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【Must Visit at Least Once】 4 Festivals and Traditional Events in Central Japan

Japan has many festivals and traditional events that have been handed down since ancient times.

This time, we will introduce four festivals and traditional events in the Chubu region.

If you’re interested, why not come to Japan during the festival?

*Please check the official website for the dates of the festival.

1. Hamamatsu Festival [Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture]

▲Photo provided：Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana Tourism Bureau

It boasts one of the largest numbers of spectators in the country, with over 1.7 million people visiting over the three days of the festival every year. The “kite-flying battle” takes place at the Nakatajima Kite Flying Site, and in the evening, a grand event is held at the Hamamatsu City Center Area, including the pulling of Goten Yatai floats. The purpose of the Hamamatsu Festival is for the whole community to celebrate the birth of the first child. The young men of the town, parents and children fly kites high into the sky, bearing the family crest and the name of the firstborn, in hopes of the children’s healthy growth.

▲Photo provided：Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana Tourism Bureau

The Goten Yatai floats, which fantastically decorate the city at night, parade through the streets, competing with each other for beauty to the sound of reverberating music.

2. Tahara Festival [Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture]

▲Photo provided：Tahara City

It is known for its floats carrying mechanical dolls and is a traditional event that brightens up Tahara city in the fall. Three Karakuri floats carrying the parade are paraded through the town. At night, children perform hand dances on the floats, and hand-held fireworks (Tedutsu Hanabi) are set off at the finale.

▲Photo provided：Tahara City

3. Yoshida Fire Festival [Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture]

▲Photo provided：Yamanashi Tourism Organization

This festival is counted as one of the three strangest festivals in Japan, and is said to have a history stretching back 400 years. The highlight is the torch lighting on the first day. More than 70 large torches, each 3m high, are lit all at once. The sight of the night sky turning red and the approach to the shrine engulfed in flames is truly spectacular. On the second day, the mikoshi is paraded through the parishioners and returned to Sengen Shrine. The festival reaches its climax when parishioners walk alongside the mikoshi, holding “Susukino Tamagushi” offerings.

▲Photo provided：Yamanashi Tourism Organization

4. Mountain burning on Mt. Omuroyama [Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture]

▲Photo provided：Ito City Tourism Division

The mountain burning is said to have a history of 700 years. The event began with the aim of preserving the mountains, but has now become a part of the spring tradition. The sight of the fire rising from the base to the summit is truly spectacular. Many visitors come every year to see the magnificent scenery.

▲Photo provided：Ito City Tourism Division

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Meet at the plastering showroom! Traditional techniques for creating comfortable and sophisticated homes| Hamani Co., Ltd.

Do you know what a plasterer is?

Plastering is a traditional Japanese technique for finishing the walls and floors of buildings.

Although it is an ancient technique, it still plays an essential role in modern home construction.

This time, we visited the plastering showroom opened in July 2023 by Hamani Co., Ltd., a company in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture that specializes in plastering work.

We asked him about the appeal of traditional techniques and the secret to creating a comfortable living environment that plastering brings. If you are considering building a custom home or want to create a sophisticated home, please read to the end.

I want to get it even if I have to wait. Cutlery made in the mountains of Tenryu and recognized by world-class restaurants.

As people spend more time at home, more and more people are becoming particular about cooking. Perhaps because people want to show off their delicious food, tableware and cutlery designed to look good on social media are popular.

Did you know that in the mountains of Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City, cutlery is made that not only looks good on social media but is also comfortable to use? It has been recognized by world-renowned restaurant chefs, and was used to accompany the food at rival restaurant gaku in the fall 2019 drama “Grand Maison Tokyo” starring Mr. Takuya Kimura.

[At the workshop. Blue bean plate, cutlery (spoon and fork), new round plate]

This is the work of Mr. Roberto Jun Yuasa, who has a workshop in Tenryu Ward.

When I first saw it on Instagram, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the words “#woodworking” and “#woodcarving” in the tags. This was because it was so different from the warm image of wooden cutlery that I had until then. Although I had no interest in wooden tableware, I was fascinated by the quiet works that seemed hard and cold at first glance. This is because the photos showed spoons and forks that were so delicate and delicate that it was hard to believe they were carved from wood.

Actually, I’m conflicted between wanting to introduce him and wanting to keep it a secret. Because I haven’t been able to get one myself yet. On exhibition days in Hamamatsu City, more than 20 people line up from the morning, and the works are so popular that they sell out in seconds when sold online.

It’s been two years since I learned about him through his photos, but I had the opportunity to see his work in person for the first time.

Love Music? 5 Instrument and Music-Related Spots in Hamamatsu

Hamamatsu is home to several musical instrument manufacturers. The area flourished in manufacturing musical products for a long time, but recently has been actively developing as a city of music. The city has many facilities that can be enjoyed by those who normally have little opportunity to interact with music, not to mention music lovers. This time, we introduce music and instrument-related spots you’ll want to visit in Hamamatsu!
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