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As the heat continues, so do the opportunities to catch festivals and other exciting events all over the country. Here's a taste of what you can expect in September. For events in Tokyo and surrounds, see our listings on Tokyo Cheapo. Kansai events These are events in Kyoto, Osaka, Hyōgo, Mie, and the surrounding areas. Uneme Festival September 24–25, 2026 Nara One of Nara’s more atmospheric traditional festivals While more melancholic and somber than most Japanese summer festivals, this is also one of the most beautiful. Watch as lantern-lit traditional boats glide across the Sarusawa Lake in Nara in memory of Uneme, a court lady who drowned herself in the lake after being spurned by the emperor. Danjiri Matsuri September 19–20, 2026 Osaka Get rowdy Osaka's Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri has rightfully earned its place on the list of Japan's rowdiest festivals -- and possibly the most dangerous, too. Local teams whirl their wheeled carts around town, often reaching high speeds, with participants riding on top of them. At night, they are strewn with lanterns, creating a beautiful scene. Osaka Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli) September 12, 22 and 26, 2026 Osaka See some of your favorite Ghibli tracks performed live by candlelight This is a series of events dedicated to the music of Joe Hisaishi, composer for such films as Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke. Music will be provided by a local string quartet. Kyoto International Manga Anime Fair September 19–20, 2026 Kyoto A big hitter on the domestic manga and anime event calendar Showing that there's a modern side to Kyoto, the Manga Anime Fair is one of the biggest in Kansai and is a fun mix of tradeshow, market, and festival. Get your fix of everything anime and celebrate the creativity of some of Japan's most famous forms of entertainment. Kamigamo Shrine Sumo Festival September 9, 2026 Kyoto Sumo, crow men, and lots of chrysanthemum The Kamigamo Shrine Sumo Festival is one of those gotta-see-it-to-believe-it type of events. Essentially, local youths compete in sumo bouts as an offering to the shrine’s deity. Meanwhile, local men dressed in white with black caps imitate crows, a tradition that connects the shrine to the mythical three-legged crow Yatagarasu. Chrysanthemums and chrysanthemum saké also play a large role in the day's proceedings, and the event takes place annually on September 9. Kangetsu no Yube: Full Moon Viewing September 25–27, 2026 Kyoto Kyoto's ancient moon-viewing event A chance to float beneath a full moon on a beautiful lake, this Kyoto event is as tranquil as it gets. It's a tradition that's continued since the Heian era. If the moon is in the right position, you'll see it both in the sky and the lake at once. Nagahama and Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks September 16–18, 2026 Shiga Fireworks light up Lake Biwa This display takes place on the northern side of Lake Biwako, near Hō Park at Nagahama Port. For 2025, instead of one big show, there will be three 20-minute shows starting at 8 p.m. on September 16, 17, and 18. Kanto events These are events just outside of Tokyo, including Tochigi, Ibaraki, and the surrounding areas. Tonegawa Fireworks Festival September 19, 2026 Ibaraki Japan's best fireworks pros put on a show The Tonegawa Fireworks Festival will be held at Sakai Riverside Park. Award-winning pyrotechnicians will go head-to-head as 30,000 firework shells shoot into the sky for 90 minutes. The fireworks will synchronize with lights and music as the whole area is illuminated. Hokkaidō events Here's what's happening in Hokkaidō this month. Hokkaidō Artistic Fireworks September 5, 2026 Hokkaidō Artfully choreographed fireworks over Sapporo The Hokkaidō Artistic Fireworks is an elaborate 50-minute show designed by some of Japan's greatest fireworks masters. The spectacle synchronizes blasts to contemporary popular music to within 1/30th of a second, over the meticulously designed Moerenuma Park. It's long been a highlight of Sapporo's festival season, and has captured the attention of international fireworks festivals in recent years. Sapporo Dōshin Autumn Fireworks September 21, 2026 Hokkaidō A stadium fireworks spectacular Another highly curated fireworks event, the Sapporo Dōshin Autumn Fireworks take place at the open-air stadium Daiwa House Premist Dome or Sapporo Stadium. This year's event is put together by award-winning pyrotechnicians Yamazaki Fireworks, with every one of the 18,000 blasts choreographed to music. Sapporo Autumn Festival September 11–October 3, 2026 Hokkaidō An annual celebration of Hokkaidō food and drink Sapporo's Ōdori Park comes to life with over 300 food stalls showcasing Hokkaidō's culinary offerings. Over two million visitors head to the event each year in search of fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients produced by some of the prefecture's top chefs. The event takes place in a one-kilometer stretch of the park, where the smell of unique regional delicacies fills the air. Tōhoku events These are events in Aomori, Miyagi, and the surrounding areas. All Japan Kokeshi Festival September 4–6, 2026 Miyagi Celebrate Japan’s iconic wooden dolls at this quirky craft festival People from all across Japan gather at Naruko Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture to celebrate the craftsmanship of kokeshi dolls, a traditional Japanese wooden doll that has no arms or legs. Get ready for people dressed as dolls and a unique burning ceremony. Pop into the local hot springs while you're there -- they even have dedicated hand baths! Jozenji Street Jazz Festival September 12–13, 2026 Miyagi Jazz takes over Sendai Featuring 700 jazz bands in an urban outdoor setting, the Jozenji Street Jazz Festival brings music to the streets of Sendai City each September. Not all of the acts are professional or big names, but all are very good at what they do, and this festival promises a treat for anyone. Misawa Air Base Festival September 20, 2026 Aomori Northern Japan’s biggest air show A rare chance for civilians to enter the air base, this festival attracts around 100,000 visitors a year and entertains them with aerial displays, fly-bys, and music, as well as plenty of food stands. It's the largest air show in northern Japan and is popular, so expect busy stations and buses. Hiroshima events These are events in Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, and the surrounding areas. Innoshima Suigun Pirate Festival August 30 & September 20, 2026 Hiroshima Time travel to the era of Japan’s seafaring warriors. A long-running tradition that honors the area's connections to the Murakami Pirates. The festival takes place over three separate events, two of which will happen on September 20 this year. During the day, armor-clad samurai re-enact traditional ceremonies and fire-walking rituals. After dark, the Fire Festival kicks into gear with warriors carrying blazing torches towards the ocean, to the sound of beating drums. Aizu Samurai Festival September 19–21, 2026 Fukushima Celebrating Aizu's samurai heritage The Aizu Samurai Festival is an Edo-period festival that takes place over three days. The second day is arguably the main event, with around 500 samurai marching through the streets and traditional performances taking place at Tsuruga Castle. Chūbu events These are events in Nagano, Aichi, Fukui, Shizuoka, Yamanashi, and surrounding areas. Gujō Odori Dance Festival July 11–September 5, 2026 Gifu One of Japan’s most famous Bon dance festivals The Gujō Odori Dance Festival is one of Japan’s top three traditional Bon Dance festivals. With over 400 years of history, it is celebrated for more than 30 nights from mid-July to early September. This year, the closing night's dance will happen on September 5 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Owara Kaze no Bon Dance Festival September 1–3, 2026 Toyama Traditional night dances, understated music, and a vibrant festival atmosphere Head to Toyama for a calm, yet mystical, night festival that sees performers dance in slow and graceful movements to traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen and kokyū. Mt. Fuji Rainbow Flower Festival August 29–October 12, 2026 Yamanashi Enjoy the last days of summer blooms near the base of Mt. Fuji The Fuji Motosuko Resort is most famous for its shibazakura festival in spring, but the field also turns shades of yellow, red, pink, and orange in autumn. The backdrop of Mt. Fuji makes this a great day trip from Tokyo on a clear day. Kyūshū & Okinawa events Events happening on the islands of Kyūshū and Okinawa. Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival September 4–6, 2026 Okinawa Three days of spectacular drumming, dancing and music Check out the Okinawa Zento Eisa Festival, the island chain's last major summer event. It's a corker -- three days of dancing and celebration as Okinawans gather to welcome their ancestors. With traditional Ryukyu dress, massive taiko drums, song, and dance, it's an event not to be missed. Nagasaki Sasebo Seaside Festival September 5–6, 2026 Nagasaki Nagasaki becomes Kyushu’s party capital This festival in Nagasaki's main draw is the island's largest firework display. If summer hanabi (fireworks) aren't your jam (and if not, why not?), the Seaside Festival includes music, balloon art, jazz, food stalls, dance exhibitions, family games, traditional taiko drumming, and harbor cruises. Nagasaki Kyoryuchi Foreign Settlement Festival September 19–21, 2026 Nagasaki Discover Nagasaki's multicultural history Long an international trading hub, everything from Nagasaki's cuisine to architecture was shaped by its relationships with foreign cultures. This event is a nod to the Kyoryuchi Foreign Settlement established in Nagasaki in the mid-19th century and features an international market, food stalls, games, and performances. Pro tip: Check back for more events as we update this post! If you're going to be in Tokyo, see our detailed events listings for the area. While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. Article last updated by Patrick Balfe in August, 2026.

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