Japanese Festivals & Traditions
Sapporo
The snow festival in Sapporo is called Yuki Matsuri. It is held at the beginning of February every year. The statues are made out of snow and ice. Some of the statues are small and some are as big as buildings. There are even slides made of ice. The festival usually runs at the same time as the nearby Otaru Snow Light Path Festival , making it possible for travellers in Hokkaido to visit both festivals on the same trip. http://www.snowfes.com/english/index.html
The snow festival in Sapporo is called Yuki Matsuri. It is held at the beginning of February every year. The statues are made out of snow and ice. Some of the statues are small and some are as big as buildings. There are even slides made of ice. The festival usually runs at the same time as the nearby Otaru Snow Light Path Festival , making it possible for travellers in Hokkaido to visit both festivals on the same trip. http://www.snowfes.com/english/index.html
Otaru
The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival (Yuki Akari no Michi) is held at the beginning of February every year. The city is decorated in lights and small snow statues for ten days. The festival usually runs at the same time as the nearby Sapporo Snow Festival, making it possible for travellers in Hokkaido to visit both festivals on the same trip. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6706.html
The Otaru Snow Light Path Festival (Yuki Akari no Michi) is held at the beginning of February every year. The city is decorated in lights and small snow statues for ten days. The festival usually runs at the same time as the nearby Sapporo Snow Festival, making it possible for travellers in Hokkaido to visit both festivals on the same trip. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6706.html
During the day preparations are made for the festival. |
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As soon as it is dark the candles are lit. It is a beautiful sight.
Nagasaki Lantern Festival
The festival includes a Chinese dragon dance, a lion dance and a parade accompanied by traditional Chinese music and Chinese acrobatics. http://visit-nagasaki.com/spots/detail/92
Hina Matsuri
Hina Matsuri is a festival for girls. It takes place on the 3rd of March every year. Dolls are displayed and special food is eaten. Girls wear pretty kimonos.
Tango-no Sekku
They also fly koi-nobori outside their homes.
Hanami (花見, flower viewing)
Hanami is the Japanese tradition of flower viewing. From the end of March to early May, sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom all over Japan. When the cherry blossoms bloom people organise a picnic under the trees to enjoy the view. https://www.jnto.go.jp/sakura/eng/index.php |
O-bon
O-bon is an annual event for commemorating people's ancestors. It is believed that each year during o-bon (July/August), the ancestors' spirits return to this world to visit their relatives. O-bon dances (bon odori) are performed in the streets and you can see fireworks (hanabi). At the end of O-bon, floating lanterns are put into rivers, lakes and seas in order to guide the spirits back into their world.
O-bon is an annual event for commemorating people's ancestors. It is believed that each year during o-bon (July/August), the ancestors' spirits return to this world to visit their relatives. O-bon dances (bon odori) are performed in the streets and you can see fireworks (hanabi). At the end of O-bon, floating lanterns are put into rivers, lakes and seas in order to guide the spirits back into their world.
Shichi-go-san (七五三)
Shichi-Go-San is a traditional festival in Japan for three and seven-year-old girls and three and five-year-old boys. The numbers 3 (三), 5 (五) and 7 (七) are considered to be lucky numbers. It is held annually on November 15 to celebrate the growth and well-being of young children. Boys and girls are dressed in kimonos and brought to the shrine.
Yamaga Lantern Festival
Floats
During festivals beautiful floats are paraded through the streets.
During festivals beautiful floats are paraded through the streets.
Japanese music
Taiko are Japanese percussion instruments. You can often see taiko being played at festivals.
Taiko are Japanese percussion instruments. You can often see taiko being played at festivals.
Traditional Clothes
In Japan women and men wear traditional kimonos for festivals and special occasions. Men and women also wear kimonos when they get married. Kimonos are very expensive because they are made of silk and have many layers. Tabi (socks) and zori (shoes) are worn with the kimonos. Men wear less elaborate kimonos which are usually made of black silk. They are shorter than the women’s kimonos.
In Japan women and men wear traditional kimonos for festivals and special occasions. Men and women also wear kimonos when they get married. Kimonos are very expensive because they are made of silk and have many layers. Tabi (socks) and zori (shoes) are worn with the kimonos. Men wear less elaborate kimonos which are usually made of black silk. They are shorter than the women’s kimonos.
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