Festival Events in Japan

Hokkaidō Fest in Kobe

Iconic Hokkaidō specialties plus cultural showcases exploring the region's indigenous history.

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.

Misawa Air Base Festival in Aomori

Indulge in your love of planes and fighter jets with this annual festival.

Katakai Fireworks Festival

Experience the world’s largest firework and over 15,000 fireworks lighting up the sky across two spectacular nights.

Matsuo Taisha Hassaku Festival

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

Kyoto Honganji Temple Bon Dance

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

Kyoto Kyo No Tanabata

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

Noboribetsu Hell Festival

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

Innoshima Suigun Pirate Festival

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

Tano Town Taiko Festival

Tano Town's taiko festival is all about the power of percussion. Listen to the beats of taiko, a festival mainstay and Japan's favorite drum.

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.

Earth Celebration

Head to Sado Island for a celebration of the Earth and its shades of beauty.

Osaka Shitennōji Bon Festival

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

Kyoto Sky Lantern Festival

Set off your own glowing, LED-powered lantern into the night sky at this Tanabata celebration. It's easily accessible from Kyoto Station.

Nagoya Castle Summer Festival

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

Kiyomizudera Summer Night Viewing

Visit Kyoto's famous Kiyomizu-dera during a quieter moment this summer.

Isebe Kakimoto Shrine Wind Chime Festival

Perfect for a summery day trip from Osaka.

Kobe Sea Bon Odori 2026

Dance to folk songs from Kobe and beyond.

Sake Festival Osaka Bay Tower

This festival in Osaka offers traditional Japanese libations and more.

Belgian Beer Weekend Kyoto

This beer event takes place just a short walk away from Kyoto Station.