Cultural Festival Events in Japan

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.

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.

Yatsushiro Myōken Festival

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

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.

Ujicha Ceremony

A traditional tea-jar opening ceremony in Uji.

Aizu Samurai Festival

Celebrate the Aizu Festival, featuring samurai processions, sword dances, and traditional performances.

Comb Festival

Experience the unique Kushi Matsuri in Kyoto, where old combs and ornate hairpins are honored through ceremonies and a historical hairstyle parade.

Kamigamo Shrine Sumo Festival

Visit Kamigamo Shrine for the sumo wrestling and unique traditional ceremonies.

Jozenji Street Jazz Festival

Sendai's streets filled with jazzy beats.

Gujō Odori Dance Festival

Experience the Gujo Odori dance festival, one of Japan's top three bon dance festivals and now a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Rich in tradition with plenty to see, this event is a …

Owara Kaze no Bon Dance Festival

Haunting night dances, traditional melodies, and a festive local vibe steeped in centuries-old traditions.

All Japan Kokeshi Festival

Celebrate the craftsmanship of Kokeshi dolls, a traditional Japanese wooden doll that has no arms or legs.