Although Japan has a wealth of interesting festivals celebrated up and down the archipelago, taking in only a few requires considerable planning, effort and money.

There is a short-cut, however. The 12th All-Japan Festival of Folk-Performing Arts, scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 22-24 in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, gives people the chance to experience a festival smorgasbord all in one location.

Popularly known as Matsuri-da Nippon!, the event is a showcase of the nation's many vibrant festivals. A total of 36 organizations will take part in this year's three-day event, bringing with them their own particular brands of performing arts.