61. Hamaorisai Festival
Once a year (on Sea Day in Japan ~ third Monday in July) the residents of the city of Chigasaki, Kanagawa wake up early to take the gods for a swim.The 40+ mikoshi of the local shrines are hauled down to the beach to be blessed. Mikoshi commonly weight 500 - 1000 kilograms (1100 - 2200 pounds). To please the gods (inside the mikoshi) each mikoshi is taken for a swim.
62. Himeji Sakura Festival
Depending on the region and year sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom in Japan between the end of March and beginning of May.When sakura bloom (virtually) everyone has cherry blossom viewing parties (hanami) under the trees. There are thousands of sakura festivals throughout Japan. One interesting spot to see this is at Himeji Castle.
63. Sado Earth Celebration
Kodo (鼓童) is a taiko drum troupe from Sado Island, Japan. They give concerts at music festivals and events all over the World. Once a year they invite musicians and artists they've met on their travels back to their hometown for a giant arts festival (mid August).The quiet fishing town of Ogi is transformed into a bustling international arts community for a few days.
64. Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
One of Tokyo's largest fireworks festivals (last Saturday in July). It dates back to 1732 making it the oldest fireworks festival in the World. Each year it attracts over 1 million people.
65. Kishiwada Danjiri
One of Japan's biggest cart pulling festivals centered around Kishiwada Castle in Osaka. This festival is really two festivals — one in September and one in October. Large wooden carts are pulled by different neighborhoods who complete with each other to be the most energetic.
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