The Insider's Guide To Japanese Celebrations, Festivals
And Peak Travel Seasons
Before you plan your trip you must know these facts-
Japanese Celebrations and Japanese national Holidays create peak travel seasons. Not only Tourists come to Tokyo to celebrate the Japanese Holidays. Locals tend to travel too during Japanese festivals to meet with friends and family.
So expect crowds at train stations (more than the usual Tokyo train crowds!) and especially high prices for Hotels and flights to Tokyo. Tripadvisor offers
Coupons and up to 20% Discount when you book Hotel + air deals to Tokyo.
Japanese people are very proud of their unique traditions and work hard to maintain them. No Tokyo vacation is complete without taking part in one of the Traditional Japanese festivals. I would like to share with you 3 of my favorite Japanese celebrations. This is by no means a complete list of Japanese festivals.
The Most Amazing Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival Spots
The cherry Blossom Flower is a magnificent sight no doubt, but between you and me, the major attraction is joining the locals as they celebrate it.If you know just a little bit about the Japanese people, you must have noticed that they are very reserved people.
Japan culture does not encourage expression of emotions in public. That is why Sakura, Cherry Blosson festival, is one of the most unique Japanese celebrations.
In Cherry Blossom Japanese people see an opportunity to relax, hang out and drink. Oh yes…they drink... If you are lucky enough to be invited to join one of the groups of friends/co-workers having a picnic in the park under cherry blossom trees-don't think twice!
Japanese Festivals - Bon Odori, Obon
If you don't mind the humidity of the Japanese summer, then come in August to join the O-Bon Festival – Reunion of the Dead and the living. The Japanese believe that the souls of their ancestors return to earth to visit their living relatives during that festival. In spite of the somewhat depressing theme, this is a very cheerful festival with Beer, drum music and dancing. Japanese welcome their ancestors wearing their traditional Yukata (summer kimono). Dancing goes on all night. Even young kids stay late. Red lanterns hanging in the streets give direction to the souls, guiding them back home.
Food stalls prepare yummy festival food - Takoyaki balls, made from octopus.
Fires are lit to guide the souls back to their own world.
The O-Bon festival takes place between13th - 15th August.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
This ceremony is one of the biggest Japanese celebrations. It dates back to 1733, when the Shogun started a ceremony on the Sumida River to pray for the victims of the great famine the previous year. It's an Incredible pyrotechnics show. The fireworks (Hanabi in Japanese) transform the night sky into a dazzling demonstration. Try Hot sake and corn on the cob from the street stalls during the event.
This Tokyo event is scheduled for July 26th (if weather permits). These are 3 important Japanese festivals, and they are my personal favorites.
Continue Reading:
Best Tokyo places for Cherry Blossom viewing.
Sakura - Japan Cherry Blossom festival
Traditional Japanese Festivals
Things to do with kids in Tokyo
About the Japanese Calender
Return from Japanese Celebrations to Tokyo Attractions
Return from Japanese Celebrations to Japanese Holidays
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