Festivals

Also known as the Awa Dance festival, the three-day Awaodori festival is celebrated on Shikoku island, in Tokushima prefecture. The lively city-wide party involves, as the name implies, choreographed dances and music, with performers sporting traditional Obon costumes as they parade through the streets.

This millenium-old Summer festival takes place over two days at Tenman Shrine in Osaka, and features performing arts, a land procession with some 3,000 people, as well as a boat procession around Tenmabashi Bridge. The boats are lit up by fire in the evening, creating a warm glow on the river, and fireworks are set off.

Translating directly into the Fire and Violence festival, this notable celebration takes place in Noto Peninsula. Majestic Kiriko lanterns light up the night sky. Brave men climb into the sea to light three torches as the pinnacle of the festival. Celebrated throughout the Summer, this collection of festivals is a delight for the eyes.