Events and Festivals in Japan
Whether it’s a local party or a massive national festival, nothing’s more frustrating than missing out on major events on your travels. To make sure you’re at the most exciting events in Japan check out the HostelBookers roundup of what’s happening when. We’ve got the lot covered!
Religious Lanterns
Hakata Gion Festival - Japan
When: 01 July 2009 - 15 July 2009
Around a million spectators come to Hakata every year in July for the procession of local men through the city. They carry large objects known as Yamakasa, which can weigh around one ton and are usually elaborately decorated.
Colorful floats, which have no religious importance and are for decorative purposes, are also carried but these aren't exactly much lighter! All of the floats are put on display in the local shrine in the days prior to the parade.
Some are ten meters tall and are designed by master craftsmen who work on them for the best part of a year. Early in the morning on the last day of the festival, a race ensues with the procession teams trying to set the fastest time for the street course.