CoTrip Team Updated on Jun 24, 2024 1 min read

Akita, Akita - Visit between Aug 3-6 for the Dazzling Kanto Festival

Best to visit between Aug 3 to 6 for the dazzling Kanto Festival, known for its impressive lantern performances.

Akita Museum of Art: Start your day at this modern art museum, featuring works by Tsuguharu Foujita and other notable artists.

Senshu Park: Explore this beautiful park, home to the ruins of Kubota Castle, picturesque gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for a morning stroll.

Local Cuisine: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, trying Akita's specialty kiritanpo (grilled rice sticks) or fresh seafood dishes.

Neburi-Nagashi-kan (Kanto Museum): Learn about the history and techniques of the Kanto Festival through its exhibits and interactive displays.

Akita City Folklore and Performing Arts Center (Mataginosato): Visit this center to experience traditional Akita folk performances and cultural displays.

Local Festivals

Akita Kanto Festival: Held annually from August 3rd to 6th, this festival is famous for its spectacular nighttime parades featuring performers balancing massive poles (Kanto) adorned with paper lanterns. The festival also includes traditional music, dancing, and various food stalls, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

The Kakunodate Festival, also known as the Kakunodate Matsuri, is a traditional festival held annually in the historic town of Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture. It is celebrated from September 7th to 9th and is one of the town's most significant cultural events. Yama Parade: The festival features a grand parade of beautifully decorated yama floats. These large, intricately designed floats are pulled through the streets by local teams, accompanied by the sounds of traditional music and drumming. Clashes (Kenka): One of the unique and exciting aspects of the Kakunodate Festival is the float clashes, where yama floats intentionally collide with each other. This practice is believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune.

Akita Autumn Festival: As summer transitions into autumn, the Akita Autumn Festival in late September celebrates the harvest season with traditional music and dance performances, food stalls featuring seasonal produce, and various cultural events, providing a warm and festive ambiance.