This is the time of the year where Japan braces itself for
the upcoming summer temperatures and for another reason too – matsuri
(festivals)!! Japan is the home to a whole smorgasbord of festivals that take
place throughout the Japanese archipelago, each possessing its own distinctive
history and tradition. But it is during the summer that some of the most
exciting matsuri take place.
One of the most famous is Gion Matsuri, which is a
month-long event that takes place in
July in Kyoto. The highlight of this celebration takes
place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 17 when a parade of 32 floats make their
way along the main streets of the city. The floats are so colourfully
ornate and exquisitely crafted by local craftsmen that they have been described
as “floating art museums”. Sitting
on top of these floats are children wearing traditional makeup and musicians
playing a variety of instruments. As the procession slowly moves among the 3
kilometre route, you are sure to find a spot where you can gaze upon it in
wonder.
For those of you who want to tap your
feet and swing your arms in the air, you just have to go to the Awa Dance festival on the island of
Shikoku. Japan’s largest dance festival, it attracts over 1.3 million tourists
every year. While musicians play taiko drums, flutes, shamisen (lute) and kane
(bell), groups of dancers and musicians called ren dance to highly
choreographed pieces. Bedecked in traditional summer kimonos and distinctly
local hats, the performers chant and swing as they make their way through the
streets. You will be hard pressed to not join in!
Unique Japan Tours is running the Lost
in Japan Tour that will travel to Shikoku for the Awa Dance Festival. The tour
departs Osaka on August 10. Details can be found here: http://www.uniquejapantours.com/Small-Group-Tours/Lost-in-Japan
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