Even though it can be quite hot and humid in Japan during the summer, many people from all over the world still come to visit to experience the country’s rich culture and history. If you are planning to travel to Japan in June, make sure to pack light and airy clothes and sunscreen, and find the time to check out the following Japanese festivals:
Takigi O-Noh – June 1st to June 2nd
Held at the Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto, Takigi O-Noh, or Bonfire Noh performance, is a festival that features several Noh performances on the first two days of June. A beautifully crafted stage is setup in the shrine grounds where people gather and watch actors in stunning costumes and wooden masks showcase their mastery of Noh, which is Japan’s oldest form of musical drama theatre. The performances are done at night, illuminated by bonfires, and run from 5:30 pm to 9 pm.
Because of how popular this event is, it is a must to book tickets in advance. A ticket costs around 3,000 yen. You can check kyoto-nohgaku.or.jp for ticket information and updates on the next Takigi O-Noh.
To get to Heian Jingu Shrine, take the train to Higashi-yama Station or Keihan Railway Sanjo Station, The shrine entrance is 10 to 15 minutes away on foot.
Chagu Chagu Umakko – 2nd Saturday of June
Every year, on the second Saturday of June, Iwate Prefecture hosts the Chagu Chagu Umakko, which is a festival that features a procession of 100 horses. Adorned with vibrantly coloured bells and harnesses, the horses travel from Onikoshi Sozen Shrine in Takizawa City to Morioka Hachiman-gu Shrine in Morioka City, covering a distance of about 15 kilometres, from 9:30 am to 2 pm.
A tradition that dates to two centuries back, the festival was originally organized to reward the horses for their hard work in helping out the local farmers plant rice in their farms. You can read more about this unique spectacle on Iwate Prefecture’s official travel guide website.
To get to the starting point of the parade, which is the Onikoshi Sozen Shrine in Takizawa City, get on the special shuttle bus offered only during the festival at JR Morioka Station.
Itoman Hare – early June
The people of Okinawa celebrate Hari Festivals to wish for a bountiful fish harvest and safety and protection at sea. It is usually held in early June, on the 4th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar.
The Itoman Hare Festival is one of the islands’ biggest hari festivals. It is held in the city of Itoman, and includes various boat racing competitions participated in by fishermen. It showcases small, colourful fishing boats called sabini, which were traditionally used for fishing. It also offers a unique event known as kunnukase (or capsize race), which is attended and witnessed by thousands.
To get to Itoman, it is best to travel by rental car. The drive is approximately 20 to 30 minutes from Naha Airport.
Otaue Rice Planting Festival – June 14th
The Otaue Rice Planting Festival is an annual celebration hosted in Osaka every June 14th. It honours Japan’s long tradition of rice planting and cultivation. Held at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, a 3rd century shrine that is recognized as the most important of all Sumiyoshi shrines and one of the oldest, it is the biggest among all the rice planting events observed around the country.
During the festival, spectators are treated to various ceremonial presentations that are kept lively by lavish musical and dance performances. Men and women recreate scenes of rice planting, as they sing and dance. There is also a parade that consists of people dressed in full samurai armour, as well as the Sumiyoshi Odori featuring 150 young girls.
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is a few minutes’ walk away from Sumiyoshi Taisha Station, which is along the Nankai Dentetsu Line.
Hokkaido Shrine Festival – June 14th to June 16th
With more than 100 years of history, the Hokkaido Shrine Festival is one of the largest and most anticipated festivals on the island of Hokkaido.
Also known as Sapporo Festival, it is a three-day event, observed from June 14th to June 16th, which includes a wide array of fun and entertainment. Its highlight is a big parade that starts from Hokkaido Shrine and goes to the city centre. It is made up of many thousands of people donning traditional colourful costumes of the Heian period, accompanied by some taiko drum music.
At Nakajima Park, there are many stalls and shops scattered all over where people can enjoy some local food, snacks, drinks, and games, while wearing their favourite yukata. There are also playgrounds and attractions for children, and shows that go on until the evening.
Find more information on Hokkaido Shrine Festival on Hokkaido Shrine’s official website.
To get to Hokkaido Shrine, you can take the subway to Maruyama Koen Station or the bus to Jingu-mae bus stop, and then walk a few minutes to the entrance.
Aizen Festival – June 30th to July 2nd
One of Osaka’s three big festivals, Aizen Festival is a celebration with origins that date back to hundreds of years ago. It is a multi-day event held at the Shoman-in Aizen-do Temple, and is highlighted by the Hokaego Parade on the first day, which features a geisha carried in a hoekago (literal translation is blessed treasure basket), while the other members of the procession chant “hoekago” in unison.
During the festivities, the statue of Aizen-Myoo, who is the deity to pray to for a happy relationship and marriage, becomes open to the public. The temple and the neighbourhoods surrounding it become full of energy and action, with stalls and stands that offer a wide array of local food and snacks, and games for children. There are also traditional dance performances late in the afternoon.
Visit the Aizendo Temple’s website to learn more about the festival.
The festival venue is easily accessible on foot from the Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Subway Station.
