Matsuri Events in Japan

Kinugawa Onsen Dragon King Festival

Watch as the Manto Mikoshi, a portable shrine glowing with ten thousand lanterns, parades through the night.

Tenjin Festival

Who isn't impressed by illuminated boats and fireworks?

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.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa

Hakata Gion Yamasaka is one of Fukuoka's largest festivals.

Ikutama Festival

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

Aizen Festival

Get ready for the first of Osaka's major summer festivals.

Izawanomiya Otaue Rice Festival

Visit this festival to ensure a good harvest.

Himeji Yukata Festival

Join the locals dressed in yukata (light cotton summer robes) and hit the food stalls.

Chagu Chagu Umakko Horse Festival

Follow along a parade of horses as they trot from shrine to shrine in Morioka.

Tōhoku Kizuna Festival

This festival creates a fun and vibrant atmosphere through various stage events and local food stalls.

Yosakoi Soran Festival

Dancing in the streets, Sapporo-style.

Hiroshima Toukasan Yukata Festival

Time to break out your yukata and usher in the summer months.

Horikawa Festival

The event features illuminated straw boat parades, lion dances, taiko drumming, and the grand Oyama (lion mountain) procession.

Hamamatsu Flying Dragon Festival

Ever wanted to see the mystical dragons of the Nintendo Zelda games come to the life?

Mantō Mitama Festival

As the sun goes down, feast your eyes on thousands of lanterns and a traditional Japanese dance performed by 100 shrine maidens in red and white.

Sakata Festival

See giant lion head floats and unique wheeled floats.

Togyo 1,000 Samurai Procession

This procession takes place on the second day of the Nikkō Tōshōgū Shrine Grand Festival.

Kōbe Festival

The Kōbe Festival is a citywide festival.

Sendai Aoba Festival

Every May, as Sendai’s zelkova trees turn green, the Sendai Aoba Festival takes center stage.

Aoi Matsuri

Expect to see men on horseback, ornate carts, and women in kimono.

Kankame-Inari Yomiya Festival

See geisha entertain the locals at this very small festival in Kyoto.

Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival

Celebrate sakura at Hokkaidō's top cherry blossom viewing spot.

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2026

One of Japan's best cherry blossom festivals.

Hamamatsu Festival

The Hamamatsu Festival celebrates the birth of children and falls on Children's Day (May 5).