Discover Japan's Summer Festivals: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Events
Japan's summer festivals, known for their vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, offer a unique experience for travelers, especially those with children. These festivals blend traditional customs with modern fun, creating an ideal setting for family adventures. Here are the top family-friendly summer festivals that will make your trip to Japan unforgettable.
1. Tanabata Festival (Star Festival)
Date: Early July
Location: Sendai, Hiratsuka, and other locations
Highlights: Streets adorned with colorful streamers and elaborate decorations.
Kid-Friendly Activities: Children can write their wishes on tanzaku (colorful paper strips) and hang them on bamboo branches. The festival also features fun games, traditional performances, and delicious street food that kids will love.
2. Nara Tokae Festival
Date: Early to mid-August
Location: Nara Park, Nara
Highlights: The park is transformed into a sea of thousands of flickering lanterns.
Kid-Friendly Activities: Kids can enjoy the enchanting lantern displays, feed the tame deer that roam the park, and savor traditional Japanese sweets. The serene ambiance and safe environment make it a perfect family outing.
3. Gion Matsuri
Date: Entire month of July, with main events on July 17th and 24th
Location: Kyoto
Highlights: Spectacular processions of enormous, beautifully decorated floats.
Kid-Friendly Activities: Watching the grand floats (yamahoko) parade through the streets is a visual treat. Families can also explore food stalls offering festival favorites like yakitori, taiyaki, and kakigori (shaved ice).
4. Awa Odori Festival
Date: August 12th to 15th
Location: Tokushima
Highlights: One of Japan's largest dance festivals, featuring traditional folk dances.
Kid-Friendly Activities: Families can join the lively dance, known as the Awa Odori, and kids can learn the simple dance moves from friendly locals. The festival atmosphere is electric, with live music and vibrant costumes.
5. Nebuta Matsuri
Date: August 2nd to 7th
Location: Aomori
Highlights: Enormous illuminated floats depicting warriors, gods, and mythical creatures.
Kid-Friendly Activities: Children will be fascinated by the dramatic floats and can participate in craft activities. The festival also offers various games and treats that cater to young visitors.
6. Obon Festival
Date: Mid-August
Location: Nationwide
Highlights: Bon Odori dances, lanterns floating on rivers and seas, and fireworks.
Kid-Friendly Activities: Kids can join in the traditional Bon Odori dance, which is simple and fun. They can also participate in lantern floating ceremonies, a beautiful and serene experience, and enjoy the spectacular fireworks displays.
7. Kanda Matsuri
Date: Mid-May (Summer-like festivities)
Location: Tokyo
Highlights: Processions of mikoshi (portable shrines), traditional music, and dances.
Kid-Friendly Activities: Families can watch the energetic parades and enjoy street performances. The festival atmosphere is festive and lively, with plenty of street food stalls offering tasty snacks.
Pro Tips for Enjoying Festivals with Kids
Stay Hydrated and Protected: Japanese summers can be hot and humid, so carry plenty of water and use sunscreen. Hats and portable fans are also useful.
Dress Comfortably: Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Consider dressing children in yukata (summer kimono) for an immersive experience.
Plan Ahead: Arrive early to secure good spots for viewing parades and performances. Many festivals get crowded, so having a plan helps.
Engage Fully: Encourage children to participate in activities, try new foods, and learn about the cultural significance of the festivals. This makes the experience richer and more memorable.
Safety First: Keep a close eye on your children in crowded areas and establish a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.
Exploring Japan’s summer festivals offers an excellent opportunity for families to immerse in local culture while enjoying a variety of activities and spectacles. Each festival provides unique experiences, from crafting wishes to dancing in vibrant parades, ensuring lasting memories for both children and adults. Enjoy your summer adventure in Japan, where tradition meets fun in the most colorful and exciting ways.
JTI | Japan Travel Itinerary
Empowering your travel dreams with bespoke itineraries crafted by our expert team, independent of vendors for truly personalized experiences.