Akita Kanto Festival
秋田竿燈まつり
Experience the 'Golden Rice Ears' glowing in the night sky! Witness the breathtaking skill and tradition of one of Tohoku's three great festivals.
This event has ended
Schedule
August 3, 2026
The Akita Kanto Festival is a premier traditional Japanese festival held in Akita City from August 3rd to 6th. The 'Kanto' refers to long bamboo poles adorned with numerous lanterns, designed to look like ears of rice.
Highlights
About Akita Kanto Festival
- Nighttime Spectacle: The sight of 10,000 lanterns illuminating the sky is a once-in-a-lifetime view.
- Focus on Skill: Watch closely as masters balance heavy poles on their waists and foreheads.
- Interactive Experience: During the 'Fureai Kanto' segment, you can experience touching the Kanto poles.
- Traditional Sounds: Feel the energy of the festival through the powerful Kanto Hayashi music.
Photo gallery
All photosWeather forecast
Thu
9/17
26°/17°
0%
Fri
9/18
26°/16°
3%
Sat
9/19
24°/18°
57%
Sun
9/20
26°/20°
73%
Mon
9/21
28°/21°
63%
Tue
9/22
23°/15°
24%
Wed
9/23
22°/13°
6%
Tips
Clothing
As this is an outdoor night event, wear comfortable clothes and prepare for weather changes.
Experience
Toward the end of the festival, enjoy the 'Fureai Kanto' to touch the poles or play the drums.
Charms
Shortened candles used in the performance are sometimes given out as charms for safe childbirth.
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