Cultural Festival Events in Japan

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.

Ishioka Festival

The Ishioka Festival brings over 1,300 years of tradition to the former capital of Hitachi Province.

Jozenji Street Jazz Festival

Sendai's streets filled with jazzy beats.

Kamigamo Shrine Sumo Festival

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

All Japan Kokeshi Festival

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

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 …

Hassaku Festival

End summer in Kyoto at the Hassaku Festival, Matsuo Taisha’s lively celebration featuring a women-only mikoshi parade.

Owara Kaze no Bon Dance Festival

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

Kyoto Honganji Temple Bon Dance

Modern music meets traditional at this Bon Odori dance just north of Kyoto Station.

Noboribetsu Hell Festival

Get ready to face demons as the Great Demon King Enma leads a fiery parade through Noboribetsu Onsen.

Kyoto Kyo No Tanabata

A look at the city’s most atmospheric summer events.

Innoshima Suigun Pirate Festival

Innoshima steps back into its pirate heyday, and invites you along for the ride.

Minami-Mido Osaka Bon Dance

Osaka's biggest bon dance festival is back — and lovable mascot Button-kun will be making an appearance, too!

Yoshida Fire Festival

Things heat up at this annual fire festival close to Mount Fuji.

Shinjo Festival

Elaborate floats, portable shrines, judo, archery, and traditional dances — Yamagata's three-day Shinjo Festival is worth attending.

Takasaki Festival

Community spirit meets classic matsuri vibes at the Takasaki Festival.

Tenjin Tenma Awa Odori Dance Festival

Kansai’s biggest Awa Odori event takes over Osaka’s Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street in late August.

Nagoya Castle Summer Festival

This classic summer festival is framed by Nagoya Castle’s towering keeps and storied stone ramparts.