Cultural Festival Events in Japan

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 Kōbu — the largest of the city’s …

Kintaikyo Bridge Festival

Taking place every year on the the birthday of Showa-Emperor Hirohito, this festival has parades, processions and even a flea market. Forced to spend alternate years in the ancient capital, the …

Heian Jingu Reisai Festival

Celebrating the accession ceremony day of the temple’s deity – Emperor Kanmu in 781 in Nara, this annual festival features an opportunity to see Geiko (the geisha of Kyoto) and Maiko, …

Kyo Odori

A performance by the geiko and maiko of Kyoto's Miyagawachō district to welcome spring.

Kitano Odori

The first of Kyoto's annual spring geisha performances, performed by the geiko and maiko of Kamishichen.

Sendai Aoba Festival

As a preventative measure against the spread of COVID-19, this event has been cancelled for 2020. First held in 1655, the Sendai Aoba Festival takes place at the beginning of the warm season, in …

Worldwide Eisa Festival

Dance, they say, like nobody is watching. If that’s not your jam, go watch somebody else dance instead. Head down to Naha in Okinawa and experience the Worldwide Eisa Festival. This dance …

Fiesta Mexicana Osaka 2019

Enjoy all that Mexico and Mexican culture has to offer at this three day festival. Entertainment will include well known mariachi bands, a marimba band, dancing groups and colorful costumes. No …

Nagoya Brazil Festival

Aichi Prefecture is one of the major centers for Japan’s Brazilian community so it’s no surprise the Nagoya Brazil Festival is a big deal. At this two day festival in Sakae Odori Park …

The Hakodate Russian Festival

Hakodate has a special connection to Russia. In the wild west frontier days of the Meiji period, Russia had a significant influence on Hakodate with a Russian delegation being one of the first …