The ultimate guide to Japan travel

Cheapo Calendar

January

Jan 17, Sunday
Miyoshi Bonden Matsuri
Akita
Late January
Wakakusa Yamayaki
Nara
Jan 19–Jan 26
Chinese New Year Festivities
Hyogo
From Late January
Zao Snow Monster Festival
Yamagata
From the 30th
Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival
Kyoto
All month
Glover Garden Night Illumination
Nagasaki
From the 30th
Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
Tochigi
All month
Osaka Castle Illuminage
Osaka
All month
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaido
All month
“Light of Versailles” Winter Illumination
Shizuoka

February

Until Early February
Zao Snow Monster Festival
Yamagata
Feb 3, Wednesday
Dojima Yakushido Setsubun Omizukumi Festival
Osaka
Feb 2–Feb 3
Yasaka Shrine Setsubun
Kyoto
Feb 3, Wednesday
Heian Jingu Setsubun
Kyoto
Feb 3–Feb 4
Noboribetsu Onsen “Naked Man” Festival.
Hokkaido, Noboribetsu
Until the 6th
Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival
Kyoto
Early February
The Hakodate Russian Festival
Hokkaido
Early February
Miyajima Oyster Festival
Hiroshima
Early February
Tadami Snow Festival
Fukushima
Until the 10th
Glover Garden Night Illumination
Nagasaki
Feb 10, Wednesday
Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival
Akita
Feb 11, Thursday
Kasedori Festival
Yamagata
Early–Mid February
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
Aomori
Feb 4–Feb 11
2021 Sapporo Snow Festival
Hokkaido
Early–Mid February
Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival
Hokkaido
Early–Mid February
Iwate Snow Festival
Iwate
Feb 12–Feb 14
Otaru Light Snow Path
Hokkaido
Mid February
Namahage Sedo Festival
Akita
Mid February
Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Festival
Okayama
Mid February
Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival
Akita
Mid February
Namahage Sedo Festival
Akita
Feb 20, Saturday
Ichiya Kanjo (One Night) Festival
Osaka
Late February
Shigisan Tiger Festival
Nara
Late February
Katsuyama Sagicho Matsuri
Fukui
Until Late February
Lake Towada Winter Story 2021
Aomori
Feb 25, Thursday
Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival
Kyoto
Feb 12–Feb 26
Nagasaki Lantern Festival 2021
Nagasaki
Until the 28th
Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
Tochigi
From Early February
Souriike Plum Blossom Festival
Aichi
From Early February
Kujuku Islands Oyster Eating Festival
Nagasaki
All month
Osaka Castle Illuminage
Osaka
All month
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaido
All month
“Light of Versailles” Winter Illumination
Shizuoka

March

Until Early March
Souriike Plum Blossom Festival
Aichi
Until Early March
Kujuku Islands Oyster Eating Festival
Nagasaki
Until the 7th
Osaka Castle Illuminage
Osaka
Until the 14th
Omizutori Fire Festival
Nara
Until the 14th
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaido
Mid March
Omihachiman Sagicho Fire Festival
Shiga
Early–Mid March
Osaka Asian Film Festival 2021
Osaka
Early–Mid March
Higashiyama Hanatouro
Kyoto
Until the 21st
“Light of Versailles” Winter Illumination
Shizuoka
Early–Late March
March Grand Sumo Tournament
Osaka
From Mid March
Kitano Odori
Kyoto

April

Until Early April
Kitano Odori
Kyoto
Early April
Inuyama Festival
Aichi
Early April
Shizuoka Matsuri
Shizuoka
Early April
Inuyama Festival
Aichi
Early April
Tightrope Lion Dance
Hyogo
Mid April
Hanabi Illusion 2021
Okinawa
Mid April
Kawanishi Genji Festival
Hyogo
Mid April
Kawanishi Genji Festival
Hyogo
Mid April
Nagasaki Tall Ship Festival
Nagasaki
Early–Mid April
Hiroshima Mint Cherry Blossom Viewing
Hiroshima
Early–Mid April
Osaka Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Viewing
Osaka
Apr 14–Apr 15
Takayama Spring Festival
Gifu
Until Mid April
Kyo Odori
Kyoto
Apr 9–Apr 17
Hikiyama Festival
Shiga
Mid April
Okinawa International Film Festival
Okinawa
Until Late April
Miyako Odori
Kyoto
Apr 29, Thursday
Kemari Festival
Nara
Apr 29, Thursday
Kintaikyo Bridge Festival
Yamaguchi
From the 29th
Yuasa Andon Paper Lamp Stand Exhibition
Wakayama
From the 23rd
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Aomori
From Late April
Matsumae Sakura Festival
Hokkaido
From the 18th
Fuji Delicious Food Festival
Yamanashi
From Mid April
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Yamanashi

May

May 3, Monday
Yabusame Shinji
Kyoto
Until the 3rd
Yuasa Andon Paper Lamp Stand Exhibition
Wakayama
May 3–May 4
Hakata Dontaku Festival
Fukuoka
May 3–May 5
Hamamatsu Festival
Shizuoka
May 3–May 5
Shinkawa Market Festival
Yamaguchi
May 3–May 5
Naha Haarii Dragon Boat Races
Okinawa
May 3–May 5
Heijokyo Tempyo Sai Festival
Nara
May 3–May 5
Hiroshima Flower Festival
Hiroshima
Until the 6th
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Aomori
Mid May
Nagoya Brazil Festival
Aichi
Until Mid May
Matsumae Sakura Festival
Hokkaido
Mid May
Kankame-Inari Festival
Kyoto
May 15, Saturday
Aoi Matsuri
Kyoto
Mid May
Mifune Festival
Kyoto
Mid May
Kobe Festival
Hyogo
May 18, Tuesday
Togyo 1,000 Samurai Procession
Tochigi
Mid May
Mifune Festival
Kyoto
May 19–May 21
Sakata Festival
Yamagata
Until the 24th
Kamogawa Odori
Kyoto
Late May
Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival
Shiga
Until the 31st
Fuji Delicious Food Festival
Yamanashi
Until Late May
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Yamanashi
Late May
Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival
Shiga
From Late May
Tanbo Art
Aomori

June

Early June
Kashima Gatalympics
Saga
Early June
Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival
Ishikawa
Early June
Horikawa Festival
Aichi
Early June
Yosakoi Soran Festival
Hokkaido
Mid June
Chagu Chagu Umakko
Iwate
Mid June
Chagu Chagu Umakko
Iwate
Mid June
BeerFest Okinawa 2021
Okinawa
Mid June
Tohoku Jibiiru (Craft Beer) Festival
Akita
Jun 22–Jun 24
Himeji Yukata Festival
Hyogo
Jun 24, Thursday
Izawanomiya Otaue Festival
Mie
From the 30th
Aizen Festival
Osaka
All month
Tanbo Art
Aomori

July

Until the 2nd
Aizen Festival
Osaka
Mid July
Ise Shrine Dedication Fireworks Festival
Mie
Mid July
Nagoya Port Fireworks Festival
Aichi
Until the 15th
Hakata Gion Yamakasa
Fukuoka
Mid July
Marine Festa in Kuchinotsu
Nagasaki
Jul 22–Jul 23
Kiso Mikoshi Festival
Nagano
Jul 24–Jul 25
Tenjin Festival
Osaka
Late July
2021 Doshin/UHB Fireworks Festival
Hokkaido
Late July
Kihoku Lantern Festival 2021
Mie
Jul 20–Jul 27
Yamaguchi Gion Matsuri
Yamaguchi
Late July
All Japan Selection Nagara River Chunichi Fireworks Display
Gifu
Late July
Minato Matsuri Firework Display
Wakayama
Late July
Minato Maizuru Chatta Festival
Kyoto
Late July
Ono-Hiyoshi Shrine Sanno Festival
Ishikawa
Late July
Beppu Fire Sea Festival
Oita
Late July
Nagasaki Port Festival
Nagasaki
Late July
Tobata Gion Yamagasa Festival
Fukuoka
Late July
The Japan International Birdman Rally
Shiga
Late July
Hita Gion Festival
Oita
Jul 30, Friday
Shirahama Fireworks Festival
Wakayama
Until the 31st
2021 Gion Festival
Kyoto
From the 30th
Sumiyoshi Matsuri
Osaka
From Mid July
July Grand Sumo Tournament
Aichi
From the 30th
Kuroishi Neputa Festival
Aomori
From Mid July
Sapporo Summer Festival
Hokkaido
All month
Tanbo Art
Aomori

August

Until the 1st
Sumiyoshi Matsuri
Osaka
Until Early August
July Grand Sumo Tournament
Aichi
Aug 2–Aug 3
Hirakawa Neputa Festival
Aomori
Early August
All Japan Fireworks Display
Gifu
Early August
Okazaki Fireworks Festival
Aichi
Until the 3rd
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
Niigata
Early August
2021 Kobe Port Fireworks Festival
Hyogo
Early August
Sasebo Seaside Festival, Nagasaki
Nagasaki
Early August
Takabocchi Kogen Horse Race
Nagano
Early August
Nagahama and Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks
Shiga
Early August
Hinokuni Festival
Kumamoto
Until the 5th
Kuroishi Neputa Festival
Aomori
Aug 6, Friday
Hiroshima Toro Nagashi
Hiroshima
Aug 3–Aug 6
Akita Kanto Festival
Akita
Until the 7th
Aomori Nebuta Festival
Aomori
Until the 7th
Hirosaki Neputa Festival
Aomori
Aug 6–Aug 8
Sendai Tanabata
Sendai
Aug 4–Aug 8
Goshogawara Tachi-Neputa Festival
Aomori
Early August
Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka
Mid August
Kameoka Hozugawa River Firework Display
Kyoto
Mid August
Kanmon Straits Fireworks Festival
Fukuoka, Yamaguchi
Early–Mid August
Nara Tokae
Nara
Aug 15, Sunday
Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival
Nagano
Aug 15, Sunday
Hitoyoshi Fireworks Festival
Kumamoto
Mid August
Summer Sonic Osaka 2021
Osaka
Aug 15, Sunday
Shoro Nagashi Lantern Floating Ceremony
Nagasaki
Aug 15, Sunday
Daimonji Okuribi
Nara
Aug 12–Aug 15
Tokushima Awa Odori Festival
Tokushima
Mid August
Yoshinogawa Festival and Fireworks
Nara
Mid August
Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks
Kyoto
Aug 16, Monday
Gozan no Okuribi
Kyoto
Until Mid August
Sapporo Summer Festival
Hokkaido
Aug 17, Tuesday
Kumano Fireworks Taikai
Mie
Late August
Earth Celebration
Niigata
Late August
Shakado River Fireworks Festival
Fukushima
Late August
Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival
Hiroshima
Late August
Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival
Okinawa
Late August
Hikone and Kita-Biwako Great Firework Festival
Shiga
Aug 28, Saturday
Omagari Fireworks Festival
Akita
Late August
2021 Domannaka Matsuri
Aichi
All month
Tanbo Art
Aomori

September

Early September
National New Fireworks Games
Nagano
Early September
Misawa Air Base Festival in Aomori
Aomori
Mid September
Uneme Festival
Nara
Mid September
Danjiri Matsuri
Osaka
Sep 14–Sep 15
Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (Autumn)
Kyoto
Mid September
Nagasaki Kyoryuchi Festival
Nagasaki
Mid September
Huisten Bosch Kyushu Ichi Fireworks Festival
Nagasaki
Mid September
Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2021
Kyoto
Mid–Late September
Beers of Japan Festival – Fukuoka (Spring)
Fukuoka
All month
Tanbo Art
Aomori
From Early September
Halloween Horror Night at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka

October

Early October
Paantu Festival
Okinawa
Until Early October
Kangetsu no Yube: Full Moon Viewing
Kyoto
Early October
Ujicha Ceremony
Kyoto
Until Early October
Tanbo Art
Aomori
Early October
Osaka Kitchenware Street Festival
Osaka
Oct 7–Oct 9
Nagasaki Kunchi Festival
Nagasaki
Oct 9–Oct 10
Takayama Autumn Festival
Gifu
Early–Mid October
Great Tug-of-War
Okinawa
Mid October
18th Kyoto Intercollegiate Festa
Kyoto
Mid October
Onomichi Lantern Festival
Hiroshima
Mid October
Saiin Kasuga Shrine Festival
Kyoto
Mid October
Otsu Hikiyama Festival
Shiga
Mid October
Osaka Mecha Happy Festival
Osaka
Oct 14–Oct 15
Nada no Kenka Festival
Hyogo
Oct 16–Oct 17
Shuki Taisai Grand Autumn Festival
Tochigi
Oct 16–Oct 17
Goryo Jinja Shrine Autumn Festival
Osaka
Oct 22, Friday
Kurama no Hi Matsuri
Kyoto
Late October
The Chikugogawa Fireworks Festival
Fukuoka
Late October
Jidai Matsuri: Kyoto’s Historical Parade
Kyoto
Late October
Kanazawa Marathon
Ishikawa
Late October
Miyazakijingu Festival
Miyazaki
From the 3rd
Karuizawa Momiji Festival
Nagano
From Late October
Shurijo Castle Festival
Okinawa
All month
Halloween Horror Night at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka

November

Nov 3, Wednesday
Hi-watari (Ritual Fire Walking) Festival at Daigan-ji Temple
Hiroshima
Early November
Ube Festival
Yamaguchi
Early November
Shitennoji Wasso Festival
Osaka
Early November
Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival
Tochigi
Until the 3rd
Karuizawa Momiji Festival
Nagano
Early November
Nigohachi Festival
Shiga
Until Early November
Shurijo Castle Festival
Okinawa
Early November
Hiroshima Ramen Stadium 2021
Hiroshima
Until Early November
Halloween Horror Night at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka
Nov 2–Nov 4
Karatsu Kunchi Festival
Saga
Early November
Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival
Shiga
Early November
Arashiyama Momiji Festival
Kyoto
Early November
Ishigaki-jima Festival
Okinawa
Until Early November
Gion Odori
Kyoto
Mid November
Fashion’s Night Out Osaka 2021
Osaka
Mid November
Tokushima Yokai Festival
Tokushima
Mid November
Izumo Taisha Kamiari Festival
Shimane
Mid–Late November
Tochigi Autumn Festival
Tochigi
Late November
Kuwana Suigo Fireworks Festival
Mie
Late November
Mammoth Flea Market Z (Autumn)
Aichi
Early–Late November
November Grand Sumo Tournament
Fukuoka
Late November
Okinawa International Carnival
Okinawa
From Late November
Nankinmachi Lantern Fair
Hyogo
From Mid November
German Christmas Market
Osaka
From Late November
ROHM Illumination
Kyoto
From Early November
Nagasaki Christmas
Nagasaki
From Early November
Festival of the Lights Osaka
Osaka

December

Mid December
Worldwide Eisa Festival
Okinawa
Mid December
Sake Spring Kyoto 2021
Kyoto
Early–Mid December
Kobe Luminarie 2021
Hyogo
Dec 15–Dec 18
Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri
Nara
Mid December
Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro – Illuminations
Kyoto
Early–Mid December
Naha Marathon, Okinawa
Okinawa
Until Late December
Nankinmachi Lantern Fair
Hyogo
Until Late December
German Christmas Market
Osaka
Until Late December
ROHM Illumination
Kyoto
Until Late December
Nagasaki Christmas
Nagasaki
Mid–Late December
Himeji Castle Light-up
Hyogo
Early–Late December
Ramen Expo 2021
Osaka
Until Late December
Festival of the Lights Osaka
Osaka
From the 31st
Okera Mairi: Old Year’s Eve at Yasaka-jinja Shrine
Kyoto

January

Until the 1st
Okera Mairi: Old Year’s Eve at Yasaka-jinja Shrine
Kyoto
Until the 3rd
Nijo-jo Castle Garden Special Opening
Kyoto

February

Mid February
Namahage Sedo Festival
Akita

April

Apr 2, Saturday
Suwa Onbashira Festival
Nagano
Early April
Inuyama Festival
Aichi
Early April
Kawanishi Genji Festival
Hyogo
From Late April
Setouchi Triennale 2022
Kagawa

May

Mid May
Mifune Festival
Kyoto
Late May
Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival
Shiga
All month
Setouchi Triennale 2022
Kagawa

June

Mid June
Chagu Chagu Umakko
Iwate
All month
Setouchi Triennale 2022
Kagawa

July

All month
Setouchi Triennale 2022
Kagawa

August

All month
Setouchi Triennale 2022
Kagawa

September

All month
Setouchi Triennale 2022
Kagawa

October

All month
Setouchi Triennale 2022
Kagawa

November

Until Early November
Setouchi Triennale 2022
Kagawa