Countries
Akita Kanto Festival
6
Aug
Date
6 Aug (Thursday)
Time
Thu, 19:15 – 20:35
Venue
Kanto Odori (Kanto Matsuri Festival), Kantoo St, 2 Chome-2 Omachi
Akita, Japan
📝 Useful Information
The Akita Kanto Festival (Akita Kantō Matsuri) is one of the three major festivals in Japan's Tohoku region, held annually from August 3 to 6 in Akita City. It is a spectacular event where performers balance massive bamboo poles (kanto) adorned with up to 46 lit paper lanterns—weighing up to 50kg (110 lbs)—on their palms, foreheads, shoulders, and lower backs.
The festival is split into high-energy nighttime parades and technical daytime skill competitions:
Would you like help looking for hotel availability or nearby sightseeing spots to visit during the festival week?
Key Event Details for 2026
Daily Schedule
How to Experience It
Practical Tips
•Dates: August 3–6, 2026.
•Main Night Venue: Kanto Odori Street (Sanno Odori), about a 15-minute walk from JR Akita Station.
•Daytime Venue: Area Nakaichi Nigiwai Hiroba and Agora Plaza near Akita Station.
•Night Performance (Yoru Kanto)
•18:50: Kanto poles enter the venue.
•19:15 – 20:35: Main performance begins. Over 250 poles are raised simultaneously to the rhythm of ohayashi (drums and flutes) and chants of "Dokkoisho, dokkoisho!".
•20:35 – 20:50: Fureai Kanto (Interaction Time). Spectators can often take photos with performers or try lifting smaller kanto poles.
•Daytime Kanto (Hiru Kanto / Myogi-kai)
•9:00 – 15:40: (August 4–6). Performers compete in the Kanto Myogi-kai (Skill Tournament) at Area Nakaichi, showcasing technical precision in balancing acts.
•Viewing Options: Street-side viewing is free, but paid reserved seats (S, A, and B seats) are available on the street median for a clearer view. Reservations typically open in May via the Official Akita Kanto Festival Website.
•Local Food: Visit the Akita Kanto Yatai Village at various sites near the venue to try local specialties like Kiritanpo (toasted rice skewers), Inaniwa udon, and Babahera Ice (rose-shaped ice cream).
•Off-Season Visit: If you cannot attend in August, the Akita City Folk Performing Arts Heritage Center (Neburi Nagashi Kan) offers year-round displays and demonstrations of kanto skills.
•Access: From Tokyo, take the JR Akita Shinkansen (Komachi) directly to Akita Station (approx. 4 hours).
•Accommodation: Hotels in Akita City book up many months in advance for festival dates; consider staying in nearby towns like Daisen (Omagari) or Katagami if central options are full.
Updated at 22 Mar 2026