A festival that raises the light of rice ears into the night sky and carries on Akita’s wishes
Akita Kanto Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- From August 3 through August 6 / Every year
- Location
- Kanto Odori (evening performances)
- Area
- Akita Prefecture・Akita City(From Tokyo: approx. 3 h 40 min–4 h 10 min · bullet train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Official website / social media
- Official website
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
This summer festival in Akita City features Kanto poles bearing lanterns, raised high as performers demonstrate their skills to the sound of drums and flutes.
Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: 掬茶 File:Akita Kanto Festival 2017.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.Photo credits and terms of use
Photographer: 掬茶 File:Akita Kanto Festival 2023g.jpg / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 Own work by the contributorDisplay size only adjusted.May differ from the event currently featured.About Akita Kanto Festival
The Akita Kanto Festival is a festival in Akita City where numerous lanterns are hung from long poles and raised to resemble ears of rice.
It originated in “Neburi-nagashi,” a rite to drive away illness and evil spirits during the height of summer, and has been passed down as a uniquely Akita tradition.
In the evening, Kanto performances and festival music fill the streets, while a skill competition is also held during the day.
Source: 竿燈まつりについて｜秋田竿燈まつり-Akita Kanto Festival-公式ホームページ / 秋田竿燈まつり | 秋田市観光・イベント情報総合サイト アキタッチ＋(プラス)
Festival highlights
A highlight is the skillful balancing of Kanto poles strung with lanterns on the palms, forehead, shoulders, and hips.
The Oowaka poles are 12 meters long and weigh 50 kilograms, with 46 lanterns; the performers’ posture and balance are a particular focus.
The rousing sound of drums and flutes accompanies the Kanto’s entrance and performances.
A festival that raises the light of rice ears into the night sky and carries on Akita’s wishes
What to expect
During the evening performances, the Kanto poles enter the street and performers demonstrate their skills to the festival music before leaving the venue.
During the day, a skill competition is held at the Nigiwai Hiroba in Area Nakaichi, where participants compete in categories such as team and individual events.
Toward the end of the evening performances, visitors can also enjoy “Fureai Kanto,” where they can take photos of the Kanto and try it themselves.
How to take part
Visitors can watch the event.
Location and access
- Venue and address
The evening performances take place on Kanto Odori, and the daytime skill competition is held at Area Nakaichi Nigiai Hiroba.
- Train and bus
It is about a 10-minute walk from Akita Station to Area Nakaichi Nigiai Hiroba.
Traffic restrictions are in place around Kanto Odori during the evening performances.
- Parking
Free parking is available around the venue during the festival, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Paid parking is also available around the venue.
Event venue 秋田県秋田市 竿燈大通り
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
- Season
From August 3 through August 6
- Frequency
Every year
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Akita Prefecture / Akita City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
あきた文学資料館
秋田県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
写真：Daigo35 / CC BY-SA 3.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
ノースアジア大学雪国民俗館
秋田県秋田市にある資料館
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 3.0(resized and reformatted)
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ポートタワー・セリオン
秋田港にあるポートタワー
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
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久保田城
秋田市に所在する城
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
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仁別森林博物館
秋田市にある博物館
写真：MWE / CC BY-SA 3.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
千秋公園
秋田県秋田市にある公園
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
彌高神社
秋田県秋田市千秋公園にある神社
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
旧秋田藩主佐竹氏別邸
秋田県秋田市にある久保田藩主佐竹氏の別邸および庭園
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
秋田城
秋田県秋田市にある古代城柵
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
秋田大学附属鉱業博物館
秋田県秋田市にある博物館
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·
秋田市大森山動物園
秋田県秋田市の大森山公園にある動物園
写真：掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0(resized and reformatted)
Photo source ·Origins and History of Akita Kanto Festival
The Kanto is said to have originated in the Bon observance known as “Nemuri-nagashi,” held during lunar calendar: July.
Ema plaques and written wishes were hung from bamboo branches and carried through town before being floated down the river. This was believed to wash away summer drowsiness, impurity, and evil spirits, and people prayed for the repose of ancestral spirits, good health, and household safety.
It is explained that during the Horeki era, candles and tall lanterns were incorporated, developing the observance into a form that led to the festival today.
Official information
The official Akita Kanto Festival website provides information on the festival’s origins, schedule, venues, performances, and seating.
For inquiries, contact the Akita City Kanto Festival Executive Committee Secretariat.
Akita Kanto Festival at a Glance
The Akita Kanto Festival is a festival in Akita City where Kanto poles bearing lanterns arranged to resemble ears of rice are raised, and performers demonstrate their skills to the sound of drums and flutes.
The main performances take place on Kanto Odori in the evening, and the skill competition is held during the day.
The 2027 dates are currently being confirmed, but the festival is usually held from August 3 through the 6th.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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