Japan Holiday Tours: 3 Day Sawara Festival Performer Experience

Highlights of the Trip 

This unique 3 day tour – one of the best trips to Japan – turns travellers into festival performers and allows you to become one with one of Japan’s most celebrated festivals. You will learn what it means to be performer and become included on the Sahara Grand Summer Festival from the second day of the tour.

You will catch the highway bus from Tokyo to Sawara town. You take a special canal boat tour exploring the waterways and onto the local sites in the historic town with your guide. Afterwards you’ll visit Kashima Shrine, one of Japan oldest shrines dating back to 43 BC. Next playtime is over as you will be receiving your training ready for the festival day the following day. You will various dances and receive lessons in how to direct the floats in the procession. This is a three day festival so there are many options to extend your stay through Japan and travel further if you wish.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Tokyo

• Potential free time to explore here.

Sawara

• Kashima Shrine: One of the oldest and most revered shrines in Japan.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Sawara Grand Summer Festival: This festival is a celebration of traditional Japanese culture and has been held for over 300 years, making it one of the oldest and most iconic summer festivals in the country. This is known for its lively atmosphere, stunning displays of lanterns and fireworks, and traditional parades and performances. The highlight of the festival is the grand float parade, where elaborately decorated floats are pulled through the streets by local townspeople dressed in colorful traditional clothing.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Japan

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including aisen-don, a bowl of rice topped with an array of fresh seafood such as salmon, crab, and sea urchin. Another popular dish in Tokyo is monjayaki, a popular street food in Tokyo that combines the traditional Japanese pancake batter with various fillings such as seafood, meat, and vegetables.

Accommodation of this Tour

All accommodation is in a 3* hotel.

To discover more of our Japan holiday tours, browse our website or contact us at +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com

Itinerary

Day 1: Sawara Arrival, Canal Boat Tour, Kashima Shrine & Festival Lessons

Highway bus from Tokyo to Sawara. This is a historic town with stunning canals and a morning tour will be explore these waterways with your guide. Then visit Kashima Shrine that dates to 43 BC. In the afternoon you will be back in central Sawara for your practice to take part in the Sawara Grand Summer Festival. Taking part in dances, you will also learn how to direct the large floats that are so important during the festival. You will transfer to your hotel in the evening.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 2: Sawara Grand Summer Festival Full Day

Today is the main festival day and you will be dressing in traditional festival wear. There will be music and dances and the general festival atmosphere that attracts quite the crowd. There will be a variety of local stalls and food sellers during the event. The festival goes on for three days so will last long into the evening.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Last Day of Festival Joy & Tokyo Transfer

You can enjoy further festivities in the morning till your afternoon departure bus from Sawara back to Tokyo for potential departure flights or further exploration of Japan.

✓ Breakfast

To discover more of our best trips to Japan and Japan holiday tours, browse our website or contact us at +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com

Price

Guide price per person (based on a group of 4 adults)

£1145

*price is lower for 6 and 8 travellers

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrival in Sawara, Canal Boat Tour, Kashima Shrine Visit, Festival Lessons. Experience the historic canals, visit Kashima Shrine, and learn festival traditions.

Day 2: Sawara Grand Summer Festival. Dress in festival attire, enjoy music, dances, and local food stalls at the main festival day.

Day 3: Final Festival Day & Return to Tokyo. Partake in morning festivities before returning to Tokyo by afternoon bus for flights or continued exploration.

FAQs

1. What is included in the festival lessons on Day 1?
   • The festival lessons include learning traditional dances and how to direct the large floats that are an integral part of the Sawara Grand Summer Festival.
2. Are festival attire and accessories provided for Day 2?
   • Yes, traditional festival wear will be provided for participants to dress appropriately for the Sawara Grand Summer Festival.
3. Can participants opt out of certain festival activities?
   • While participation is encouraged, attendees are not obligated to take part in all festival activities if they prefer to observe.
4. Is transportation to and from Tokyo included in the tour package?
   • Yes, transportation via highway bus from Tokyo to Sawara and back is included in the tour itinerary.
5. What happens if it rains during the festival days?
   • The festival typically proceeds rain or shine. However, some outdoor activities may be adjusted or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.