Tourist Information Wrap Up in August
When it comes to mid-August, Japanese celebrates the annual Buddhist event, Obon（お盆）, to commemorate the spirits and ancestors. Nowadays, Obon has evolved into a family reunion day, and the "Bon Odori (Bon dance)", one of the most iconic tradition during Obon, is a joyful event which everyone is welcomed. On top of that, there would be dazzling fireworks in many of the summer events! Be sure to check out these summer events when you visit Chiba, Japan!
1. Matsuri (Local Festivals)
8/9 48,000 Days（四万八千日）
The festival day is held on 9th of August every year. The guardian deity gives blessings of life extension, labor, children care, and protection from evil. It is said that if you visit Ryusho-in Temple（龍正院）on the night festival and pray, the blessings would be extended to 48,000 days.
8/14 The Floating Lanterns on Minatogawa（湊川灯籠流し）
This local tradition has been held since Showa 61(1986). The festival features the scenery of 500 wooden lanterns decorating the surface of the river. Also, there would be Buddhist Pilgrims' hymn, fair stalls, Bon Odori(Bon dance), and fireworks.
8/16~22 Myoken Taisai（妙見大祭）
The festival features the carrying of portable shrines（神輿/mikoshi）led by the rhythm of a giant taiko drum, whose sound (verbalized as "daran-daran（だらん、だらん）"in Japanese) is the origin for the festival’s general name, the "Daradara Festival（だらだら祭り）".
8/20 Yutsuzu no Saiten at Samukawa Shrine（夕星の祭典/寒川神社）
The festival starts with the carrying of portable shrines through the city that is led by the rhythm of taiko drum. By evening, the ritual of "Ohamaori（御浜下り）" is performed by carrying the portable shrine into the ocean.
8/22~23 Suwa Jinja Reisai（諏訪神社例祭）
This Reisai（例祭） for the guardian deity known as "Osuwa-sama（おすわ様）", is a regular festival when people pray for good harvest since ancient times. The festival-eve vigil（夜宮） is held on the 22th of August every year, featuring fair stalls and carrying of portable shrines. The ceremony（大祭式） would be performed on the next day(23th of August)
2. Summer Events
Late July~Late August
Night Adventure at Kamogawa Sea World
"Night Adventure" features a 1-hour night tour (*requires reservation), following the commentary of aquarium keepers, you get to see the marine animals in their sleep, and enjoy the unique atmosphere in the aquarium at night.
Late July~Late August
Summer Night Farm 2017 (Mother Farm)
Join us for our annual "Summer Night Farm." This year on weekends from 7/29(Sat.)~8/27(Sun.), 13 days in total! Relax with the refreshing evening summer breeze from atop Kanozan Mountain at Mother Farm. In the park, enjoy the illumination of the "Waku-Waku Land" Theme Park, various shows and attractions, and our Genghis Khan mutton cuisine. Of course there will also be a "Mother Farm Fireworks Show!" Come and see the sky illuminated in gorgeous colors!
＊Check out more information of Summer Night Farm!
Early July ~ Late August
Golden Mazes of Sun Flowers at Narita Dream Dairy Farm
This year, the numbers of sun flower made a record of 100,000. From time to time, the farm features glamorous golden mazes for your exploration. If you solve all of the riddles inside the maze, you would receive a coupon for ice cream as a gift.
8/5, 8/11 Choshi Minato Matsuri（銚子みなまつり）
An upcoming fireworks event would be held on 8/5(Sat.) at Tonegawa's riverside, featuring a show with around 6,000 fireworks going off. On top of that, on 8/11(Fri./Holiday), "Mikoshi Parade（みこしパレード）" features the carrying of portable shrines through My Road and Koko road, starting from the Choshi city hall and ends at Inuma Kannon.
8/6, 13, 14, 15
Sawara, streets, bamboo lights ~Enjoy the illumination and music in Yukata~
Yukata(a casual summer kimono) matches perfectly well with the streets of Sawara. Why not immerse yourself in the summer evenings in Yukata, and appreciate the illumination and music?
During the "Floating Dream Lantern Event" on 8/14(Mon.), you can write down your dreams and wishes on the lanterns before putting them into Onogawa(Ono River), and may all your wishes come true.
※The event would be rescheduled to 8/15(Tues.) if it's a rainy day.
＊Recommendation:
Try on Yukata at Kimono rental shop "Inoue" in Sawara!
Explore the vintage townscape of "Koedo" Sawara on a boat tour!
8/16 Shimofusa Furusato Summer Night Festival（下総ふるさと納涼まつり）
Encouraging community bond in the locals, the " Shimofusa Furusato Summer Night Festival" introduces numerous events, including Mascot Show, stage events, taiko performances, and even offers luxurious giveaways at the raffle draw. Also, there would be Bon Odori(Bon dance) and refreshment booths.
8/16 Futtsu Furusato Matsuri（富津ふるさとまつり）
Events are held at the dancing plaza. Starting from 16:00 is the events of kindergarten and elementary students, and later on when the time comes to 19:30, a party of 2,000 performers consist of companies, local stores, and social welfare services, would start dancing to the Futtsu Dance Song（富津音頭/ Futtsu Ondo）.
8/19, 20 Narita Furusato Matsuri（成田ふるさとまつり）
This event is held to encourage community bond within the Narita New Town neighborhood, and to promote the regional development. It features brass band performances from local middle schools, and events held by group members. Also, the residents' association and neighborhood association introduces a row of various refreshment booths, while portable shrines and floats parade through the street with music playing. It is surely an exciting event!
8/19 SAKAE Riverside Festival
Sakae's summer festival introduces exciting programs that you're either able to watch or try it by yourself. Featuring three main events, including "Dance Collection in SAKAE", "Marine Jet", and "Fireworks Event". Also, there would be game activities on the bank area, candle nights, and the essence of a festival, refreshment booths.
8/26 26th Omigawa Hannari Market（第26回小見川はんなり市）
When the summer night has come, Omigawa Honcho Rd.（小見川本町通り） is transformed into The Pedestrians' Paradise, and introduced with a row of "Ichi(market)" consist of local stores and merchants. There would be Attractions that citizens can participate as well. Under the theme of "Amusement", "Technique", "Art", and "Food", this events encourage people to enjoy the activities together.
