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.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 photosSchedule
August 3, 2026
Weather forecast
Mon
8/3
30°/22°
0%
Tue
8/4
32°/19°
0%
Wed
8/5
32°/20°
0%
Thu
8/6
31°/22°
4%
Fri
8/7
31°/23°
14%
Sat
8/8
29°/23°
67%
Sun
8/9
31°/21°
67%
Plan your stay & activities
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.
Before & After the Event
Akita City Red Brick Museum
A museum embodying Akita's history within a beautiful Meiji-era red brick building. Learn about local nature and traditional crafts.
Within walking distance of the venue (0.3 km)
Former Kaneko Family Residence
A historic residence showcasing the life of a wealthy farmer in Akita. Experience traditional Japanese architecture and the cultural heritage of the region through this authentic historical site.
Within walking distance of the venue (0.4 km)
Akita Museum of Art
A premier cultural landmark in Akita where you can admire precious art, including works by Tsuga Fujita, within a stunning modern architectural space designed by Tadao Ando.
Within walking distance of the venue (0.7 km)
Evening Cool Zoo
Visit Omoriyama Zoo this July! Enjoy a magical evening with special animal events, wind chimes, and mini pools.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
45th Kyuhan-sai Festival
Discover the traditions of Yurihonjo at the Kyuhan-sai Festival! Witness dynamic performances like Kameda Te-odori and Morioka Sansa Odori up close, and experience the vibrant energy of a Japanese summer in a historic setting.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
Yuzumi Zoo
Omoriyama Zoo extends its hours until 7:00 PM every Saturday in July. Last entry is at 6:30 PM. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the zoo.
Held in the same area in 2026-07
