Matsuri in Akita

Akita Kanto Festival: Mesmerizing bamboo lantern balancing. Aug 3–6, 2026. 280+ poles with 10,000 lanterns light up the night sky. Free admission.

Festival carts carrying traditional musicians parade through Hanawa and gather near Kazuno-Hanawa Station.

Snow sculptures of dogs and shrines glow with candlelight during this winter celebration in Yuzawa.

Floats carrying musicians and dancers travel through Kakunodate, with dramatic encounters between the festival carts.

Namahage dances and rituals take place amid snow and fire at Shinzan Shrine in Oga.

Candy-decorated branches and market stalls brighten Odate during its traditional winter candy fair.

Floats decorated with warrior figures parade through Tsuchizaki to traditional port-town music.