If
ever there was proof that the Japanese have a well founded sense
of community spirit it is the existence of festivals. When
participating, one cannot help but feel a little envious at
the down-to-earth, casual manner in which the Japanese attend
them.
As almost each shrine and temple has its own festival, there
are literally hundreds to attend each year and with the processions
through the streets and the food,
games and toys stalls they make for an enjoyable day out.
Jidai
Matsuri - Introduced in 1895 as a way of acknowleding
Kyoto's induction
as the new capital exactly 1100 years earlier, this annual
festival is one of Kyoto's
largest with as many as 150,000 people lining the streets
to witness it. Starting from the Imperial Palace and ending
at the Heian Shrine, it depicts the history of Japan between
the Heian era to the Meiji Era.
Sapporo
Snow Festival - Held annually in early February, this
is a week long festival that is perhaps the most unique
in all of Japan. Thanks to a group of 6 high school students
who created six snow sculptures in Odori
park in the winter of 1950, it was a trend that caught
on quickly and was well established by 1955 when even
the National Self Defence Force started to participate.
Having 3 sites in Odori
Park, Makomanai and Suskino, this event attracts 2
million visitors every year and is a must see.
Takayama
Matsuri - Held in both Spring and Autumn, meticulously
crafted floats are escorted through the town by people
wearing edo-period style clothing.
This festival is a way of placating the 'god of plague'.
Sanja Matsuri - Held in the middle of May at the
famous Asakusa shrine, this is one of Tokyo's
3 largest festivals. The highlight is when the 'Mikoshi'
(shrines carrying deities) are escorted through the streets
above the sounds of the cheering spectators. Renowned
for being a 'wild' festival it may proove to be an interesting
experience.
