Events in Japan

Art Camp Hakushu Exhibition

Artists from various fields gathered in Hakushu Town to create the Hakushu Summer Festival, which evolved into Art Camp Hakushu and Dance Hakushu. Now revived, through rare footage, posters, and …

Osaka March Grand Sumo Tournament

See Japan's top wrestlers have a go at it in Osaka.

Osaka Asian Film Festival 2025

See films from over a dozen different countries, at venues around Osaka (and online).

Atami Marine Sea Fireworks Festival 2025

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

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.

Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market

Explore the Tenjin-san Flea Market at Kitano Tenman-gū, Kyoto, held on the 25th of every month.

Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art Grand Opening

Celebrate the grand opening of the Tottori Prefectural Museum of Art, with a parade, live music, artist talks, and an evening light show.

Kōbe Candlelight Concert: Best of Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)

Warm up a chilly night with candlelight and your favorite songs from Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi.

Punkspring Osaka

Relive the glory days of punk and emo at Punkspring Osaka.

Kyoto Antique Fair

The Kyoto Antique Fair, western Japan’s largest, gathers over 350 dealers offering kimono, ceramics, relics, and more.

Kyoto Hanezu Dance and Plum Festival

An enchanting festival with a dark backstory. Witness beautiful plum blossoms and a solemn dance at the Hanezu Odori Dance Festival in Kyoto.

Monet & Friends Alive Exhibition in Kobe

Calling all art lovers—dive into Monet & Friends Alive, a multisensory experience that brings the magic of Impressionist masterpieces to life.

Misato Plum Festival

Plum blossoms, ume snacks, and sweeping views. Misato’s plum season is unmissable.

Lights of the Beyond, Shadows of This World by Mika Ninagawa

Ninagawa’s latest exhibition brings a contemporary twist to traditional Japanese scroll painting. Explore ten immersive installations at the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art.

Grand Sumo Minoh Expo Tournament

Sumo Minoh Expo is one of the most highly-anticipated sumo events of the year.

Kitano Odori

The first of Kyoto's annual spring geisha performances, performed by the geiko and maiko of Kamishichen.

Kiyomizu-dera Spring Illuminations

To celebrate the change to spring, Kiyomizu-dera will hold a night event to brighten up the foliage.

Kiyomizu Temple Seiryu-e Dragon Festival (April)

Watch a dynamic procession featuring a massive dragon puppet at the Seiryu-e Dragon Festival in Kyoto.

Osaka Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)

Warm up a brisk spring night with candlelight and your favorite songs from Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi.

Umekoji Handicrafts Market

Discover handmade treasures and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at Kyoto’s Umekoji Handicrafts Market, a monthly gathering of artisans and creators.

Inuyama Festival

Celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossoms at the Inuyama Festival

Beppu Onsen Festival

Show your gratitude for some of Japan's most sought-after thermal waters at the Beppu Onsen Festival

Illumination at Hirakata Amusement Park in Osaka

Hirakata Park’s illuminations return. Explore seven themed light areas, including a 13-meter Flower and Fairy Tree, 500 glowing lanterns, and 20 illuminated rides.

Gion Shirakawa Evening Cherry Blossom Illuminations

For just a short window in late March and early April, the sakura in Gion's Shirakawa area are illuminated.