FESTIVALS

1. KYOTO GION FESTIVAL

The ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto is taken back in time during the
Gion festival, by Yasaka Shrine. The Gion festival is one of the
biggest festivals in Japan and begins July 1st and lasts until July 31st.
At this time, there are many street vendors with games and Japanese
festival food. It is said that the summer of Kyoto begins with the Gion
Matsuri. The Gion festival was started in 869 A.D when a bad plague
spread through Kyoto.In the first festival, young men carried
numbers of wooden floats. It was a divine intervention to stop the
plague. The plague soon ended, and this event became a popular
festival.

2. OBON FESTIVAL
The 13th through 16th of August is called obon in Japan. Obon is a
Buddhist event and one of the
most important traditions for Japanese people. It is the period of praying
for the repose of the souls of one's ancestors. People believe that their
ancestors‘ spirits come back to their homes to be reunited with their family
during obon.

3. TANBATA FESTIVAL ‘STAR FESTIVAL’

Tanbata also known as “STAR FESTIVAL” , takes place on the 7th day
of the 7th month of the year. One popular Tanbata custom is to write one’s
wishes on a piece of paper, and hang that piece of paper on a specially
erected bamboo tree, in the hope that the wishes become true.
Colourful Tanbata festivals are held across Japan in early July and
August.

4. AOMORI NEBUTA FESTIVAL

The aomori Nebuta Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Japan
and is known as Japan’s FIRE FESTIVAL. It’s held from August 2 to
 August 7 every year. Over 20 nebuta floats are pulled by people in the
streets of Aomori city. Also Aomori citizens and audiences participate in
the festival as dancers called haneto.

5. SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL

The Sapporo Snow Festival is the most famous winter festival in Japan
and attracts people from all over the world. This festival lasts about a
week and begins in early February. More than 300 large snow statues are
exhibited and the 2 biggest sites are in Sapporo and Hokkaido. The
statues are illuminated with colourful lights at night making the view
even more incredible.