Unlike Indonesia, which has only two seasons—summer (dry season) and winter (rainy season), Japan, which is famous for its Sakura blossoms, is blessed with four seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Naturally, “different seasons call for different festivals”. That’s right! Japan has different festivals for each season. For example, during summer, The Japanese celebrate several festivals, such as:
The first festival is the Tanabata Festival, which is held annually during the Japanese summer. The festival usually takes place in the Sendai region and across two areas in Kantō, namely Kanagawa and Hiratsuka. During this festival, Japanese people, from children to adults, make wishes by looking at the stars. That is why the festival is often called the “Star Festival”.
According to the Lunar calendar, Altair and Vega—the brightest stars in the Lyra constellation—meet in the night sky. The festival’s origin is commonly associated with the love story between Hikoboshi (Altair) and Orihime (Vega). Both were in love, but neglecting their work—Hikoboshi working as a cowherd and Orihime as a weaver—angered the Celestial King and drove him to separate them.
They can only meet after crossing a magical bridge over the Amanogawa River on the seventh night of the seventh month every year. If it rains on the night of their meeting, they must wait until next year to meet again.
Interested in joining in the festivities? To get there, take the Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at JR Sendai Miyagi Station. Then, walk a few minutes to Chuo Shopping Arcade. The ticket fare is ¥11,410. The festival is held around Nishi Park, Sendai.
Next, the Hanabi Festival or Fireworks Festival held throughout Japan, most famously at the Sumida River, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan. This festival has been celebrated for centuries. It started in the Edo period (1600-1868) when Ieyasu Tokugawa, from the Edo shogunate, received fireworks as gifts from King James I of England and the Chinese merchants.
After that, fireworks were always lit near the Sumida River. It was not until 1733 that this festival was held for the public to console the Japanese people and comfort the one million souls who died in poverty. This festival is celebrated not only in its traditional sense but also to enjoy its beauty as the fireworks offer a scene that resembles blooming flowers in the spring.
Apart from enjoying the beautiful fireworks, there are many games to try during this festival, such as scooping goldfish using a scoop made from wire and thin paper. Not only that, you can find many shops selling treats such as sweets, candied apples, and more.
Want to experience the joy of the festival? Head to the location by taking the Ueno-Tokyo Line from Tokyo Station to Asakusa Station. Then, walk to the Sky Tree and turn towards the pathways along the Sumida River. The ticket fare is ¥350.
There is also the O-bon Festival, a tradition use to remember the ancestors. This festival has been celebrated since the 18th century and gained popularity in the 12th century—along with the growing number of Buddhist followers in Japan. According to history, the origin of this festival is the story of a disciple who found his mother in a place called the Realm of Hungry Ghosts.
The place was said to be filled with souls suffering from thirst and hunger. Seeing this, the Buddha instructed the disciples to prepare food and drinks for the deceased parents. The disciple was also tasked with giving offerings to monks as an expression of gratitude and respect. These offerings are given every 15th day of the seventh month.
According to Japanese belief, during O-bon, ancestors will come to visit their families. To welcome them, families will light small bonfires (mukaebi), visit the graves of their ancestors (ohakamairi), perform memorial services (Hoto or Kuyo), and send off the spirits of the ancestors with light (okuribi). The peak is the Bon Odori, a dance offering accompanied by traditional musical instruments.
Japan's most popular Bon Odori is at Awa-odori Matsuri, Tokushima. If you want to go there, you can take the Tokaido Sanyo Line from Osaka Station to Tokushima Station. The ticket fare is ¥4,120.
Next, Japan has the Gion Festival, a festival from the Yasaka Shrine. The festival usually takes place in Kyoto City. It is not much different from other festivals, many interesting activities are also held in this festival. It would be best not to miss seeing the majestic Yamaboko floats paraded in the middle of the street. These Yamaboko floats are decorated very beautifully.
According to Japan Travel, the Gion Festival was first held around 869 AD to please the gods in times of plague. Every year, a boy was sent to deliver a sacred message to the gods. From the 13th to the 17th days of the month, the boy sat on a small Hoko float and his feet must not touch the ground.
If you want to experience the festival, you can take the Tokaido-Sanyo Line from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station. The ticket fare for the trip there is ¥580. The Gion Festival is celebrated on Shijo, Kawaramachi, and Oike streets.
Tips for Visiting Japanese Festivals
● Prepare cash to buy food and souvenirs.
● Wear a yukata (a kimono made of thinner cotton fabric without lining).
● Bring sunglasses, water, towels, and other essential items.
● If you have items that you do not want to carry around, deposit them at the nearest deposit counter.
All the festivals seem lovely, right? If you are interested in joining in the fun, plan your vacation to Japan this summer. To have safe, comfortable, and worry-free travel, make sure to protect your trip with Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia!
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