Japan’s northern Tohoku region is emerging as a summer destination, combining festivals, traditional culture and immersive experiences away from the country’s major urban centres.
Known for cooler summer weather and preserved local customs,
Tohoku offers travellers a chance to experience Japan’s heritage through
seasonal celebrations, rural communities and mountain retreats.
The region’s major summer festivals take place in early
August, with three of its most renowned events drawing visitors to Aomori,
Akita and Yamagata prefectures.
The Aomori Nebuta Festival, held from August 2–7, transforms
the city with enormous illuminated floats depicting warriors, mythical figures
and scenes from Japanese folklore.
Accompanied by taiko drummers, musicians and haneto dancers,
the festival allows visitors to participate directly by joining the parade in
traditional costumes.
In Akita, the Kanto Festival, held from August 3–6,
showcases performers balancing towering bamboo poles decorated with lanterns.
Some structures reach up to 12 metres high and are skilfully
supported on performers’ hips, shoulders or foreheads, reflecting a
centuries-old tradition originally linked to prayers for a successful harvest.
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, taking place from August 5–7,
brings thousands of dancers into the streets carrying colourful
flower-decorated hats.
Originating from
local work songs, the festival has grown into one of Tohoku’s largest
celebrations, highlighting community spirit through music, dance and public
participation.
Beyond its festivals, Tohoku offers opportunities to
discover traditional rural lifestyles. In Iwate Prefecture, Tono Furusato
Village preserves the atmosphere of an historic farming community, featuring
traditional Magariya L-shaped farmhouses that once housed both families and
horses under one roof.
Visitors can explore local customs, join craft activities
and learn regional stories from guides known as Maburitto.
For travellers seeking relaxation, CHIKUSENSO Mt. Zao Onsen
Resort & Spa in Miyagi Prefecture provides a tranquil mountain retreat
surrounded by forests and streams.
The resort combines Japanese craftsmanship, hot spring experiences, wellness treatments and seasonal Kaiseki cuisine featuring regional ingredients such as Sendai beef and local seafood. -TTN