Matsuri Events in Japan

Suwa Onbashira Festival

Japan's most dangerous festival — several participants don't make it back home...

Tochigi Autumn Festival

Tochigi's autumn nights turn bright with festivities.

Spring Kemari Festival

This Nara festival features beautiful processions, rituals, and eventually a game of kemari.

Nagahama Hikiyama Festival

See children's kabuki performances atop floats.

Takayama Spring Festival

The Takayama Spring Festival is one of Japan's most famous festivals.

Inuyama Festival

Celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossoms at the Inuyama Festival

Kawanishi Genji Festival

The Kawanishi Genji Festival celebrates a Japanese literary classic-"Tale of Genji".

Shizuoka City Festival

The Shizuoka Festival is Shizuoka City's biggest spring festival.

Shingen-kō Festival and Samurai Parade

According to organizers, this is the largest samurai parade in the world.

Beppu Onsen Festival

Show your gratitude for some of Japan's most sought-after thermal waters at the Beppu Onsen Festival

Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (April)

Watch a dynamic procession featuring a massive dragon puppet at the Seiryu-e Dragon Festival in Kyoto.

Omihachiman Sagicho Fire Festival

One of Japan's deadliest festivals.

Tagata Shrine Hōnensai “Penis Festival”

Join this annual celebration of Tagata Shrine in Aichi and promote all things phallic.

Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (March)

The Seiryu-e Festival at Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto celebrates the Blue Dragon, a guardian deity thought to protect the city’s east.

Omizutori Fire Festival

One of the oldest Buddhist ceremonies still performed today.

Inuyama Castle Town Local Sake Festival

Sample local sake and have a good time at the Inuyama Castle Town Local Sake Festival.

Osaka Miyoshi Nagayoshi Warrior Procession

Watch samurai battles, live performances, and a grand parade honoring the legendary warlord Miyoshi Nagayoshi in Osaka's Daito City.

Shigisan Tiger Festival

Attend a parade that features a portable shrine topped with a tiger and traditional Japanese instruments.

Ichiya Kanjo (One Night) Festival

A smaller, but unique festival in Osaka for fans of traditional Japanese culture

Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival

Magical, candle-lit hollowed out snow mounds, rice wine, and daifuku (rice cakes). What's not to love?

Tōkamachi Snow Festival

Experience the snowy splendor of Tōkamachi, Niigata.

Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Festival

Another one of Japan's renowned "naked" festivals (sort of).

Nagasaki Lantern Festival 2026

Head to Nagasaki Lantern Festival to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival

A quaint snow festival complete with snow sculptures and entertainment.