Japan's summer festivals are beloved, but often skipped

A recent survey of 200 men and women across Japan conducted by Happy Mail was a good reminder of just how deeply festivals are tied to this time of year. Around 80% of the survey respondents said they enjoy summer festivals, with reasons like the fun atmosphere, seasonal foods, and the chance to wear a yukata all ranking highly among the reasons to attend.

I haven't been to the Aomori Nebuta Festival, but the Nebuta Wa Rasse museum is a good substitute if you can't line up your dates for the festival. Also, it's inside so you beat the heat! ;)

In saying that, nearly half of the survey respondents also admitted they skip summer festivals due to the heat and crowds, which I can also understand. Particularly if they're festivals you've already attended once. I do find myself attending matsuri less now than I did in my first years in Japan, maybe because the novelty has worn off to a degree, or maybe because each summer feels hotter than the last. 

The survey also ranked the top festivals that people want to attend, with the Aomori Nebuta Festival, Gion Festival in Kyoto, Sendai Tanabata Festival, Tokushima Awa Odori, and the Akita Kanto Festival rounding out the top five.

Are you noticing yourself loving the summer festival vibe but skipping them for similar reasons to the survey respondents? Have you attended any of the top five "wishlist" festivals?