Festivals (matsuri) of all kinds are a staple of Japanese culture and summer is the premier season to experience them. In recent years, the country has seen a bit of a boom in cultural festivals, to the point that it¡¯s possible to book every weekend of your summer around them. We¡¯re here to help by highlighting the best ¡°fests¡± happening over the next three months.
Summer officially starts June 21, but that shouldn¡¯t stop anyone from kicking things off a couple days earlier at the (Akita; June 19-21). The three-day event features drinks from nearly a dozen local brewers. The weekend is also a good chance to catch some smaller music festivals, before the heavyweights start later in the season. Dum-Dum Party (Daikanyama Unit, Tokyo; June 19) features British post-punk group The Raincoats and American indie-rockers La Sera alongside a bunch of Japanese acts, while those seeking something a bit heavier can turn to the (Makuhari Messe, Chiba; June 20), with Fact and Ken Yokoyama, for their rock fix.
The end of June is known for unpredictable weather, so maybe taking in some movies isn¡¯t a bad call. The France Film Matsuri?(Yurakucho Asahi Hall and Toho Cinemas Nichigeki, Tokyo; June 26-29) will screen 12 films over four days. If you aren¡¯t a cinephile, Luna Sea¡¯s Lunatic Fest (Makuhari Messe, Chiba; June 27-28) happens the same weekend.
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