3 minute read
Japan has been calling my name for years, but I’ve always wanted my first visit to feel different. I didn’t want to be elbow-deep in crowds in Tokyo or sweating through Kyoto in the middle of August. That’s when I discovered Tohoku. Tucked away in northern Honshu, it offers something that feels more personal: cooler weather, vibrant traditions, and a chance to experience Japanese culture without the tourist overload. This August, three major festivals are giving me the perfect reason to finally book the flight.
Aomori Nebuta Festival (August 2–7, 2025)
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is pure visual magic. Giant papier-mâché floats light up the city, towering up to 30 feet wide and 16 feet tall. These works of art take an entire year to build and feature everything from gods and kabuki actors to historical TV characters.
Every August, more than 3 million people gather to watch 22 of these glowing creations parade through the streets of Aomori. From Tokyo, the Shinkansen will get you there in about three hours. Once you arrive, the floats are an easy 10-minute walk to Rasseland along the waterfront. For a first-timer like me, this feels like the kind of experience that sets the tone for an unforgettable trip.
Akita Kanto Festival (August 3–6, 2025)
The Akita Kanto Festival brings a more spiritual energy. This centuries-old tradition is dedicated to praying for a bountiful harvest of Japan’s five sacred grains: rice, wheat, beans, foxtail millet, and Chinese millet.
During the event, you’ll see locals balancing towering bamboo poles with up to 46 lanterns, lighting up the night in a hypnotic glow. Performers use their palms, shoulders, and even foreheads to keep the poles steady. It’s mesmerizing to watch and deeply rooted in Japan’s agricultural history. The festival takes place between Nichomebashi Bridge and the Sanno Jujiro Crossroads, which are just a short walk from Akita Station. You can easily reach Akita by train from Tokyo using the JR Akita Shinkansen.
Sendai Tanabata Festival (August 6–8, 2025)
This one is for the romantics. The Sendai Tanabata Festival celebrates the legendary love story of Orihime and Hikoboshi, two star-crossed lovers separated by the Milky Way who can only meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month.
In Sendai, the celebration turns the entire city into a colorful work of art. Massive hand-made streamers hang from shopping arcades, and locals wear yukata to join in the festivities. Sendai is just 90 minutes from Tokyo via Shinkansen, which makes this the easiest festival to reach. The mix of storytelling, tradition, and vivid color makes this a must-see event for anyone interested in Japan’s cultural heart.
Why Tohoku Is My Ideal First Trip to Japan
What draws me to Tohoku is its balance. It has energy and excitement without the chaos of more well-known destinations. Each of these festivals offers something different, yet they all paint a vivid picture of Japanese heritage. Tohoku welcomed over 4 million visitors last summer, and it’s easy to see why. This is the kind of summer trip that lets you connect with a culture, not just snap photos of it.
For me, Tohoku isn’t just a detour. It’s the main event. And I couldn’t ask for a better introduction to Japan.
