Japanese festival 2025.9

Here are some notable Japanese festivals (matsuri) that take place in September, with descriptions to help foreign tourists understand them.

1. Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (岸和田だんじり祭)

• Location: Kishiwada, Osaka Prefecture

• Dates: Typically the third weekend of September.

• Overview: This is one of Japan's most famous and dynamic festivals. It involves pulling large, exquisitely carved wooden floats called danjiri through the narrow streets at high speeds. The highlight is when the float's crew jumps and dances on top of it as it makes sharp turns. It's a thrilling spectacle of power, skill, and local pride.

• Why it's unique: It’s an intensely energetic and exciting event that showcases a completely different side of Japanese festival culture.

• Website: https://www.city.kishiwada.lg.jp/site/danjiri/

2. Nagasaki Kunchi (長崎くんち)

• Location: Nagasaki Prefecture

• Dates: October 7th to 9th (but some related events may start in late September).

• Overview: While officially in October, it's worth mentioning because preparations begin in September. This is Nagasaki's most famous festival, known for its mix of traditional Japanese and foreign influences from China and the Netherlands, reflecting the city's history as a port for foreign trade. Performances include dragon dances (Jaodori) and floats shaped like ships (Kasa-hoko).

• Why it's unique: It offers a rare glimpse into a unique fusion of Japanese and international cultures.

• Website: https://nagasaki-kunchi.com/

3. Owara Kaze no Bon (おわら風の盆)

                                           

• Location: Yatsuo, Toyama Prefecture

• Dates: September 1st to 3rd

• Overview: A very elegant and melancholic festival. Young men and women perform a graceful, synchronized dance through the streets to the sad melody of the shamisen and kokyū. The dancers wear straw hats that hide their faces, adding to the mysterious and quiet atmosphere.

• Why it's unique: Unlike the loud, energetic festivals, this one is known for its graceful beauty and quiet, emotional mood. It's a completely different and deeply moving experience.

• Website: https://www.yatsuo.net/kazenobon

4. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitai Festival (鶴岡八幡宮例大祭)

• Location: Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

• Dates: September 14th to 16th

• Overview: This is the annual festival of the famous Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. The main highlight is the Yabusame (流鏑馬) on the 16th, which is a traditional form of mounted archery where archers on horseback shoot at targets. It's a demonstration of samurai skills.

• Why it's unique: It's a chance to see a historical and very impressive samurai tradition in a beautiful setting.

• Website : https://www.hachimangu.or.jp/en/

5. Tokyo Game Show

• Location: Makuhari Messe, Chiba Prefecture (near Tokyo)

• Dates: Usually in mid to late September.

• Overview: While not a traditional "matsuri," it's a massive and very popular cultural event that attracts huge crowds. It's one of the world's largest video game conventions, showcasing new games, hardware, and technology.

• Why it's unique: For tourists interested in modern Japanese pop culture, it's a must-see event to experience the vibrant gaming industry.

• Website : https://tgs.cesa.or.jp/en