The ultimate guide to Japan travel
Each of these traditions offers a unique window into Japan's geisha culture.
Late-summer fireworks, manga fairs, the wild Danjiri Festival, and other fun.
A month of fireworks, fire festivals, traditional dance parades, and more.
Grand sumo, the Gion Festival, tub-boat races, flying birdmen and much more.
Popular hanabi events in and around Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and Shiga.
Giant battling kites, a thousand-samurai march, and more.
Plum and cherry blossoms, the Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka — and more!
Winter wonderlands and rituals to chase away pesky demons.
Kick off the new year with fire festivals, water festivals, and even festivals featuring ogres.
Massive quantities of ramen, a marathon, and winter illuminations — plus New Year celebrations.
Head to the old capital for the fanciest festive feels in Kansai.
Fire walking, autumn illuminations, the Grand Sumo Tournament — and that's just the start.
The world's biggest tug-of-war, shrine festivals, scary mud monsters, and a LOT more!
Straw men, supernatural beings, crying babies, and other weird stuff.
Start with the floating shrine — but don't limit yourself to it.
Get ready for Children's Day on May 5, and find out where to find colorful carp streamers called koinobori.
Perfect if you want to see some unusual sights, the festivals of Chubu bring some intensity to an otherwise peaceful and natural setting—ideal for a true adventure into Japan.
Kanto is perfect for exploring when you're based in Tokyo, with opportunities to experience the most modern and most traditional elements of the complex culture.
Join in the battle at the world's biggest tug-of-war in Naha, Okinawa
An island packed with unusual festivals, Kyushu is the perfect destination for those looking for a unique adventure in Japan.
