Aomori Nebuta Matsuri(Google Maps)
写真提供：(公社)青森観光コンベンション協会

A month of amazing festivals, August is an incredible time to explore the lesser-visited region of Tohoku in north-east Japan. Having overcome immeasurable loss in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the region continues to rebuild and celebrate local tradition with an array of stunning summer festivals.

Starting in Morioka, ten thousand dancers and drummers bring the city to life from August 1st to the 4th with their mesmerizing performances of modern and traditional routines. Called the Morioka Sansa Odori, the event has been recognized as the largest taiko drumming festival in the world following a regional battle with Kumamoto. The festival has its roots in ancient legends with a banished demon leaving a handprint in a local stone at Mitsuishi Shrine and the following celebrations of locals forming the opening event of the festival.

The largest of the annual events is the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, which sees illuminated washi-papered floats paraded through the streets from August 2nd to the 7th. The floats (nebuta) take the form of demons, brave warriors and other divine beings and are surrounded by drummers, musicians and dancers in traditional haneto outfits. While it likely derived from Tanabata celebrations, legend has it the event was inspired by battlefield displays in the early Heian era, and there is no doubt today’s 9-meter-wide floats of gods, kabuki and mythical characters would surely mesmerize oncoming warriors.

Akita Kanto Matsuri(Google Maps)

From August 3rd to the 6th, the Akita Kanto Matsuri fills the streets of Akita City with towering lantern-festooned floats called Kanto. Reaching up to 12 meters in height and each holding around 46 paper lanterns, the bamboo poles are held by a single performer, many of whom display incredible skills while balancing the pole on their forehead, shoulder, lower back or a single hand. The night parades are breathtaking, with opportunities to try holding the Kanto and meet the skilled performers.

Moving south, the Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri brings dancing troupes in their thousands to perform from August 5th to the 7th. The performers each don unique headpieces called Hanagasa inspired by workers who built the local embankment along Lake Tokura in 1921, with straw hats adorned with paper flowers dyed red using natural safflower. The Hanagasa Ondo is an unmissable song, with performers singing the cries of the workers: ‘Yassho!’ and ‘Makkasho!’

Sendai Tanabata Matsuri(Google Maps)

The Sendai Tanabata Matsuri is the most famous example of a festival held across Japan, telling the tale of star-crossed lovers. Held in the Edo-style of the festival, it takes place from the 6th to the 8th of August and sees the city decorated with extravagant streamer decorations made of bamboo and washi paper. Symbolic items defend against ill health and accidents while others bring prosperity, success and long life. People are encouraged to write their wishes on paper strips and tie them to bamboo branches, adding to the displays.

Finally, the Fukushima Waraji Matsuri is celebrated from the first Friday of the month to the following Sunday and is one of the most unusual events. The festival started in 1970 but draws on Edo-era dawn processions known as Akatsuki-mairi, with locals parading a giant straw sandal through the city. Weighing up to 2 tonnes and stretching 12m in length, the sandal is dedicated to the local Haguro Shrine on Mt. Shinobu and the parade is followed by dance troupes performing to upbeat music.

Whether you chose to experience them all or focus on one, the summer festivals of Tohoku are an inspirational example of community strength. Weave through yukata-clad revelers, admire towering lantern displays and feast on local specialties as the summer heat dissipates and the wonders of Tohoku settle in your travel memories for years to come.

For more details, contact DMC Japan to discuss ideas, locations and rates.
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