Festival Events in Japan

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.

Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival

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

Goshogawara Tachi-Neputa Festival

This unique parade features delicately made, tall floats.

Dotonbori Bon Odori International

This multicultural dance festival aims to honor the legacy of the 2025 Osaka Expo.

Hirosaki Neputa Festival

The less rowdy little sister of the Neputa festivals.

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.

Kuroishi Neputa Festival

See the parade of floats at this beautiful festival.

Hirakawa Neputa Festival

Enjoy the sight of one of Japan's biggest floats at this beautiful festival.

World Cosplay Summit 2026

Join in as the streets of Nagoya fill with the very best cosplayers in the world.

Takatsuki Festival

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

Kushimoto Festival

The Kushimoto Festival is a town-wide summer celebration.

Sumiyoshi Festival

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

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.

Nijō Castle NAKED Summer Festival 2025

The art collective NAKED are doing what they do best and turning another historical landmark into a fun, festival paradise.

Sanriku Fireworks Festival 2026

Watch the sky light up with 15,000 fireworks.