Feel the Heat of Summer Festivals in Kyoto and Aomori

In Japan, many festivals are held throughout the year, and each serve specific purposes. Spring is the start of rice planting, so the festivals during this time are meant to manifest good harvest and good health. Summer festivals are hosted in the hopes of warding off wind (typhoons) and bugs in order to protect the crops. By autumn, the season of harvesting, festivals are meant to show appreciation of the crops. Lastly, winter is off-season for agriculture, so festivals are centered around themes of welcoming the upcoming spring season.

Gion Festival / OMO5 Kyoto Gion and OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo

Summer is considered the season of festivals, and many festivals are hosted throughout Japan during the summer months. The Gion Festival in Kyoto is one of three major festivals in Japan dating back to over 1,000 years. This festival is held throughout the month of July and is centered around the Yasaka Shrine, which has long been worshipped as a shrine to ward off epidemics. Yasaka Shrine is just around the corner from OMO5 Kyoto Gion and only a few minutes from OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo. Both the Gion and Sanjo areas host one of the festival's main events, Yamahoko Junko, featuring beautifully crafted Yamahoko floats that parade the streets.Yamahoko Junko takes place on July 17th and July 24th.

In the spirit of this summer festival, both OMO hotels will be decorated with paper lanterns, fans, and miniature Yamahoko floats. Our staff, who are experts in the location, will offer insights into the festival and share how locals enjoy the month of July. Carefully selected by our staff, special confectionery and snacks can be purchased to be enjoyed in the rooms during this time.

ABC's of Gion Festival at OMO5 Kyoto Gion and Sanjo: July 14th to 31st, 2024
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Nebuta Festival / Aomoriya

Aomoriya is a unique resort located in rural Japan that offers a theme-park-like experience showcasing Aomori's festival culture in a natural and serene environment. The Nebuta Festival, designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, is celebrated for a week to express gratitude to the gods through giant Nebuta floats.

At Aomoriya, these Nebuta floats are displayed and appreciated throughout the year. Different areas of the resort, such as rooms and public hot springs, are adorned with them. Additionally during the summer season, visitors can enjoy the Shigakko Goldfish Festival from inside the hotel. Similar to how the town is decorated during summer, Aomoriya will have 350 goldfish-shaped lanterns decorating the public spaces. Festive games can also be enjoyed for a summertime-only experience.

Shigakko Goldfish Festival at Aomoriya: June 1st to August 31st, 2024
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