Japanese Festivals

There’s a moment at every Japanese festival that stays with you forever. Maybe it’s the thundering drums echoing through narrow streets, the smell of yakitori smoke mixing with summer air, or hundreds of paper lanterns flickering to life as the sun sets. Japanese festivals — called matsuri (祭り) — are where tradition, community, and pure joy collide in the most spectacular way. After living in Japan for years and attending dozens of festivals across the country, I can honestly say that experiencing a matsuri is one of the most authentic and memorable things you can do here. Whether it’s a massive event with millions of attendees or a tiny neighborhood celebration, there’s something magical about how Japan celebrates. ...