Cultural Festival Events in Japan

Yasaka Shrine Setsubun

One of the many traditional Setsubun festivals taking place across Kyoto (and Japan), Yasaka Shrine’s version is unusual in that it features Geiko – the Kyoto version of Geisha. On …

Heian Jingu Setsubun

One of the best-known Setsubun festivals in Kyoto, this is a great place to drive away those evil spirits and welcome in the new spring season. Priests begin the day with a cleansing ritual at …

Wakakusa Yamayaki

One of the most impressive sights in Japan this January, the Wasakusa Yamayaki sees an entire mountainside in Nara go up in flames as fireworks are launched behind it. Although its origins are …

Miyoshi Bonden Festival

Held at Mt. Taihei Miyoshi Shrine every year, the Miyoshi Bonden Festival is a spirited, sometimes-violent race to place offerings at the shrine for health, a bountiful harvest, and business …

Dontosai Festival

The Dontosai Festival, known as the Matsutaki Festival for Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, is a fiery New Year festival unique to Miyagi. What happens? Every year on January 14, festival goers burn …

Shittenoji Doya Doya Festival

Celebrating the end of 14 days of worship after the new year, the Shittenoji Doya Doya Festival sees dozens of loincloth-clad men and boys being doused in very cold water as they compete in teams …

Kyoto Toka Ebisu Festival

This popular five-day festival celebrates Ebisu-san, one of the seven lucky Gods of Japanese mythology, responsible for prosperity. What is there to see and do? There are plenty of charms to buy …

Maebashi Hatsuichi Daruma Festival

The Maebashi Hatsuichi (meaning first market) Festival is an explosive way to start the year. The highway nearby is closed to cars and stalls are set up, ready to sell lucky trinkets and festival …

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

Want to ensure peace and prosperity for 2023? Head to Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine on the 31st of December for the Okera Mairi ceremony, which is supposed to ensure just that. What happens? Okera …

Arashiyama Momiji Festival

Celebrate the autumn leaves at this annual festival in one of the most beautiful spots of Kyoto. On the river around Togetsu Bridge, boats will parade through with elaborately dressed characters …

Gion Odori

The only of the traditional Kyoto dance performances to take place every year from November 1-10, this is held at the Gion Kaikan near Yasaka shrine as the leaves begin to turn. It was first held …

Shitennoji Wasso Festival

2022 sees the 20th anniversary of the Wasso Festival, so the Shitennoji Temple are doing things a bit differently this year. There will be two days of fun-filled activities to enjoy, as well as …

Shurijo Castle Revival Festival

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

Kitano Odori

One of Kyoto‘s annual spring geisha performances, the Kitano Odori is performed by the geiko (the Kyoto word for geisha) and maiko (apprentice geiko) of the Kamishichen district. The show …

Goryo Jinja Shrine Autumn Festival

This small but beautiful festival see dozens of lanterns places carefully around the Shrine grounds creating a magical atmosphere. There is traditional entertainment such as music, singing and …

Otsu Hikiyama Festival

One of Shiga’s largest three festivals, the Otsu Hikiyama festival is a stunning display of elaborate Mikoshi and parades through the city streets.  The festival celebrates Otsu as a …

Ujicha Ceremony

The home of green tea in Japan, the small town holds a traditional tea-jar opening ceremony on the first Sunday in October each year. Located just between Kyoto and Nara, Uji has long been famous …

Jozenji Street Jazz Festival

Featuring 700 jazz bands in an urban outdoor setting, the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival brings the blue note to the streets of Sendai each September. Held over a weekend, the Festival stretches …

Ono-Hiyoshi Shrine Sanno Festival

A large traditional festival which welcomes summer, the festivities stretch over two days and contains some great unique performances. The first day is demon payment day, aka Yahikobaba, and …

Kamogawa Odori

Featuring the dancers of the Pontocho area, this show has it’s own specially built theater just off Pontocho called the Kaburenjo Theater. The stage is designed to enhance the performance; …

Kankame-Inari Festival

Located at a shrine which alas, does not exist on google maps, this is a very small local festival but has plenty of Geiko and Maiko (Kyoto’s geisha). Taking place in early-to-mid May, the …

Aoi Matsuri

Also known as the Hollyhock Festival, this is one of the city’s biggest events and is a great chance to see traditional costumes on parade from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo shrines. Over …

Yabusame Shinji

A horseback archery display between the trees, this is an impressive feat of skill on show in Kyoto once a year. Taking place annually on the third of May, this event takes place in the run up to …

Miyako Odori

Celebrate spring in Kyoto with the annual Miyako Odori, a performance by geiko (the Kyoto word for geisha) and maiko (apprentice geiko) from Gion Kobu — the largest geisha district in the …