There are many different Matsuri (festivals) that take place throughout Japan. Each festival is unique in its own way and offers something special for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in traditional Japanese culture or just looking for a good time, there’s a Matsuri for you.
Japanese festivals come in all shapes and sizes, and each one has its own story to tell. There’s a large variety of Matsuri that you can experience throughout Japan, and all of them offer something different.
Through this article, we will explore the various types of festivals around Japan as well as some of the most well-known ones.
cosplayer for your event
€295,00
What is a Japan Matsuri?
Matsuri is a Japanese festival that comes in many different forms. The Matsuri can be celebrated regionally, across large areas of Japan, or even nationwide.
They’re a great way for people to experience Japanese culture and sometimes play an important part in life within communities. Some are also quite famous among visitors of the country as well.
Author
Different Types of Matsuri
Although there are many different types of Matsuri, they can be broken down into the following categories:
- Religious Matsuri
- Parades & Carnivals
- Fireworks displays
- Food Festivals
- Music Festivals
- Beer Festivals
- Dance Matsuri
- Flower Festivals
- Sports Events
Religious Matsuri
Religious Matsuri is the most common type of festival held across the country, and at shrines or temples that have a special connection to local people or visitors; they often hold grand religious parades and other forms of entertainment.
By experiencing these festivals, you can renew your faith and enjoy peace of mind. You will also have a chance to see local traditions that are only practiced during special events.
Parades & Carnivals
The second most common type of festival held across the country that often goes hand in hand with festivities is the Parades and Carnivals. There are various forms of this type of Matsuri, from small children’s parades to large street carnivals. These festivals are a great source of entertainment for visitors and locals alike.
cosplayer for your event
€295,00Fireworks displays
This Matsuri is the most famous of all the Matsuri. You can see thousands gathered around lakes or stadiums to watch impressive fireworks displays from across Japan. From big, internationally recognized events such as the Sumidagawa Fireworks display in Tokyo to smaller displays in local areas.
Food Festivals
This particular Matsuri is centered around food. There are various dishes that are often eaten during these festivals, with the most famous being the ubiquitous Takoyaki octopus balls. Other examples include Curry and rice, Yakisoba noodles, and Okonomiyaki pancakes.
Music Festivals
This type of Matsuri often takes place at famous music venues or concert halls around Japan, where you can listen to live music from across the country. Japan has a vast musical culture that has been around for generations. So, no matter what kind of music you’re into, there’s something in Japan that will suit your tastes.
Beer Festivals
Often held in autumn, these Matsuri are all about enjoying the best beers Japan has to offer. There are various events taking place around the country where people can try out different types of beer or even participate in drinking games or challenges.
Dance Matsuri
Held at various community centers, these Matsuri often involve performances by local groups or schools that highlight traditional Japanese dance styles. You can watch many different types of dances, with some dating back thousands of years into Japan’s history.
Flower Festivals
A celebration for most seasons in Japan, these festivals take place in the spring when flowers that have been planted across communities are in full bloom. Side attractions often include local markets selling fresh produce and various items.
Sports Events
The last kind of Matsuri we will mention is centered around sports and takes place in autumn. You can enjoy different types of sports ranging from Japanese martial arts to traditional Japanese archery. These events are great for the whole family, and there’s sure to be something here for everyone.
If you find yourself in Japan during a Matsuri, it would be wise to take the opportunity to partake in one or more of these exciting events! They’re open to everyone and provide visitors with a chance to learn more about the culture and traditions of Japan.
How Do I Dress for Matsuri?
Matsuri is one of the most exciting parts of Japanese culture. There’s nothing more fun than dressing up for a matsuri, but it may be difficult to know what to wear. If you’re not sure how to dress for a matsuri, don’t worry. This guide will give you some tips and ideas:
Hair
It’s common in traditional Japanese culture to wear your hair in a style called “odango.” For girls, this involves tying the hair up into two buns on either side of the head. Women will then curl their bangs into tiny locks, which are pinned to each of their odango with decorative ornaments called kanzashi.
Color
Traditional Japanese colors are known as “iro.” There’s a large variety of colors in Japanese culture, but one of the most common irezumi, or full arm tattoos, is a pair of cranes on either side of a person.
This particular tattoo can be done in almost any color, with blue representing water and white representing fire.
costume walk acts germany
€295,00
Clothing
A long, traditional kimono is both elegant and comfortable for dancing in at a matsuri! These silk robes are fairly easy to find, with many department stores selling cheap kimonos for under 150 dollars.
Accessories
Traditional Matsuri often involve the playing of taiko drums, so wearing traditional Japanese drums, or tsuzumi, as a fashion accessory is an easy way to dress up for Matsuri! For men, the standard kimono sash called an obi can be used as a belt.
There’s no need to buy anything special to dress up for a Matsuri. If you are not sure what to wear for a matsuri, don’t worry. People often dress up in the colors of their favorite shrine’s torii gate.
If you’re visiting a shrine or temple, it might be easier to dress up in clothing that is similar to traditional styles or something that is already blue or white. Sometimes these temples will give out free yukata, which are summer kimonos, to people who attend the Matsuri.
Conclusion
We hope this article helped you out with your Japanese festivals. Who knows, maybe next year at Obon, you’ll be the best-dressed person there.
On a different note, you can contact SnowDragon via Instagram to book him for any upcoming cosplay events or conventions.