Akita Kantō 秋田竿燈まつり
The Akita Kantō Festival is a celebration of a good harvest. It is believed to have originated in the Edo period as an event called Neburi Nagashi, which was meant to purify people of bad spirits and illnesses during the hot O-bon season in the summer. The festival features around 200 bamboo poles, called Kanto, that are 5-12 meters long, decorated with 24-46 lanterns and wooden wands called gohei, and weigh up to 50 kilograms. These Kanto are carried by participants through the streets at night. The city comes alive with color as over 270 Kanto are displayed on the main streets. During the day, the festival features balance performers showing off their skills. The Akita Kantō Festival is one of the main festivals in the Tōhoku region.
Highlights
Kanto parade
Kanto balance performance
Music and dance performances
Food and game stalls
Venue
- In front of Akita Museum of Art
Address
1 Chome-4-2 Nakadori, Akita, 010-0001
Getting There
- 6 minutes walk from Akita Station (秋田駅)
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