Kanto Matsuri

One of the Tohoku Three Great Festivals, held August 3-6 in Akita City. The breathtaking skill of balancing 12-meter, 50-kilogram kanto poles on the forehead, hip, and shoulder is spectacular, with countless lanterns swaying in the night sky like golden ears of rice. Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, it prays for bountiful harvests.

A festival held August 1-7 in Hirosaki, Aomori. Featuring large fan-shaped lanterns called 'neputa,' it has a unique style distinct from Aomori's three-dimensional nebuta figures. Brave warrior paintings from Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin adorn the lanterns, fantastically illuminating Hirosaki's nights. It is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

A summer festival held in August in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, with traditions dating to the Edo period. Giant illuminated floats called 'nebuta' parade through town, featuring lavish designs of historical figures, warriors, and kabuki characters. Known for its vibrant aesthetic and energetic Haneto dancing, it is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A summer festival held in August in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. A variation of Tanabata traditions continuing since the Edo period, featuring giant human-shaped lanterns. A spectacular procession of light and sound through the Hirosaki Castle town, distinguished from the Nebuta Festival by its unique artistic expression and represents an important Northeast festival tradition.

A summer festival held in Hakodate, Hokkaido in August annually. Features Hakodate's unique decorative lanterns and dances distinct from Nebuta and Neputa traditions. Reflecting the city's history as a port town, it attracts approximately 2 million visitors and is one of Hokkaido's most representative festivals.

A premier summer festival of the Tohoku region held every August in Aomori City. Enormous illuminated warrior-themed floats called nebuta parade through the streets while dancers known as haneto leap to the chant of 'Rassera.' It is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.