Akita Kanto Festival

This festival originated from the ancient tradition of fending off the evil spirits of the summer, in hope of better health and crops. Participants parade through the streets with giant bamboo sticks to which an uncountable number of paper lanterns have been attached, in order to display their strength and skills. The festival has been designated as an “Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property” and is one of Tohoku’s three major festivals.