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UPCOMINGFREE ENTRYMatsuri· Annual
Kanto Matsuri
竿燈まつり
Akita · Tohoku
A spectacular festival featuring large poles topped with 46 paper lanterns balanced by a single person. Acrobatics, music, and laughter are on the programme to chase away evil spirits.
- Dates
- August 3–6Dates follow the event's usual annual pattern — confirm with the organizer before you travel.
- Location
- Akita · Tohoku
- Nearest station
- Akita Station · 23 min walk
- Crowd level
- National attendance
- Entry
- Free entry
- Official site
- kantou.gr.jp/english
Happens every year
What to expect
The night sky of Akita City glows with the warm light of hundreds of paper lanterns swaying atop tall bamboo poles. The rhythmic beat of taiko drums and cheers from the crowd fill the air as performers balance the poles skillfully.
Best viewing tips
For the best view, position yourself along Chuo Dori Street where the main parade occurs. Arrive by early evening to secure a spot, and bring a camera to capture the lanterns' glow against the night sky.
How to get there
From Sendai Station · ~3h 17m by car
Your turn
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