What it is
The Kantō Matsuri is a summer festival from Akita, in northern Japan, to drive away evil and pray for a good rice harvest. Its name comes from the kantō, a long bamboo pole with crossbars hung with paper lanterns.
Every evening of the festival, about 280 of these poles are raised along a wide avenue in central Akita. Performers balance them on their palms, foreheads, shoulders and hips, while drums and flutes play and the crowd calls out “Dokkoisho!”. From a distance, the swaying lanterns look like golden ears of rice.
The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Aug 3–6, evening | Night performance: About 280 kantō poles are raised along Kantō Ōdōri |
| Aug 4–6, daytime | Skills competition: Teams compete in balancing techniques in the city center |
Which day should you go?
Any evening, Aug 3–6
The night performance is the same each evening. Book a paid seat or stand along the avenue.
What to look for
The kantō
The largest poles are about 12 meters tall, hung with 46 lanterns and weighing about 50 kilograms.
Balancing
Performers pass the pole from palm to forehead to shoulder to hip, adding bamboo sections as they go.
Rice
The lantern-hung poles are said to look like ears of rice, and the festival prays for a good harvest.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Akita Shinkansen (Komachi) to Akita Station | about 4 h |
On the day. Kantō Ōdōri is about 15 minutes on foot from Akita Station. The poles go up after dark, around 19:00.
Crowds. The street is crowded every night. Paid seats are sold in advance.
Where to stay
Central Akita
Walk to Kantō Ōdōri and back. Rooms sell out early.
Kakunodate
A samurai town about 45 minutes away by Shinkansen, with traditional inns.
When to book. Akita sells out for August 3–6. Book 4–6 months ahead. Many travellers combine it with Aomori Nebuta and Sendai Tanabata.
Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Practical tips
- After the show. At the end of the performance, spectators can meet the performers and even try lifting a pole.
- Tohoku tour. The Aomori Nebuta, Sendai Tanabata and Yamagata Hanagasa festivals are the same week.
Glossary
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Akita Kantō Matsuri, official website.
- Akita City tourism information.
Last checked 2026-10-12.