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Akita Kanto Matsuri 竿燈まつり

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · On our list

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Visiting Akita Kanto Matsuri today

  • What it is: A summer festival where performers balance tall bamboo poles hung with dozens of lit lanterns on hands, foreheads and hips; about 280 poles take part.
  • When: Held 3–6 August every year; the 2026 festival ran Monday 3 to Thursday 6 August.
  • Where: Kanto Odori avenue in central Akita, about 10 minutes' walk from JR Akita Station.
  • Watching: Evening performances around 19:15, with traffic closed 18:15–21:30. Paid seats ¥3,500–4,500; daytime skills contests 4–6 August.
  • Tip: Paid seats sell out early; standing room along the avenue fills early, so arrive well before 19:00.
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3–6 August each year.

Checked against: Akita Kanto Festival – Seat reservations (official) · Akita Kanto Festival – FAQ (official) · Akita Kanto festival – Akita Prefecture tourism. Check opening times and prices before you go.

Akita Kanto Matsuri on Shibuya246

We haven't been yet, so there are no photos here. The notes above come from official sources and are checked every quarter. Our own photos and story will appear here after we visit.