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 1st - 15th
Hakata Gion Yamagasa Festival in Fukuoka reaches its climax on the 15th
with a fleet of giant floats topped by elaborate decorations that are paraded
through the streets.
7th
Tanabata or Star Festival is celebrated nationwide. Legend has it that the
stars Vega and Altair, the separated lovers, can meet each other across the
Milky Way once a year on this day. Children set up bamboo branches hanging
colorful paper strips on which poems are written.
13th-16th (August in some areas)
Bon Festival. Religious rites in memory of the dead who, according to
Buddhist belief, revisit this world during this period are observed throughout
the country. A Bon dance party is nightly held in practically every community,
and visitors are encouraged to join this easy-to-learn folk dance.
14th
Nachi Himatsuri or Fire Festival of Nachi Shrine, Nachi-Katsuura, Wakayama
is featured by the lighting of 12 giant torches carried by white-robed
priests.
July or August
Kangensai Music Festival of Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima. Classical court
music and dances are performed on the brightly decorated boats.
16th - 17th
Gion Matsuri, the biggest festival in Kyoto, dates back to the 9th century
when people tried to seek the protection of the gods against a pestilence that
was then ravaging the city. Gorgeous floats parade through the main streets on
the 17th.
23rd - 25th
Soma-no-maoi or Horse-Chasing Festival in Haramachi, Fukushima Pref. is a
dynamic horse riding contest of a thousand horse riders in ancient Samurai
armor vying for three sacred flags.
24th - 25th
Tenjin Matsuri Festival of Temmangu Shrine in Osaka. A fleet of boats
bearing portable shrines sail down the Dojima River.
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