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There are countless local festivals in Japan because every shrine has its own one. On the festival, the people carry the gods around in portable shrines (mikoshi) in order to show them the world outside the shrine area once a year.
Mikoshi (of Tochigi city)
Nowadays, festivals consist of two elements:
In a kind of parade, the portable shrines (mikoshi) are carried through the streets. The people carrying it wear special uniforms. They are accompanied by decorated cars (kasahoko). On these cars, other people play the drum, flutes and other traditional Japanese instruments. Others may also be carrying dolls. At some festivals only mikoshi are used, at others only kasahoko... Every festival has its own characteristics.
The other element of a modern festival are street stands featuring traditional food, toys and games. A festival may be held over several days.
Some very famous festivals are:
- Sapporo Yukimatsuri (snow festival):
Sapporo City. (Three days in the beginning of February)
- Sanja Matsuri:
Asakusa Shrine's festival. It is one of the three big festivals of Tokyo. (Middle of May)
- Kyoto Gion Matsuri:
Yasaka Shrine's festival with huge, 6 meters high kasahoko. It is one of three big festivals in Kyoto. (almost the whole month of July)
- Hakata Gion Yamagasa:
Each area of the city has its own car. They compete in a race against each other. Fukuoka city (July 15)
- Nebuta Matsuri:
Aomori City. (Aug. 1-7)
- Kanto Matsuri (lantern festival):
Akita City. (Aug. 4-7)
- Tanabata Matsuri (star festival):
Hold in several cities; the most famous in Sendai City (August 6-8) and Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Pref.
- Awaodori:
Dancing festival in Tokushima. (August 15-18)
- Takayama Matsuri:
Famous for its huge kasahoko. Held in spring (Apr. 14-15) and autumn (Oct. 9-10).
- Nagasaki Kunchi:
Festival of the Suwa Shrine with much Chinese influence. It features Chinese dragons, portable miniature ships. Nagasaki city (October 7-9)
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