Akita Kanto Festival 2026

About this event

A mesmerizing festival where performers balance giant bamboo poles (kanto) hung with illuminated paper lanterns on their palms, foreheads, shoulders, and hips. The kanto, weighing up to 50kg and reaching 12 meters tall, sway like golden rice stalks against the night sky. One of Tohoku's Big Summer Festivals and a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.