Cultural Festival Events in Japan

Wakakusa Yamayaki in Nara

See an entire mountainside in Nara go up in flames as fireworks are launched behind it.

Togakushi Dondoyaki Fire Festival

A traditional Japanese New Years' festival to bring you some luck.

Miyoshi Bonden Festival

Teams race to be the first to reach the shrine and onlookers also push to touch the special charms of this shrine.

People-Throwing and Ash-Smearing Festival

Watch men get tossed into snow and behold the messy ash-smearing chaos.

Dontosai Festival

Put some heat into your winter and New Year with this steamy (in more ways than one!) festival.

Shittenoji Doya Doya Festival

See dozens of loincloth-clad men and boys doused in very cold water as they compete in teams for banknotes.

Kyoto Toka Ebisu Festival

Join in this noisy and raucous festival as people knock on wooden boards to get the attention of a lucky God.

Osaka Toka Ebisu Festival

Join the festive atmosphere of Osaka’s Toka Ebisu Festival at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, where locals gather to pray for wealth and success while enjoying street food and lively parades.

Maebashi Hatsuichi Daruma Festival

Daruma dolls are set alight in a traditional Japanese festival.

Takasaki Daruma Market

On the first two days of the year, many flock to Takasaki to buy daruma dolls.

Bad-Mouthing Festival

This bizarre New Year's Eve ritual, dating back to the Edo period, lets participants shout away their frustrations while trekking to the temple summit.

Okera Mairi: Old Year’s Eve at Yasaka-jinja Shrine

Want to ensure peace and prosperity for the new year? You might have to stay up all night.

Yatsushiro Myōken Festival

One of the oldest festivals in Japan with parades, performances, and costumes galore.

Shinno Festival

Discover Osaka's Shinno Festival, which takes place annually at Sukunahikona Shrine, where local businesses and visitors come together to pray for health and prosperity.

Fire-Walking Ceremony at Daishōin Temple

It seems Miyajima is known for having hot feet as this takes place only 10 days after the Fire-Walking Ceremony at Daiganji Temple is held. What happens? The fire walking is part of a bigger …

Arashiyama Momiji Festival

Who doesn't love people dressed as Heian Era nobles performing on boats?

Gion Odori

One of the only geisha performance event to take place in fall, and just as the leaves begun to change color.

Hitaki Fire Festival at Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fire up your autumn with the Hitaki Fire Festival at Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Shurijo Castle Revival Festival

Watch the huge procession of the Ryukyu Kingdom in all its glory

Shitennoji Wasso Festival

The Shitennoji Wasso Festival celebrates those who have come to Japan from across Asia.

Midōsuji Runway

Part of Midōsuji Avenue in Osaka will burst with live music, traditional performances, and parades.

Goryo Jinja Shrine Autumn Festival

This festival sees dozens of lanterns placed carefully around Goryo Jinja Shrine.

Otsu Hikiyama Festival

One of Shiga's largest three festivals.

Lake Akan Marimo Festival

A significant festival conducted by the Ainu community that aims to protect the local marimo, round algae balls, from further pollution.