All over Japan, there are traditional festivals that have been passed down for hundreds of years, as well as lively festivals that bring local people together in excitement.
The giant lanterns of Aomori's Nebuta Festival, the elegant floats of Kyoto's Gion Festival, Tokyo's Kanda Festival, one of the three major Edo festivals, Gifu's Takayama Festival, where artisanal skills shine, Okinawa's dynamic Eisa dance, and Hokkaido's energetic Yosakoi Soran Festival.
Festivals are one-of-a-kind experiences that allow you to experience the history, culture, and sounds of a particular region, as well as "the passion of the people".
Festivals are special times when "the spirit" of the region is present.
They are a valuable opportunity to experience Japan's festival culture not as a tourist but as a part of the local community.