Japanese Festivals

Japanese festivals (matsuri) are vibrant celebrations that connect communities with their traditions and seasonal rhythms. From the famous Gion Matsuri to local shrine festivals, these events bring people together to honor deities and celebrate life.

Festivals around Japan

Festivals

Chichibu Night Festival: Japan’s Spectacular Winter Float and Fireworks Celebration

Imagine a winter night where centuries-old floats shimmer with gold, drums echo through the frosty air, and fireworks bloom above snow-dusted mountain

Festivals

Nagasaki Kunchi：A Multicultural Autumn Festival of Dance and Spirit

Picture a majestic dragon weaving through narrow streets, vibrant music filling the air, and colorfully dressed performers dancing in perfect harmony—

Festivals

Awa Odori: Japan’s Most Iconic Summer Dance Festival in Tokushima

Imagine the sound of taiko drums echoing through the summer night, lanterns swaying in the warm breeze, and thousands of dancers filling the streets i

Festivals

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival: Fukuoka’s Thrilling Summer Tradition

Imagine the thundering sound of bare feet on soaked pavement—thousands of men racing through the streets at dawn, hauling massive wooden floats in a p

Festivals

Sendai Tanabata Festival: Japan’s Grand Celebration of Stars and Wishes

What if your summer journey led you to a city transformed by thousands of floating wishes—dancing in the breeze beneath the stars? Every August, the S

Festivals

Nagoya Matsuri: Celebrating Samurai Heritage and Traditional Culture in Aichi

Step into the past as armored samurai march past Nagoya Castle, the sound of taiko drums echoing through the streets—this is Nagoya Matsuri, where his

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Festivals around Japan

Seasonal Festivals

Spring Festivals

Sakura Festival
Aoi Festival

Summer Festivals

Gion Festival
Fireworks Festival

Autumn Festivals

Jidai Festival
Harvest Festival

Winter Festivals

Sapporo Snow Festival
Namahage Sedo Festival

Japan's Three Biggest Festivals

Gion Festival (Kyoto)

The Gion Festival is held every July in Kyoto. With a history of over 1,000 years, it features spectacular “Yamaboko” floats that parade through the city streets. During the month-long celebration, visitors can also enjoy traditional music, street food, and vibrant nighttime festivities.

Tenjin Festival (Osaka)

The Tenjin Festival in Osaka, held every July, is a vibrant celebration featuring parades, river boats, and fireworks. One of its highlights is the “Funatogyo,” a river procession with portable shrines, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

Kanda Festival (Tokyo)

The Kanda Festival, held in mid-May during odd-numbered years in Tokyo, traces its roots back to the Edo period. More than 100 portable shrines (mikoshi) parade through the streets of central Tokyo in celebration of prosperity and good fortune.

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