The 3 Great Summer Festivals of North Japan

The official 3 great festivals of Northern Tohoku are Tanabata, Kanto, and Nebuta, not Sansa, Kanto, and Nebuta... but Tanabata is just decorations with no events or even festival music, so I'm intentionally replacing it.... (Take that, Sendai!)
(Also- I should have specified these are the biggest for Northern Tohoku, not all of north Japan, as Yamagata and Fukushima, which are in southern Tohoku, have some pretty major ones as well. Hope to get down there for some of those next year!)
Special thanks to Pete Leong of Pete Leong Photography - a recent addition to the community up here in Iwate. He does great work promoting Shizukuishi and takes great photos, which he was kind to let me use for this video! (The close festival photos are mostly his!) Find him on instagram here: / peteleongphotography
The video I referenced about the August 16th Funekko Nagashi Festival in Morioka is here: • Dragon Boat Festival i...
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早苗阿部

[@GoNorthJapan]

If you're interested, I posted a more casual, VLOG-style video of walking around Sansa on my Patreon feed.

[@fqras]

Damn, I want to go there!

[@corikra1392]

Loved those festivals! I basically dedicated my holiday in 2019 to visiting as many of them in Northern Japan as the dates would allow (Japan Rail Pass came in handy). My favourite one was Tachineputa in Goshogawara because of the super tall floats 👍😁, Kanto in Akita was also cool because of the skill displayed. They are all definitely worth visiting if you get the chance!

[@GoNorthJapan]

NICE! Sounds like a great trip!

[@PeteLeong]

Great stuff. Cheers for the shout out mate! Can’t wait for the next round of fests next week!

[@HeatherHalavais]

Lovely rundown of the different festivals! The food did look great at the first one. I think the Nebuta had the best looking floats. I love how gorgeous and high they are built. These summer festivals are a great way to get out and have some fun after a two year break! Thanks for the footage!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thanks! I did initially try to do film it in a more VLOG style, but it was loud, crowded, and hard to concentrate so I did it like this. I'll try a different style for the next couple festivals next week!

[@manfredmarschik]

Danke!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thank you as always! Very much appreciated!!

[@sasakisadao8]

Despite being from Akita, I haven't been to any of those big festivals. I know it's shameful, but the footage brings back the fondest memories of my childhood at small local festivals. Thanks for the entertaining footage.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Hope you get the chance to see them!

[@WindCat64]

I would love to go to these festivals ❤️ I think they are the only thing that makes me want to travel to Japan in summer, because everyone says summer in Japan is tedious 😅. Definitely going to be there some day. Thanks for the video!

[@GoNorthJapan]

To be fair, summer in north Japan and Hokkaido is not so bad really. It's just hell in Kanto and Kansai.

[@WindCat64]

@@GoNorthJapan Good to know! Then my summer trip will be focused on North Japan 😊

[@rienobe4423]

Thank you for introducing Kanto Festival! I live in Akita. I'm so sorry you couldn't find craft beer there! There were three main food stand areas and two of them sold Akita's craft beer on tap!! I hope you will come Kanto Festival again for drinking our craft beers!!!.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thanks for letting me know! Goes to show I just didn't look hard enough! Next year I'll remedy that! Thanks!!

[@ms.kayak7seas]

Hi and thanks. GoNorth Japan for sharing. First, I would like to send a big congrats on surpassing "23K" and more to come. Any shout-out? OMG, I have never been to any of the Summer festivals. Sansa >>>"Iwa -- te,” which means “rock-- hand.” Kanto>>>The purpose of "Namahage" is to encourage young children to obey their parents and behave. Nebuta>>>The floats portray mostly historical or mythical figures, gods, or images of "Kabuki" In the past, Nebuta was often banned by the government due to the potential fire hazard. This ban was put into place during World War II. The light source in the float was originally a candle but was eventually changed to incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs. The frame changed from bamboo to wire to lower the risk of fire. Thank you for your honesty regarding the rating of the festival itself and vendors. Although, we shall consider that scale-down is set in place still this year. Well done. I wish you could visit "Hakata Gion Yamakasa" someday even though it is situated in the south of Japan. Sorry, I was out on an adventure myself, and please allow me some time to catch up on your recent videos. 🙋‍♀🙋‍♀🛶🛶 Tickled your bell.

[@VerhoevenSimon]

All interesting festivals, and thank you for adding the context. I think out of the three the last one holds the most charm to me.

[@Itami95]

Nebuta festival is one I’ve always wanted to go to. Good to learn about the other ones as well. Thanks.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Hopefully see you there next year!

[@DadCanJapan]

Nice job on the 3 different festivals. I would love to see them. Unfortunately, the Hachioji summer festival was cancelled 1 week before it was supposed to happen because of Covid - 3 years now without it. I miss the taiko drumming and, since we have quite a few foreigners here, the delicious ethnic food. Also, as an English teacher, thumbs up for correcting yourself: 'less' -> 'fewer' 🙂

[@CelticUchuu]

Lots of interesting festivals in Japan. Sansa Odori would likely be something to watch the full parade of once, then in future years go but only catch glimpes of the parade while spending most of the time in the other parts. Kanto would be interesting to see at least once. Tachi Neputa would be the most interesting for the floats.

[@jayphillips4942]

Another awesome video, thank you for sharing John what were those corn dog looking foods?

[@franciscofranco4520]

Love the Nebuta Festival!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Same!

[@RanDom-bk8tt]

Thank you for sharing!! This was so interesting.

[@lindafelixporter565]

Beautiful!

[@thewashas]

I love this video!! And I loved the Drum Festival when I was there. I liked watching each group and didn't want to miss any of them! There is another one in early September that we went to, they were carrying heavy floats and chanting something? Hope you can show to that one too. It might have been in Hanamaki. Life is so good!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Yeah, Hanamaki festival has the Mikoshi, the floats, and dancing! That's definitely on top of my list. Unfortunately, this year I'll be in Hokkaido for work the weekend that it's happening so I can't go. Next year!

[@s70driver2005]

Great video Quinlan san!!! I think the end should've been see you at the festivals instead of trails. Lol

[@chrstopherblighton-sande2981]

What a fun little guide to these festivals! They are so visually stunning from the clothing to the floats. Gorgeous. The format of this was informative and entertaining, I look forward to seeing more videos like this on other festivals throughout the year and can't wait to see what that fighting festival you mentioned is all about. I'm a huge fan of these local communal festivals - they remind me of the festivals in Galicia (Spain) which while different in many ways (though substitute a mikoshi for a statue of Mary or some saint, and some of them seem very similar) have that lovely mix of spectacle, local food and community which I love. Sadly here in the UK there don't seem to be many left anymore - my nearest town's similar local festival with floats and parades was discontinued in the early 90s - which is a real shame. I'm curious Quinlan, as someone who likes the winter as much as you do, and knowing there are some matsuri in that season too, do you have a favourite festival during the year and if so is it a winter one?

[@GoNorthJapan]

A favorite festival is difficult, because there are so many. Probably my favorite is the Kokusekiji Sominsai. It's a marathon! 10 hours of insanity with fire, snow, and icy water in the middle of the winter. It's hard to film because of the darkness, cold an sheer length, but I'll do my best to share it this winter if at all possible!

[@chrstopherblighton-sande2981]

@@GoNorthJapan It sounds like a fantastic spectacle! Looking forward seeing more about it later in the year 🙂

[@Km0577]

Useful info!

[@usafchii3]

Aomori Nebuta dances with the floats. I got to see the festival last year via youtube. I will be in Goshogawara next year for Tachi Neputa.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Sounds great!

[@WenziMan]

Thanks for the video! loved it.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Glad to hear it!

[@user-eb7lz6xh7t]

I am new to your channel but already love it very much. Especially I am impressed with your enthusiasm to Japanese culture/nature, which makes me wonder if your kind of field works are pointing to an eligibility for an academic Ph.D in anthropological fields such as folklore. I also feel you have great sensitivity which may leads you to be a writer like Lafcadio Hearn（Koizumi Yakumo is his Japanese name）in today's digital media.

[@richardwilliams877]

What Quinlan is really saying: 'check out mah RGBs!!!!' :D:D Awesome video! I really hope I can see some of this side of Japan the next time I visit (ie: 75% of my prior trips were about eating, buying anime figures and them eating more!). Amazing footage as always! Random question: what's the heat like at these festivals during the summer? I can't deal with heat, but I don't have that much experience with heat outside of a city now I'm an old person who can't deal with heat, heh...

[@GoNorthJapan]

The heat isn't too bad usually, especially since the festivals get going in the evening when it's a bit cooler. But it's much cooler up here in North Japan to begin with.

[@Don_Rodrigo44]

what a great video mate if i had one criticism of the way most of the japan content you see on youtube these days is it very much feels like tourism ads but this video and your channel on the whole just has that feeling of just a dude in japan doing his thing, its a more personal touch i guess is what im trying to say and i really appreciate it. Thanks for the great video

[@GoNorthJapan]

Hey thanks! I appreciate that. I am indeed just a dude in Japan doing my thing! LOL

[@repHAWAIIxJPN]

Really enjoyed learning a bit more about different festivals !

[@etherdog]

Thanks for the descriptions and historical context for these festivals, Quinlan! It helps to understand what is going on.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Glad you liked it!

[@michaelsmith7193]

Oh, I would love to see all three! Funny, ironic coincidence for me this morning before viewing your latest KZbin offering: I was trying to purchase some specialized fishing tackle from a small vendor in Japan (as an aside, many U.S. anglers regard “JDM” tackle as the world’s best), when I noted the merchant’s caution that they would not be processing orders August 13 - 15 due to the “holiday festival” (which wasn’t specified). Not a quarter hour later, the notification of your latest episode pops up!

[@GoNorthJapan]

Yeah- lots of businesses close for the Obon holiday! Definitely have heard about Japanese fishing tackle. I even have a friend that designs and manufactures lures for sea fishing, and another whose husband has a workshop crafting rods for fly fishing...

[@user-ny1hf1li3k]

Qさん昨日は絡んでくれてありがとう😊 思った以上に真面目なチャンネルでびっくりです‼️

[@GoNorthJapan]

見てくれてありがとうございます。

[@davegetssocial]

Quinlan... when are you going to team up with a small batch craft brewery to create your own beer? That would be cool content too. I know you normally do outdoor activities but it would be good to see some breweries in northern Japan.

[@GoNorthJapan]

I actually did home brewing for about 5 years, and I really miss it! I would love to get involved with something like that! If I find any opportunities, I'll be on it!

[@gogakushayemi]

Me always wondering why KZbin never tells me about your vids and I have to find ou on Facebook. Whoops didn't subscribe. Fixed it! Nebuta jumping dance is the most energetic dance I have ever seen live. Makes my knees hurt just watching. I have also hear that Sansa has the record for largest drum parade as well. Kanto never really impressed me. I worked next to a Kanto practice site for 2.5 years. It really depends on the wind, but I do think that they spend most time falling. lol. I have been to that fighting boat festival. It is a little more toned down now, because a couple died back when it was at its wildest. Still cray though. Here in Fukushima, we have the giant slipper festival (Waraji) and that one does not impress me either. lol

[@GoNorthJapan]

Hahahaha, nice to see so much to have a critical eye and be unimpressed with things that would probably wow most people that aren't local. But I hear you! Yeah- I've been to the Yokote fighting one 3 times so far, and I remember them praying before they began at the spot where someone died before it started.

[@flavorhostage]

There is no way you're going to convince me to visit Japan in the summer. I lived near Osaka for several years and I think I read on Wikipedia that Northern Japan is even more humid (if that's even possible). So thank you for going to the festivals for me! I do miss them, but I don't miss going outside at night and wondering why it was still so hot. Maybe if I move to Japan someday... I have seen some of the floats at The Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse in Aomori City, and there are Kanto festival lanterns demonstrations in Akita City even in late summer (I was there 9/21/19) so you don't get the rest of the festival but you can see some of the parts without going in the summer. :)

[@GoNorthJapan]

I don't think it's that humid up in Iwate actually. Or at least it doesn't feel that bad compared to what I remember in Kanto. At any rate, it's already cooled off. Feels like autumn!

[@flavorhostage]

@@GoNorthJapan Maybe up in the mountains, but Ichinoseki/Hiraizumi were really humid when I visited. (Visited Sekinoichi Brewing, for the main part.) :)

[@GoNorthJapan]

@@flavorhostage Ah, southern Iwate! Yeah- that's a totally different climate, LOL. Morioka and Hachimantai are nowhere near that bad.

[@8aba_Yaga]

Your videos are always beautiful and informative, but would you be able to upload in HDR as well so we can see the true beauty of these places, thanks 😍

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thanks! I've been uploading everything in 4K for a while now. That's the best that I can do with my equipment.

[@darkforest6811]

Wow, so many festivals! Is it very hot and humid for the summer festivals in the north of Japan or is it a little cooler?

[@GoNorthJapan]

It's not that hot and humid up here, but early August is maybe the hottest time of year here.

[@MarkLee-ls8zd]

Q, Enjoy your work

[@GoNorthJapan]

Thank you!

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

We hope to visit the north the next time we go to Japan - probably in winter or the Autumn - But we're a little wary of the heat in Summer. How hot compared to Tokyo does it get up in Tohoku in the Summer? We happened to fluke being in Takachiho the day of the Spring Festival a couple of years ago. Very small, not spectacular like these, but totally cool to be there when it happened.

[@GoNorthJapan]

It gets fairly hot for a week or too, maybe up to 30. But doesn't stay that hot for long, and it's much cooler than Tokyo!

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

@@GoNorthJapan Excellent, thanks!

[@sonomama82]

Sansa is cool but honestly Hanamaki Festival has a much more exciting vibe. I think all the different groups carrying mikoshi just has great vibe. After carrying mikoshi for like 5 years though I think I am done. Being 6 feet tall and carrying a mikoshi is like a death sentence for your shoulder.

[@GoNorthJapan]

Totally agree about Hanamaki Matsuri! It's one of my favorites. I've carried the Mikoshi 3 or 4 times there too, but I'm only 5'8", so no problem. Super bummed I'll be out of town for work for it this year.

[@sonomama82]

@@GoNorthJapan apparently they will only be displaying the mikoshi this year though and not carrying them. Sounds so lame. I think people are still being stupid about corona as the rest of the world has already moved on. LOL

[@GoNorthJapan]

@@sonomama82 ah, no big loss then...

[@grenm9]

Those are so cool, why don't we have festival in America

[@GoNorthJapan]

We've got the Gravitron at the county fairs... and beer tents... LOL (In my first version of this video I had a lot more talking - believe it or not- and I did some compare/contrast stuff with American festivals and talked about the county fairs, etc. But it was waaaay too long so I cut it down.)

[@fqras]

I see a pc with RGB lights. What games do you play? 😅

[@GoNorthJapan]

Ahahaha, busted. I've been building my own PCs for something like 20 years. Not really playing anything these days, but I did play through Elden Ring when it came out.

[@fqras]

@@GoNorthJapan Haha nice. Thats an awesome game!