Akita Kanto Festival: Experience Japan’s Traditional Beauty in a Summer Festival
The Akita Kanto Festival (Akita Kantō Matsuri) is a traditional summer festival held every August in Akita Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan.
This festival is one of the three major festivals of Tohoku and has a long history as a ceremony to pray for a bountiful harvest and the safety of households.
This article introduces the attractions and highlights of the Akita Kanto Festival, how to get there, and useful information for travelers.
For travelers interested in traditional Japanese culture, the Akita Kanto Festival is an unforgettable experience.
What is the Akita Kanto Festival?
The Akita Kanto Festival is a traditional Akita event dating back to the Edo period, held to pray for a bountiful harvest and household safety.
The festival’s most distinctive feature is the “kantō”—huge lantern poles made of bamboo with countless paper lanterns attached. Strong men parade while supporting these enormous lanterns on one hand, the forehead, the shoulder, or other parts of the body.
Highlights of the Kantō
The kantō are large lantern structures composed of lanterns symbolizing ears of rice; they come in various sizes. The largest can reach 12 meters in length and weigh up to 50 kilograms.
Watching performers support these lanterns using only balance is breathtaking, and the skills of placing and balancing a kantō on the waist, forehead, or shoulder are especially impressive.
The swaying lantern lights and the performers’ powerful presence create many moments that leave the audience holding their breath.
How to Enjoy the Akita Kanto Festival
1. Feel the Power of the Kantō Performances Up Close
The festival’s main attraction is the kantō performances, where the poles are raised one after another and performers compete in skill.
On Chuo-dori (Central Street), the lanterns are lit at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
These performances require skill and concentration. With the audience’s shouts, watching performers keep the kantō balanced is a spectacular sight.
The chant “Dokkoi-sho, Dokkoi-sho” echoes through the streets as the festival’s energy reaches its peak.
2. Experience the Daytime Kantō
The Akita Kanto Festival can also be enjoyed during the day.
At the daytime kantō events, visitors can actually try holding a kantō and feel the weight and difficulty of balancing it.
Local guides teach how to hold and balance the kantō, so beginners can safely enjoy the experience.
3. Enjoy the Street Parade
In addition to the nighttime performances, there is a parade during the day.
Participants dressed in traditional Akita costumes march through the streets, accompanied by drums and flutes, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The parade features not only kantō but also Akita’s local performing arts, offering visitors an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese culture.
4. Savor Local Food at Festival Food Stalls
Food stalls at the festival offer Akita’s local specialties such as kiritanpo and Inaniwa udon, as well as local sake.
There is also a sake-tasting corner, so enjoying Akita’s delicious local dishes and drinks amid the festival’s excitement is one of the highlights.
History and Cultural Significance of the Akita Kanto Festival
The Akita Kanto Festival is a traditional event in Akita Prefecture dating back to the Edo period and originally stems from grain/harvest worship aimed at praying for good rice crops.
The festival serves as a summer ritual to ward off bad luck and pray for a good harvest. By raising lanterns that symbolize ears of rice, people pray for abundant crops, household safety, and the prosperity of the community.
The sight of the lantern lights shining in the night sky is enchanting, and the festival also plays a role in bringing the local community together.
Access to the Akita Kanto Festival
By Public Transport
- 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 of Akita Station, so access is very convenient.
- From Akita Airport
- It takes about 40 minutes by limousine bus from Akita Airport to central Akita City.
- It is also easy to reach the festival venue directly from the airport.
By Car
You can access Akita City via the Tohoku Expressway.
During the festival, parking in Akita City can be crowded, so using public transportation is recommended.
Basic Information
- When: Annually from August 3 to August 6
- Venue: Kanto Odori (Kanto Main Street)
- Nearest Station: JR Akita Station (within walking distance)
- Time: From evening into night (daytime events are also held)
- Admission: Free (reserved 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 signals around the venue may be weak due to crowds. Renting a mobile Wi‑Fi device is also recommended.
- Weather and Clothing
- Summer in Akita can be hot during the day, while evenings may be cool.
- Bring a light jacket and a hat for sun protection to stay comfortable.
- Reservations
- It is recommended to reserve seats for kantō viewing.
- Weekends can be especially crowded, so buying tickets in advance provides peace of mind.
Conclusion: Experience Japan’s Tradition at the Akita Kanto Festival
The Akita Kanto Festival is a major summer event in Akita Prefecture, where the bold and beautiful kantō performances captivate visitors.
As a traditional ritual praying for a bountiful harvest and household safety, the sight of lanterns swaying in the night is enchanting and reveals the depth of Japanese culture.
For tourists, the festival is an excellent 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 in the rain?
A. Yes, the festival is held in light rain.
However, it may be canceled in severe 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 is free to watch, but premium and reserved seats require advance booking.
We recommend reserving in advance on particularly busy days.
Q. What time should I arrive at the Akita Kanto Festival?
A. It’s best to head to the venue around the evening.
The night performances are the main attraction, so after dark is when the spectacle is at its best.
Q. What local foods are recommended at the Akita Kanto Festival?
A. Around the venue you can find Akita specialties such as kiritanpo, Inaniwa udon, and local sake at food stalls—be sure to stop by and try them.
That concludes this travel guide to the Akita Kanto Festival.
