Enjoy Japan's Autumn Festivals!

October is the season when many autumn festivals are held all over Japan. Autumn festivals are traditional events that celebrate Japan's rich nature and culture, and are festivals that have been held since ancient times and have their own regional characteristics. For foreigners, autumn festivals are also a great opportunity to experience Japanese history and culture.

At autumn festivals, you can see scenes unique to Japan, such as portable shrines, Japanese drum performances, food stalls, and participants in traditional costumes parading through the town. You can also enjoy the unique customs and rituals of each region.

The charm of autumn festivals

The purpose of autumn festivals is to give thanks to the local gods and celebrate the harvest. With Japan's agricultural culture as its backdrop, many festivals pray for bountiful harvests. Below, we will introduce some of the main characteristics of autumn festivals and their appeal.

Mikoshi (portable shrine)(Mikoshi):
The mikoshi is a portable shrine made to worship the gods, and participants work together to carry it. As the mikoshi parades through the town, the whole area is enveloped in a sacred atmosphere. For foreigners, it is a wonderful experience where they can feel the enthusiasm and energy of the participants.

Japanese drums(Wadaiko):
The sound of the large Japanese drums adds excitement to the autumn festival. By experiencing the traditional Japanese drumming up close, you can enjoy the power and rhythm of Japanese culture.

stall(Yatai): Many food stalls are set up at the autumn festival. You can enjoy a variety of Japanese street foods such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and taiyaki, making it a great opportunity to immerse yourself in food culture. It's a good opportunity for foreigners to try rare Japanese flavors.

A famous place for autumn festivals

There are autumn festivals all over Japan, each with its own history and characteristics. Here we will introduce some of the most famous autumn festivals.

1. Takayama Festival (Gifu Prefecture)

Takayama Festival is one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals, held every October in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. Gorgeous floats parade through the city, and at night, the festival is lit up with lanterns, creating a fantastical scene. Takayama's streets retain the atmosphere of old Japan, and you can enjoy the festival while feeling the historical background.

2. Nagasaki Kunchi Festival (Nagasaki Prefecture)

Nagasaki Kunchi is a traditional festival held in Nagasaki city every October, with a history of about 400 years. It features unique dances and performances influenced by foreign cultures such as China and the Netherlands, and you can enjoy an international atmosphere. The Dragon Dance (Jaodori) is particularly famous, and strongly reflects Nagasaki's history of intercultural exchange.

3. Chichibu Night Festival (Saitama Prefecture)

The Chichibu Night Festival is a festival held every December in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, but preparations begin in October. It is famous as a night festival, with fireworks being launched into the night sky and floats lit by lanterns parading around the city. This festival is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and has attracted attention worldwide.

4. Kawagoe Festival (Saitama Prefecture)

The Kawagoe Festival is a festival held in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, in October. It is a traditional festival that has continued since the Edo period, and gorgeous floats parade through the city. The old townscape of Kawagoe, known as "Little Edo," matches the atmosphere of the festival, making it feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period.

Autumn festivals are a great opportunity to enjoy traditional Japanese culture. The power of portable shrines and Japanese drums, the food culture experience at the food stalls, and the different customs and rituals of each region are sure to be unforgettable memories for foreigners. Why not take part in an autumn festival and experience the richness of Japanese culture?

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