Probably the best known Japanese festivals are the ones that take place in Summer, with beautiful and colorful fireworks. Even if the firework festivals are popular attraction, there are many other characteristic festivals throughout the year in Japan, and they are always worth a visit. In Autumn, for instance, there are three traditional festivals in Yamanashi, Mt.Fuji's prefecture, full of natural wonders and celebrations, and they are all absolutely worth a visit.
Ohassaku, the Harvest Festival in Tsuru, Mt.Fuji's Foothills City
The Hassaku Festival, locally called Ohassaku, is a traditional harvest festival held in Tsuru, one of Mt.Fuji's foothills cities in Yamanashi prefecture. Despite being a small foothills city, Tsuru has a long and rich history as one of the most prosperous towns in the area since the Nara period (710-794). The prosperity reached its peak during the Sengoku period (1467-1568), when it was ruled by the Takeda family, one of Japan's famous Samurai clans.
The term “Hassaku” means fertile harvest and is held on the 1st of August in the Japanese lunisolar calendar. In our current calendar, it's calculated that it should fall around the first week of September, hence why Ohassaku has been held on the 1st September every year since the late 19th century.
According to some old documents from the area, this festival's history dates to at least 200 years ago.
What makes Ohassaku so unique is the extravagant Daimyo procession, where more than a hundred people fully dressed up in historical costumes parade through the town, impersonating the regional lord (Daimyo) and his court: it's said that every year around 100,000 participants join this parade.
Among the many attractions this festival has to offer, visitors can admire the beauty of the kimono-clad princess, the famous dance of the lions. While enjoying the show visitors can take some time to enjoy the food from the many food stalls set up around the town. There is also Japanese traditional instrumental orchestras (Ohayashi), in tuned with the festival, playing in the background.
The term “Hassaku” means fertile harvest and is held on the 1st of August in the Japanese lunisolar calendar. In our current calendar, it's calculated that it should fall around the first week of September, hence why Ohassaku has been held on the 1st September every year since the late 19th century.
According to some old documents from the area, this festival's history dates to at least 200 years ago.
What makes Ohassaku so unique is the extravagant Daimyo procession, where more than a hundred people fully dressed up in historical costumes parade through the town, impersonating the regional lord (Daimyo) and his court: it's said that every year around 100,000 participants join this parade.
Among the many attractions this festival has to offer, visitors can admire the beauty of the kimono-clad princess, the famous dance of the lions. While enjoying the show visitors can take some time to enjoy the food from the many food stalls set up around the town. There is also Japanese traditional instrumental orchestras (Ohayashi), in tuned with the festival, playing in the background.
How to visit?
From Tokyo to Yamanashi Prefecture : about 2 hours by train or car
From Fuji-Kyuko line Akasaka station : 15 minutes walk
From Tsuru IC : 10 minutes by car
From Fuji-Kyuko line Akasaka station : 15 minutes walk
From Tsuru IC : 10 minutes by car
Anzan Festival with the Scenic View of Lake Yamanaka
In the Minami-Tsuru district, located in central Yamanashi, visitors can attend the famous Anzan festival, every year from the 4th to the 6th of September. To celebrate childbirth and grant easier labor and deliver.
Another name the Anzan festival is commonly referred to is “Harabote” festival, with “Harabote” is an old-fashioned expression used for pregnancy.
The Anzan festival was first held in the Yamanaka Suwa shrine, one of Japan's oldest shrines, located right next to Lake Yamanaka and Mt.Fuji: its history dates to the Edo period (1603-1868).
It's quite unusual, not to say challenging, to hold a festival for three consecutive days: nonetheless the Anzan festival manages to offer several energetic attractions each day, such as the carrying of the divine palanquin (Mikoshi) and a marching parade of heart-warming mothers and children.
Its main highlight is a parade of newlyweds and/or pregnant women following the main group of participants. Just seeing all of them marching together makes a quite impressive sight.
Another name the Anzan festival is commonly referred to is “Harabote” festival, with “Harabote” is an old-fashioned expression used for pregnancy.
The Anzan festival was first held in the Yamanaka Suwa shrine, one of Japan's oldest shrines, located right next to Lake Yamanaka and Mt.Fuji: its history dates to the Edo period (1603-1868).
It's quite unusual, not to say challenging, to hold a festival for three consecutive days: nonetheless the Anzan festival manages to offer several energetic attractions each day, such as the carrying of the divine palanquin (Mikoshi) and a marching parade of heart-warming mothers and children.
Its main highlight is a parade of newlyweds and/or pregnant women following the main group of participants. Just seeing all of them marching together makes a quite impressive sight.
How to visit?
From Tokyo to Yamanashi Prefecture : about 2 hours by train or car
From JR Gotenba station : 50 minutes by bus and 10 minutes walk
From Yamanaka-Lake IC : 5 minutes by car
From JR Gotenba station : 50 minutes by bus and 10 minutes walk
From Yamanaka-Lake IC : 5 minutes by car
Surrounded by Green, Kishimojin Festival in Shoboji
Another well known Autumn festival is the Kishimojin festival, named after the goddess of childbirth and children. This festival is held at the Shoboji temple in Showacho, the only town in Yamanashi's Nakakoma district. Showacho is a small town located in central Yamanashi prefecture, with a size of just 9.15 square kilometers and a population of less than twenty thousand inhabitants.
The Kishimojin festival also dates to Edo period (1603-1868), when the local river flooded the area: there is a legend that one day, a smile-faced statue of the goddess drifted to the town carried by the flood. Shortly after the locals thought it was necessary to build a temple in order to celebrate her arrival.
The Kishimojin festival is held every year on the 7th September at the Shoboji temple: on that day a group of priests get together to rhythmically pray for this special occasion at Shoboji temple.
At the Kishimojin festival, a group of priests pray for the fortune and well-being of both delivering mothers and newborn babies.
In addition to the food stalls and other various events aimed at younger audience, visitors can participate in a Japanese tea ceremony held in Shoin style room, where they can enjoy the taste of freshly brewed green tea.
The Kishimojin festival also dates to Edo period (1603-1868), when the local river flooded the area: there is a legend that one day, a smile-faced statue of the goddess drifted to the town carried by the flood. Shortly after the locals thought it was necessary to build a temple in order to celebrate her arrival.
The Kishimojin festival is held every year on the 7th September at the Shoboji temple: on that day a group of priests get together to rhythmically pray for this special occasion at Shoboji temple.
At the Kishimojin festival, a group of priests pray for the fortune and well-being of both delivering mothers and newborn babies.
In addition to the food stalls and other various events aimed at younger audience, visitors can participate in a Japanese tea ceremony held in Shoin style room, where they can enjoy the taste of freshly brewed green tea.
How to visit?
From Tokyo to Yamanashi Prefecture : about 2 hours by train or car
From JR Kokubo station : 20 minutes walk
From Kofu-Showa IC : 10 minutes by car
From JR Kokubo station : 20 minutes walk
From Kofu-Showa IC : 10 minutes by car
Yamanashi is Blessed with Nature, the Colorful Attractions
via pixabay.com
Apart from Seasonal festival, Yamanashi has a lot to offer to its visitors throughout the year.
Nature lovers will find a great spot for hiking and exploring the natural wonders of Yamanashi: Lake Yamanaka and Lake Oshino-Hakkai offer fantastic landscapes and are highly recommended. Visitors looking for a one-day excursion to be surrounded by fresh air, should aim for the beautiful gorges of Shosenkyo and Nishizawa.
Finally, for all those who wish to spend some time wandering in the wild, the areas around the Kiyosato Plateau. Mt.Yatsugatake and Japan's highest mountain, Mt.Fuji, all make an exciting destination, filled with adventure and hidden treasures.
Yamanashi is also a popular destination for food lovers or families: anyone wishing to try some of the best Japanese seasonal fresh fruits will be delighted by the plentiful selection the prefecture can offer. The Fall harvest is always bountiful: due to the cool climate in mountainous environment, peaches can be harvested until early September, while grapes and pears are the must-eat fruits for the following months. Even while driving or hiking, visitors can always spot vineyards all over the prefecture, and we are sure that the quality of the grapes will not have you disappointed.
Nature lovers will find a great spot for hiking and exploring the natural wonders of Yamanashi: Lake Yamanaka and Lake Oshino-Hakkai offer fantastic landscapes and are highly recommended. Visitors looking for a one-day excursion to be surrounded by fresh air, should aim for the beautiful gorges of Shosenkyo and Nishizawa.
Finally, for all those who wish to spend some time wandering in the wild, the areas around the Kiyosato Plateau. Mt.Yatsugatake and Japan's highest mountain, Mt.Fuji, all make an exciting destination, filled with adventure and hidden treasures.
Yamanashi is also a popular destination for food lovers or families: anyone wishing to try some of the best Japanese seasonal fresh fruits will be delighted by the plentiful selection the prefecture can offer. The Fall harvest is always bountiful: due to the cool climate in mountainous environment, peaches can be harvested until early September, while grapes and pears are the must-eat fruits for the following months. Even while driving or hiking, visitors can always spot vineyards all over the prefecture, and we are sure that the quality of the grapes will not have you disappointed.
