Japan has several festivals that are celebrated throughout the country. These include traditional festivals like Bon, Setsubun, and Tanabata, as well as modern festivals like Summer Sonic and Anime Japan. The following is a list of some of the best festivals in Japan.

Ōbon

Ōbon (お盆) is one of the most important Japanese festivals commemorating the ancestors’ spirits. It takes place during the eighth month of the lunar calendar, which is usually mid-August. The festival lasts for three days, during which people pray for their ancestors at shrines and temples throughout Japan. They also visit their family graves and offer them food and drink. Ōbon is one of Japan’s most popular festivals, and its popularity continues to grow yearly as more people learn about its importance.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo has a lot to offer in terms of festivals and events. One of the most well-known is the Sapporo Snow Festival, which takes place over two weeks at the end of February and the beginning of March. The festival features several attractions, including large snow sculptures, ice slides, ice bars, and even food made from snow. There are also plenty of performances that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults.

Fuji Rock Festival

Another major attraction in Japan is the Fuji Rock Festival, which takes place every year in July at Naeba Ski Resort at 1,200 meters above sea level. This is one of Japan’s largest outdoor music festivals, with over 200 acts performed throughout the three days it runs each year. It attracts over 100,000 people each year and offers some excellent entertainment options for those who love rock music or even good live music.

Asakusa Samba Carnival

Asakusa Samba Carnival is an annual event held in the Asakusa district to celebrate Brazilian culture and promote international exchange. The event features street performances by samba dance teams from Brazil, Japan, and other countries. In addition, there are also food stalls selling Brazilian cuisines, such as Pao de queijo (cheese bread), acarajé (deep-fried bean paste fritters), and Caldo de Cana (sugarcane juice).

Cherry Blossom Viewing

Cherry blossoms are the most iconic of all Japanese flowers. When they bloom, it’s a cause for celebration. The yearly hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties are so popular that people from all over the world travel to Japan during this time to partake in the festivities.

The best place to see cherry blossoms is the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura. The shrine grounds are surrounded by tall trees, which makes them a great spot for hanami parties. The best time to visit is usually around late March or early April when the blossoms are at their peak though there’s no guarantee.

Gion Matsuri

One of Japan’s oldest festivals, the Gion Matsuri, is held over two days in mid-July to celebrate the beginning of the summer. The festival features parades, traditional performances, and stalls selling food and other goods. There are also many temporary stalls selling souvenirs and snacks.

Conclusion

In the end, no matter what you decide to do in Japan, there is one thing that every tourist can do and should treasure: visit one of the unique festivals scattered across the country. They are truly a sight to behold and are something you will remember for the rest of your life. So don’t sit back and miss out! You never know what magic might be waiting around the corner.