The Kakunodate festival is one of Japan’s most unique and historically rich festivals. It brings together the traditions of Buddhism and Shintoism with an array of vibrant performances and dramatic clashes between elaborately decorated floats. The festival takes place in early September in Kakunodate, a city located in Akita Prefecture. It dates to the 1600s and has been designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property as well as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Kakunodate Festival
Photo by: PIXTA/ しど A class of floats.
The festival is a rare combination of Buddhist and Shinto traditions, as a shrine and temple jointly run it. The festivities center around the 18 four-meter-tall floats known as Hikiyama. Each float is decorated with figures of samurai and kabuki actors. Traditional paper lanterns known as chochin illuminate the floats that sway throughout the night.
These floats play a central role in the festival. Young men parade them through the streets, offering prayers to Kami (divine spirits in Shintoism) and Hotoke (the spirit of Buddha).
The main highlight of the Kakunodate festival is the Yama Buttsuke (Clash of the Floats). Local men jostle and negotiate to maneuver their float forward. Then comes the climax moment. They push their float through, colliding with the other floats. The clash involving Hikiyama is a popular event known for its display of courage and passion.
Kazariyama Hayashi (a type of traditional Japanese music) is performed on these floats. Musicians play festive music on the floats using traditional instruments. As the floats make their way through the town, local women dressed in vibrant, colorful kimonos perform timeless traditional dances.
Festival Highlights
Photo by: PIXTA/ southern_sheep Come for the festival, stay to explore the castle ruins and historic districts.
During the festival, visitors should check out Kakunodate’s original crafts, like Kabazaiku, and the local cuisine. A must-try food is Okaribayaki, a dish of grilled chicken and seasonal vegetables topped with Sansho Miso sauce. The name Okariba comes from the fact that a feudal lord used to grill this meal while out hunting.
While visiting Kakunodate for the festival, make sure to explore the nearby ruins of Kakunodate Castle. The ruins offer magnificent views of the city and the Hinokinai River. Additionally, take a stroll through the well-preserved Kakunodate Samurai District. It provides a glimpse into the lives of around 80 samurai families who once resided there through the architecture and historical items scattered around the homes.
