Matsuri, or Japanese festivals games, are the major place to view yukata, eat great cuisine, and, of course, perform matsuri games during the summer. The same games have already been making a reappearance every year owing to popularity, much as every festival has customs that have been handed down through the years. In this section, we will discuss some of Japan’s most famous matsuri games, matsuri dishes, matsuri clothes, and matsuri customs.
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Top 5 Japanese festivals games
1. Catching Goldfish: Japanese festivals games
Goldfish catching is a popular pastime in which the goal is to catch a goldfish with a net. The net is comprised of a thin sheet of paper that is meant to shatter if too much force is applied. Players compete to capture real or fake fish, which they may keep if they win. Some vendors utilize phony fish in the capturing area and award winners with live fish.
2. Yoyo Water Balloon
Small water balloons are filled both with air and water, providing sufficient bouncing strength. The balloons are tied together with a looped rubber cord. To win one of these bubbles, you must use a stick with a paper string tied to the end and a metal hook. The aim is to “fish” the balloons out of the liquid before the paper thread that holds the hook dissolves. After catching the balloon, loop it around your fingers and bounce it around like a yo-yo.
3. Fireworks
Fireworks displays are a highlight of Japanese celebrations. Festivalgoers can also bring their own fireworks to add to the atmosphere. During the summer, you may get inexpensive sparklers in grocery stores or convenience stores. Although it may appear dangerous, these miniature firecracker sticks are very safe to play with. Matsuri is frequently held till late at night. Before the real fireworks are fired off, the glitter from these sticks put everyone in a cheerful mood. Gather your pals and enjoy some matsuri fun with fireworks!
4. Super ball scooping
Super ball scooping, also known as super orb Fukui in Japanese, is a game in which you scooped a super ball, a bouncing rubber ball, using the same “poi” used in goldfish scooping. The criteria are the same as for goldfish scooping, however, super balls are significantly heavier.
5. Mask
Masks, or Kamen in Japanese, are among the most popular goods sold during a Japanese festival. Although it is not a game, as you go around the festival, you will see numerous sorts of masks placed on the walls.
Japanese Festival Food
Before the main event, no festival in Japan is complete with rows of street booths serving soul cuisine and street snacks. In fact, one of the biggest draws of these festivals is the matsuri cuisine. While enjoying the thrilling environment, Japanese festival-goers prefer to fill their stomachs with these tempting matsuri sweets. Here are some of our favorite Matsuri foods to sample at a Japanese festival vendor.
1. Yakisoba
This meal of Worcester-sauce scented stir-fried noodles with veggies, pork, and pickled red ginger is a festival classic. Toppings differ by area, and possibly the lively Japanese matsuri ambiance contributes to the flavor. Perhaps it’s a particular matsuri condiment that proud booth chefs love to brag about. One thing is certain: Japanese festivities would be incomplete without this distinctive matsuri treat!
2. Takoyaki
These ball-shaped treats, originally from Osaka, are unquestionably a festival favorite. The fillings differ depending on the locale, but the essential components are chopped or diced squid, tempura bits, and green onion. When they’re done, they’re topped with their unique takoyaki sauce, bonito flakes (dried fish), and mayonnaise. Although they are wonderful, don’t eat them too quickly. The octopus balls are frequently boiling hot on the inside. Takoyaki is one of the most well-known matsuri meals.
3. Okonomiyaki: Japanese Festival Food
These delicious Japanese pancakes, like takoyaki, hail from Osaka in the Kansai region. As the phrase literally means “grill it how you want it,” there are several versions of this meal available today. The Kyoto version has chopped scallions, while the Hiroshima version includes noodles, but the essential components are always pork pieces, cabbage, and teriyaki chicken sauce. Okonomiyaki, like takoyaki, is covered with mayo and bonito flakes.
4. Chocolate Banana with Candied Apple
Many people are probably familiar with this popular Japanese matsuri meal. Candied apples are a sweet matsuri apple dessert that is coated in a sugary, sticky flour syrup and served on a stick. They are comparable to candied apples consumed in the West, but they are still a delightful way to taste Japanese fruit cultivated locally.
Choco bananas, maybe the most gaze matsuri dessert, have grown in popularity in recent years. While it may not appear to be typically Japanese, the bananas are usually painted with bright colors, giving them a “Japanese festival flare.”
5. Kakigori
Since the Heian era, Japanese shave ice has been consumed (11th century). However, it became affordable to the general public in the late nineteenth century. Kakigori has long been Japan’s favorite festival delicacy for cooling down throughout hot summer events. Flakes are shaved off a massive block of ice before being covered with syrup and whipped cream. Green tea, strawberry, blue Hue, cherry, lemon, grape, & melon are popular tastes of Japanese shaved ice.
You now have all the information you need to endure the traditional summer Matsuri activities and enjoy delectable matsuri cuisine and delights. So put on your yukata and participate in the holiday fun the next time you visit Japan!
Now that you have an idea of the games available at a Japanese festival, make plans to visit Japan this summer and participate in the local festivals!
