Japanese culture is rich with traditions, but by far the most fun is the matsuri. Matsuri translates to festival, but in my experience far exceeds any typical American festival I’ve ever witnessed. I find it fascinating that almost every town holds a matsuri (or several!) every year. Matsuri have their basis in Shinto religion (“the way of the gods”). The origins of each matsuri do differ, but a common purpose is to pacify or please the gods. There may be a goryo, or malicious spirit haunting an area, so the Japanese will set up a shrine, and then celebrate this god to keep it appeased. Of course, if you ask a young Japanese person why they go to a matsuri, they’ll most certainly tell you it’s for the great food and fun atmosphere.
There’s nothing quite as magical as walking down a narrow street in Japan, dimly lit with lanterns that cast a red glow on everything. Furthermore, street is lined with game and shop tenants shout out egging you on- why don’t you try catching a gold fish? Meanwhile, you can’t help but buy a little something from every taiyaki, kasatera, kakigouri, takoyaki, yakisoba, frozen banana, mizuame stand you see. The most magical scene of all is to see girls fancied up in their summer yukata, walking alongside their geta-clad boyfriends. At your own pace, you fine the shrine or temple the matsuri is dedicated to and pay your respects and say a prayer. Toss a coin, clap your hands, shake a bell, say a prayer, buy a fortune and hope for the best.
Matsuri is a uniquely Japanese experience, and a certain must-do while visiting Japan.
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I agree that matsuri is an interesting and important subject to look at in Japan. But perhaps an examination of a specific festival would have made for a stronger post.
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