Cultural Festival Events in Japan

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.

Isebe Kakimoto Shrine Wind Chime Festival

Perfect for a summery day trip from Osaka.

Tanabata Bamboo Illuminations at Kifune Shrine 2026

A magical Star Festival illumination in northern Kyoto.

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.

Takatsuki Festival

Feel the community spirit and shake a leg at Osaka's Takatsuki 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.

Miyajima Kangen-sai Festival

Kangen-sai is the largest and greatest annual festival held at the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island.

Hita Gion Festival

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

Ōno-Hiyoshi Shrine Sannō Festival

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

Otaru Tide Festival

Otaru's largest summer festival returns with fireworks and a portable shrine parade.

Shin-Umeda Osaka Summer Festival

Looking for a family-friendly festival in the heart of the city? The Shin-Umeda City Summer Festival features traditional Bon dances, kids' games, and exciting attractions.

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.

Nagoya Port Fireworks Festival 2026

A small (just 3,000 fireworks), but scenic, fireworks festival.

Ikutama Festival

This lively summer festival is held each year at Ikutama Shrine in Osaka, easily accessible from Osaka Station.

Akame 48 Falls Bamboo Lantern Workshop and Magical Lantern Festival

The perfect excuse to get out into the countryside of Mie. 2000 bamboo lanterns light up the valley in a stunning display.