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