The Tōhoku Region’s Three Great Festivals

1️⃣ Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori)

Dates: August 2 (Saturday) – August 7 (Thursday), 2025

Aomori City’s Nebuta Festival is famous for its massive, illuminated floats depicting warriors, mythical creatures, and kabuki heroes. Crafted from washi paper and lit from within, these vivid artworks parade through the streets at night.

Dancers called haneto leap and chant “Rassera! Rassera!” creating an infectious energy that encourages spectators to join in. It’s an unforgettable spectacle of light, sound, and community.

▶Source: Tokimeku　Tohoku Article

2️⃣ Kanto Matsuri (Akita)

Dates: August 3 (Sunday) – August 6 (Wednesday), 2025

Akita’s Kanto Festival features performers balancing long bamboo poles strung with dozens of glowing paper lanterns. Some poles reach over 12 meters and weigh 50 kg!

With incredible skill, performers balance them on palms, foreheads, shoulders, or hips, swaying gently in the night sky like golden ears of rice prayer for good harvests and prosperity. The festival’s hypnotic rhythm of drums and flutes adds to the magic.

3️⃣ Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (Sendai)

Dates: August 6 (Wednesday) – August 8 (Friday), 2025

Rooted in the romantic legend of star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, Sendai’s Tanabata Festival is Japan’s most famous version of this tradition.

The city transforms into a kaleidoscope of giant paper streamers and elaborate decorations, many over 10 meters long. Walking beneath these colorful displays, visitors enjoy traditional music, food stalls, and a warm, festive atmosphere that’s as magical by day as it is by night.