When we talk about Japanese festivals, the Yokohama festivals should come to mind for avid fans of Japanese culture. In this article, we would like to share with you the five must-see festivals in Yokohama. They range from traditional events like Obon, all the way to international celebrations like Oktoberfest!
1. Chinese Spring Festival
Every spring, Yokohama hosts the Chinese Spring Festival which usually lasts around two weeks. This event was based on the Spring Festival in China, thus, it brings a lot of similarities to the original festival in terms of Chinese traditional customs, cultural celebrations, and lively festivities.
The Chinese Spring Festival is considered the most prominent and longest event in Yokohama compared to other Yokohama festivals. It takes place in Yokohama’s Chinatown and begins at some time in January or February since the period of the Lunar New Year changes annually.
During the festival period, the whole of Chinatown, both indoors and outdoors, decorate their places with numerous red lanterns and paper decorations in order to show the best wishes for luck and happiness in the coming year.
Additionally, Yokohama also becomes more lively than usual during the Chinese Spring Festival thanks to many gorgeous fireworks displays and unique lion dance parades. Also, you may want to check out the lantern pavilion at Yamashita Park if you travel to Yokohama during the time of the festvals. You’ll truly marvel at all the beautiful lanterns on display there.
2. Yokohama Greenroom Festival
Yokohama Greenroom festival is known as one of the largest outdoor party events in Yokohama. It takes place at the iconic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse every May. Following the theme which is “Save the Beach, Save the Ocean”, this big event is decorated and conducted annually with the “beach and surf” concept.
The Yokohama Greenroom Festival, is to raise awareness about the decrease in the number of Japanese usable beaches and encourage people to protect them.
The festival has a wide range of activities, including live music performances of renowned Japanese bands, film screenings, gallery exhibitions, and even outdoor yoga lessons.
Discover Japan’s rich culture via its regional culinary traditions: Sakuraco ships traditional Japanese sweets & snacks from across Japan to your door.
3. Yokohama Sparkling Twilight
Yokohama Sparkling Twilight is a grand firework festival that happens every year during a weekend in July. Joining this awesome summer event at Yamashita Park, you’ll have a chance to admire above 3000 fireworks lighting up the night sky and many lighted ship parades.
Furthermore, live music performances also contribute to the harmonious atmosphere of the festival. There are also a lot of food and drink stalls ready to serve every visitor who need refreshments.
This is one of the most popular summer festivals in the Kanto area, so, Yamashita Park surely draws a great number of people’s attention. Therefore, people always come here early so as to get the best viewing spot to see a variety of magnificent fireworks which normally starts around 7:30 pm.
4. Minato Mirai Bon Odori Dance Festival
This Yokohama festival occurs yearly for two days in the middle of August in Rinko Park. The first people who arrive at the festival receive welcome gifts such as handmade fans and bracelets.
While enjoying the cool sea breeze from Yokohama Port, visitors can watch many interesting live performances. Every performance includes traditional music, dance, and eye-catching costumes. Especially, taiko drumming performance has become the most expected entertainment at the Minato Mirai Bon Odori Dance Festival.
Besides, the festival will has numerous food stalls which serve customers many amazing delicacies.
5. Yokohama Oktoberfest
Yokohama Oktoberfest is organized annually for a few weeks in October. It attracts a lot of beer buffs from all over Japan.
Each year, visitors take the great opportunity to drink more than 100 different types of local and foreign beer. This includes exclusive brews that were just prepared for this festival.
Everyone is welcome to try multiple authentic beverages combined with mouthwatering German cuisine while enjoying the live German music performances.
We hope you find the festivals interesting and you’ll have a chance to experience them in the future. Which ones would you like to attend the most? Let us know in the comments below.
