The ultimate guide to Japan travel

Cheapo Calendar

July

Jul 22–Jul 23
Kiso Mikoshi Makuri Festival
Nagano
Jul 24–Jul 25
Tenjin Festival
Osaka
Late July
Tobata Gion Yamagasa Festival
Fukuoka
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
The Japan International Birdman Rally
Shiga
Late July
Hita Gion Festival
Oita
Late July
Beppu Fire Sea Festival
Oita
Late July
Ono-Hiyoshi Shrine Sanno Festival
Ishikawa
Late July
Minato Maizuru Chatta Festival
Kyoto
Late July
Minato Matsuri Firework Display
Wakayama
Jul 30, Friday
Shirahama Fireworks Festival
Wakayama
Until the 31st
2021 Gion Festival
Kyoto
From the 30th
Sumiyoshi Matsuri
Osaka
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 the 3rd
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
Niigata
Early August
Okazaki Fireworks Festival
Aichi
Early August
All Japan Fireworks Display
Gifu
Aug 2–Aug 3
Hirakawa Neputa Festival
Aomori
Early August
Sasebo Seaside Festival, Nagasaki
Nagasaki
Early August
Takabocchi Kogen Horse Race
Nagano
Early August
Hinokuni Festival
Kumamoto
Early August
Nagahama and Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks
Shiga
Until the 5th
Kuroishi Neputa Festival
Aomori
Aug 3–Aug 6
Akita Kanto Festival
Akita
Aug 6, Friday
Hiroshima Toro Nagashi
Hiroshima
Until the 7th
Hirosaki Neputa Festival
Aomori
Until the 7th
Aomori Nebuta 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
Aug 5–Aug 14
Nara Tokae
Nara
Mid August
Yoshinogawa Festival and Fireworks
Nara
Aug 12–Aug 15
Tokushima Awa Odori Festival
Tokushima
Until the 15th
Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival
Nagano
Aug 15, Sunday
Hitoyoshi Fireworks Festival
Kumamoto
Aug 15, Sunday
Shoro Nagashi Lantern Floating Ceremony
Nagasaki
Aug 15, Sunday
Daimonji Okuribi
Nara
Mid August
Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks
Kyoto
Until Mid August
Sapporo Summer Festival
Hokkaido
Aug 16, Monday
Gozan no Okuribi
Kyoto
Aug 17, Tuesday
Kumano Fireworks Festival
Mie
Aug 21–Aug 22
Earth Celebration
Niigata
Aug 24, Tuesday
Shakado River Fireworks Festival
Fukushima
Late August
Miyajima Water Fireworks Festival
Hiroshima
Aug 28, Saturday
Omagari Fireworks Festival
Akita
Aug 26–Aug 29
2021 Domannaka Matsuri
Aichi
Aug 29, Sunday
Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival
Okinawa
All month
Tanbo Art
Aomori

September

Early September
National New Fireworks Games
Nagano
Early September
Misawa Air Base Festival in Aomori
Aomori
Sep 13, Monday
Uneme Festival
Nara
Sep 14–Sep 15
Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (Autumn)
Kyoto
Mid September
Danjiri Matsuri
Osaka
Sep 18, Saturday
Huisten Bosch Kyushu Ichi Fireworks Festival
Nagasaki
Sep 18–Sep 19
Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2021
Kyoto
Sep 18–Sep 19
Supersonic Osaka 2021
Osaka
Sep 18–Sep 20
Nagasaki Kyoryuchi Festival
Nagasaki
Sep 19–Sep 21
Kangetsu no Yube: Full Moon Viewing
Kyoto
Sep 17–Sep 23
Beers of Japan Festival – Fukuoka (Spring)
Fukuoka
All month
Tanbo Art
Aomori
From Early September
Halloween Horror Night at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka

October

Oct 3, Sunday
Nagoya Port Fireworks Festival
Aichi
Early October
Paantu Festival
Okinawa
Until the 3rd
Tanbo Art
Aomori
Early October
Ujicha Ceremony
Kyoto
Early October
Osaka Kitchenware Street Festival
Osaka
Oct 7–Oct 9
Nagasaki Kunchi Festival
Nagasaki
Early October
BeerFest Okinawa 2021
Okinawa
Oct 10, Sunday
19th Kyoto Intercollegiate Festa
Kyoto
Oct 9–Oct 10
Takayama Autumn Festival
Gifu, Takayama
Early–Mid October
Great Tug-of-War
Okinawa
Mid October
Onomichi Lantern Festival
Hiroshima
Mid October
Saiin Kasuga Shrine Festival
Kyoto
Mid October
Otsu Hikiyama Festival
Shiga
Mid October
Nagasaki Port Festival
Nagasaki
Mid October
Osaka Mecha Happy Festival
Osaka
Oct 14–Oct 15
Nada no Kenka Festival
Himeji, Hyogo
Oct 16–Oct 17
Goryo Jinja Shrine Autumn Festival
Osaka
Oct 16–Oct 17
Shuki Taisai Grand Autumn Festival
Tochigi
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
Oct 25–Oct 29
2021 Kobe Port Fireworks Festival
Hyogo
Oct 29, Friday
Hikone and Kita-Biwako Great Firework Festival
Shiga
From the 3rd
Karuizawa Momiji Festival
Nagano
From Late October
Shurijo Castle Festival
Okinawa
All month
Halloween Horror Night at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka
From Late October
Saga Light Fantasy
Saga

November

Early November
Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival
Tochigi
Early November
Ube Festival
Yamaguchi
Nov 3, Wednesday
Hi-watari (Ritual Fire Walking) Festival at Daigan-ji Temple
Hiroshima
Early November
Shitennoji Wasso Festival
Osaka
Until the 3rd
Karuizawa Momiji Festival
Nagano
Early November
Nigohachi Festival
Shiga
Until Early November
Shurijo Castle Festival
Okinawa
Nov 2–Nov 4
Karatsu Kunchi Festival
Saga
Early November
Hiroshima Ramen Stadium 2021
Hiroshima
Until Early November
Halloween Horror Night at Universal Studios Japan
Osaka
Early November
Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival
Shiga
Early November
Ishigaki-jima Festival
Okinawa
Early November
Arashiyama Momiji Festival
Kyoto
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
Late November
Okinawa International Carnival
Okinawa
Nov 14–Nov 28
November Grand Sumo Tournament
Fukuoka
From Late November
Nankinmachi Lantern Fair
Hyogo
From Mid November
German Christmas Market
Osaka
From Early November
Nagasaki Christmas
Nagasaki
From Late November
ROHM Illumination
Kyoto
From Early November
Festival of the Lights Osaka
Osaka
All month
Saga Light Fantasy
Saga
From Mid November
Iwaki Hikari no Sakura (Light Cherry Blossoms)
Fukushima
From Mid November
Lake Towada Winter Story 2021
Aomori
From Late November
Glover Garden Night Illumination
Nagasaki
From Late November
Osaka Castle Illuminage
Osaka
From Mid November
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaido

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
Nagasaki Christmas
Nagasaki
Until Late December
ROHM Illumination
Kyoto
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
All month
Saga Light Fantasy
Saga
From Mid December
Sendai Pageant of Starlight
Sendai
All month
Iwaki Hikari no Sakura (Light Cherry Blossoms)
Fukushima
All month
Lake Towada Winter Story 2021
Aomori
All month
Glover Garden Night Illumination
Nagasaki
All month
Osaka Castle Illuminage
Osaka
All month
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaido

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
Until Mid January
Saga Light Fantasy
Saga
Until Mid January
Sendai Pageant of Starlight
Sendai
Jan 8–Jan 12
Toka Ebisu Festival
Kyoto
Until Mid January
Iwaki Hikari no Sakura (Light Cherry Blossoms)
Fukushima
Jan 14, Friday
Oni Hashiri – Ogres and Flaming Torches
Nara
Jan 14, Friday
Shittenoji Doyadoya Festival
Osaka
Jan 15, Saturday
Nozawa Fire Festival
Nagano
Jan 17, Monday
Miyoshi Bonden Matsuri
Akita
Late January
Wakakusa Yamayaki
Nara
Until Late January
Lake Towada Winter Story 2021
Aomori
From Late January
Zao Snow Monster Festival
Yamagata
From Late January
Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival
Kyoto
All month
Glover Garden Night Illumination
Nagasaki
From Late January
Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
Tochigi
All month
Osaka Castle Illuminage
Osaka
All month
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaido

February

Until Early February
Zao Snow Monster Festival
Yamagata
Feb 3, Thursday
Dojima Yakushido Setsubun Omizukumi Festival
Osaka
Feb 2–Feb 3
Yasaka Shrine Setsubun
Kyoto
Feb 3, Thursday
Heian Jingu Setsubun
Kyoto
Feb 3–Feb 4
Noboribetsu Onsen “Naked Man” Festival.
Hokkaido, Noboribetsu
Until Early February
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 Early February
Glover Garden Night Illumination
Nagasaki
Feb 10, Thursday
Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival
Akita
Feb 11, Friday
Kasedori Festival
Yamagata
Feb 4–Feb 11
2022 Sapporo Snow Festival
Hokkaido
Early–Mid February
Abashiri Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival
Hokkaido
Early–Mid February
Iwate Snow Festival
Iwate
Mid February
Otaru Light Snow Path
Hokkaido
Early–Mid February
Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival
Aomori
Mid February
Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival
Akita
Mid February
Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Festival
Okayama
Feb 20, Sunday
Ichiya Kanjo (One Night) Festival
Osaka
Mid–Late February
Chinese New Year Festivities
Hyogo, Kobe
Late February
Katsuyama Sagicho Matsuri
Fukui
Feb 25, Friday
Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival
Kyoto
Mid–Late February
Nagasaki Lantern Festival 2022
Nagasaki
From Late February
Shigisan Tiger Festival
Nara
Until Late February
Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival
Tochigi
From Early February
Kujuku Islands Oyster Eating Festival
Nagasaki
All month
Osaka Castle Illuminage
Osaka
From Mid February
Souriike Plum Blossom Festival
Aichi
All month
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaido

March

Until Early March
Kujuku Islands Oyster Eating Festival
Nagasaki
Until Early March
Osaka Castle Illuminage
Osaka
Until Mid March
Souriike Plum Blossom Festival
Aichi
Early–Mid March
Osaka Asian Film Festival 2022
Osaka
Until the 14th
Omizutori Fire Festival
Nara
Mid March
Omihachiman Sagicho Fire Festival
Shiga
Mid March
Namahage Sedo Festival
Akita
Until Mid March
Sapporo White Illumination
Hokkaido
Mid–Late March
March Grand Sumo Tournament
Osaka
From Mid March
Kitano Odori
Kyoto

April

Apr 2, Saturday
Suwa Onbashira Festival
Nagano
Until Early April
Kitano Odori
Kyoto
Early April
Shizuoka Matsuri
Shizuoka
Early April
Inuyama Festival
Aichi
Early April
Tightrope Lion Dance
Hyogo
Mid April
Kawanishi Genji Festival
Hyogo
Early–Mid April
Kyo Odori
Kyoto
Mid April
Hanabi Illusion 2022
Okinawa
Early–Mid April
Osaka Mint Bureau Cherry Blossom Viewing
Osaka
Apr 14–Apr 15
Takayama Spring Festival
Gifu, Takayama
Apr 9–Apr 17
Nagahama Hikiyama Festival
Shiga
Mid April
Okinawa International Film Festival
Okinawa
Until Mid April
Miyako Odori
Kyoto
Late April
Nagasaki Tall Ship Festival
Nagasaki
Apr 29, Friday
Kemari Festival
Nara
Apr 29, Friday
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 Mid April
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Yamanashi
From the 18th
Fuji Delicious Food Festival
Yamanashi
From Late April
Setouchi Triennale 2022
Kagawa

May

Until the 3rd
Yuasa Andon Paper Lamp Stand Exhibition
Wakayama
May 3, Tuesday
Yabusame Shinji
Kyoto
May 3–May 4
Hakata Dontaku Festival
Fukuoka
May 3–May 5
Naha Haarii Dragon Boat Races
Okinawa
May 3–May 5
Shinkawa Market Festival
Yamaguchi
Until the 5th
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Aomori
May 3–May 5
Heijokyo Tempyo Sai Festival
Nara
May 3–May 5
Hiroshima Flower Festival
Hiroshima
May 3–May 5
Hamamatsu Festival
Shizuoka
Until Early May
Matsumae Sakura Festival
Hokkaido
Mid May
Kankame-Inari Festival
Kyoto
May 15, Sunday
Aoi Matsuri
Kyoto
Mid May
Mifune Festival
Kyoto
Mid May
Kobe Festival
Hyogo
May 18, Wednesday
Togyo 1,000 Samurai Procession
Tochigi
May 19–May 21
Sakata Festival
Yamagata
Until the 24th
Kamogawa Odori
Kyoto
Late May
Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival
Shiga
Late May
Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival
Shiga
Until Late May
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Yamanashi
Until the 31st
Fuji Delicious Food Festival
Yamanashi
All month
Setouchi Triennale 2022
Kagawa

June

Early June
Kashima Gatalympics
Saga
Early June
Horikawa Festival
Aichi
Early June
Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival
Ishikawa
Early June
Yosakoi Soran Festival
Hokkaido
Mid June
Chagu Chagu Umakko
Iwate
Jun 22–Jun 24
Himeji Yukata Festival
Hyogo
Jun 24, Friday
Izawanomiya Otaue Festival
Mie
From the 30th
Aizen Festival
Osaka
All month
Setouchi Triennale 2022
Kagawa

July

Until the 1st
Aizen Festival
Osaka
Mid July
Ise Shrine Dedication Fireworks Festival
Mie
Until the 15th
Hakata Gion Yamakasa
Fukuoka
Early–Mid July
July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)
Nagoya
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

May

Late May
Higashiomi Giant Kite Festival
Shiga