Cultural Festival Events in Japan

Owara Kaze no Bon Dance Festival

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

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.

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.

Mt. Fuji Lantern Floating at Lake Kawaguchiko

Experience the Mt. Fuji Lantern Floating at Lake Kawaguchiko. Honor ancestors, float lanterns, and enjoy a serene evening with traditional ceremonies and performances by the lake.

Osaka Shitennōji Bon Festival

Celebrate Obon the traditional way at the Shitennōji Bon Odori Festival, taking place in Osaka this August.

Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival

Glowing goldfish put on a show in hopes of revitalizing this small village in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Itō Anjin Festival

The Ito Anjin festival is an iconic summer event: expect to see picturesque lanterns, dance to the beat of taiko drums, and soak in the breathtaking fireworks displays over the sea.

Yamagata Hanagasa Festival

Celebrate the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, where over 10,000 dancers in vibrant attire bring the streets of Yamagata to life with traditional music and mesmerizing performances.

Yamaguchi Tanabata Lantern Festival

Don't miss this fantastic summer event, where thousands of lanterns, each lit by hand, illuminate the city.

Yatori no Shinji Festival

Things heat up as 60 men rush towards the center of a pond to grab a limited 50 arrow-like talismans.

Hakodate Port Festival

The annual Hakodate Port Festival draws visitors wih lively fireworks, colorful parades, and the famous Squid Dance.

Morioka Sansa Odori Dance Festival

Keen to see one of Tohoku's liveliest festivals? Get all the details here on the Morioka Sansa Odori Dance Festival.

Tatemon Festival

The Tatemon Festival in Uozu, Toyama, showcases stunning lantern-lit floats, traditional music, and a community celebration, making it a must-visit summer event.

Sumiyoshi Festival

A purification ritual and portable shrine festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.

Kyoto Honganji Temple Bon Dance

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

Hita Gion Festival

See the enormous yamaboko floats parade around the historic town of Hita.

Ono Hiyoshi Shrine Sanno Festival

Marvel at lion dances and demons at this unique festival with wonderfully unusual costumes.

Notojima Kōda Fire Festival

This is one of Japan's biggest fire festivals.

Kinugawa Onsen Dragon King Festival

Watch as the Manto Mikoshi, a portable shrine glowing with ten thousand lanterns, parades through the night.