Akita|Skillful efforts to support a 50kg bamboo pole - Akita Kanto Festival originated from the "Hundred-foot Pole"
If you happen to have a trip to Tohoku, Japan from 8/3 to 8/6, don't miss the Akita Kanto Festival, the only summer festival in Tohoku that has a competitive flavor.
It is said that Kanto has existed since the Edo period. In order to drive away the fatigue and evil spirits of summer, Kanto was made with rice ears as the image. The etymology comes from the Jingde Traditional Records of the Northern Song Dynasty, "One must make progress even if one climbs a hundred feet high."
In the 1750s, there was a prototype activity of the Kanto Festival, which gradually evolved into a competition to see who could hold it higher or who could perform more tricks. It was originally held before the Bon Festival, but in recent years it has been fixed to the four days in early August.
When night falls, the Kanto will appear with the parade. The two-way lanes of Kanto Avenue will keep a certain distance, and 280-290 Kanto will appear every year. Then, with slogans, the pole lights will be erected one by one. The competitive teams will hold up the 12-meter-high, 50-kilogram pole lights with their hands, and then support them with one hand, place them on the top of the head, shoulders, and even on the waist, showing extraordinary skills. There are also mini pole lights for children, so that children can also feel the festival.
In the evening, you can actually walk around the station first. There are pole light components and huge pole lights on display in front of the station. You will also meet festival participants who are practicing on the way. There is actually a Qianqiu Park not far from the venue. The festival time is just the beautiful season when lotus flowers are in full bloom. After the tour, you can go to the festival stalls to taste snacks, and finally walk to the pole light avenue to enjoy the "night show".
📍Address: Japan 〒010-0921 Akita, Omachi, 1 Chome−6−41 Kamiyamachi 1-chome Community Hall
🚗10 minutes walk from JR Akita Station
#5月好去处2025