Summer in Japan is a very exciting time! Throughout the summer various festivals happen around the nation. Smaller towns and cities often have their own local festivals, which members of the community look forward to each year. Major cities also have festivals that are attended by millions of people each year. Three of the biggest festivals in Japan are the Gion Matsuri, Tenjin Matsuri, and Sumidagawa Hanabi Matsuri.

Gion Matsuri is a very famous festival that takes place in the Kansai region; in Kyoto. It dates back to 869 A.D. (Jogan-era) and was originally started as a way to purify the residents after a plague had overtaken the area. It quickly became something that people could look forward to for gathering together and having fun. During the festival, the center of the city is blocked off and game and food stalls are set up. There is a magnificent parade that starts at Yasaka Shrine and travels throughout the Gion District.

Tenjin Matsuri is another famous festival that takes place in the Kansai region; in Osaka. This festival was first recorded in 951 A.D.(Tenryaku-era). The festival is considered a tribute to the highly respected scholar, poet, and politician-Tenman Tenjin. Throughout this festival more than 2500 performers wear traditional attire coinciding with time-periods from as far back as the 700’s all the way through to the 1200’s. This is also known as the boat festival because there is a procession of 100 fire-lit boats. Tenjin Masturi has the largest fireworks display in the Kansai region.

Sumidagawa Hanabi Matsuri is a famous festival that takes place in the Kanto region; in Tokyo. This festival officially began around 1732 (Kyoho-era). It is known as a celebration of fireworks (hanabi). This festival brings more than 1 million visitors every year. It is also the oldest fireworks festival in the world and serves as the setting for competitions that judge varieties of fireworks displays.