Akita Kanto Festival

The Akita Kanto Festival dates back to the Horeki era as an event called Neburi Nagashi, which was held to drive out midsummer illness and evil spirits. Experience masters of technique carrying bamboo poles fitted with rows of lanterns, coming in at 12m tall and 50kg in weight.

● Held yearly between Aug 3 – 6, last year saw over 1,310,000 people in attendance over the four day period.

>　Akita Kanto Festival Official Website

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Aomori Nebuta Festival

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is said to have its origins in the Tanabata Festival Toro Nagashi (river lantern floating) event. See 22 groups' large-scale nebuta, along with hayashi (musicians), and haneto (dancers).

● Held yearly between Aug 2 – 7, last year saw over 2,850,000 people in attendance over the six day period.

>　Aomori Nebuta Festival Official Website

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Morioka Sansa Odori Festival

The Morioka Sansa Odori dance is said to have been born from a legend that tells of the defeat of a demon at Mitsuishi Shrine, which is also the origin of the prefecture's name, Iwate. The sound of taiko drums, holding a world record for most simultaneously performed, resonates throughout the venue.

● Held yearly between Aug 1 – 4, last year saw over 1,490,000 people in attendance over the four day period.

>　Morioka Sansa Odori Festival Official Website

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Yamagata Hanagasa Festival

The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is filled with the roaring voices of elegant dancers shouting "yassho, makasho!". Experience a beautiful group dance along with the lively beats of hanagasa taiko drums.

● Held yearly between Aug 5 – 7, last year saw over 970,000 people in attendance over the three day period.

>　Yamagata Hanagasa Festival Official Website

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Sendai Tanabata Festival

The Sendai Tanabata Festival is known as Japan's number one washi (traditionally made Japanese paper) festival, with a history dating back to the days of Date Masamune. Tanabata decorations color the city in a stunningly beautiful display.

● Held yearly between Aug 6 – 8, last year saw over 2,249,000 people in attendance over the three day period.

>　Sendai Tanabata Festival Official Website

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Fukushima Waraji Festival

The Fukushima Waraji Festival, inheriting the Akatsuki Mairi (Dawn Visit) tradition, dates back over 400 years to the Edo period. Experience the sights of Japan's number one giant straw sandal, coming in at a length of 12 meters, as it is paraded around.

● Held on the first Friday and Saturday of August, last year saw over 302,000 people in attendance over the two day period.

>　Fukushima Waraji Festival Official Website

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