・Experience the unforgettable Akita’s Kanto Festival as giant lantern towers sway gracefully against the night sky. ・During the day, enjoy the 'Hiru-Kanto' where performers compete in their Kanto skills, and at night, watch the main event from reserved seats as illuminated lanterns light up Akita’s summer skies.
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S Class: Central Tiered Seats on the Median Strip
The Highlight
The Akita Kanto Festival-local people pray for bountiful harvests with giant lanterns which is called Kanto, and sway in the night sky. This festival is one of the most famous summer festival in Tohoku region, and also it is a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural property with a history spanning about 270 years. The players are required daily training and good sense of balance to manipulate. This traditional technique has been passed down for generations.
The Experience
The Akita Kanto Festival is one of Japan’s most spectacular traditional summer festivals, held annually in Akita City from August 3rd to 6th. It is especially known for its breathtaking nighttime performances in which skilled performers balance long bamboo poles—called kanto—decorated with dozens of paper lanterns lit by real candles.
These kanto poles can reach up to 12 meters (40 feet) in height and weigh as much as 50 kilograms (110 pounds). Performers balance them using only their palms, foreheads, shoulders, or hips, showcasing incredible balance and strength.
The festival is deeply rooted in local culture and began as a ritual to pray for a good harvest by warding off evil spirits and bringing in good fortune. Today, it is recognized as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset and draws crowds from across Japan and around the world.
Visitors can enjoy both daytime events, where teams compete in Kanto skill demonstrations, and nighttime parades, where illuminated kanto sway gently like ears of rice in the breeze—an unforgettable sight against the summer night sky.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guide On-site
- Japanese
Language in Printed Materials (Booklet)
- Japanese
Itinerary
- 18:15Road Closures Start
- 18:50The Kanto poles are entering the main venue.
- 19:15Kanto Performances
- 20:35Kanto Interactive Time (Fureai Kanto) This is a hands-on event held after the performances where spectators can join in. You can enjoy touching the actual Kanto poles and taking commemorative photos. Subject to cancellation depending on weather conditions
- 20:50Kanto Exit
- 00:00Event Ends 21:30 - Road Reopens to Traffic
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
- Seats cannot be selected.
- Infants who do not occupy a seat are free of charge.
- Tickets will be delivered to your hotel. Please note that this offer is only available to guests who have a confirmed hotel address to receive them.
Important Booking Information
- Please manage your tickets carefully. Lost or forgotten tickets are strictly non-reissuable.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 11 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 8 ~ 10 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel during 2 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel on 1 day(s) before departure, will charge 40%
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)