Written by Aarohi
Trying to figure out when to visit Japan? From traditional festivals to seasonal showcases, there are exciting events peppered throughout the year to anchor your itinerary. These are the events we think are worth planning around — hand-picked by our team.
1. Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
Recommended by Jane Pipkin, writer and social-media managerOtaru, Hokkaido
Free
Timed to coincide with Sapporo’s giant winter festival, Otaru’s Snow Light Path operates on a more intimate scale. The streets and canals of this seaside city northwest of Sapporo are illuminated by candlelit snow lanterns.
Jane says: “I visited the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival back in 2020, along with the main Sapporo Snow Festival, and the memory has stayed vivid ever since. The whole scene felt like a winter wonderland — snow sculptures glowing with light against a backdrop of gently falling snow, truly magical. It may be busier these days, but I still think it’s worth experiencing at least once. That trip is a big part of why Hokkaidō remains one of my favorite places in Japan.”
2. Nozawa Fire Festival
Recommended by Carey Finn, editor-in-chiefNozawa Onsen Village, Nagano Prefecture
Free
On January 15 each year, villagers gather at Baba-no-hara in the snow-covered hot-spring village of Nozawa Onsen to enact an ancient ceremony: a special fire is lit, lanterns glow into the freezing night, and then representatives aged 25 and 42 attempt to defend a massive wooden shrine from being set ablaze. It’s chaos by design.
Carey says: “It’s an otherworldly experience where a sake-fuelled fiery battle takes place in the snow. Sparks fly into the freezing night sky, and blessings are left in the ashes. This is one of the best traditional festivals I’ve had the good luck of attending, but I will say two things: first, you need the right winter footwear — the ice gets packed hard and is scarily slippery, so make sure you have grip; and second, this can feel a bit ‘overtouristed’ — organize your trip well in advance, and be a good egg if you do attend.”
3. Asagiri Jam
Recommended by Patrick Balfe, writer and editorMount Fuji slopes, Shizuoka Prefecture
From ¥15,000
From the organizers of Fuji Rock Festival, Asagiri Jam is music for people who actually want to enjoy the outdoors. Held in mid-October at the base of Mount Fuji, the lineup at this two-day festival skews toward emerging artists and recognizable names rather than mega-headliners.
Patrick says: “Asagiri Jam is the little sister event to Fuji Rock Festival. It manages to avoid the typhoons that originally forced Fuji Rock to move from this location, as well as the intense heat of Japan’s summer festivals. While it doesn’t attract the type of big-name headliners of larger-capacity events, you’re sure to recognize more than a handful of names and make some new discoveries along the way. Music aside, the vibe of the festival is incredibly laid-back, and with beautiful scenery and a ton of great food options, there are plenty of people-, dog-, and Fuji-watching opportunities to keep you occupied.”
4. Mt. Fuji Lantern Floating at Lake Kawaguchiko
Recommended by Aila Nerve, creative assistantLake Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture
Free, donations welcome
Part of the larger Obon celebrations that take place across the country, hundreds of lanterns drift across Lake Kawaguchiko, each carrying personal messages of remembrance and hope. As the sun sets, the lanterns glow brighter against the darkening sky, creating a scene of tranquility.
Aila says: “I always enjoy lantern-floating events in Tokyo, like the Sumida River lantern floating, and there’s something so peaceful about watching all the lanterns slowly drift across the water. Seeing that with Mount Fuji as the backdrop just seems so magical. My cousins went one year and said it truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They did warn me to arrive early, though, as they weren’t able to get a lantern despite getting there quite early. So if you want to participate, I’d definitely recommend going as early as possible. Even without a lantern, though, they said watching hundreds of them float across the lake was still 100% worth it.”
5. Tenjin Festival
Recommended by Miki Murata, sales assistantOsaka Tenmangū Shrine, Osaka
Free
One of Japan’s three greatest festivals, with over 1,000 years of history, Tenjin Matsuri marks the start of summer. On the second day, 3,000 participants dressed as 8th–12th century courtiers board boats at Tenmanbashi bridge and sail upriver accompanied by portable shrines. The festival draws enormous crowds along the main viewing areas.
Miki says: “Hearing about the Tenjin Festival always makes me feel like the hot summer and summer break have officially started. It also takes place on my birthday, which makes it extra special to me. Since the main area gets extremely crowded, I like to find a quiet, hidden spot to relax and enjoy the fireworks.”
6. Miyako no Nigiwai Geisha Performance
Recommended by Aarohi Narain, writerMinamiza Theater, Kyoto
From ¥6,500
Kyoto’s five geisha districts — Gion Kobu, Gion Higashi, Pontochō, Kamishichiken, and Miyagawachō — each maintain distinct dance styles, musical traditions, and aesthetic identities. Usually, their performances happen separately throughout the year. Once annually in June, all five districts take the stage.
Aarohi says: “Kyoto is synonymous with geiko and maiko, and Miyako no Nigiwai is the easiest way to see entertainers from all five hanamachi at once. When I attended in 2026, I found it fascinating to compare the districts’ dance, music, and costuming side by side. Keep an eye out for the distinctive crests embroidered on the maiko’s long, trailing sashes — these identify the teahouse they belong to. One practical note: June in Kyoto is usually blazing hot and humid, so dress up, because this is a fancy affair — but dress wisely.”
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
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