Patrick Balfe

As the heat continues, so too do the opportunities to catch festivals and other exciting events all over the country. Here's a taste of what you can expect in September. For events in Tokyo and surrounds, see our listings on Tokyo Cheapo. Kansai events These are events in Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Mie, and the surrounding areas. Danjiri Matsuri Osaka Osaka's Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri has rightfully earned its place on the list of Japan's rowdiest festivals -- and possibly the most dangerous too. Local teams whirl their wheeled carts around town, often reaching high speeds, and with participants riding on top of them. At night, they are strewn with lanterns, creating a beautiful scene. Osaka Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli) Osaka This is a series of events dedicated to the music of Joe Hisaishi, composer for such films as Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke. Music will be provided by a local string quartet, and September performances include Friday, September 5, and Sunday, September 14. Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 Fireworks Osaka The penultimate opportunity to catch the Osaka Expo's fireworks display. These shows have brought together pyrotechnicians from around the country, representing regional tradition and showcasing modern technology and -- dare we say -- flair. The launch site is along Yumeshima’s south side seawall. Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair Kyoto Showing that there's a modern side to Kyoto, the Manga Anime Fair is one of the biggest in Kansai and is a fun mix of tradeshow, market, and festival. Get your fix of everything anime and celebrate the creativity of some of Japan's most famous forms of entertainment. Kamigamo Shrine Sumo Festival Kyoto The Kamigamo Shrine Sumo Festival is one of those gotta-see-it-to-believe-it type of events. Essentially, local youths compete in sumo bouts as an offering to the shrine’s deity. Meanwhile, local men dressed in white with black caps imitate crows, a tradition that connects the shrine to the mythical three-legged crow yatagarasu. Chrysanthemums and chrysanthemum saké also play a large role in the day's proceedings, and the event takes place annually on September 9. Nagahama and Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks Shiga This display takes place on the northern side of Lake Biwako, near Hō Park at Nagahama Port. For 2025, instead of one big show, there will be three 20-minute shows starting at 8 p.m. on September 17, 18, and 19. Kanto events These are events just outside of Tokyo, including Tochigi, Ibaraki, and the surrounding areas. Tonegawa Fireworks Festival Ibaraki The Tonegawa Fireworks Festival will be held at Sakai Riverside Park. Award-winning pyrotechnicians will go head-to-head as 30,000 firework shells shoot into the sky for 90 minutes. The fireworks will synchronize with lights and music as the whole area is illuminated. Hokkaidō events Here's what's happening in Hokkaidō this month. Hokkaidō Artistic Fireworks Hokkaidō The Hokkaidō Artistic Fireworks is an elaborate 50-minute show designed by some of Japan's greatest fireworks masters. The spectacle synchronises blasts to contemporary popular music to within 1/30th of a second, over the meticulously designed Moerenuma Park. It's long been a highlight of Sapporo's festival season, and has captured the attention of international fireworks festivals in recent years. Sapporo Dōshin Autumn Fireworks Hokkaidō Another highly curated fireworks event, the Sapporo Dōshin Autumn Fireworks take place at the open-air stadium Daiwa House Premist Dome or Sapporo Stadium. This year's event is put together by award-winning pyrotechnicians Yamazaki Fireworks, with every one of the 18,000 blasts choreographed to music. Sapporo Autumn Festival Hokkaidō Sapporo's Ōdori Park comes to life with over 300 food stalls showcasing Hokkaidō's culinary offerings. Over two million visitors head to the event each year in search of fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients produced by some of the prefecture's top chefs. The event takes place in a one-kilometer stretch of the park, where the smell of unique regional delicacies fills the air. Tōhoku events These are events in Aomori, Miyagi, and the surrounding areas. All Japan Kokeshi Festival Miyagi People from all across Japan gather at Naruko Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture to celebrate the craftsmanship of kokeshi dolls, a traditional Japanese wooden doll that has no arms or legs. Get ready for people dressed as dolls and a unique burning ceremony. Pop into the local hot springs while you're there -- they even have dedicated hand baths! Jozenji Street Jazz Festival Miyagi Featuring 700 jazz bands in an urban outdoor setting, the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival brings music to the streets of Sendai City each September. Not all of the acts are professional or big names, but all are very good at what they do, and this festival promises a treat for anyone. Misawa Air Base Festival Aomori A rare chance for civilians to enter the air base, this festival attracts around 100,000 visitors a year and entertains them with aerial displays, fly-bys, and music, as well as plenty of food stands. It's the largest air show in northern Japan and is popular, so expect busy stations and buses. Hiroshima events These are events in Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, and the surrounding areas. Innoshima Suigun Pirate Festival Onomichi A long-running tradition that honors the area's connections to the Murakami Pirates. The festival takes place over three separate events, two of which will happen on September 20 this year. During the day, armor-clad samurai re-enact traditional ceremonies and fire-walking rituals. After dark, the Fire Festival kicks into gear with warriors carrying blazing torches towards the ocean, to the sound of beating drums. Aizu Samurai Festival Fukushima The Aizu Samurai Festival is an Edo-period festival that takes place over three days. The second day is arguably the main event, with around 500 samurai marching through the streets and traditional performances taking place at Tsuruga Castle. Chūbu events These are events in Nagano, Aichi, Fukui, Shizuoka, Yamanashi, and surrounding areas. Gujō Odori Dance Festival Gifu The Gujō Odori Dance Festival is one of Japan’s top three traditional Bon Dance festivals. With over 400 years of history, it is celebrated for more than 30 nights from mid-July to early September. This year, the closing night's dance will happen on September 7 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Owara Kaze no Bon Dance Festival Toyama Head to Toyama for a calm, yet mysterious, night festival that sees performers dance in slow and graceful movements to traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen and kokyū. Mt. Fuji Rainbow Flower Festival Yamanashi The Fuji Motosuko Resort is most famous for its shibazakura festival in spring, but the field also turns shades of yellow, red, pink, and orange in autumn. The backdrop of Mt. Fuji makes this a great day trip from Tokyo on a clear day. National New Fireworks Games Nagano One of the largest firework displays in Japan, the National New Fireworks Games is held in Suwa and involves different teams trying to outdo each other in the art of pyrotechnics. Like most industries in Japan, firework displays tend to have older technicians with younger apprentices supporting them, but here, there are plenty of opportunities for the apprentices to show their skills. Catch over 18,000 fireworks being launched from different sites in a spectacular show. Kyūshū & Okinawa events Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival Okinawa Check out the Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival, the island chain's last major summer event. It's a corker -- three days of dancing and celebration as Okinawans gather to welcome their ancestors. With traditional Ryukyu dress, massive taiko drums, song, and dance, it's an event not to be missed. Nagasaki Sasebo Seaside Festival Nagasaki This festival in Nagasaki's main draw is the island's largest firework display. If summer hanabi (fireworks) aren't your jam (and if not, why not?), the Seaside Festival includes music, balloon art, jazz, food stalls, dance exhibitions, family games, traditional taiko drumming, and harbor cruises. Nagasaki Kyoryuchi Foreign Settlement Festival Nagasaki Long an international trading hub, everything from Nagasaki's cuisine to architecture was shaped by its relationships with foreign cultures. This event is a nod to the Kyoryuchi Foreign Settlement established in Nagasaki in the mid-19th century and features an international market, food stalls, games, and performances. Pro tip: Check back for more events as we update this post! If you're going to be in Tokyo, see our detailed events listings for the area. While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change.