When it comes to touring Japan on two wheels, the experience isn't just about the thrill of the ride. It’s also about the rich cultural experiences you get to witness along the way.
Every year, Japan celebrates literally hundreds of festivals that offer a glimpse into its unique culture, celebrating everything from the beauty of nature to historical events and local folklore.
Combining a motorbike tour with the chance to experience these vibrant festivals can turn a simple trip into the adventure of a lifetime.
Here’s a guide to the top three cultural festivals that are a must-visit on your next motorbike tour in Japan:
Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo
Held in mid-May in odd-numbered years, the Kanda Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s three major Shinto festivals and dates back to the early 17th century. The festival honors the deities enshrined in Kanda Myojin Shrine, believed to protect the entire city. It features a massive parade with portable shrines, traditional music, and dance, and hundreds of people dressed in Edo-period costumes.
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Navigating Tokyo on your motorbike during the Kanda Matsuri is an exhilarating way to experience the city’s historical depth. The festival’s highlights include the procession through central Tokyo and the chance to see residents and visitors alike participating in traditional festivities. The streets near Akihabara are especially festive, with food vendors serving everything from takoyaki to gourmet sushi, creating a delicious mix of old and new Tokyo.
Gion Matsuri in Kyoto
The Gion Matsuri, celebrated throughout July in Kyoto, is not only one of the most famous festivals in Japan but also among the oldest, dating back to the 9th century.
This grand festival originated as a religious ceremony to appease the gods during an epidemic. Today, it has evolved into a month-long celebration of Kyoto's culture and history.
The festival features stunning processions of floats known as "Yamaboko," each adorned with intricate tapestries that are masterpieces of traditional craftsmanship.
The floats, up to 25 meters tall and weighing up to 12 tons, are pulled through the streets by teams of locals in a demonstration of community spirit and cooperation.
Riding Experiences Nearby:
The roads around Kyoto are a blend of urban settings and scenic outskirts. Riding north from the city, you'll encounter the winding paths through the forested hills of the Kitayama area, offering serene views and a cooler climate, perfect for a summer ride. Alternatively, heading south towards Uji brings you through areas renowned for their green tea plantations, where the roads are lined with the vibrant green of tea leaves, providing a stunning visual and aromatic experience.
Awa Odori in Tokushima
The Awa Odori festival takes place from August 12-15 during the Obon season and is a vibrant part of this Buddhist event dedicated to commemorating ancestral spirits. Originating over 400 years ago, the Awa Odori was influenced by the Bon Odori, a dance performed during Obon to welcome the spirits of the dead. The festival is renowned for its lively dance, known locally as the "Fool's Dance," which reflects a philosophy of abandoning pretense to embrace freedom and enjoyment. Dancers and musicians, dressed in traditional yukata and happi coats, chant and play shamisen, drums, and flutes, encouraging everyone to join in the dance.
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Tokushima on Shikoku Island features some of Japan’s most dramatic coastlines, making it ideal for coastal rides. The route along the Naruto Strait, towards the famous Naruto whirlpools, offers sweeping views of the ocean, with opportunities to stop at viewpoints that look out over the swirling waters below. The island’s relatively light traffic compared to Japan’s main islands makes it a relaxing and enjoyable place for biking.
Hiroshima Flower Festival
Held annually from May 3-5, the Hiroshima Flower Festival coincides with Golden Week, making it one of the most cheerful and widely attended events in the region. The festival was started in 1977 to promote peace and celebrate the spring season. It features colorful floral displays, parades, and a variety of performances spread throughout Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and along the city's main streets.
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The roads leading out of Hiroshima towards Miyajima Island offer a fantastic ride, with the Seto Inland Sea providing a picturesque backdrop. You can ride across to the island on a ferry, exploring the rural landscapes and the famous Itsukushima Shrine. Alternatively, heading into the nearby Chugoku Mountains presents more challenging roads that twist through thick forests and past traditional rural villages.
Inuyama Festival
Held annually during the first weekend of April, the Inuyama Festival is one of Japan's most ancient and traditional festivals, with its origins dating back to the 17th century. The festival is famous for its majestic display of karakuri ningyō (mechanical dolls) which are mounted on beautifully decorated floats that parade through the city streets. These floats, illuminated by hundreds of lanterns at night, create a spectacular sight against the backdrop of Inuyama Castle, one of Japan's oldest castles.
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Near Inuyama, riders can explore the enchanting Kiso River or venture into the nearby hills that offer quiet, meandering roads perfect for a peaceful ride. The area is less commercialized than other parts of Japan, allowing for an authentic riding experience through small towns and rural landscapes, with excellent views of the traditional Japanese countryside.
