What is Matsuri (Japanese Cultural Festival)? (1): The Reason Why Matsuri is Held Only Once a Year

Do You Know Why Matsuri (Japanese Festivals) Are Held Only Once a Year?

Japanese festivals are popular among foreign travelers. While festivals exist worldwide, the unique decorations, large scale, and long history of Japanese festivals, such as the Mikoshi (portable shrines) and Dashi (floats), are particularly captivating. Even for Japanese people, who generally appreciate minimalist aesthetics like Wabi-Sabi, the extravagant decorations of festivals stand out as something different.

However, many of these festivals are held only once a year (for one or a few days), which can be disappointing for travelers whose schedules don’t align with the timing of the festivals. So, why are Matsuri (Japanese festivals) held only once a year? Let’s explore the reasons.

The Purpose and Timing of Japanese Matsuri

In short, the timing of festivals is determined by their purpose. Many festivals are held as a form of prayer for good fortune, such as “bountiful harvests,” “abundant fish catches,” “prosperous business,” “warding off epidemics,” “health and safety,” and “prosperity of descendants.” The timing and events of these festivals vary greatly depending on their specific purposes.

Japanese festivals are often centered around or hosted by shrines or temples, with Shinto shrines playing a particularly significant role. Consequently, most of Japan’s major festivals are based at shrines. For example, the three most famous festivals in Japan are the “Gion Festival” of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, the “Tenjin Festival” of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, and the “Kanda Festival” of Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo, all of which are shrine-based. In contrast, temple-based festivals are known as Ennichi.

The Significance of Reitaisai: Why Major Matsuri Are Held Only Once a Year

The most important festival for shrines is the Reitaisai (annual grand festival), also known as the grand annual festival. Reitaisai are large-scale festivals held only once a year, often on days with special significance to the shrine or deity. This is why major festivals are held only once a year. Conversely, smaller festivals like Tsukinami-sai (monthly festivals) are held several times a year but are less well-known among travelers due to their smaller scale.

Discovering Kagurazaka’s Hidden Cultural Gems: Reitaisai at Akagi Shrine and Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine in September

In Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, where our company offers traditional cultural experience tours, and Kagurazaka street walks, Akagi Shrine is the main shrine. Akagi Shrine’s Reitaisai is held on September 19th and features events like mikoshi processions, lion dances, and kagura (sacred music and dance). Akagi Shrine is known for bestowing blessings such as bountiful harvests, good health, protection from evil, and prosperous business. Additionally, Akagi Shrine enshrines Akagi Himenomikoto, known as a deity of matchmaking.

Another significant shrine in the Kagurazaka area is Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine, whose Reitaisai takes place on September 15th. While visiting nationally famous festivals is a great experience, attending a local Reitaisai, which is typically only known to residents, can provide deeper insights into Japanese culture and is highly recommended.

Next time, I’ll explore the origins of the seasonality of festivals.

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How to Access Kagurazaka

The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.