Festivals in Japan

Japan is a country that is rich in festivals, which are known as Matsuri. Throughout the year, festivals that are often sponsored or hosted by shrines and temples are held to celebrate special historical events or changing of the seasons or to offer prayers to the gods. Many of Japan’s festivals are based from their ancient religion of Shintoism. Some festivals are celebrated in a day while others may last for several days.

Most of the festivals involve processions of decorated floats, martial arts exhibition and an abundance of food and drinks that are served from street stalls known as yatai.

Since Japan is a country that enjoys the four distinct seasons in a year – winter, spring, summer and fall or autumn – Japanese festivals are also often held in line with the season of the year.