
Sumiyoshi Matsuri
The Sumiyoshi Matsuri (festival) happens over three days in and around Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine. The highlight is the nagoshi harai shinji ritual which happens on the middle day. The …
The Sumiyoshi Matsuri (festival) happens over three days in and around Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine. The highlight is the nagoshi harai shinji ritual which happens on the middle day. The …
The home of Mikawa fireworks, this is one of the biggest displays in Aichi, with spots by the river reserved a day in advance by many. With a history dating back to the Edo period, the festival …
The second of the Summer fireworks events on the Nagara river, this event takes place on the first Saturday of every August. Both events are competitive displays with pyrotechnicians traveling …
Hirakawa city in Aomori Prefecture hosts a Nebuta Festival at the beginning of August each year. While the Aomori City has the crowds, Hirosaki has the refined tradition and Goshogawara has …
This is a horse race which takes place in Shiojiri City on the grassy Takabocchi Plateau. With around 80 competitors from throughout Japan, organizers claim that it is the highest altitude horse …
The second of the Summer fireworks events on the Nagara river, this event takes place on the first Saturday of every August. Both events are competitive displays with pyrotechnicians traveling …
Held by Matsubara Swimming Beach, this firework festival is an impressive display of over 10,000 rockets launched over Lake Biwa. Close to Hikone castle and with romantic cruises available, this …
Kuroishi, a town on the central Tsugaru Plain of Aomori Prefecture holds its own Nebuta festival (called Neputa in these parts) on July 30th and August 5th each year. The parade features more …
Dating back to 1650, this is one of Japan’s longest running fireworks festivals. With 18,000 fireworks and 400,000 spectators, it’s also one of the largest in western Japan. The …
Each year, on August 6th, candle-lit lanterns are set afloat on the Motoyasu River next to Hiroshima’s A-Bomb Dome in remembrance of deceased ancestors and as a wish for world peace. The …
The Hinokuni Matsuri is a festival that takes place in early August predominantly in and around Sunroad Shinshigai (a covered arcade) in Kumamoto City. The festival will feature various dance …
The Hirosaki Neputa Festival is a lower-key (but still spectacular) sibling of the much rowdier Nebuta Festival in Aomori City. While the Aomori floats are a lot more free-form, Neputa floats in …
The fireworks festival on August 3 2022 has been postponed till August 9 due to heavy rain. Goshogawara hosts the third of the famous Nebuta festivals in Aomori. The others being Aomori Nebuta in …
Tanabata – literally meaning the ‘7th evening’ is a festival celebrated on different dates throughout Japan. The Sendai version, touted as one of the three major summer …
Part of the annual peace festival, this display is as famous for its fireworks as it is the beautiful food stalls which are illuminated at night. The event takes place on the Hozu river banks and …
Update: In 2022, some festivities may be canceled. Check their guide map for more details. A ten-day event taking place in Nara, the Tokae sees thousands of candles placed in varying displays and …
Usually, an incredible 40,000 fireworks go up in smoke in a couple of hours at this mid summer fireworks festival. However, for 2022 the organizers are running a “special type” event …
For 2022, many of the events will be ticketed. Please check their website (Japanese) for further details. Tokushima Awa Odori is rated by many as Japan’s top summer festival. It takes place …