Cultural Festival Events in Japan

Miyako Odori

Celebrate spring in Kyoto with the annual Miyako Odori, a performance by Kyoto's geisha.

Kintaikyo Bridge Festival

Enjoy the festival atmosphere at this traditional and years old recreation of the return of the Daimyo.

Heian Jingu Reisai Festival

This annual festival features an opportunity to see geiko (the geisha of Kyoto).

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.

Tagata Shrine “Penis” Festival

Join this annual celebration of Tagata Shrine in Aichi and promote all things phallic.

Baikasai Plum Blossom Festival

Stunning plum blossom, tea ceremonies, and even Geisha make an unmissable event.

Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival

Watch the magical sight of of dozens of paper balloons adorning the night sky.

Noboribetsu Onsen “Naked Man” Festival

A steamy festival in the depths of the freezing winter

Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival

An amazing chance to see a remote, snow-covered thatched village illuminated with hundreds of lanterns.

Yasaka Shrine Setsubun

Setsubun at Yasaka Shrine's is unusual because it features geiko, geisha from Kyoto.

Heian Jingu Setsubun

One of the best-known Setsubun festivals in Kyoto.

Wakakusa Yamayaki

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

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.

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.

Maebashi Hatsuichi Daruma Festival

Daruma make for one of the most traditional Japanese festivals you're likely to see at this event,

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.

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 …