Festivals

All of Toyama Prefecture

Toyama summer festivals - parade through the city, sing and dance!

There are large and small festivals that are deeply rooted throughout Japan. The "shishi-mai" lion dance - an ancient and traditional art of Japan, and parades through the city streets led by "Hikiyama" (gorgeously decorated giant floats) are well-known events in Toyama. Toyama is also home to many dances, one of which is "Owara Kaze No Bon". The Kaze No Bon festival is held every year from September 1 to 3 with young men and women dancing through the streets. The "Tonami Yotaka Matsuri" is also held in June and is famous as a fighting festival. Festivals are held in Toyama in all four seasons, but the summer festivals are the real highlight.

Three days where persons both young and old dance in the summer heat

Owara Kaze No Bon is highlighted by three dances. "Machi-nagashi" is the parade of dancers through the streets to music. There is a night-time component and day-time component, and the colorful costumes decorate the city. "Wa Odori" is a dance performed by dancers in a circle. It is a rustic dance that can be considered the prototype of the "Bon Odori" dances held throughout Japan during summer. "Butai Odori" is dance performed by men and women on a special stage. Each team gives it their all to showcase this traditional dance. These Japanese dances are quite unique, but you will fit in just fine by watching and imitating the movements. The sound and rhythm of the festival should be deeply ingrained in your body.

Yotaka Andon lanterns emerge in the early summer night.

Another summer charm of Toyama is the "Tonami Yotaka Matsuri" that is tradition in the Tonami region of Toyama Prefecture. Brilliantly-colored Yotaka lanterns created with bamboo and washi paper are paraded through the streets from dusk. Although there are various regions in Japan with their own lantern parades, the lanterns of the Toyama "Tonami Yotaka Matsuri" are considered to boast the most delicate workmanship and design. The festival reaches its climax around 9pm with the spectacular collisions between the huge lantern floats. Two lanterns purposely collide with each other at full power from dozens of meters away while onlookers shout "Yoiyasa!" Observing the sudden change in personality of the usually gentle locals of Toyama passionately participating in the festival is also an interesting aspect of the festival.

For reference

Owara Kaze No Bon

Address

Yatsuomachi Kamishin-machi, Toyama-shi, Toyama Prefecture
Telephone

076-454-5138 (Toyama Yatsuo Tourism Association)
Dates

Festival eve: August 20-30, festival: September 1-3
Access

Toyama Kitokito Airport is a 1 hour flight from Haneda Airport.
Toyama Kitokito Airport is a 1 hour, 30 minute flight from New Chitose Airport.
Take the shuttle bus from Toyama Kitokito Airport to JR Toyama Station (25 min).
Take the train from JR Toyama Station to JR Etchu-Yatsuo Station (25 min).
The heart of the festival is a 10-minute taxi ride from JR Etchu-Yatsuo Station.
Website

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

Tonami Yotaka Matsuri

Address

The downtown area of Tonami-shi Demachi, Toyama Prefecture
Telephone

0763-33-2109 (Tonami Yotaka Shinkokai)
Dates

The second Saturday and Sunday of June each year
Access

Toyama Kitokito Airport is a 1 hour flight from Haneda Airport.
Toyama Kitokito Airport is a 1 hour, 30 minute flight from New Chitose Airport.
Take the shuttle bus from Toyama Kitokito Airport to JR Toyama Station (25 min).
Take the train from JR Toyama Station to JR Tonami Station via JR Takaoka Station (1 hour).
The heart of the festival is a 15-minute walk from JR Tonami Station.