There’s nothing more refreshing and exciting than stumbling upon the vibrant sounds of bells and drums from cultural festivals while wandering around Tokyo. Whether it's a small local event or one that spans several city blocks, each festival offers a unique and lively atmosphere.

With hundreds of festivals happening across Japan in the summer, I decided to visit the popular cultural neighborhood of Kagurazaka, near Shinjuku, to experience the annual Kagurazaka Matsuri Festival.

Held on the fourth Friday and Saturday of July, the Kagurazaka Matsuri attracts people to an alley next to Zenkoku-ji Temple to participate, watch, and enjoy the festivities, and I was eager to join them!

One of the things I find fascinating about Japan is how its culture is intricately woven into everyday life. It's not every day you see a group of men and women carrying a portable shrine through a busy intersection or clap along to the beat as kimono-clad dancers perform elegant moves for all to enjoy.

When I witness these events firsthand, my immediate thought is: "This... is truly Japan." It always brings a smile to my face, and although I may not understand all the lyrics and chants, I'm thrilled to join in with the many participants and onlookers.

The "Awa-odori" part of the festival is a dance that originated in Tokushima Prefecture on the Japanese island of Shikoku. Groups of dancers and musicians parade through the streets, playing instruments like bells, drums, and flutes, filling the air with a nostalgic melody.

It felt like being transported from modern Tokyo to a bygone era. The performers wore traditional clothing, including light yukatas and straw hats called "amigasa." If not for the crowd of onlookers with cameras and phones, it would have been hard to tell what year it was.

The dance that they performed looked very fun. Originating from the traditional "Bon Odori", which is a Japanese Buddhist celebration where spirits of ancestors are believed to come back from the grave, the Awa-odori is believed to have its roots in the last part of the 16th century (around 1586). At that time, the lord of the Awa province held a drunken celebration of the opening of Tokushima Castle and as the people swayed to and fro, and others joined along with instruments, Awa-odori was born.

The song that can usually be heard in the celebration goes like this:

Odoru ahou ni (The dancers are fools)
Miru ahou (The watchers are fools)
Onaji ahou nara (Both are fools alike so)
Odorana son, son (Why not dance?)

It's very light-hearted and meant to promote and easy-going atmosphere where everyone can participate and have fun! What an amazing way to enjoy the summer nights!

After enjoying some performances, I took a quick walk around the neighborhood and was amazed at the meticulous decorations for the event. Red lanterns lit up the grounds everywhere I looked. This, combined with the music and dancing, created an atmosphere that made me want to join in with the chants. This is definitely an experience you must witness firsthand when visiting Japan in the summer.

After a while, I looked down at my watch and I realized that I had lost track of time! I was at the event for 3 hours, but it felt like I had just arrived. Overall, the Kagurazaka Awa-odori festival was an amazing and memorable experience. The smiling faces of everyone in attendance, the infectious music, and chants from the onlookers and performers put me in a great mood and made my trip out to the Kagurazaka area well worth it!

So the next time you hear the faint, distinct sounds of drums and bells while walking around Tokyo, it just might be worth finding the source.