Take a peek into the bucket lists of many travelers in Japan and you’ll see this purpose of visit: to experience a real Japanese festival.
Such events in the country are seriously the greatest in the world. While, like the rest, these festivals are a way to thank the gods or saints, Japan’s festivals give gratitude for prosperity, to ask for a bountiful harvest, or to pray to be safeguarded from natural disasters, such as tsunamis.
Today, participating in an authentic Japanese festival immerses the tourist in ancient rituals and performances. In Hiroshima, spectacle awaits. Gear up to create unforgettable moments as you discover the must-experience festivals in Hiroshima, from those involving religion to those about oysters!
1. Miyajima Oyster Festival
Hiroshima isn’t only known for that bombing site in world history, but this place is also synonymous with seafood. In fact, Hiroshima is a top producer of oysters. So, it is just right for the Prefecture’s Miyajima Island to offer a tribute to such an important delicacy in Japanese cuisine.
Happening every February of the year, that time when Japanese oysters are the best-tasting, the Miyajima Oyster Festival treats attendees to various kinds of oyster dishes, including clay pot oysters, steamed oysters, fried oysters, oysters with rice, oyster and egg soup, and, of course, okonomiyaki. Be present at the square in front of the Miyajima pier to witness the moment.
2. Toukasan Festival
In Hiroshima, the arrival of the summer season is widely celebrated. The Toukasan is the festival for this. It honors Touka Daimyojin, the guardian god of Enryu-ji Temple, built in 1619 by one of Hiroshima’s feudal lords. Thus, this event has been held for over four centuries now. Like how a celebrity appears to the public, the deity, Inari Daimyojin, is believed to make its presence during this festival, sharing its divine power with the attendees.
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3. Hiroshima Ebisu Festival
There are actually three major festivals in Hiroshima. Aside from the Toukasan, the others are the Ebisu and the Sumiyoshi Shrine Summer festivals.
The Hiroshima Ebisu Festival, meanwhile, welcomes the arrival of the winter season. But it is also a huge shopping event. It’s not the 11.11 or 12.12 online shopping sale, but since the name of the festival is from the Japanese god of commerce, shops that sell komazarae bamboo rakes adorned with gold coins and a treasure ship are the main event here. The nearby road is closed to traffic as it is where kagura dance and taiko drum performances are held.
4. Sumiyoshi-san Summer Festival
Another festival celebrating Japan’s summer is the Sumiyoshi-san or the Sumiyoshi Shrine Summer Festival. The Sumiyoshi Shrine is dedicated to water gods, but even if it’s about waters and summer, it is unlike the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand because there are no shooting waters here. Instead, this local festival has neighborhood streets lined with festive food and game stalls. Some participants ride traditional oar-powered boats to journey on the river around the venue. Kids also get to enjoy kagura shows, and the more devout visit the shrine to pray for good health and fortune. The festival ends with a mesmerizing fireworks display.
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5. Hiroshima Flower Festival
Flower festivals are famous in various parts of the world, from the Amsterdam Tulip Festival to the Panagbenga Festival in the Philippines. Hiroshima has its own take on this, of course. Held each May of the year, the Hiroshima Flower Festival is among the most colorful in Japan. The city transforms into a floral paradise to celebrate with musical performances and dance shows.
6. Miyajima Kangen-sai Festival
As the name implies, the Miyajima Kangen-sai Festival is a music fest and religious celebration. Touted as the largest and greatest festival of its kind in Hiroshima, this event is held at the Itsukushima Shrine. This gathering has been conducted since the Heian period from 794 to 1185.
There’s a portable shrine carrying Itsukushima’s gods moved between the other shrines nearby via a Goza boat. As you witness the procession, kangen music plays. Kangen is a type of classical Japanese court music played on nine instruments, including strings, drums, and flutes.
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7. Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival
Hiroshima’s Miyajima is filled with events, and kids from around the world always look forward to the Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival. It’s a family-friendly event that features thousands of fireworks launched over the Seto Inland Sea, creating an Instagrammable display of lights against the backdrop of Itsukushima Shrine.
8. Saijo Sake Festival
What’s the point of tasting great oysters without ending them with uber-authentic sake? Hiroshima is proud of Saijo, a district that produces high-quality sake. Saijo hosts a Sake Festival every October where local breweries are on hype to allow you to try various kinds of sake. It’s also the opportunity to learn how to make the tastiest sake and enjoy food pairings.
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Considering yourself the energetic traveler who fancies attending festivals in South America or India? You’ll surely find Japan’s festivals quite unique. Nothing could get more exciting than a festival celebrating oysters and river processions that will let you take a glimpse at the religious heritage of the country. What are you waiting for? Save those dates now on your calendar!
Looking to dive deeper into Hiroshima’s rich culture and history? Join our local tour guides for our Hiroshima Free Walking Tour!
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