Akita Kanto Festival: A Summer Celebration of Japan's Traditional Beauty
The Akita Kanto Festival (Akita Kanto Matsuri) is a traditional summer festival held every August in Akita Prefecture, located in Japan's Tohoku region.
This festival is one of Japan's top three Bon festivals and has a long history as an event to pray for a bountiful harvest and family safety.
This article will introduce the charm, highlights, access methods, and useful information for travelers about the Akita Kanto Festival.
For travelers interested in Japanese traditional culture, the Akita Kanto Festival will be an unforgettable experience.
What is the Akita Kanto Festival?
The Akita Kanto Festival is a traditional Akita festival that has continued since the Edo period and is an event to pray for a bountiful harvest and family safety.
The festival's most notable feature is the "Kanto," giant lanterns attached to bamboo poles, which strong men balance on their palms, foreheads, or shoulders as they parade through the streets.
Highlights of the Kanto
The Kanto is a giant lantern representing rice ears, with various sizes, the largest reaching up to 12 meters and weighing 50 kilograms.
The spectacle of balancing these lanterns is awe-inspiring, especially the skill required to balance them on the "waist," "forehead," or "shoulder."
The swaying lantern lights and the powerful sight leave spectators breathless.
How to Enjoy the Akita Kanto Festival
1. Feel the Thrill of the Kanto Performance Up Close
The main attraction of the Akita Kanto Festival is the "Kanto Performance," where several Kanto are raised, and skills are demonstrated.
On Chuo Street, where the performances occur, lanterns are lit at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
This performance requires skill and concentration, and the sight of performers balancing the Kanto to the chants of the audience is incredible.
The chants of "Dokkoisho, Dokkoisho" resonate, reaching the peak of excitement and energy.
2. Experience the "Day Kanto"
The Akita Kanto Festival can be enjoyed during the day as well as at night.
During the Day Kanto, visitors can try holding a Kanto, experiencing its weight and balance challenges.
Local guides teach how to hold the Kanto and balance it, making it safe for beginners to enjoy.
3. Enjoy the Parade Through Town
In addition to the nighttime Kanto performances, a parade takes place during the day.
Participants dressed in traditional Akita attire march through the streets, enhancing the festival atmosphere with drums and flutes.
This parade showcases not only the Kanto but also Akita's local performing arts, offering tourists a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture.
4. Savor Gourmet Delights at the Festival's Food Stalls
The festival venue features food stalls offering Akita's local cuisine, such as Kiritanpo, Inaniwa Udon, and local sake.
There is also a sake tasting corner where you can enjoy delicious foods unique to Akita along with the festival's excitement.
The History and Cultural Significance of the Akita Kanto Festival
The Akita Kanto Festival is a traditional event in Akita Prefecture that has continued since the Edo period and originally stems from "grain worship" to pray for a bountiful harvest.
This festival aims to ward off summer evil and pray for a good harvest by raising lanterns symbolizing rice ears, praying for a bountiful harvest and family safety, and hoping for regional prosperity.
The sight of lanterns illuminating the night sky is fantastic, and the festival also plays a role in uniting the hearts of local residents.
Access to the Akita Kanto Festival
Access by Public Transportation
- From Tokyo to Akita
- It takes about 4 hours from Tokyo Station to Akita Station by Shinkansen.
- The Akita Kanto Festival is held within walking distance from Akita Station, making it very convenient to access.
- Access from Akita Airport
- It takes about 40 minutes by limousine bus from Akita Airport to Akita City.
- Direct access from the airport to the venue is also easy.
Access by Car
Access to Akita City is possible via the Tohoku Expressway.
During the festival, parking lots in Akita City can become crowded, so the use of public transportation is recommended.
Basic Information about the Akita Kanto Festival
- Event Dates: August 3rd to August 6th annually
- Location: Chuo Street, Akita City
- Nearest Station: JR Akita Station (within walking distance)
- Event Hours: From evening to night (daytime events also available)
- Admission Fee: Free (designated seating areas are paid)
Useful Information for Travelers
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi is available at tourist information centers and major locations in Akita City, but the signal may weaken due to congestion around the venue, so renting mobile Wi-Fi is also recommended.
- Weather and Clothing
- Summer in Akita can be hot during the day, but cool at night.
- To stay comfortable, prepare a light jacket or hat, including sun protection.
- Reservation Information
- It is recommended to reserve designated seating for the Kanto Festival.
- Especially on weekends, it can be crowded, so purchasing tickets in advance is reassuring.
Conclusion: Experience Japan's Tradition at the Akita Kanto Festival
The Akita Kanto Festival is a major event that colors the summer in Akita Prefecture, captivating visitors with the magnificent and beautiful Kanto performances.
This festival is a traditional event to pray for a bountiful harvest and family safety, and the sight of swaying lantern lights is fantastic, conveying the depth of Japanese culture.
For tourists, it offers a great opportunity to experience Japanese tradition up close. If you visit Akita in August, be sure to attend the Kanto Festival and enjoy its power and beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Is the Akita Kanto Festival held even in rainy weather?
A. Yes, it is held in light rain.
However, it may be canceled in case of bad weather, so please check the official website for the latest information.
Q. Do I need to reserve in advance to view the Akita Kanto Festival?
A. The festival itself can be viewed for free, but special and designated seats require advance reservations.
Especially on days expected to be crowded, advance reservations are recommended.
Q. What time should I head to the Akita Kanto Festival?
A. It's best to head to the venue around early evening.
The main performances are in the evening, with the best view after dark.
Q. Are there any recommended gourmet foods at the Akita Kanto Festival?
A. Around the venue, there are food stalls with Akita specialties such as "Kiritanpo," "Inaniwa Udon," and local sake, so be sure to check them out.
This concludes the travel guide for the Akita Kanto Festival.
