Cultural Festival Events in Japan

Okera Mairi: Old Year’s Eve at Yasaka Shrine

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

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.

Yatsushiro Myōken Festival

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

Shinno Festival

Local businesses and visitors come together to pray for health and prosperity.

Fire-Walking Ceremony at Daishōin Temple

No cold feet.

Gion Odori

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

Arashiyama Momiji Festival

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

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

Midōsuji Runway

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

Shitennoji Wasso Festival

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

Kurama Fire Festival

Bonfires, torches, shrines, and gods are all out in the streets for this vibrant Kyoto festival.

Goryo Jinja Shrine Autumn Festival

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

Nikkō Tōshogū Shrine Autumn Grand Festival

Experience the grandeur of the Shōgun's army.

Nada no Kenka Festival

Get into the fighting spirit at Nada no Kenka Festival.

Ōtsu Hikiyama Festival

This is one of Shiga's three largest festivals, and it's a spectacle you don't want to miss.

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.

Seto Lucky Cat Festival

Channel your inner neko. It's a full on paw-ty.

Nagasaki Kyoryuchi Foreign Settlement Festival

See how foreign influences have enriched Japanese culture at this festival.

Seimei Festival

Abe no Seimei is immortalized in popular culture, from manga to Yuzuru Hanyu’s Olympic skate. This festival, taking place annually at Kyoto's Seimei Shrine, celebrates his legacy.

Comb Festival

Old combs and ornate hairpins are honored through ceremonies and a historical hairstyle parade at this Kyoto festival.

Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair 2026

Proof that Kyoto isn't just about old buildings and tradition.

Aizu Samurai Festival

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