Akita Kanto Festival Center
culture
秋田市民俗芸能伝承館
Try balancing a 50-kilogram bamboo pole hung with lanterns, the signature feat of Akita's spectacular Kanto Festival, in this hands-on museum.
The Neburi Nagashi Tradition Hall (Minzoku Geinoden Shikan) preserves the traditions of Akita's Kanto Festival, where performers balance towering bamboo poles carrying dozens of lit lanterns on their palms, foreheads, and hips. The museum displays actual kanto poles and lets visitors attempt to balance smaller versions, which is significantly harder than it looks. Video footage of the festival and exhibitions on other Akita folk traditions round out the experience.
The balancing demonstration by festival veterans happens daily at specific times. Check the schedule at the entrance. When they offer to let you try, start with the children's kanto and work up.
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