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Festivals
Home » Japan » Japan - Activities and Attractions » FestivalsThere are countless local festivals in Japan because almost every shrine holds its own. Most are held on an annual basis and celebrate events like the coming of the farming season or commemorate historical events.
An important element of Shinto festivals is processions. The kami (Shinto "gods") are carried through the streets in mikoshi (palanquins) by people in special dresses. They are accompanied by decorated floats. On these floats, other people may play the drum, flute and other traditional Japanese instruments. Other floats may carry dolls. Every festival has its own characteristics. Other elements of the festivals are food, toys and games.
Some most popular festivals are:
1) Sapporo Yukimatsuri (Sapporo Snow Festival), Sapporo City:
Large snow and ice sculptures are built in the city's centrally located Odori Park.
2) Takayama Matsuri, Takayama City: Large and elaborately decorated floats are carried through the streets of the city.
3) Sanja Matsuri: Asakusa Shrine's festival. It is one of the three big festivals of Tokyo.
4) Kyoto Gion Matsuri: Yasaka Shrine's festival with huge, six meters high kasahoko. It is one of three big festivals in Kyoto.
5) Hakata Gion Yamagasa, Fukuoka City: Each area of the city has its own car. They compete in a race against each other.
6) Tanabata Matsuri (star festival): Held in several cities, the most famous in Sendai City (August 6-8) and Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa.
7) Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City: Festival of the Suwa Shrine with much Chinese influence. It features Chinese dragons, portable miniature ships.
Source
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e623.html
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