Mapping out an itinerary for your upcoming Japan travels? Ishikawa Prefecture's Abare Matsuri has earned a coveted spot on National Geographic's list of the Best Summer Festivals to Travel To, and was celebrated for its unbridled energy, ancient traditions, and exciting atmosphere.
Held each July in the quiet coastal town of Ushitsu, the Abare Matsuri (also known as the Fire and Violence Festival) is anything but peaceful. At nightfall, what begins as a procession of towering lantern floats quickly erupts into a ritual of controlled chaos, where shrines are paraded through the streets, doused in sake, and smashed into the ground or burned in towering bonfires. The event serves as a tribute to the storm god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who is said to thrive on noise and destruction.
Visually and emotionally, it’s one of Japan’s most unforgettable matsuri, with the festival's raw physical energy offering a stark contrast to Japan's typically calm and orderly image. You can get more of an idea of what to expect via the video below.
The Abare Matsuri is one of an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 festivals held across Japan each year, many of which come to life during the sweltering summer months. If you're looking for inspiration on other unique festivals to attend, be sure to check out the dedicated events section on our site—you can search by the prefecture(s) you plan on visiting, or input dates of when you're traveling to see what’s on and where!
