Countries
Akita Kanto Matsuri 2026
1
Aug
Date
1 Aug (Saturday)
Time
Sat, Aug 1 – Tue, Aug 4
Venue
秋田駅
Akita, Japan
📝 Useful Information
The Akita Kanto Matsuri 2026 is scheduled to take place from August 3 to August 6, 2026, in Akita City, Japan. Known as the "Pole Lantern Festival," it is one of the three major summer festivals in the Tohoku region and features performers balancing massive bamboo poles (Kanto) adorned with up to 46 glowing lanterns.
The festival is divided into daytime competitions and nighttime parades.
Would you like help looking for hotel availability or reserved seating tickets for the 2026 festival?
Event Schedule & Locations
Visitor Information
•Night Parades (Main Event)
•Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Traffic control typically begins around 6:15 PM).
•Location: Kanto Odori Street (Chuo Dori), between Nichomebashi Bridge and the Sanno Jujiro Crossroads.
•Description: Over 250 Kanto poles are raised simultaneously as performers balance them on their palms, foreheads, shoulders, and lower backs. After the performance, there is often a "Fureai" time where visitors can take photos and try balancing the poles.
•Daytime Kanto Competitions (Hiru-Kanto)
•Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Dates vary; typically August 4–6).
•Location: Area Nakaichi Nigiwai Hiroba (near Senshu Park).
•Description: Teams compete in technical skill and coordination under broad daylight.
•Access: The main festival site is approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Akita Station, which is accessible from Tokyo via the JR Akita Shinkansen.
•Admission: Viewing the festival from the sidewalks is free, but paid reserved seating is available for the night parades.
•Local Specialties: Food stalls (Yatai) typically operate from 3:00 PM to 9:30 PM, offering local delicacies like Kiritanpo (grilled rice skewers) and Hinai Jidori chicken.
•Cultural Center: For a year-round experience, visit the Akita City Folk Performing Arts Heritage Center (Neburi Nagashi Kan), which displays Kanto poles and offers hands-on demonstrations.
Updated at 18 Mar 2026