[2025 Akita ] Travel Guide for Akita Kanto Festival (Updated Aug)

#Overseas Travel #Japan Travel #Japan The Akita Kanto Festival is a festival held in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. It is held from August 3rd to 6th every year to pray for a good harvest and freedom from disease and disaster. The Shine of 10,000 Lanterns It is mainly men from all walks of life in Akita Prefecture who use their hands, foreheads, shoulders, waists and other parts of their bodies to hold up a 12-meter-long pole with 46 lanterns hanging vertically, and parade along the streets while changing various control techniques easily and freely. As many as 280 poles parade along the street accompanied by the rhythm of wooden flutes and drums. The scene is beautiful and dreamy, and it is worth watching. address 7-1-2 Nakadori, Akita City, Akita Prefecture

#summervacay Akita City, the capital of Akita Prefecture, is a delightful destination in northern Japan, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and famously friendly Akita dogs! It's a fantastic place to experience a different side of Japan. Exploring Akita City: Senshu Park (千秋公園): Built on the ruins of Kubota Castle, this park is a beautiful spot for a stroll, especially lovely during cherry blossom season in spring or with vibrant foliage in autumn. You can still see remnants of the castle moats and walls. Akita Museum of Art (秋田県立美術館): Designed by Tadao Ando, this museum houses a collection focused on works by Tsuguharu Foujita, including his famous mural "Festival of Akita." The architecture itself is a highlight. Akita Kanto Festival (秋田竿燈まつり): If you visit in early August, you'll be treated to this incredible festival, a designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Performers balance towering bamboo poles (kanto) adorned with numerous lanterns on their foreheads, shoulders, or hips – a truly spectacular sight! Akita Folk Performing Arts Center (秋田市民俗芸能伝承館 - Neburi Nagashi Kan): Even if you miss the Kanto Festival, you can learn about it and other local folk performing arts here, with actual kanto poles on display. Akita's Famous Friends: Akita Dogs (秋田犬): You absolutely can't come to Akita without thinking of its most famous canine residents! Keep an eye out for these loyal and majestic dogs. You might find statues, souvenirs, or even get lucky enough to spot one. There are also facilities dedicated to the breed in the wider Akita Prefecture. Local Flavors: Kiritanpo Nabe (きりたんぽ鍋): Don't leave Akita without trying its signature dish! This hearty hot pot features kiritanpo (pounded rice cylinders toasted and cut), chicken, various vegetables, and mushrooms, all simmered in a savory broth. It's especially comforting on a chilly day. Local Sake (日本酒): Akita is renowned for its high-quality rice and pure water, making it a prime region for sake brewing. Be sure to sample some of the local sake varieties. Akita City offers a charming and authentic Japanese experience, perfect for those looking for culture, comfort food, and iconic dogs! #Akita #AkitaCity #AkitaPrefecture #JapanTravel #AkitaDog #KantoFestival #Kiritanpo #Tohoku #TravelJapan

If you plan to go to the Tohoku Summer Festival this summer and experience a different Japan, you can save travel expenses by using the Tohoku JRPASS for several great festivals. By the way, the Tohoku Shinkansen will merge and separate in Morioka, which is also a must-see scenery. First of all, let’s talk about the most beautiful scenery in the Tohoku Summer Festival-the Morioka Sansa Dance Festival, which is held on Central Avenue from August 1 to August 4 every year. Not only does it have the Guinness World Record for the largest number of people and the drum parade, but also the annual Sansa Dance Miss will participate in the parade. According to legend, in ancient times, there was an evil ghost that had been invading this area, and the residents were miserable, so they went to ask the gods of the Mitsuishi Shrine for help. After the gods subdued the evil ghost, they asked him to put handprints on three stones to promise not to make trouble again. This is also the origin of "Iwate Prefecture". After the evil ghost was subdued, the residents happily danced around the stones and shouted Sansa, Sansa, which also became the origin of the Sansa Dance. Since the summer festivals in Tohoku are concentrated in early August, the following is a five-day itinerary for reference: Day 1 (8/3): Use JR Pass to take the 9:54 or 10:14 Shinkansen from Tokyo Ueno to Morioka, which takes about two hours. After arriving, you can first taste the famous Morioka cold noodles. This cold noodle with watermelon is chewy, salty and sour, and finally eat a bite of watermelon to cool down. After dinner, check in at the hotel or store your luggage, and then visit the Iwate Bank Red Brick Museum and Morioka Hachimangu Shrine. In fact, during the festival, there will be a Japanese drum team performing in front of the station at noon to welcome tourists. 📍Address: 11-2 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate 020-0023 Japan In the evening, you can go to the Yatai Street to buy some festival food and drinks, and then walk to the Central Avenue, have a picnic, and wait for the festival to come at 6 pm. Day2 (8/4): In the morning, there is still some time to visit Sakurayama Shrine and feel the protective power built next to the ruins of Morioka Castle, and then walk around the park to see Morioka Castle. Take the 11:59, 12:09, or 12:26 Shinkansen to Aomori Hachinohe. First store your luggage at the station and have lunch first. Starting at 3 pm, there will be a Sansha Festival, a portable shrine and a float parade. 📍Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Uchimaru, Hachinohe, Aomori 031-0075 Japan After feeling the lively atmosphere of the festival, you can take the 17:14 Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori and then transfer to Aomori. After checking in at the hotel, participate in the lively Nebuta Festival. You can also give up the Sansha Festival and take the 12:09 or 12:47 Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori to transfer and choose to stay in Hirosaki. Then go to Aomori to visit the product hall and see the daytime sleep demon. Watch the festival until 8 o'clock in the evening, take the bus back to Hirosaki, and enjoy another fan-shaped sleep demon festival. 📍Address: 1 Chome Central, Aomori, 030-0822 Japan Day3(8/5): If you live in Hirosaki, you can visit Hirosaki Castle in the morning, and then visit the Tsugaru Domain Sleep Demon Village to see the fan-shaped sleep demon craft. Then take the JR Ou Main Line to Akita, which takes about 2 hours. After checking in, you can go to the Namahage Museum to see the unique folk customs of the Oga Peninsula, or enjoy the lotus in Senshu Park. At night, you can enjoy the only competitive Kanto Festival in the Tohoku summer festival. 📍Address: Japan 〒010-0921 Akita, Omachi, 1 Chome−6−41 Kamiyamachi 1-chome Public Hall Day4(8/6): In the morning, you can use the time to visit Kakunodate Samurai House and experience the Little Kyoto of Mutsu, or go to Nyuto Onsen, and return to Tokyo the next day. You can also take the 13:13 or 14:06 Shinkansen to Sendai. After checking in, you can go to Hirose Street to experience the beautiful decorations of the Tanabata Festival. If the trip is made one day in advance, you can also enjoy the fireworks show on 8/5. 📍Address: 3 Chome-2 Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0811 Japan Sendai's edamame milkshake, edamame mochi, and beef tongue are all delicious. Don't miss them. Use JRPASS to return to Tokyo the next day. The Tohoku version of jrpass is not cheap, but if you look at the itinerary, it should be worth the price. #MayGoodPlaces2025

If you happen to have a trip to Tohoku, Japan from 8/3 to 8/6, don't miss the Akita Kanto Festival, the only summer festival in Tohoku that has a competitive flavor. It is said that Kanto has existed since the Edo period. In order to drive away the fatigue and evil spirits of summer, Kanto was made with rice ears as the image. The etymology comes from the Jingde Traditional Records of the Northern Song Dynasty, "One must make progress even if one climbs a hundred feet high." In the 1750s, there was a prototype activity of the Kanto Festival, which gradually evolved into a competition to see who could hold it higher or who could perform more tricks. It was originally held before the Bon Festival, but in recent years it has been fixed to the four days in early August. When night falls, the Kanto will appear with the parade. The two-way lanes of Kanto Avenue will keep a certain distance, and 280-290 Kanto will appear every year. Then, with slogans, the pole lights will be erected one by one. The competitive teams will hold up the 12-meter-high, 50-kilogram pole lights with their hands, and then support them with one hand, place them on the top of the head, shoulders, and even on the waist, showing extraordinary skills. There are also mini pole lights for children, so that children can also feel the festival. In the evening, you can actually walk around the station first. There are pole light components and huge pole lights on display in front of the station. You will also meet festival participants who are practicing on the way. There is actually a Qianqiu Park not far from the venue. The festival time is just the beautiful season when lotus flowers are in full bloom. After the tour, you can go to the festival stalls to taste snacks, and finally walk to the pole light avenue to enjoy the "night show". 📍Address: Japan 〒010-0921 Akita, Omachi, 1 Chome−6−41 Kamiyamachi 1-chome Community Hall 🚗10 minutes walk from JR Akita Station #5月好去处2025

Akita, Japan encompasses both Akita Prefecture and Akita City. Akita City, the prefectural capital, is located in the northeastern part of Honshu Island, 450 km directly north of Tokyo. It is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, Aomori Prefecture to the north, and Yamagata Prefecture to the south. Below are some tourist attractions in Akita, Japan: Natural Landscapes - Lake Tazawa: The deepest lake in Japan, its color changes from deep green to sapphire blue with the seasons. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, visitors can enjoy boat rides on the lake or skiing at the Tazawako Ski Resort. - Nyuto Onsen Village: Located in the eastern mountains of Akita Prefecture, this picturesque hot spring resort offers a variety of hot springs with different characteristics. Visitors can relax and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery. - Shirakami-Sanchi: A World Natural Heritage site, it boasts a vast expanse of primeval forest, primarily beech trees. The scenery changes with the seasons, from fresh green in spring to lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and a silver wonderland in winter. Historical and Cultural Sites - Akita Museum of Art: Designed by architect Tadao Ando, the museum houses a collection of local modern art and historical artifacts, as well as masterpieces by Goya, Picasso, and other renowned artists. Its independent staircase and triangular skylight are architectural classics. - Senshu Park: Formerly the site of Kubota Castle, only remnants such as the moat, castle gate, and watchtower remain. The park is home to 830 cherry trees, as well as azaleas, peonies, and other flowers that bloom throughout the seasons. - Kakunodate Town: A well-preserved old castle town and samurai village, with traditional samurai residences lining the streets. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of the Edo period and visit buildings such as the Bukeyashiki (samurai houses). Folklore and Customs - Akita Kanto Festival: One of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region, held annually from August 3rd to 6th. Participants balance long bamboo poles adorned with numerous lanterns on their foreheads or hips, showcasing their balancing skills. - Yokote Kamakura Festival: Held every winter, local children build hundreds of snow huts (kamakura). At night, the snow huts are lit up, becoming temporary altars dedicated to the water deity. Various snow sculptures of animals are also on display. - Namahage Festival: Held on New Year's Eve in the Oga Peninsula and surrounding areas, people dressed in straw skirts and wearing demon masks visit houses. This is a unique folk event.

Akita, a scenic prefecture in the Tohoku region of northern Japan, is a land of natural splendor, rich cultural traditions, and warm hospitality. Known for its stunning landscapes, hot springs, and historical significance, Akita offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity. One of Akita's most famous attractions is the Kakunodate Samurai District, often referred to as "Little Kyoto." This well-preserved area boasts traditional samurai residences and cherry blossom-lined streets, providing a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. Visitors can explore the historic homes, learn about samurai culture, and enjoy the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in spring or colorful foliage in autumn. Nature enthusiasts will find Akita's diverse landscapes captivating. The majestic Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake, offers crystal-clear waters perfect for boating and swimming. The Oga Peninsula, with its rugged coastline and unique Namahage folklore, provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural intrigue. The region is also home to the stunning Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient beech forests and diverse wildlife. Akita is renowned for its hot springs, or onsen, which provide a relaxing retreat amidst beautiful surroundings. Nyuto Onsen Village, nestled in the mountains, features a collection of rustic inns offering soothing hot spring baths and breathtaking views, making it an ideal destination for unwinding and rejuvenating. Cultural experiences abound in Akita, from the vibrant Akita Kanto Festival, where performers balance giant lantern poles, to the traditional Namahage Sedo Festival, which celebrates the local Namahage ogre folklore. Akita's rich culinary heritage includes regional specialties such as kiritanpo (grilled rice sticks) and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, as well as the region's famous sake. Whether you're exploring historical samurai districts, soaking in therapeutic hot springs, or immersing yourself in local festivals and cuisine, Akita offers an unforgettable journey through one of Japan's most picturesque and culturally rich regions. #japantrip

The Akita Kanto Festival is one of the "Three Major Festivals of Tohoku" along with the Sendai Tanabata Festival and the Aomori Nebuta Festival. The Kanto Festival originated from an ancient ritual called the "Nyemo-ryu" to ward off summer illnesses. The earliest documented record dates back to the travelogue written by Tsumura Soan in 1789. The text describes a long pole with a cross-shaped light parading through the streets accompanied by drums. The scene of these lights became the prototype of the Kanto Festival. Today, the Kanto Festival attracts countless tourists with its grandeur and the superb skills of the performers. At night, 280 Kanto lights gather on the street with bright lights. With shouts of "Dokkoishou", the performers deftly manipulate the huge Kanto lights between their palms, foreheads, shoulders and waists. The scene is full of cheers and excitement. Date: August 3-6, 2024 Location: Kanto-Odori, Akita City, Akita Prefecture Access: About 10 minutes walk from JR Akita Station

I went to the Akita Kanto Festival, which is held every year in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, my hometown. It is one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region, along with Aomori's Nebuta Festival and Sendai's Tanabata Festival, and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The city's Kanto Boulevard is closed to traffic, and you can see more than 280 Kanto poles dancing in the night sky. Since before the Edo period, the festival has been held every year from August 4th to 7th as a prayer for a good harvest, with the entire Kanto pole representing ears of rice and the string of lanterns representing bales of rice. To the cheers of the audience, "Dokkoisho! Dokkoisho!", the craftsmen's skill in placing the largest Kanto poles, which are 12 meters tall and weigh up to 50 kg, on their shoulders, palms, and foreheads is truly impressive! When the craftsmen successfully performed the difficult "koshi" technique, the audience erupted in applause and cheers. The town crests and lucky charms on the lanterns are often cute and interesting, so please pay attention to them as well 🤍 You can watch it for free, but if you want to take your time, you can buy local specialties from the food stalls and eat them while purchasing a ticket for a paid viewing seat ◎ There are many local Akita gourmet foods on sale at the stalls, so we recommend eating your way around. At the Akita City Folk Arts and Tradition Museum, located near the festival site, you can see the Kanto up close all year round, so it's a good idea to learn about the history of the Kanto at the museum before going to see the amazing performances! There are hotels and station buildings nearby, so why not take a trip to Akita during the Kanto Festival? #AkitaTourism #AkitaTrip #AkitaPrefecture #AkitaKantoFestival #Akita #KantoFestival #Tohoku #DomesticTravel #FamilyTrip #ImportantIntangibleFolkCulturalProperty #SummerFestival 📍7 Asahikitaeicho, Akita City, Akita Prefecture

One of the most representative summer festivals in Tohoku, Japan, the Akita Kanto Festival🏮🏮 250 rice-shaped lanterns, The beautiful summer night of Akita is decorated with golden light～🎇🎇🎇 During the festival, masters with special skills, The 12-meter-long, 50-kilogram pole lantern, Use your forehead, shoulders and waist for support... One by one, the dazzling lanterns stand in front of everyone! There are even experts who hold up the lantern pole. The other hand can also fan leisurely🪭⋯ This is really wonderful! 🤩🤩🤩🤩 We always stay in tourist spots when arranging accommodation. In order to enjoy the Kanto Festival easily, we of course chose to stay at the main venue of the Kanto Festival. Daiwa Hotel on Kanto-dori Street!! Although this is the most expensive hotel we stayed at during our trip to Japan, But you don't have to run around, you don't have to look for a place, You can easily enjoy the wonderful Kanto Festival from your hotel room! 🏮🏮🏮 Even from our room, we could overlook the Kanto Festival! 😍😍😍 On the way to the hotel, we happened to encounter the warm-up activities of the Kanto Festival during the day. What a great deal! 😁😁😁

Kanto Festival? Why is it held during the day? You're right, I did my homework too late and missed the opportunity to book accommodation in Akita. I couldn't stay in the overpriced hotel room, so I had to go back and forth to Akita that day. Fortunately, there was a Kanto performance as soon as I got out of the station. Amid rounds of shouting and drumming, a group of strong men struggled to hold up huge Kanto performances, and the onlookers held their breath and chased the Kanto with their eyes focused. After the performance, it was time to interact with the audience. The tough guys turned into photographers and took pictures of the audience under the pole lights. They also arranged for the audience to play taiko drums, and the performers formed a circle to cheer for the audience who were playing the drums. There was no dull moment at all! It’s a pity that I couldn’t stay until the evening to see the festival this time. I hope I can participate in it next time I visit. #Akita #Kanto Festival