Events and festivals in Japan
Japanese festivities have a deeply rooted tradition. Many of them have centuries of history behind them, and joining in with one is a good opportunity to get to know the customs of the country. During the festivals, you may see people wearing typical clothes of the time, as well as taste the best of the country's cuisine. Most of its festivals are linked to Buddhism, so its temples are often filled with pilgrims and offerings.
Coming of Age Day
A party for the newly adult population. It is aimed at all young people who have completed or will turn 20 years old from April of the last year until the following April. The age of consent in Japan is celebrated at 20 when they can vote, acquire responsibilities and can drink or smoke. This celebration is celebrated with several ceremonies and is known as Seijin no hi in Japanese
Gion-Matsuri
It is one of Japan's best known religious festivals, celebrated in Kyoto in the month of July. During the nights of the 14, 15 and 16 of this month the streets are filled with food stalls and the women wear the traditional yukata. On the last night, called yoiyama, some houses open their doors to the public to show the relics of the family and to make known the interiors of the traditional Japanese house.
Golden Week
The longest festive period in Japan. It begins on April 29, when the Shōwa Day is celebrated in which the former Emperor’s birthday is remembered. On May 3 the Constitution is celebrated, on the 4 there is a Greenery Day and the 5 is Children's Day. During these days many companies close and most families head out of the cities on holiday due to the long period they are off of work.
Jidai Matsuri
This festival is celebrated in the temple of Heian, in Kyoto. It commemorates the last 1,200 years of the history of Japan, so the streets are filled with samurais and geishas to commemorate Japanese traditions and the costumes tend to be elaborate and impressive.
Nachi Fire Festival
It is celebrated in Wakayama, in the great shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha located in the mountain of Nachi. On this day the monks are dressed in white and 12 large torches are lit in the sanctuary.
O-Shogatsu
Japanese New Year is the most important day of the year. It resembles Christmas, since the previous day they celebrate a family dinner where they serve a plate of soba, fine noodles which symbolize long life and, the next morning, children receive gifts.
Sanja Matsuri
It is one of the three most important festivals in Japan and is held at the Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa. Buddhist mikoshi shrines are carried around the locality to encourage good fortune in the neighbourhood and the festival attracts huge crowds and is considered the wildest of all of Japan’s festivities.
Sport & Health Day
It is the National Day of Sports and Health and a celebration of the Olympic Games of Japan of 1964 is also organised. Many sporting events are organised which bring together communities and everyone is encouraged to get involved.
