Matsuri Events in Japan

Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (Autumn)

A festival at the beautiful Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Great Tug-of-War

The largest tug-of-war event in the world is held every year in Naha.

Takayama Autumn Festival

This festival is the fall edition of the Takayama Spring Festival.

Paantu Festival

A festival where locals dress as supernatural beings and aim to get mud on everything.

Zuiki Festival

Celebrate autumn in Kyoto with the Zuiki Matsuri at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, a vibrant festival filled with history, lively processions, and intricate portable shrines decorated with crops.

Mozu Hachiman Shrine Autumn Festival

This annual Moon-Viewing Festival features the spectacular Futon Daiko — massive, beautifully adorned floats.

Nagasaki Kyoryuchi Festival

See how foreign influences have enriched Japanese culture at this festival

Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

Get ready for one of Osaka's rowdiest festivals.

Gujō Odori Dance Festival

Experience the Gujo Odori dance festival, one of Japan's top three bon dance festivals and now a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Rich in tradition with plenty to see, this event is a …

Owara Kaze no Bon Dance Festival

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

Domannaka Festival 2025

The Domannaka Festival is the largest dance festival in central Japan.

Kyoto Kyo No Tanabata

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

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.

Noboribetsu Hell Festival

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

Tenjin Tenma Awa Odori Dance Festival

Kansai’s biggest Awa Odori event takes over Osaka’s Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street in late August.

Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi 2025

See the mountains light up with symbolic bonfires.

Sapporo Summer Festival

Home to the biggest beer garden in Japan.

Tokushima Awa Odori Festival

Get ready for a whole lot of dancing at Japan's top summer festival.

Yoshinogawa Festival and Fireworks

Nara Prefecture's most popular fireworks festival.

Shoro Nagashi Lantern Floating Ceremony

This religious festival is loud with firecrackers and gongs, a solemn and joyous seeing-off.

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.

Sendai Tanabata

One of the most famous Tanabata Star Festivals.