The ultimate guide to Japan travel

Cheapo Calendar

July

Jul 5, Saturday
Anime Fireworks near Mount Fuji
Yamanashi
Jul 5, Saturday
Umekoji Handicrafts Market
Kyoto
Jul 5, Saturday
Mt. Fuji Opening Fireworks Festival
Yamanashi
Jul 4–Jul 5
Abare Festival
Ishikawa
Jul 6, Sunday
Ito Matsukawa River Tub Riding Race
Shizuoka
Until the 8th
Mishima Skywalk Hydrangea Festival
Shizuoka
Jul 11, Friday
Miyajima Kangen-sai Festival
Hiroshima
Jul 14, Monday
Traditional Noh Performance in Kyoto
Kyoto
Until the 15th
Hakata Gion Yamakasa
Fukuoka
Jul 19, Saturday
Ise Shrine Dedication Fireworks Festival
Mie
Until the 21st
Kawaguchiko Lavender Herb Festival
Yamanashi
Jul 21, Monday
Tōji Temple Flea Market
Kyoto
Jul 21, Monday
Nagoya Port Fireworks Festival 2025
Nagoya
Jul 21, Monday
Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 Fireworks
Osaka
Jul 23, Wednesday
Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 Fireworks
Osaka
Jul 22–Jul 23
Kiso Mikoshi Makuri Festival
Nagano
Jul 25, Friday
Sapporo Doshin/UHB Fireworks Festival 2025
Hokkaidō
Jul 24–Jul 25
Tenjin Festival
Osaka
Jul 25, Friday
Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025
Shizuoka
Jul 25, Friday
Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market
Kyoto
Jul 25–Jul 26
Kinugawa Onsen Dragon King Festival
Tochigi
Jul 26, Saturday
Kashiwazaki Sea Fireworks
Niigata
Jul 26, Saturday
Wakayama Port Minato Matsuri Fireworks Display
Wakayama
Jul 26, Saturday
Kihoku Lantern Festival 2025
Mie
Late July
Shin-Umeda Osaka Summer Festival
Osaka, Umeda
Jul 26, Saturday
Notojima Kōda Fire Festival
Ishikawa
Jul 26, Saturday
Kuwana Suigo Fireworks Festival
Mie
Jul 26, Saturday
Lake Nojiri Fireworks Festival
Myōkō, Nagano
Jul 20–Jul 27
Yamaguchi Gion Matsuri
Yamaguchi
Jul 26–Jul 27
Ono Hiyoshi Shrine Sanno Festival
Ishikawa
Jul 27, Sunday
Minato Maizuru Chatta Fireworks Festival
Kyoto
Jul 26–Jul 27
Beppu Fire Sea Festival
Oita
Jul 26–Jul 27
Nagasaki Port Festival
Nagasaki
Jul 25–Jul 27
Tobata Gion Oyamakasa Festival
Fukuoka
Jul 26–Jul 27
The Japan International Birdman Rally
Shiga
Jul 13–Jul 27
Nagoya July Grand Sumo Tournament
Nagoya
Jul 20–Jul 27
Hita Gion Festival
Oita
Jul 26–Jul 29
Naoetsu Gion Festival
Niigata
Until the 31st
Gion Festival 2025
Kyoto
Until the 31st
Umeda Yukata Festival
Osaka, Umeda
From the 31st
Kyoto Honganji Temple Bon Dance
Kyoto
From the 21st
Sumiyoshi Festival
Osaka
From the 30th
Kuroishi Neputa Festival
Aomori
From the 18th
Sapporo Summer Festival
Hokkaidō
From the 25th
Nijō Castle NAKED Summer Festival 2025
Kyoto
From the 21st
Shirahama Fireworks Festival 2025
Wakayama
From the 5th
Van Gogh’s Home: The Painter’s Legacy, the Family Collection, the Ongoing Story
Osaka
All month
Kyoto Kyo No Tanabata
Kyoto
From the 12th
Gujō Odori Dance Festival
Gifu
All month
Yayoi Kusama Print Works: Repetition and Proliferation
Kyoto
All month
Osaka Expo 2025
Osaka
All month
Tanbo Art
Aomori
All month
Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival
Osaka
All month
Gundam Pavillion at Osaka Expo 2025
Osaka
From the 18th
teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live – GC
Saga
All month
Setouchi Triennale 2025
Kagawa

August

Until the 1st
Kyoto Honganji Temple Bon Dance
Kyoto
Until the 1st
Sumiyoshi Festival
Osaka
Aug 2, Saturday
Okazaki Fireworks Festival
Aichi
Until the 2nd
Tatemon Festival
Toyama
Aug 2, Saturday
Umekoji Handicrafts Market
Kyoto
Aug 2–Aug 3
Hirakawa Neputa Festival
Aomori
Until the 3rd
World Cosplay Summit 2025
Nagoya
Until the 3rd
Hinokuni Festival
Kumamoto
Until the 3rd
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
Niigata
Early August
Takabocchi Kogen Horse Race
Nagano
Until the 4th
Morioka Sansa Odori Dance Festival
Iwate
Aug 5, Tuesday
The Chikugogawa Fireworks Festival 2025
Fukuoka
Until the 5th
Kuroishi Neputa Festival
Aomori
Until Early August
Hakodate Port Festival
Hakodate
Aug 5, Tuesday
Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025
Shizuoka
Aug 5, Tuesday
Lake Kawaguchiko Fireworks Festival
Yamanashi
Aug 6, Wednesday
Hiroshima Toro Nagashi Lantern Floating
Hiroshima
Aug 3–Aug 6
Akita Kanto Festival
Akita
Early August
Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern Festival
Yamaguchi
Aug 5–Aug 7
Yamagata Hanagasa Festival
Yamagata
Until the 7th
Hirosaki Neputa Festival
Aomori, Hirosaki
Aug 2–Aug 7
Aomori Nebuta Festival
Aomori
Early August
Hikone and Kita-Biwako Great Firework Festival 2025
Shiga
Aug 8, Friday
Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival
Shiga
Aug 4–Aug 8
Goshogawara Tachi-Neputa Festival
Aomori
Aug 6–Aug 8
Sendai Tanabata
Sendai
Aug 8, Friday
Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025
Shizuoka
Aug 9, Saturday
Gifu Nagara River Fireworks Festival
Gifu
Early August
Itō Anjin Festival
Shizuoka
Aug 11, Monday
Kameoka Hozugawa Fireworks
Kyoto
Mid August
Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival
Fukuoka, Yamaguchi
Aug 13, Wednesday
Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival
Yamaguchi
Aug 5–Aug 14
Nara Tokae
Nara
Aug 15, Friday
Hitoyoshi Fireworks Festival
Kumamoto
Mid August
Osaka Shitennōji Bon Festival
Osaka
Aug 15, Friday
Nara Daimonji Okuribi
Nara
Aug 15, Friday
Shoro Nagashi Lantern Floating Ceremony
Nagasaki
Aug 15, Friday
Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival
Nagano
Aug 11–Aug 15
Tokushima Awa Odori Festival
Tokushima
Aug 15, Friday
Yoshinogawa Festival and Fireworks
Nara
Aug 16, Saturday
Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi 2025
Kyoto
Until the 16th
Sapporo Summer Festival
Hokkaidō
Mid August
Miyazu Tōrō Nagashi Fireworks
Kyoto
Aug 15–Aug 16
Rising Sun Rock Festival 2025
Hokkaidō, Otaru
Aug 16, Saturday
Mt. Fuji Lantern Floating at Lake Kawaguchiko
Yamanashi
Aug 16–Aug 17
Summer Sonic Osaka 2025
Osaka
Aug 17, Sunday
Kumano Fireworks Festival
Mie
Aug 18, Monday
Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025
Shizuoka
Mid August
Tenjin Tenma Awa Odori Dance Festival
Tenma
Aug 21, Thursday
Tōji Temple Flea Market
Kyoto
Aug 23, Saturday
Osaka Senshu Fireworks Festival
Osaka
Aug 23, Saturday
Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 Fireworks
Osaka
Aug 23, Saturday
Shakado River Fireworks Festival
Fukushima
Aug 22–Aug 24
Earth Celebration
Niigata
Aug 23–Aug 24
Takasaki Festival
Takasaki
Until the 24th
Nijō Castle NAKED Summer Festival 2025
Kyoto
Late August
Noboribetsu Hell Festival
Noboribetsu
Aug 25, Monday
Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025
Shizuoka
Until the 25th
Shirahama Fireworks Festival 2025
Wakayama
Aug 25, Monday
Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market
Kyoto
Late August
Shinjo Festival
Yamagata
Aug 26–Aug 27
Yoshida Fire Festival
Yamanashi
Aug 27–Aug 28
Minami-Mido Osaka Bon Dance
Osaka
Aug 30, Saturday
Ōmagari Fireworks Festival
Akita
Until the 31st
Van Gogh’s Home: The Painter’s Legacy, the Family Collection, the Ongoing Story
Osaka
From the 29th
Domannaka Festival 2025
Nagoya
Until the 31st
Kyoto Kyo No Tanabata
Kyoto
All month
Gujō Odori Dance Festival
Gifu
All month
Yayoi Kusama Print Works: Repetition and Proliferation
Kyoto
From the 30th
Mt. Fuji Rainbow Flower Festival
Yamanashi
All month
Osaka Expo 2025
Osaka
All month
Tanbo Art
Aomori
All month
Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival
Osaka
All month
Gundam Pavillion at Osaka Expo 2025
Osaka
All month
teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live – GC
Saga
All month
Setouchi Triennale 2025
Kagawa

September

Until Early September
Owara Kaze no Bon Dance Festival
Toyama
Sep 6, Saturday
Umekoji Handicrafts Market
Kyoto
Until the 7th
Gujō Odori Dance Festival
Gifu
Sep 5–Sep 7
All Japan Kokeshi Festival
Miyagi
Until the 7th
Yayoi Kusama Print Works: Repetition and Proliferation
Kyoto
Early September
National New Fireworks Games
Nagano
Early September
Nagasaki Sasebo Seaside Festival
Nagasaki
Early September
Jozenji Street Jazz Festival
Miyagi, Sendai
Early September
Misawa Air Base Festival in Aomori
Aomori
Early September
Kamigamo Shrine Sumo Festival
Kyoto
Sep 12–Sep 14
Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival
Okinawa
Sep 13–Sep 14
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival
Osaka
Mid September
Katakai Fireworks Festival
Niigata
Sep 13–Sep 14
Tonegawa Fireworks Festival 2025
Ibaraki
Sep 15, Monday
Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025
Shizuoka
Mid September
Nagasaki Kyoryuchi Festival
Nagasaki
Mid September
Beers of Japan Festival
Fukuoka
Mid September
Uneme Festival
Nara
Mid September
Nagahama and Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks
Shiga
Sep 21, Sunday
Tōji Temple Flea Market
Kyoto
Late September
Mozu Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival
Osaka
Late September
Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2025
Kyoto
Late September
Aizu Samurai Festival
Fukushima
Late September
Comb Festival
Kyoto
Mid–Late September
Kansai Queer Film Festival 2025
Kyoto, Osaka
Sep 25, Thursday
Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market
Kyoto
Sep 27, Saturday
Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 Fireworks
Osaka
Early–Late September
Sapporo Autumn Festival
Hokkaidō, Sapporo
All month
Mt. Fuji Rainbow Flower Festival
Yamanashi
All month
Osaka Expo 2025
Osaka
All month
Tanbo Art
Aomori
All month
Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival
Osaka
All month
Gundam Pavillion at Osaka Expo 2025
Osaka
From Mid September
Kangetsu no Yube: Kyoto Full Moon Viewing
Kyoto
From Early September
Toyono Village Cosmos Festival
Osaka
From Late September
Karuizawa Momiji Festival
Nagano
From the 5th
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka
All month
teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live – GC
Saga
All month
Setouchi Triennale 2025
Kagawa

October

Early October
Ujicha Ceremony
Kyoto
Oct 4, Saturday
Umekoji Handicrafts Market
Kyoto
Early October
Paantu Festival
Okinawa
Until the 5th
Zuiki Festival
Kyoto
Early October
Dontsuku “Penis Festival”
Shizuoka
Early October
Kyotophonie Borderless Music Festival Autumn 2025
Kyoto
Oct 8, Wednesday
Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 Fireworks
Osaka
Oct 7–Oct 9
Nagasaki Kunchi Festival
Nagasaki
Oct 8–Oct 10
Lake Akan Marimo Festival
Hokkaidō, Kushiro
Oct 9–Oct 10
Takayama Autumn Festival
Gifu, Takayama
Mid October
Onomichi Lantern Festival
Hiroshima
Mid October
Kyoto Intercollegiate Festa
Kyoto
Mid October
Osaka Kitchenware Street Festival
Osaka
Mid October
Otsu Hikiyama Festival
Shiga
Mid October
Saiin Kasuga Shrine Festival
Kyoto
Until the 13th
Mt. Fuji Rainbow Flower Festival
Yamanashi
Mid October
Mammoth Flea Market Z (Autumn)
Aichi
Mid October
Asagiri Jam 2025
Shizuoka
Oct 13, Monday
Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025
Shizuoka
Mid October
Great Tug-of-War
Okinawa
Until the 13th
Osaka Expo 2025
Osaka
Until the 13th
Tanbo Art
Aomori
Until the 13th
Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival
Osaka
Until the 13th
Gundam Pavillion at Osaka Expo 2025
Osaka
Early–Mid October
Hannan City Yagura Festival 2025
Osaka
Mid October
Osaka Mecha Happy Festival
Osaka
Oct 15, Wednesday
Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (Autumn)
Kyoto
Oct 14–Oct 15
Nada no Kenka Festival
Himeji, Hyogo
Until Mid October
Kangetsu no Yube: Kyoto Full Moon Viewing
Kyoto
Oct 16–Oct 17
Nikkō Tōshogū Shrine Autumn Grand Festival
Tochigi
Oct 16–Oct 17
Goryo Jinja Shrine Autumn Festival
Osaka
Oct 18, Saturday
Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka
Oct 18, Saturday
Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival
Hiroshima
Mid October
M Festival 2025
Gunma
Until Late October
Toyono Village Cosmos Festival
Osaka
Oct 21, Tuesday
Tōji Temple Flea Market
Kyoto
Oct 22, Wednesday
Kurama Fire Festival
Kyoto
Late October
Jidai Matsuri: Kyoto’s Historical Parade 2025
Kyoto
Oct 20–Oct 24
2025 Kōbe Port Fireworks Festival
Hyogo
Oct 25, Saturday
Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market
Kyoto
Early–Late October
Kyoto Experiment
Kyoto
Late October
Special Autumn Visit to Higashi Honganji Temple
Kyoto
Late October
Miyazakijingu Festival 2025
Miyazaki
Late October
Kanazawa Marathon 2025
Ishikawa
All month
Karuizawa Momiji Festival
Nagano
All month
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka
All month
teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live – GC
Saga
All month
Setouchi Triennale 2025
Kagawa
From Late October
Nijō Autumn Harvest Festival 2025
Kyoto
From Late October
Maple Leaves Forest at Kobe Municipal Arboretum
Kobe
From Early October
Rurikō-in Temple Autumn Opening
Kyoto
From Late October
Kōdai-ji Zen Temple Autumn Illuminations
Kyoto
From Mid October
Sagano Romantic Train Light-Up in Kyoto
Kyoto
From Early October
Saga Light Fantasy
Saga
From Mid October
Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations 2025
Tochigi

November

Nov 1, Saturday
Umekoji Handicrafts Market
Kyoto
Early November
Osaka Great Sky Art Fireworks
Osaka
Nov 3, Monday
Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025
Shizuoka
Early November
Ube Festival
Yamaguchi
Until Early November
Nagasaki Tall Ship Festival
Nagasaki
Early November
Ishigaki Island Festival
Okinawa
Early November
Nigohachi Festival
Shiga
Until Early November
Karuizawa Momiji Festival
Nagano
Early November
Shitennoji Wasso Festival
Osaka
Nov 3, Monday
Fire-Walking Ceremony at Daiganji Temple
Hiroshima
Until the 3rd
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka
Early November
Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival
Tochigi
Early November
Midōsuji Runway
Osaka
Early November
Kagoshima Ohara Festival
Kagoshima
Until the 3rd
teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live – GC
Saga
Nov 2–Nov 4
Karatsu Kunchi Festival
Saga
Early November
Shurijo Castle Revival Festival
Okinawa
Early November
Hitaki Fire Festival at Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kyoto
Early November
Sake Spring Kyoto 2025
Kyoto
Until the 9th
Setouchi Triennale 2025
Kagawa
Early November
Suminoe Art Beat
Osaka
Early November
King of Pasta
Takasaki
Early November
Arashiyama Momiji Festival
Kyoto
Until the 10th
Gion Odori
Kyoto
Mid November
Fire-Walking Ceremony at Daishōin Temple
Hiroshima
Mid November
Huis Ten Bosch Kyushu Ichi Fireworks Festival 2025
Nagasaki
Early–Mid November
Roasted Sweet Potato Festival
Osaka
Mid November
Tokushima Yokai Festival
Tokushima
Early–Mid November
Izumo Taisha Kamiari Festival
Shimane
Nov 9–Nov 23
Fukuoka November Grand Sumo Tournament
Fukuoka
Late November
Okinawa International Carnival
Okinawa
Late November
Yatsushiro Myōken Festival
Kumamoto
Late November
Shinno Festival
Osaka
Late November
Mt. Fuji Marathon
Yamanashi
Late November
Japan Umeshu Festa
Kyoto
Nov 25, Tuesday
Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market
Kyoto
From Mid November
Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Illuminations
Kyoto
Until Late November
Kōrankei Momiji Festival
Nagoya
From Early November
Minō Momiji Festival
Osaka
All month
Nijō Autumn Harvest Festival 2025
Kyoto
All month
Maple Leaves Forest at Kobe Municipal Arboretum
Kobe
All month
Rurikō-in Temple Autumn Opening
Kyoto
From Late November
Himeji Castle Light-up
Hyogo
All month
Kōdai-ji Zen Temple Autumn Illuminations
Kyoto
From Late November
Glover Garden Night Illumination
Nagasaki
From Early November
Fukuoka Christmas Market and Illuminations
Fukuoka
From Late November
Osaka Christmas Market
Osaka
From Late November
Hakodate Christmas Fantasy
Hakodate
All month
Sagano Romantic Train Light-Up in Kyoto
Kyoto
From Late November
Ramen Expo 2025
Osaka
From Mid November
No Limit! Christmas at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka
From Early November
Huis Ten Bosch Christmas Town
Nagasaki
All month
Saga Light Fantasy
Saga
From Late November
Illumi Eeru Iwaki
Fukushima
From Early November
Wonder Night Hill Illumination in Osaka
Minami, Osaka
From Early November
Festival of Lights Osaka
Osaka
All month
Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations 2025
Tochigi
From Early November
Namba Hikari Tabi Illumination 2025
Osaka
From Mid November
Osaka and Kōbe Illuminage
Kobe, Osaka
From Late November
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaidō
From Early November
Illumination at Hirakata Amusement Park in Osaka
Osaka

December

Until Early December
Minō Momiji Festival
Osaka
Early December
Naha Marathon 2025
Okinawa
Dec 7, Sunday
Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025
Shizuoka
Until Early December
Nijō Autumn Harvest Festival 2025
Kyoto
Early December
Mineral Capital Osaka
Osaka
Until Early December
Maple Leaves Forest at Kobe Municipal Arboretum
Kobe
Until Early December
Rurikō-in Temple Autumn Opening
Kyoto
Until Mid December
Himeji Castle Light-up
Hyogo
Until Mid December
Kōdai-ji Zen Temple Autumn Illuminations
Kyoto
Dec 15–Dec 18
Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri
Nara
Early–Late December
Sendai Pageant of Starlight
Sendai
Until Late December
Nankinmachi Lantern Fair
Hyogo
Until Late December
Glover Garden Night Illumination
Nagasaki
Until Late December
Fukuoka Christmas Market and Illuminations
Fukuoka
Dec 25, Thursday
Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market
Kyoto
Until Late December
Osaka Christmas Market
Osaka
Until Late December
Hakodate Christmas Fantasy
Hakodate
Until Late December
Twinkle Jōyō Illumination
Kyoto
Until Late December
Sagano Romantic Train Light-Up in Kyoto
Kyoto
Until Late December
Ramen Expo 2025
Osaka
Late December
Kobe Countdown Drone Show
Kobe
Dec 31, Wednesday
Huis Ten Bosch New Year Countdown
Nagasaki
From the 31st
Okera Mairi: Old Year’s Eve at Yasaka-jinja Shrine
Kyoto
From the 31st
Bad-Mouthing Festival
Tochigi
All month
No Limit! Christmas at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka
All month
Huis Ten Bosch Christmas Town
Nagasaki
From Mid December
NAKED Yoru Mode at Heian Shrine
Kyoto
All month
Saga Light Fantasy
Saga
All month
Illumi Eeru Iwaki
Fukushima
All month
Wonder Night Hill Illumination in Osaka
Minami, Osaka
All month
Festival of Lights Osaka
Osaka
All month
Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations 2025
Tochigi
All month
Namba Hikari Tabi Illumination 2025
Osaka
All month
Osaka and Kōbe Illuminage
Kobe, Osaka
From Late December
Zao Snow Monster Festival
Yamagata
From Early December
Sky Kotatsu Osaka Ferris Wheel
Osaka
All month
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaidō
All month
Illumination at Hirakata Amusement Park in Osaka
Osaka

January

Until the 1st
Okera Mairi: Old Year’s Eve at Yasaka-jinja Shrine
Kyoto
Until the 1st
Bad-Mouthing Festival
Tochigi
Until Early January
Takasaki Daruma Market
Takasaki
Until Early January
No Limit! Christmas at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka
Until Early January
Huis Ten Bosch Christmas Town
Nagasaki
Early January
Maebashi Hatsuichi Daruma Festival
Gunma
Jan 9–Jan 11
Osaka Toka Ebisu Festival
Osaka
Jan 8–Jan 12
Kyoto Toka Ebisu Festival
Kyoto
Until Mid January
NAKED Yoru Mode at Heian Shrine
Kyoto
Until Mid January
Saga Light Fantasy
Saga
Until Mid January
Illumi Eeru Iwaki
Fukushima
Jan 14, Wednesday
Oni Hashiri: Ogres and Flaming Torches
Nara
Jan 14, Wednesday
Shittenoji Doya Doya Festival
Osaka
Jan 14, Wednesday
Dontosai Festival
Miyagi, Sendai
Jan 15, Thursday
Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival
Nozawa Onsen
Jan 15, Thursday
People-Throwing and Ash-Smearing Festival
Niigata
Jan 17, Saturday
Miyoshi Bonden Festival
Akita
Mid January
Togakushi Dondoyaki Fire Festival
Nagano
Mid January
Kyoto Candlelight Concert: Best of Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)
Kyoto
Late January
Wakakusa Yamayaki in Nara
Nara
Until Late January
Wonder Night Hill Illumination in Osaka
Minami, Osaka
Late January
Beppu Tsurumi-Dake Cold Weather Competition
Oita
Until Late January
Festival of Lights Osaka
Osaka
From Late January
Kayabuki no Sato Snow (Miyama Village) Lantern Festival
Kyoto
From Late January
Kobe Luminarie 2026
Hyogo
From Late January
Chinese New Year Festivities
Hyogo, Kobe
From Mid January
Shirakawago Winter Light-Up 2026
Gifu
From Late January
Nagasaki Lantern Festival 2026
Nagasaki
All month
Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations 2025
Tochigi
All month
Namba Hikari Tabi Illumination 2025
Osaka
All month
Osaka and Kōbe Illuminage
Kobe, Osaka
From Late January
Lake Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks
Yamanashi
All month
Zao Snow Monster Festival
Yamagata
From Late January
Lake Towada Winter Story of Light
Aomori
All month
Sky Kotatsu Osaka Ferris Wheel
Osaka
From Mid January
Atami Plum Blossom Festival
Shizuoka
From Late January
Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
Tochigi
All month
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaidō
All month
Illumination at Hirakata Amusement Park in Osaka
Osaka

February

Until Early February
Kayabuki no Sato Snow (Miyama Village) Lantern Festival
Kyoto
Early February
Kyoto Candlelight Concert: Best of Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)
Kyoto
Early February
Heian Jingu Setsubun
Kyoto
Until Early February
Kobe Luminarie 2026
Hyogo
Until Early February
Chinese New Year Festivities
Hyogo, Kobe
Feb 2, Monday
Dojima Yakushido Setsubun Omizukumi Festival
Osaka
Until Early February
Yasaka Shrine Setsubun
Kyoto
Until Early February
Shirakawago Winter Light-Up 2026
Gifu
Early February
Demon Festival on Mount Yoshino in Nara
Nara
Feb 3–Feb 4
Noboribetsu Onsen “Naked Man” Festival
Hokkaidō, Noboribetsu
Early February
Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival
Yamagata
Early February
Mount Omuro Yamayaki
Shizuoka
Early February
Mihara Daruma Festival
Hiroshima
Early February
Namahage Sedo Festival
Akita
Early February
Miyajima Oyster Festival
Hiroshima
Early February
Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival
Hokkaidō
Early February
Tadami Snow Festival
Fukushima
Feb 10, Tuesday
Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival
Akita
Early February
Konomiya Naked Festival
Aichi
Feb 11, Wednesday
Kasedori Festival
Yamagata
Early–Mid February
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
Hirosaki
Feb 4–Feb 11
Sapporo Snow Festival 2026
Hokkaidō
Feb 11, Wednesday
Daito Ohara Water Festival
Iwate
Mid February
Gonbo (Burdock) Fertility Festival
Mie
Mid February
Suita Fire Festival
Osaka
Early–Mid February
Asahikawa Winter Festival
Hokkaidō
Early–Mid February
Radish Festival
Kyoto
Until Mid February
Nagasaki Lantern Festival 2026
Nagasaki
Early–Mid February
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival 2026
Hokkaidō
Mid February
Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Festival
Okayama
Until Mid February
Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations 2025
Tochigi
Feb 15–Feb 16
Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival
Akita
Until Mid February
Namba Hikari Tabi Illumination 2025
Osaka
Mid February
Tōkamachi Snow Festival
Niigata
Until Mid February
Osaka and Kōbe Illuminage
Kobe, Osaka
Feb 20, Friday
Ichiya Kanjo (One Night) Festival
Osaka
Late February
Yamanakako Ice Candles Festival
Yamanashi
Until Late February
Lake Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks
Yamanashi
Late February
Shigisan Tiger Festival
Nara
Late February
Katsuyama Sagicho Festival
Fukui
Until Late February
Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Hokkaidō
Until Late February
Zao Snow Monster Festival
Yamagata
Late February
Osaka Marathon 2026
Osaka
Until Late February
Lake Towada Winter Story of Light
Aomori
Feb 25, Wednesday
Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival
Kyoto
Until Late February
Sky Kotatsu Osaka Ferris Wheel
Osaka
From Early February
Lake Akan Ice Fireworks Festival
Hokkaidō, Kushiro
All month
Atami Plum Blossom Festival
Shizuoka
All month
Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
Tochigi
From Early February
Kujuku Islands Oyster Eating Festival
Nagasaki
From Early February
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka
From Early February
Souriike Plum Blossom Festival
Aichi
From Early February
Osaka Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Plum Blossom Festival
Osaka
All month
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaidō
From Mid February
Jonan-gu Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival
Kyoto
From Late February
Misato Plum Festival
Takasaki
From Early February
Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival 2026
Nagasaki
All month
Illumination at Hirakata Amusement Park in Osaka
Osaka

March

Early March
Osaka Miyoshi Nagayoshi Warrior Procession
Osaka
Until Early March
Lake Akan Ice Fireworks Festival
Hokkaidō, Kushiro
Until Early March
Atami Plum Blossom Festival
Shizuoka
Until Early March
Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
Tochigi
Until Early March
Kujuku Islands Oyster Eating Festival
Nagasaki
Early March
Tsunan Snow Festival
Niigata
Early March
Nagoya Women’s Marathon
Nagoya
Until Early March
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka
Early March
Hodare “Penis Festival”
Niigata
Until Early March
Souriike Plum Blossom Festival
Aichi
Early March
Bungu Joshi Haku Stationery Festival in Osaka
Osaka
Until Early March
Osaka Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Plum Blossom Festival
Osaka
Early March
Inuyama Castle Town Local Sake Festival
Aichi
Until Mid March
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaidō
Until the 14th
Omizutori Fire Festival
Nara
Mid March
Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (March)
Kyoto
Mar 15, Sunday
Tagata Shrine Hōnensai “Penis Festival”
Aichi
Mid March
Gekkeikan Sake Festival
Kyoto
Mid March
Omihachiman Sagicho Fire Festival
Shiga
Until Late March
Jonan-gu Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival
Kyoto
Mid–Late March
Osaka Asian Film Festival 2026
Osaka
Early–Late March
Osaka March Grand Sumo Tournament
Osaka
Late March
Punkspring Osaka
Osaka
Late March
Kyoto Hanezu Dance and Plum Festival
Kyoto
Until Late March
Misato Plum Festival
Takasaki
From Mid March
Kitano Odori
Kyoto
From Late March
Kiyomizu-dera Spring Illuminations
Kyoto
From Mid March
Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Nagoya
All month
Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival 2026
Nagasaki
From Mid March
Expo ’70 Sakura Expo
Osaka
All month
Illumination at Hirakata Amusement Park in Osaka
Osaka
From Late March
Gion Shirakawa Evening Cherry Blossom Illuminations
Kyoto
From Late March
Maruyama Park Weeping Cherry Tree Illumination
Kyoto
From Late March
Miharu Takizakura Cherry Blossom Light up
Fukushima
From Late March
Yodogawa Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Kyoto
From Mid March
Kyoto Toji Temple Cherry Blossom Illuminations
Kyoto
From Mid March
Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2026
Kyoto
From Mid March
Okazaki Canal Boat Rides
Kyoto
From Late March
Osaka Castle Cherry Blossom Illumination
Osaka
From Late March
Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
Shiga
From Late March
Hiokayama Cherry Blossom Illuminations
Hyogo
From Mid March
Kōdai-ji Temple Spring Illuminations
Kyoto
From Late March
Ninnaji Flower Festival
Kyoto
From Mid March
Osaka Castle Spring Festival
Osaka
From Late March
Koinobori at Ōboke Gorge
Tokushima
From Mid March
Lake Hamana Flower Festival 2026
Shizuoka

April

Early April
Grand Sumo Minoh Expo Tournament
Osaka
Until Early April
Kitano Odori
Kyoto
Early April
Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (April)
Kyoto
Until Early April
Kiyomizu-dera Spring Illuminations
Kyoto
Until Early April
Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival
Nagoya
Until Early April
Beppu Onsen Festival
Oita
Early April
Shizuoka City Festival
Shizuoka
Until Early April
Huis Ten Bosch Tulip Festival 2026
Nagasaki
Early April
Shingen-kō Festival and Samurai Parade
Yamanashi
Until Early April
Expo ’70 Sakura Expo
Osaka
Early April
Okinawa International Culture Festival
Naha, Okinawa
Early April
F1 Lenovo Japanese Grand Prix
Mie
Until Early April
Illumination at Hirakata Amusement Park in Osaka
Osaka
Until Early April
Gion Shirakawa Evening Cherry Blossom Illuminations
Kyoto
Early April
Inuyama Festival
Aichi
Early April
Kawanishi Genji Festival
Hyogo
Until Early April
Maruyama Park Weeping Cherry Tree Illumination
Kyoto
Until Early April
Miharu Takizakura Cherry Blossom Light up
Fukushima
Early–Mid April
Osaka Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Viewing
Osaka
Until Mid April
Yodogawa Park Cherry Blossom Festival
Kyoto
Until Mid April
Kyoto Toji Temple Cherry Blossom Illuminations
Kyoto
Until Mid April
Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2026
Kyoto
Mid April
Imamiya Shrine Yasurai Festival
Kyoto
Until Mid April
Okazaki Canal Boat Rides
Kyoto
Until Mid April
Osaka Castle Cherry Blossom Illumination
Osaka
Apr 14–Apr 15
Takayama Spring Festival
Gifu, Takayama
Until Mid April
Hikone Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
Shiga
Apr 15–Apr 16
Heian Jingu Reisai Festival
Kyoto
Apr 9–Apr 17
Nagahama Hikiyama Festival
Shiga
Mid April
Hiroshima Mint Cherry Blossom Viewing
Hiroshima
Until Mid April
Arakurayama Sengen Park (Mount Fuji) Cherry Blossom Festival
Yamanashi
Mid April
Hanabi Illusion 2026
Okinawa
Until Mid April
Fuji-Kawaguchiko Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
Yamanashi
Mid April
Nagano Marathon 2026
Nagano
Early–Late April
Kyo Odori
Kyoto
Late April
Omagari Fireworks Festival Spring
Akita
Late April
Kyoto Vegan Gourmet Festival Spring
Kyoto
Apr 29, Wednesday
Spring Kemari Festival
Nara
Apr 29, Wednesday
Kintaikyō Bridge Festival
Yamaguchi
Until Late April
Miyako Odori Geiko Performance
Kyoto
From Mid April
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
Aomori, Hirosaki
All month
Hiokayama Cherry Blossom Illuminations
Hyogo
All month
Kōdai-ji Temple Spring Illuminations
Kyoto
All month
Ninnaji Flower Festival
Kyoto
From Early April
Osaka Nemophila Festival
Osaka
All month
Osaka Castle Spring Festival
Osaka
From Mid April
Kyotographie International Photography Festival
Kyoto
From Mid April
Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival
Hokkaidō
From Mid April
Kyotophonie Borderless Spring Festival
Kyoto
From Early April
teamLab Nemophila Illumination
Osaka
From Mid April
Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival
Tochigi
From Mid April
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Yamanashi
All month
Koinobori at Ōboke Gorge
Tokushima
All month
Lake Hamana Flower Festival 2026
Shizuoka

May

Early May
Heijō-kyō Tenpyō Festival
Nara
May 3, Sunday
Yabusame Shinji
Kyoto
Early May
Nyanko Expo 2026
Osaka
May 3–May 4
Hakata Dontaku Festival
Fukuoka
Early May
Osaka Comic Con 2026
Osaka
Early May
Sanriku Fireworks Festival 2026
Iwate
Early May
Hiroshima Flower Festival
Hiroshima
May 3–May 5
Hamamatsu Festival
Shizuoka
Until Early May
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
Aomori, Hirosaki
May 5, Tuesday
Shinkawa Market Festival
Yamaguchi
May 3–May 5
Naha Hari Dragon Boat Races
Naha, Okinawa
Early May
Kamo Kurabeuma Horse Racing Ritual
Kyoto
Early May
Saku Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Nagano
May 5, Tuesday
Mamada Snake Festival
Tochigi
Until Early May
Hiokayama Cherry Blossom Illuminations
Hyogo
Early May
Harapeko Circus Osaka
Osaka
Until Early May
Kōdai-ji Temple Spring Illuminations
Kyoto
Until Early May
Ninnaji Flower Festival
Kyoto
Until Early May
Osaka Nemophila Festival
Osaka
Until Mid May
Osaka Castle Spring Festival
Osaka
Until Mid May
Kyotographie International Photography Festival
Kyoto
Until Mid May
Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival
Hokkaidō
Until Mid May
Kyotophonie Borderless Spring Festival
Kyoto
Mid May
Kankame-Inari Yomiya Festival
Kyoto
May 15, Friday
Aoi Matsuri
Kyoto
Until Mid May
teamLab Nemophila Illumination
Osaka
Mid May
Sendai Aoba Festival
Sendai
May 17–May 18
Togyo 1,000 Samurai Procession
Tochigi
Until Mid May
Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival
Tochigi
Mid May
Kōbe Festival
Hyogo
Mid May
Mifune Festival
Kyoto
May 19–May 21
Sakata Festival
Yamagata
Until the 24th
Kamogawa Odori
Kyoto
Late May
Mantō Mitama Festival
Hiroshima
Late May
Belgian Beer Weekend Osaka
Nakanoshima
Late May
Osaka Castle Noh
Osaka
Until Late May
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Yamanashi
Late May
Soma Nomaoi Wild Horse Chasing Festival
Fukushima
Late May
Hamamatsu Flying Dragon Festival
Shizuoka
Until Late May
Koinobori at Ōboke Gorge
Tokushima
All month
Lake Hamana Flower Festival 2026
Shizuoka
From Late May
Nagano Lily of the Valley Festival
Nagano

June

Early June
Horikawa Festival
Aichi
Early June
Yosakoi Soran Festival
Hokkaidō
Early June
Tōhoku Local Beer Festival
Akita
Early June
Hiroshima Toukasan Yukata Festival
Hiroshima
Early June
Kashima Mud Gatalympics
Saga
Until Early June
Lake Hamana Flower Festival 2026
Shizuoka
Early June
Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival
Ishikawa
Early June
Tōhoku Kizuna Festival
Sendai
Mid June
Chagu Chagu Umakko Horse Festival
Iwate
Until Late June
Nagano Lily of the Valley Festival
Nagano
Late June
Himeji Yukata Festival
Himeji, Hyogo
Jun 24, Wednesday
Izawanomiya Otaue Rice Festival
Mie
Late June
Kyoto Art Fireworks
Kyoto

November

Until Early November
Tochigi Autumn Festival
Tochigi