May is a month of festivals in Japan, with celebrations taking place throughout the country to mark the arrival of spring and honor ancient traditions. From the famous Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo to the lesser-known Kanda Myojin Grand Festival in Chiyoda, there are numerous events that offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich culture and history.
One of the most popular festivals in May is the Aoi Matsuri, which takes place in Kyoto on May 15th. Dating back over 1,000 years, this festival is a colorful procession featuring hundreds of participants dressed in traditional Heian-period costumes. The highlight of the event is the parade of oxcarts, which are decorated with flowers and greenery and pulled by oxen through the streets of Kyoto.
Another May festival that draws visitors from all over Japan is the Kanda Matsuri, held in Tokyo on the weekend closest to May 15th. This festival is one of Tokyo’s three major festivals, along with the Sanja Matsuri and the Sanno Matsuri. The Kanda Matsuri features a procession of portable shrines, musicians, and dancers, and culminates with the carrying of the mikoshi (portable shrine) through the streets of the Kanda neighborhood.
In May, Japan comes alive with a plethora of festivals that offer a unique glimpse into the country’s rich culture and traditions. One such festival is the Aoi Matsuri, also known as the Hollyhock Festival, which takes place on May 15th in Kyoto. The festival dates back to the 6th century and is considered one of the oldest and most important festivals in Japan.
The festival features a grand procession of over 500 people dressed in ancient court costumes from the Heian period. The procession makes its way from the Imperial Palace to the Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines, where rituals and ceremonies are performed to pray for the peace and prosperity of Kyoto. The highlight of the festival is the miyako no butai ceremony, where participants offer up food, sake, and other offerings to the gods.
Another popular festival in May is the Kanda Matsuri, which takes place in Tokyo from May 15th to 17th. The festival is held every two years and is considered one of the three major festivals in Tokyo, along with the Sanja Matsuri and the Sanno Matsuri. The Kanda Matsuri dates back to the Edo period and features a parade of mikoshi (portable shrines), musicians, dancers, and performers dressed in traditional costumes.
The festival takes place at the Kanda Myojin Shrine, which is dedicated to the god of war and is believed to protect the city from disasters. The shrine is decorated with colorful banners, lanterns, and flowers, creating a festive atmosphere. The highlight of the festival is the o-mikoshi parade, where participants carry portable shrines around the streets of Tokyo.
Another festival worth checking out in May is the Takigi Noh festival, which takes place at the Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto on May 1st and 2nd. The festival is a celebration of traditional Japanese theater and features performances of Noh plays, which date back to the 14th century.
The performances take place outdoors in the evening, with the stage illuminated by torches and bonfires. The flickering flames create a mesmerizing atmosphere and add to the mystical quality of the Noh plays. The festival attracts a mix of locals and tourists, all eager to experience the beauty and drama of this ancient art form.
