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Festivals and Events
Japanese annual events, major festivals, and national holidays
All around the year, different regions in Japan have their own traditional festivals called ‘matsuri.’ “Gion Matsuri” in Kyoto and “Tenjin Maturi” in Osaka are one of the most popular and both have been celebrated for over a thousand years.
Since Japanese are sensitive to change of seasons, season-specific festivals are celebrated across Japan. In spring, ‘sakura’ (cherry blooms) trees paints the entire country into beautiful pink colour. In this season, people have picnics together with family or party with friends and colleagues under the trees. These festivals are called hanami (flower viewing). Hanami stars from the end of March in Kyushu, coming to Tokyo around 1st of April, and ending in Hokkaido in the end of April.
In summer, people enjoy large scale fireworks around the country. People would wear traditional summer kimono called ‘yukata,’ and appreciate fireworks while having picnics or party with friends and colleagues. These festivals are called ‘hanabi.’
Other than festivals, there are many exhibitions and events on all topics across the country.
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