Akita’s Kanto Festival is held in early August where many Kantos (bamboo branches with lanterns) are likened to lighted rice ears. This summer event in Akita is one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku Region. If you missed it, you can visit here and put your hands on the real Kanto.
This Folk Performing Arts Heritage Center was opened in 1992 to preserve and pass on folk traditions such as the Kanto Festival, Akita’s folk events and performing arts. Since it shares information on the Kanto Festival, the Center has been called “Neburi Nagashi Kan” by locals and tourists. Besides the Kanto Festival, there is information on Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha’s Hikiyama Festival, Miyoshi Bonden Festival, Akita Manzai, Kurokawa Bangaku and other traditional performances.
The adjoining “Former Kaneko Family Residence” is a home and shop in one, built in the commerce town for the feudal government. It reflects the typical characteristics of a house in the late Edo Period. You can step inside and see the earthen storage built around the end of the samurai era, water pots on the roof against fire, etc. It makes you feel like you are in a samurai movie.
Highlights
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The Center shares Akita’s traditional events / arts such as Kanto Festival held in early August.
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Life-size Kanto is on display for hands-on experience.
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Former Kaneko Family Residence is a traditional Japanese home, worth a look.
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