Toàn quốc Top 5 Japan Festivals in May 2023

May is a month of celebration in Japan, as it marks the arrival of the cherry blossom season. The country is renowned for its cherry blossoms, or sakura, and to commemorate its arrival, numerous festivals called Matsuri are held across the country. In May 2023, there are many Matsuri that will take place across the country, but here are the top 5.
1. Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival in Aomori Prefecture is one of the largest cherry blossom festivals, and it takes place in late April. Visitors can enjoy the sight of over 2, 500 cherry trees, including the rare Weeping Cherry tree, blooming at Hirosaki Castle Park. The festival also includes various events such as lantern parades, tea ceremonies, and the viewing of blossoms at night.
2. Kyoto's Aoi Matsuri is one of the most famous Matsuri in Japan, which is held in early May every year in Kyoto. The festival features a procession of over 500 people, dressed in the traditional attires from the Heian period 794-1185, that leads from the Imperial Palace to the Shimogamo Shrine and then to the Kamigamo Shrine. There will also be tea ceremonies, kimono fashion shows, and Ikebana flower arrangement exhibitions.
3. Hakata Dontaku is an annual festival that is celebrated in early May in Fukuoka, Kyushu. This famous festival is a 2-day event that features a variety of ceremonies, parades, folk music performances, and dance shows. There will also be traditional crafts, food stalls, and bon odori dance performances, in which all festival-goers can take part.
4. Sanja Matsuri is one of the most popular Matsuri in Tokyo, which is held in the Asakusa district every year in May. The festival is dedicated to the three founders of the Buddhist temple of Senso-ji, and it features many events like the mikoshi portable shrine parade, traditional martial arts demonstrations, and taiko drumming performances. There will also be Japanese food stalls, lantern-walking, and Omikuji fortune-telling.
5. Takayama Matsuri is a bi-annual event that takes place in Takayama city, Gifu prefecture. This festival features large and colorful floats which are adorned with fabrics, paper lanterns, and other traditional designs. The festival also showcases many traditional Japanese music and dance performances, sumo wrestling demonstrations, and Sake drinking ceremonies. There will also be a street fair and a parade.
Whether you're interested in cherry blossoms, traditional Japanese culture, food or music, there is something for everyone during these festive celebrations. It's an excellent chance to experience Japan's vibrant and colorful culture and to participate in the festivities alongside the Japanese people.

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