Tanabata Festival, Sendai…

We’re heading to our last stop on our Tohoku festival journey! Today’s post is related to Japan’s Tanabata Festival. Tanabata, or the Star Festival, is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month i.e. July 7th (or August 7th

Hanagasa Festival, Yamagata…

The next stop on our summer matsuri (festival) circuit is Yamagata’s Hanagasa Matsuri (Flower Hat Festival). The word hanagasa refers to the conical hats adorned with artificial safflowers, the unique prefectural flower, used in the festival’s dances. The festival is

Nebuta Festival, Aomori…

Almost every Japanese has heard of the Nebuta Matsuri (Nebuta Festival) for a reason. Held annually from August 2-7 in the northern city of Aomori, the Nebuta Matsuri is one of the most spectacular festivals you’ll ever see. Over the

Kanto Festival, Akita…

It’s heating up in Tokyo! With summer well and truly on its way, I thought it was time to introduce you to some of the great summer festivals of Japan’s Tohoku region. Two summer’s ago, we went on an 8-day