Events in Japan

Osaka Castle Spring Festival

Make the most of sakura season at the Osaka Castle Spring Festival, happening from February 21 to April 15.

Takayama Spring Festival

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

Heian Jingu Reisai Festival

This annual festival features an opportunity to see geiko (the geisha of Kyoto).

Kawanishi Genji Festival

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

Nagahama Hikiyama Festival

See children's kabuki performances atop floats.

Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025

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

Kyo Odori

A performance by the geiko and maiko of Kyoto's Miyagawachō district to welcome spring.

Nagano Marathon 2025

Pound the asphalt or cheer from the sidelines at the Nagano Marathon 2024

Okinawa International Film Festival

The festival is decidedly more domestic than international, and there's a lot more to it than watching films.

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.

Sanriku Fireworks Festival 2025

Watch the sky light up with 15,000 fireworks at this year’s Sanriku Fireworks Festival in Iwate Prefecture. What happens? The festival comes twice a year: once in spring and once in …

Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025

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

Kintaikyo Bridge Festival

Enjoy the festival atmosphere at this traditional and years old recreation of the return of the Daimyo.

Spring Kemari Festival

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

Miyako Odori

Celebrate spring in Kyoto with the annual Miyako Odori, a performance by Kyoto's geisha.

Heijokyo Tempyo Festival

Relive the days when Nara was the capital of Japan. Expect re-enactments, a noble banquet, parades, and more.

Yabusame Shinji

See the beauty and grace of horseback archery up close

Hakata Dontaku Festival

The most popular Golden Week festival.

Saku Hot-Air Balloon Festival

The Saku Balloon Festival fills the skies with colorful hot-air balloons during Golden Week.

Nyanko Expo 2025

Join 300 popular feline-living artists from all over Japan at this large cat goods event in Osaka.

Shinkawa Market Festival

Head to the Shinkawa Market Festival and see the fox's wedding parade.

Naha Hari Dragon Boat Races

Feel the beat of the drum at Okinawa's biggest dragon boat races

Hiroshima Flower Festival

The Hiroshima Flower Festival is a lot more than a simple flower show.

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

One of Japan's best cherry blossom festivals.