable Matsuri ( Festivals ) in Japan.
July is the famous Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, an experience you must not forget to see and get involved.
Obon Festival, also in July, very spiritual celebration ,families visit the ancestors grave, light lanterns in their homes and give offerings of vegetable and fruits at the home alters.
Tanabata known as the Star Festival, where people write down their wishes on a small strip of color paper called a Tanzaku place it on a bamboo branch, Sendai has the most elaborate festival.
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, fireworks shot up into the sky off a barge on the sumida river. Lighting up the sky, a gorgeous sight to see.
Awa Odori very popular and colorful dance festival in Tokushima.
In Kochi prefecture is another dance festival called Yosakoi Festival. This is the biggest dance festival in Japan visited by thousands from all over Japan just like the Samba Carnival in Brazil.
Last but not least is the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, colorful paper mache floats parades all over the streets. The floats have famous Kabuki figures, historical figures and other famous characters which are popular today.
Above are some of the famous Matsuri that should not be missed if you have the chance to visit them while in Japan.