Akita Kanto Festival: Reserved Seating for the Night Parade

Akita Kanto Festival

The Akita Kanto Festival stands as one of Japan’s most stunning traditional summer celebrations, taking place every year in Akita City from August 3rd to 6th. It is particularly renowned for its awe-inspiring nighttime displays, during which talented performers balance tall bamboo poles—referred to as kanto—adorned with numerous paper lanterns illuminated by real candles.

These kanto poles can rise up to 12 meters (40 feet) tall and can weigh as much as 50 kilograms (110 pounds). The performers maintain their balance using just their palms, foreheads, shoulders, or hips, demonstrating remarkable strength and equilibrium.

This festival has deep cultural significance, originating as a ritual intended to pray for a bountiful harvest while driving away malevolent spirits and attracting good fortune. Nowadays, it is recognized as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset and attracts spectators from both Japan and around the globe.

Attendees can partake in both daytime activities, where teams showcase their Kanto skills in competitive demonstrations, and nighttime parades, where the lit kanto sway gracefully like rice ears in the summer breeze—creating a breathtaking view against the evening sky.

Highlights

• The Akita Kanto Festival features locals praying for plentiful harvests using large lanterns known as Kanto, which gracefully sway in the evening sky.
• This festival ranks among the most renowned summer celebrations in the Tohoku region and is recognized as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural property, boasting a history of approximately 270 years.
• Participants undergo daily training and must possess a strong sense of balance to skillfully handle the lanterns.
• This time-honored technique has been handed down through generations.

Itinerary

• Road Closures Start
• The Kanto poles are entering the main venue.
• Kanto Performances
• Kanto 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
• Kanto Exit
• Road Reopens to Traffic

Price Details

Included

• Spectator Seat Ticket
• Ticket Shipping Fee

Not included

• Any items not explicitly listed above are not included.

Important Information

• Please manage your tickets carefully. Lost or forgotten tickets are strictly non-reissuable.

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.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 11 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 10 day(s) before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 2 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• 1 day(s) before the activity date: 40% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 100% cancellation fee