Festivals in Japan

There are many festivals (matsuri) that are celebrated in Japan at various times of the year. The most popular time is in summer. Most are to celebrate something seasonal or historical.

Some of the main ones are Setsubun 3rd or 4th of February (first day of spring), Tanabata (star festival) on 7 July, Sapporo snow festival in January / February, and Obon festival from 13th to 16th July is a very import event for buddhist.

At many of the festivals there is a parade either carrying mikoshi (a portable shrine) and this is celebrated by Shito religion there is also some kind of float with people on it and drum or flute music. The parade moves out of the Shrine and then makes its way through the town and then back to Shrine.

Other festivals there is traditional dancing and food stalls.

If there is one thing you should not miss in Japan its a festival they are very bright, colourful, loud and energetic as well as a lot of fun and a great way to experience Japanese culture.