Japan Festivals In June: Discover The Best Celebrations To Attend

Japan is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. June is no exception, with many exciting festivals happening all over the country. From traditional ceremonies to modern events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, if you’re planning to visit Japan in June, don’t miss these festivals that are sure to delight and amaze you.

🎉 Gion Matsuri Festival

The Gion Matsuri Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Japan, and it takes place in Kyoto every year in July. This festival is a month-long celebration that is divided into three parts, with the main parade happening on July 17th. The festival is known for its beautiful floats, called yamaboko, which are up to 25 meters tall and weigh up to 12 tons. The festival also features traditional Japanese performances, such as music and dance, as well as food and drink stalls.

🎉 Sanno Matsuri Festival

The Sanno Matsuri Festival is held in Tokyo every two years, and 2022 is the year it takes place. The festival is one of the three most famous festivals in Japan, along with the Gion Matsuri and the Tenjin Matsuri. The festival is known for its grand parade, which features over 500 people in traditional costumes. The parade starts at the Hie Shrine and takes about seven hours to complete. The festival also features traditional Japanese performances and food stalls.

🎉 Tanabata Festival

The Tanabata Festival is a traditional Japanese festival that is held on July 7th. The festival celebrates the meeting of two stars, Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year. The festival is celebrated all over Japan, with each region having its unique way of celebrating. In Sendai, the festival is known as the Sendai Tanabata Festival, and it features colorful decorations made from bamboo and paper. The decorations are hung in the streets and at homes, and there are also parades and food stalls.

🎉 Yosakoi Soran Festival

The Yosakoi Soran Festival is held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, every year in June. The festival is a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese dance, and it features over 200 teams from all over Japan. The teams perform choreographed dances to upbeat music using metal clappers and naruko, which are small wooden clappers. The festival also features food and drink stalls, as well as a parade through the streets of Sapporo.

🎉 Sannohe Yosare Festival

The Sannohe Yosare Festival is held in Aomori Prefecture in June, and it is known for its unique performance featuring dancers wearing colorful costumes and carrying lanterns. The dancers form a circle and perform a synchronized dance to traditional Japanese music. The festival also features food and drink stalls and a parade through the streets of Sannohe.

🎉 Chagu Chagu Umakko

The Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival is held in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, every year in June. The festival is a celebration of horses, and it features over 100 horses parading through the streets of Morioka. The horses are decorated with bells and flowers, and they are led by local residents dressed in traditional costumes. The festival also features food and drink stalls, as well as traditional Japanese performances.

🎉 Koga Kabuki Festival

The Koga Kabuki Festival is held in Ibaraki Prefecture every year in June. The festival is a celebration of traditional Japanese theater, and it features performances of kabuki, a form of Japanese drama that is known for its elaborate costumes and makeup. The festival also features food and drink stalls, as well as traditional Japanese performances.

🎉 Himeji Yukata Festival

The Himeji Yukata Festival is held in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, every year in June. The festival is a celebration of summer, and it features people dressed in yukata, a casual summer kimono. The festival also features food and drink stalls, as well as traditional Japanese performances.

🎉 Koga Fireworks Festival

The Koga Fireworks Festival is held in Ibaraki Prefecture every year in June. The festival is a celebration of summer and features a spectacular fireworks display over the Koga Lake. The festival also features food and drink stalls, as well as traditional Japanese performances.

🎉 Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival

The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival is held in Aomori Prefecture every year in June. The festival is a celebration of the three shrines of Hachinohe, and it features a parade of portable shrines called mikoshi. The mikoshi are carried through the streets by local residents dressed in traditional costumes, and the festival also features traditional Japanese performances and food stalls.

🎉 Chichibu Night Festival

The Chichibu Night Festival is held in Saitama Prefecture every year in December. The festival is famous for its beautiful floats that are decorated with lanterns and pulled through the streets at night. The festival also features traditional Japanese performances, food and drink stalls, and a fireworks display.

🎉 Hirosaki Neputa Festival

The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is held in Aomori Prefecture every year in August. The festival is a celebration of summer and features colorful floats called neputa. The floats are decorated with images of historical and mythical figures, and they are paraded through the streets of Hirosaki at night. The festival also features food and drink stalls and traditional Japanese performances.

🎉 Tokushima Awa Odori Festival

The Tokushima Awa Odori Festival is held in Tokushima Prefecture every year in August. The festival is a celebration of traditional Japanese dance, and it features over 1 million participants. The participants perform a synchronized dance to the beat of taiko drums and other traditional Japanese instruments. The festival also features food and drink stalls and traditional Japanese performances.

🎉 Yamagata Hanagasa Festival

The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is held in Yamagata Prefecture every year in August. The festival is a celebration of summer and features people dressed in hanagasa, a hat decorated with flowers. The participants dance to traditional Japanese music played on flutes and taiko drums. The festival also features food and drink stalls, as well as a parade through the streets of Yamagata.

🎉 Nebuta Festival

The Nebuta Festival is held in Aomori Prefecture every year in August. The festival is a celebration of summer and features giant illuminated floats called nebuta. The floats are decorated with images of historical and mythical figures, and they are paraded through the streets of Aomori at night. The festival also features food and drink stalls and traditional Japanese performances.

🎉 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best time to visit Japan to experience festivals?

The best time to visit Japan to experience festivals is during the summer months, from June to August.

2. What should I wear to a Japanese festival?

It’s best to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and avoid wearing high heels or sandals that can easily slip off. You can also wear a yukata or traditional Japanese clothes if you want to fully immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere.

3. Can I participate in the festivals?

Yes, you can participate in some of the festivals, such as the Tanabata Festival and the Himeji Yukata Festival. However, some festivals may require registration or special permission to participate.

4. Is it safe to attend festivals in Japan?

Yes, it is generally safe to attend festivals in Japan. However, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

5. Can I take photos at the festivals?

Yes, you can take photos at the festivals, but some festivals may have restrictions on photography or certain areas where photography is not allowed.

6. Can I bring food and drinks to the festivals?

It depends on the festival, but most festivals have food and drink stalls where you can try local specialties. Some festivals may allow you to bring your food and drink, but it’s best to check with the organizers beforehand.

7. What is the traditional music played at Japanese festivals?

The traditional music played at Japanese festivals includes taiko drums, flutes, and other traditional Japanese instruments.

8. What is the significance of the floats at Japanese festivals?

The floats at Japanese festivals are often decorated with images of historical and mythical figures and are meant to convey a message or celebrate a particular event or tradition.

9. What is a mikoshi?