Summer Festival Fun

27th May 2009

Must-see matsuri -
summer festival fun in Japan

Thousands of traditional, culturally spectacular festivals (matsuri) are held throughout Japan every year with some of the major events taking place during the warm summer, making this an unforgettable time to visit.

Japan holiday specialists Inside Japan Tours recommends attending a summer festival for an authentic Japanese experience with streets lined with food stands selling festival favourites and women – both young and old - dressed in brightly coloured yukata (similar to kimono) adding to the lively, individual atmosphere of each one.

Here are two of the best summer festivals which can be taken in during breaks with Inside Japan Tours. Accommodation is typically at a premium at these times but InsideJapan Tours’ small group tours offer excellent hotels and ryokan in the heart of the action.

Gozan no Okuburi, Kyoto (16 August 2009) – Mid-August brings Japan’s Obon festival period: a Bhuddist celebration of the spirits of ancestors that sees families reunite across Japan. Gozan no Okuribi (also known as Daimonji) is one of the most spectacular highlights in which giant Chinese characters, standing on five mountain tops surrounding Kyoto, are revealed to the city’s population by illuminating blazes.

See it during ‘Essential Honshu’, a 15-day trip taking in the highlights of Japan’s largest island with something for everyone, from neon-lit cities to the Alps. Departing 11 August, it costs Ł1,900 pp including 14 nights’ accommodation with breakfast; airport meet and greet and all transport between destinations; some meals and tours including Sumida River boat cruise and guided geisha district walking tour in Kyoto; services of a tour leader and InsideJapan Tours’ invaluable Info-Pack.

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, Tokyo (25 July 2009) – One of Tokyo’s most famous summer festivals, held in the old Asakusa distinct, it provides a stunning pyrotechnic display along the river banks and has grown and grown since it began in the 18th century. These fireworks are breathtaking with the event drawing in around a million people to marvel at the display.

See it during InsideJapan Tours’ ‘Essential Honshu’ (departing 24 July) and ‘Hidden Japan’ tours. ‘Hidden Japan’ is a 15-day exploration of Japan’s culture and natural beauty, from Tokyo and the dramatic ravines of Shikoku Island to the romance of Miyajima Island and the spiritual retreat of Mt Koya. Departing 25 July, with the option to leave two days earlier to take in the festival, it costs from Ł2,350 pp and includes 14 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, airport meet and greet and all transport between destinations, some meals and tours including Sumida River boat cruise and Iya Valley tour; services of a tour leader and Info-Pack.

Other summer tours available with InsideJapan Tours include the new 15-day ‘Japan Unmasked’ itinerary, enabling visitors to experience old and new Japan for just Ł1,350 pp, and the 10-day ‘Tokaido Trail’, an introduction to Japanese culture through a journey along the ancient Tokaido highway, for Ł1,200 pp.

Tours exclude international flights which are available from Ł469 with Finnair and can be booked by InsideJapan Tours.

For more information and to book call Inside Japan tours on 0870 120 5600 (www.insidejapantours.com).
Ends – 27 May 2009

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