Japan’s Love for Festivals: Exploring Matsuri Culture

Matsuri (Japanese festivals) take place throughout Japan all year round. During festival seasons, towns are filled with the sounds of taiko drums and flutes as people gather in a joyful atmosphere. Matsuri have a long history and deep cultural meaning, and this article explores Japanese festival culture.

Matsuri, or Japanese festivals, were originally held to honor the gods and offer prayers. The word matsuri (祭り) comes from the verb matsuru (祀る), which means to make offerings to the gods and show reverence to them.

Japan’s oldest historical chronicle, Kojiki, written in 712, includes a well-known myth called Ama-no-Iwato Kakure. According to this story, Amaterasu Ōmikami, the sun goddess, once hid herself behind a rock cave, causing the entire world to fall into darkness. The other gods, troubled by the situation, began to sing, dance, and celebrate joyfully in front of the cave. Curious about the noise, Amaterasu eventually came out, bringing light back to the world. This myth is said to be the origin of matsuri, which Japanese people continue to enjoy today.

Since ancient times, Japanese people have believed that everything has a god within it. In spring, people prayed for a good harvest, and in autumn, they expressed gratitude for the crops they had received. Over time, these rituals, filled with prayers, gradually developed into the forms of matsuri we see today.

There is also a long-cherished concept in Japanese culture known as hare and ke. Ke refers to ordinary, everyday life, while hare represents special or festive days. Matsuri is considered a form of hare, offering people a chance to refresh their hearts and minds after the fatigue of daily life.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), matsuri became more elaborate, with the addition of mikoshi (portable shrines), dashi (festival floats), and hanabi (fireworks). As a result, matsuri spread throughout the country as a cultural tradition that people from all walks of life could enjoy.

In Japan, it is said that there are around 300,000 matsuri, ranging from small local events to large-scale festivals. Among them, the “Three Major Matsuri of Japan” (Nihon Sandai Matsuri) are especially well known. These include Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka, and Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo. Each of these festivals has a history spanning over a thousand years.

Gion Matsuri is one of the largest festivals in Japan and is held every year from July 1st to July 31st. It began in 869 during the Heian period, when people prayed to ward off disease as epidemics spread across the country.

The main events of Gion Matsuri are the Yamahoko Junko, held on July 17th and 24th. These processions are often described as a “moving museum,” as beautifully decorated floats parade through the streets of Kyoto. Gion Matsuri is also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Tenjin Matsuri is held every year on July 24th and 25th in Osaka. It is said to have started in 951 and has a history of more than one thousand years.

One of the highlights of this festival is the Funatogyo, which takes place on the Okawa River on July 25th and is accompanied by fireworks. More than 100 boats travel along the river, while over 3,000 fireworks light up the night sky. The reflections of lantern lights and fireworks on the water create a breathtaking scene. For this reason, Tenjin Matsuri is also known as the “Festival of Fire and Water.”

Kanda Matsuri is a festival held at Kanda Myojin in Tokyo, a Shinto shrine which was established in 730 and has a long history.

Kanda Matsuri became widely known during the Edo period. Before the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Tokugawa Ieyasu prayed for victory at Kanda Myojin, and he won the battle on September 15, the day of the shrine’s festival. Following this event, Ieyasu designated Kanda Myojin as the guardian shrine of Edo and came to value Kanda Matsuri as an important festival.

During the Edo period, Kanda Matsuri was known as a Tenka Matsuri, a special festival that was permitted to enter Edo Castle. Today, it is held every other year in May. During the festival, beautifully decorated mikoshi (portable shrines) and horen (imperial palanquins) parade through areas such as Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Akihabara, covering a route of about 30 kilometers.

More than 200 mikoshi, both large and small, take part in the festival, representing 108 local communities that serve as parishioners of Kanda Myojin. Lively chants from the proud “Edokko,” or people of Edo, fill the streets and bring excitement to the city.

Matsuri are more than just something to watch. By visiting in person, you can experience and participate in them in many ways. Here’s how to enjoy the unique world of Japanese matsuri.

At matsuri venues, rows of food stalls offer a wide variety of treats. Popular favorites include takoyaki, yakisoba, grilled corn on the cob, candied apples, kakigori, and more. To fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of Japanese summer matsuri, trying these street foods is a must.

At matsuri, yukata are commonly worn, as a lighter and more casual version of the Japanese kimono designed for summer. Compared to kimono, yukata are easier to wear and have fewer layers, making them ideal for hot weather.

In recent years, yukata rental services have become popular among tourists and international students. Try styling a yukata to make your matsuri experience even more immersive and to truly feel Japanese culture.

Fireworks, known as hanabi, are a common sight at Japanese summer festivals. Japanese fireworks are famous for their beautiful colors and wide variety of shapes. As hanabi light up the night sky, the breathtaking scene captivates people of all ages.

One of the great things about Japanese matsuri is that anyone can participate—not just watch. For example, at Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri, anyone can join as a haneto dancer during the summer festival by wearing the designated costume. No reservation is required. Dancing through the city alongside locals while chanting the iconic call “Rassera!” is an unforgettable experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Bon odori, or Bon dance, is also commonly seen at summer festivals. The dance movements are relatively simple and easy for anyone to follow. By watching and mimicking the locals, visitors are encouraged to join in and enjoy the festival in a relaxed and welcoming way.

When visiting a matsuri, it’s important to be mindful of basic manners. For example, walk carefully and try not to bump into others, as the venues are often crowded. Be sure to throw away trash in designated areas, and when taking photos, respect the people around you. Following these simple rules helps create a pleasant atmosphere so everyone can enjoy matsuri.

In Japan, there are many local matsuri unique to each region, not only large and famous festivals. Matsuri held in small towns or villages may be smaller in scale, but they offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of the local community.

At local matsuri, you may even have the chance to help with preparations or join in the dancing alongside locals. These experiences allow you to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and connect more closely with the people who live there.

If you happen to live in Japan, consider looking up what kind of matsuri take place in your area and when they are held. Asking friends from school or neighbors is also a great idea—locals are often more than happy to invite you to join and share their traditions.

Japanese matsuri began as events to express gratitude to the gods and offer prayers. Over thousands of years, these traditions have evolved into the matsuri enjoyed today. Matsuri are cultural practices cherished by Japanese people and serve as occasions for communities to come together and connect.

When visiting Japan, we highly recommend taking part in matsuri rather than simply watching. By dancing, tasting matsuri street food, and trying on a yukata, visitors can truly experience the atmosphere of a matsuri. These hands-on experiences offer a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and a chance to feel the warmth of the local community.

Matsuri are wonderful events where people can share joyful moments together, regardless of language or cultural differences. If you have the opportunity, we encourage you to participate in a Japanese matsuri and create unforgettable memories.

To be able to speak Japanese, it is important to understand Japanese daily life, customs, and traditions, not just the language itself.

At TCJ, we offer opportunities to learn about Japanese culture and seasonal events while studying the language. Rather than relying only on textbooks, learning about the way Japanese people think and live helps you develop more natural and practical Japanese.

TCJ provides enjoyable and hands-on learning opportunities, and we look forward to supporting your challenge in learning Japanese.

Sources

・Regional Tourism Strategy Institute (official website)
・Myths recorded in Kojiki, based on research by the Regional Tourism Strategy Institute and Kokugakuin University
・Napu website
・Kanda Matsuri official guidebook and official website