Events in Japan

Nara Tokae

See Nara's deer in a new light - literally! Made out of candles, this festival is about enormous pieces of art.

Osaka Shitennōji Bon Festival

Celebrate Obon the traditional way at the Shitennōji Bon Odori Festival, taking place in Osaka this August.

Shoro Nagashi Lantern Floating Ceremony

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

Nara Daimonji Okuribi

Pray for peace and the souls of the fallen at this sombre festival.

Hitoyoshi Fireworks Festival

See a dazzling display of fireworks at this free festival.

Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival

See an incredible 40,000 fireworks go up in smoke.

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.

Sapporo Summer Festival

Home to the biggest beer garden in Japan.

Miyazu Tōrō Nagashi Fireworks

Lantern floating and fireworks make a magical evening in Shimazaki Park near Kyoto.

Rising Sun Rock Festival 2025

The Rising Sun Rock Festival in Ezo (Hokkaido) is Japan’s top all-night outdoor rock fest.

Mt. Fuji Lantern Floating at Lake Kawaguchiko

Experience the Mt. Fuji Lantern Floating at Lake Kawaguchiko. Honor ancestors, float lanterns, and enjoy a serene evening with traditional ceremonies and performances by the lake.

Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi 2025

See the mountains light up with symbolic bonfires.

Kumano Fireworks Festival

This is officially the biggest fireworks display in Mie with over 10,000 rockets forming some breath-taking displays.

Summer Sonic Osaka 2025

This two-day party is known for featuring some of the biggest acts from around the world.

Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025

The Atami Marine Fireworks have been lighting up the east coast of the Izu Peninsula since 1952.

Tenjin Tenma Awa Odori Dance Festival

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

Tōji Temple Flea Market

Visit Tōji Temple, one of Kyoto's oldest temples, and explore the bustling Kobo-ichi Market. Held monthly, this vibrant market is an unmissable experience for visitors and locals alike.

Osaka Senshu Fireworks Festival

Take in an explosion of panoramic fireworks and a drone show in Osaka.

Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 Fireworks

From sacred shrine illuminations to fierce pyrotechnic showdowns, each fireworks display tells a story. It all culminates in a dazzling 30-minute finale on 23 July.

Shakado River Fireworks Festival

Fukushima Prefecture's largest fireworks festival.

Takasaki Festival

Community spirit meets classic matsuri vibes at the Takasaki Festival.

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.

Earth Celebration

Head to Sado Island for a celebration of the Earth and its shades of beauty.