Japan Festivals - March
Spring awakening
March is a pivotal time in Japan, marking the transition from harsh winter to vibrant spring. March festivals often celebrate the renewal of nature and cultural traditions rooted in Japanese history. Here's a selection of must-see festivals to discover in March, with their dates and special features.
Omizutori
Dates: March 1 to 14
Location: Tōdai-ji temple, Nara
This age-old event is a purification ceremony in which Buddhist monks handle flaming torches in nocturnal processions. The highlight of the festival is the symbolic extraction of sacred water on March 12, supposed to bring blessings for the year.
It can also be called the “festival of water and fire”. Priests hold a fire ceremony every evening from 6 p.m., swinging long torches in the air to ward off evil. On the 13th, at 2am, water is drawn (お水取り) from the 1,200-year-old well and offered to visitors.
Tōdai-ji temple,
©by y ignis, wikimedia
Hinamatsuri - Girls' Festival
Date: March 3rd
Location: All over Japan
Hinamatsuri, also known as the “Doll Festival”, celebrates the health and happiness of girls. Families display ornate dolls on platforms covered in red cloth, symbolizing the imperial court of the Heian era. Sweets such as hina-arare (colored crackers) and shirozake (sweet sake) are consumed on this occasion.
Hina Matsuri has its origins in an ancient Chinese purification ceremony in which evil was transferred to substitute dolls ( katashiro ), which were then thrown into a river. Kyoto's Hokyo-ji, for example, is often referred to as the “doll temple” because of its vast collection of dolls.
Sake no Jin
Dates : Mid-March weekend
Location: Niigata
This festival showcases local sake breweries in the prefecture renowned for its high-quality rice and sake production. Over two days, more than 90 local breweries come together to showcase their finest creations, offering visitors a unique opportunity to sample an impressive variety of sakes, from the mildest to the most full-bodied. A tasting for lovers of authentic flavours!
Sake no jin Niigata
©wikimedia
saki barrel packaging
©Unsplash
glass of sake
©Unsplash
Yasurai Matsuri
Date: Second Sunday in March
Location: Kyoto (Sanbonmatsu Shrine)
This unique festival aims to appease wandering spirits and prevent illnesses associated with the change of season.It is known as one of the city's three most special festivals.Around midday, from the Kônen-ji temple and the Kawakami daijin-gu temple, each parade sets off in the direction of the Imamiya shrine. Participants dance with flowers and decorated umbrellas while chanting prayers.
Nagashibina
Date: March 3rd
Location: Tottori
This local version of Hinamatsuri consists of releasing paper dolls into a river, praying for the health of children and symbolizing the purification of bad energy. This ancient custom is fascinating to observe for its poetic atmosphere.
Kitano Tenjin Plum Festival
Date: Early March
Location: Kyoto (Kitano Tenmangū Shrine)
Dedicated to plum blossoms, this festival pays homage to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. Visitors admire the plum blossoms while enjoying tea ceremonies in an enchanting setting.
In March, Japan is decked out in vibrant traditions and brilliant flowers, offering an unforgettable cultural experience. These festivals, whether rooted in spirituality or nature, reflect the beauty and soul of Japanese spring.
