Japan, a land steeped in ancient traditions and vibrant modernity, offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. Among the most captivating are its festivals and celebrations, providing a window into the soul of the nation. These events, often deeply rooted in history and religion, offer visitors a chance to witness unique customs, savor regional delicacies, and participate in communal joy. While the sheer scale and popularity of these festivities can lead to crowded conditions, careful planning ensures an unforgettable immersion into Japanese culture.
Timing is paramount when considering attending these significant events. Arriving too late can mean facing inflated accommodation prices and overcrowded transportation without experiencing the core festivities. Therefore, advance planning is crucial to maximizing enjoyment. Consider these six largest festivals and celebrations in Japan when planning your journey.
1. Shogatsu (New Year)
The celebration of Shogatsu, or the Japanese New Year, transcends a single day. It is a period of profound significance and elaborate ritual that stretches for several days before and after January 1st. Unlike the Western emphasis on New Year’s Eve parties, Shogatsu in Japan is a time for reflection, family reunion, and setting intentions for the year ahead. It is undeniably one of the biggest festivals in Japan.
The traditions surrounding Shogatsu are steeped in symbolism. Food plays a central role, with regional variations adding to the richness of the celebration. Many begin the new year by consuming toshikoshi soba – buckwheat noodles – at midnight, a practice believed to ensure good health and longevity. At dawn, a solemn ceremony takes place where the Emperor of Japan prays for the well-being of the nation.
Shogatsu emphasizes prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. At midnight on New Year’s Eve, Buddhist temples across the country resonate with the sound of bells ringing 108 times, each ring representing one of the estimated 108 worldly sins or desires that must be overcome.
Similar to Chinese New Year, special foods are meticulously prepared, and otoshidama (money) is gifted to children in beautifully decorated envelopes. Families gather to spend quality time together, engaging in traditional games and activities. The overall atmosphere is one of hope, renewal, and setting the stage for a prosperous future.
A unique highlight of Shogatsu occurs on January 2nd, when the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo are opened to the public – a rare privilege granted only twice a year. The other occasion is on December 23rd, the Emperor’s Birthday. This offers a unique opportunity to witness the grandeur and historical significance of the Imperial Palace.
Many businesses observe extended closures during Shogatsu, typically remaining closed until at least January 3rd. The celebrations continue with a smaller event known as Coming of Age Day, held on the second Monday of January, honoring those who have reached adulthood.
2. Setsubun (The Bean-Throwing Festival)
Setsubun, meaning "seasonal division," marks the transition between winter and spring and is celebrated with the lively and somewhat eccentric Bean-Throwing Festival. This festival serves as the official kick-off to the Haru Matsuri, or Spring Festival season.
Setsubun is an ancient tradition, now often televised with national celebrities participating. Large-scale events take place across the country, with stages erected at shrines and temples. During these events, candy and money are thrown into the crowds, eliciting cheers and frantic attempts to catch the falling gifts.
However, the most common Setsubun tradition occurs in private homes, where families perform mame-maki (bean-throwing) ceremonies to ward off evil spirits. Typically, one family member dons an oni (demon) mask, representing bad luck and misfortune. The other family members then throw roasted soybeans at the "demon," shouting "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("Demons out! Fortune in!"). After the "demon" is driven out, the door is symbolically slammed shut to prevent its return. The soybeans are then eaten, one for each year of the person’s age, to ensure good health for the coming year.
3. Hanami (Cherry Blossom Festival)
Hanami, literally "flower viewing," is perhaps the most iconic and beloved of all Japanese festivals. During the spring, as cherry blossoms (sakura) burst into bloom, the entire nation seems to pause and appreciate their fleeting beauty. This ancient tradition transforms parks and gardens into vibrant hubs of social activity.
Families, friends, and coworkers gather beneath the blossoming trees, often vying for prime spots in popular parks. Picnics and parties unfold both day and night, creating a festive atmosphere fueled by food, drinks, and camaraderie. The ephemeral nature of the cherry blossoms adds to the poignancy of the celebration, reminding participants to cherish the present moment.
While some festival-goers might enjoy the sake more than the flowers, the allure of the fresh spring air and the breathtaking scenery is undeniable. The festival atmosphere is often enhanced by traditional tea ceremonies held under the trees, folk songs, traditional dances, beauty pageants, and even parades. The Hanami season is a truly magical time in Japan, showcasing the country’s deep appreciation for nature and its ability to bring people together.
4. Golden Week
Golden Week is a series of four national holidays clustered together between late April and early May, creating an extended vacation period for many Japanese people. This makes it one of the busiest times to travel in Japan, both domestically and internationally.
The confluence of pleasant spring weather and consecutive holidays prompts many Japanese residents to take advantage of the opportunity for travel and leisure. Hotels, flights, and ground transportation become heavily booked, and many businesses close for an extended period. Popular tourist destinations, including shrines and attractions in major cities, experience significant overcrowding.
Golden Week comprises four distinct holidays: Showa Day (April 29th), commemorating the birthday of Emperor Hirohito and serving as a time for reflection on Japan’s past; Constitution Memorial Day (May 3rd), celebrating the enactment of the Japanese constitution; Greenery Day (May 4th), dedicated to appreciating nature and the environment; and Children’s Day (May 5th), celebrating the health and happiness of children.
While each individual holiday may not involve large-scale events, the combined effect of the extended holiday period creates a surge in travel and tourism. This can lead to higher prices, longer queues, and a more crowded experience at popular destinations. While enjoyable, prospective travelers during this time should be ready for crowds and inflated prices.
5. Obon
Obon, sometimes simply referred to as Bon, is a significant Buddhist festival that honors the spirits of ancestors. While not officially a national holiday, it is widely observed throughout Japan during the summer months, typically in mid-August (though some regions celebrate it in July).
During Obon, it is believed that the spirits of ancestors return to visit their living relatives. Families visit shrines, temples, and family graves to pay their respects and offer prayers. Fires are lit in front of homes, and lanterns are hung to guide the spirits on their journey. Obon shares similarities with the Hungry Ghost Festival observed in other parts of Asia, emphasizing the importance of keeping spirits content in the afterlife.
Obon is a time for family reunions, with many people traveling back to their ancestral homes. This mass migration can lead to transportation delays and temporary business closures. Shrines and temples are particularly busy during the Obon period, as people gather to participate in memorial services and rituals.
6. The Emperor’s Birthday
The Emperor’s Birthday, a national holiday celebrated annually on December 23rd, marks the birthday of the reigning Emperor of Japan. This patriotic occasion draws large crowds to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, offering a rare opportunity for the public to access the inner grounds.
Throughout the day, the Emperor, along with key members of the Imperial Family, makes several brief appearances on a windowed balcony, waving to the assembled well-wishers. Tourists are welcome to join the queue and witness this unique spectacle.
The Emperor’s Birthday is one of only two days each year when the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace are open to the public, making it a highly sought-after event. The other occasion is during Shogatsu, on January 2nd.
