Japanese festivals in December are not just traditional ceremonies, but also a symphony of culture, art and spirit. From solemn rituals to signature delicacies, each event is a feast of culture and friendship, bringing a sense of warmth and happiness in the cold of winter.
1. Festival of Light in Japan
Festivals not to be missed in winter in Japan (Photo source: Collected)
The Japanese light festival is one of the most magical experiences of winter. It is held in late November and lasts until the end of February. Therefore, these sparkling light festivals still take place along with the Japanese festivals in December. In the cold air, the bright lights shine, creating magical scenes like a fairyland.
With spectacular light shows, this festival transforms cities into living paintings, blending art and technology. Brilliant LED lights are delicately arranged at famous locations such as parks, temples and squares, creating magical and mystical scenes.
2. Chichibu Yomatsuri Night Festival
Chichibu Night Festival is one of the most prominent in the land of cherry blossoms (Photo source: Collected)
The Chichibu Yomatsuri Festival, held every December 2 and 3 in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, is one of Japan’s largest float festivals. Visitors can immerse themselves in the colorful atmosphere of the festival, where floats are lavishly decorated with lanterns, embroidered cloths and intricate carvings, accompanied by the resounding sounds of drums and flutes.
On the afternoon of December 3, six floats are placed in each district of the city, before they are carried through the streets at 7pm. The spectacular display ends with a fireworks display that lasts for nearly two and a half hours, lighting up the night sky, creating a magical setting for the festival. Stalls selling traditional dishes and sweet amazake are ready to help visitors beat the December chill.
3. Sendai Light Festival
Colorful lights at the Sendai light festival (Photo source: Collected)
Every December, Sendai lights up amid the cold winter with the Sendai Pageant of Starlight, a Japanese festival of December. From the beginning of the month until the end of the year, hundreds of thousands of sparkling Christmas lights shine along Jozenji-dori, transforming the area into a paradise of lights. At nearby Kotodai Park, dazzling illuminations combine with a temporary ice skating rink to create a warm and joyful atmosphere. The festival attracts families and is also a popular destination for couples, as they stroll together under the magical lights.
4. Ako Gishi-sai Festival
Ako Gishi-sai Festival - Japanese festival in December honoring heroes (Photo source: Collected)
The Ako Gishi-sai Japanese Festival, held on December 14 every year, is one of the most unique cultural events in the series of Japanese festivals in December, imbued with historical and traditional values.
Held in memory of the 47 Ronin, loyal Samurai who committed mass suicide to show their loyalty to their lord, the festival attracts a large number of tourists and locals. The climax of the event takes place at Sengakuji Temple, where the bodies of the Samurai are kept, where colorful parades take place with men in Samurai costumes and women in traditional Kimono.
The highlight of the festival is not only the quiet Gishi-Gyoretsu procession but also the reenactment of the famous tragedy of loyalty that is deeply engraved in the Japanese psyche. A variety of food stalls, from takoyaki to yakisoba, create a bustling atmosphere, contrasting with the solemn atmosphere of the memorial service and traditional dance at Sengakuji.
5. Kasuga Wakamiya On - Matsuri Festival
Traditional cultural festivals in December in the Land of the Rising Sun (Photo source: Collected)
The Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri Festival, held from December 15 to 18 at Kasuga Shrine, Nara, is one of the most colorful events in Japan's December festivals. Originating from wishes for a bountiful harvest and safety, the festival lasts four days.
The highlight is December 17, also known as Hon-Matsuri, when traditional musical performances such as kagura and bugaku shine, giving viewers an unforgettable experience. The dances and music have become important cultural heritages, reflecting the unique artistic beauty of the land of cherry blossoms.
In addition to the music, the parade at the festival is also a magical journey through time, with costumes from the Heian to Edo periods, allowing you to see more than 1,000 years of culture and traditional customs.
6. Hagoita - Ichi Festival
Extremely special festival in December in Japan (Photo source: Collected)
The Hagoita-ichi Festival, also known as the Racket Fair, takes place from December 17 to 19 at Asakusa Kanon Temple, Tokyo. It is a unique cultural event, imbued with the identity of the Land of the Rising Sun. Originating from the Edo period, this festival has become one of the highlights of the Japanese December festivals.
Here, visitors will admire the wooden rackets with rich shapes and bright colors, symbolizing good luck. These rackets are not only tools for the game of hanetsuki - a badminton sport played with large rackets, but also attractive decorative items, often designed with images of famous people and modern cultural icons.
7. Japanese Christmas
Christmas in Japan is filled with bright lights (Photo source: Collected)
Although not a traditional holiday, Christmas has become a big event in the hearts of Japanese people, especially during the Japanese festival in December. In the cold winter air, Japanese families enthusiastically decorate their houses and Christmas trees, turning every corner into a colorful picture. Cozy parties and meaningful gifts are exchanged between friends and relatives, creating moments full of love and connection.
8. Okera Mairi Festival
Okera Mairi Festival - A meaningful Japanese festival in December (Photo source: Collected)
As winter approaches, Japan’s December festivities kick into high gear with Okera Mairi, a colorful traditional festival held at Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. From 7pm on December 31 to 5am on January 1, thousands of worshippers gather to pray for a safe and prosperous new year.
Also known as the Sacred Fire Festival, Okera Mairi carries a profound meaning as the flames from Okera herbs not only dispel the evil spirits of the old year but also light up the hope for the new year. Participants not only enjoy the festival atmosphere but also bring the fire home, believing that it will bring good luck and health. When the bamboo strings burn in the dark night, the scene becomes a beautiful picture, the beginning of unforgettable memories.
December in Japan is a magical picture of light and color, where brilliant festivals welcome the new year. Let Vietravel take you on a journey to discover the Japanese Festival in December , where you will feel the unique cultural rhythm.
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/le-hoi-nhat-ban-thang-12-v15810.aspx
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