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Hitachi Seaside Park Nemophila
Nature FestivalBreathtaking blue nemophila flower fields at Hitachi Seaside Park.
KantoMayExtremely crowded
Discover Japanese Festivals
From centuries-old matsuri to spectacular fireworks — explore the most vibrant festivals and events across Japan.
195 festivals & events listed across Japan
Best Summer Festivals in Japan: A First-Timer's Guide
Summer is festival season in Japan. From massive fireworks shows to ancient dance traditions, here are the must-see summer festivals and practical tips for enjoying them.
Festivals This Month
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Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Nature FestivalPink moss phlox carpet at the base of Mt. Fuji.
ChubuMayCrowded
Starts in 4 days
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Aoi Matsuri
MatsuriOne of Kyoto's three great festivals with a Heian-era imperial procession.
KansaiMayCrowded
Free
Coming Next Month
June
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Sanno Matsuri
MatsuriAlternate-year festival at Hie Shrine in Tokyo with an imperial procession.
KantoJuneCrowded
Free
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YOSAKOI Soran Festival
DanceSapporo's dynamic dance festival blending Yosakoi and Soran traditions.
HokkaidoJuneExtremely crowded
Free
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Otaue Matsuri
SeasonalRice planting festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha with traditional music and dance.
KansaiJuneModerate crowd
Free
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Aizen Matsuri
ReligiousAizen Matsuri is Osaka's summer festival opening, held at Shoman-in Aizendo Temple — the start of the city's festival season.
KansaiJuneModerate crowd
Free
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Nagoshi no Harae
SeasonalMid-year purification ceremony where visitors walk through a reed ring.
KansaiJuneModerate crowd
Free
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Yokohama Port Festival
ParadeAnnual celebration of Yokohama's port opening with fireworks and parades.
KantoJuneCrowded
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Tokyo Summer Festivals 3-Day Itinerary: Sumida Fireworks + Sanja Matsuri Trail
Three days, four festivals, ~¥35,000 budget: a tested itinerary pairing Sanja Matsuri's mikoshi parade, Kanda Matsuri's float procession, Sumida River Fireworks, and Asakusa side stops. Designed for first-time festival visitors.
playbooksKyoto Gion Matsuri 7-Day Plan: Yoiyama Nights, Yamaboko Junko & Beyond
A week in Kyoto for the world's most famous matsuri: 32 yamaboko floats, three nights of yoiyama, the front-festival Yamaboko Junko on July 17, and side trips to Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari to break up the heat.
playbooksTohoku Four Big Summer Festivals 5-Day Itinerary: Nebuta, Kanto, Tanabata, Hanagasa
Five days, four UNESCO-recognized festivals, all in early August. This itinerary loops Aomori → Akita → Yamagata → Sendai by Tohoku Shinkansen + JR limited express, with rest stops at hot springs.
playbooksAutumn Festivals 3-Day Itinerary: Jidai Matsuri, Kurama Fire, Takayama Autumn
Three days, three flagship autumn festivals. October 22 alone delivers Kyoto's Jidai Matsuri (1,200-year costume parade) plus Kurama Fire Festival (5-meter torches at night). Add Takayama Autumn for a UNESCO yatai bonus.
playbooksKyushu Festivals 5-Day Itinerary: Yamakasa Dawn, Karatsu Floats, Nagasaki Kunchi
Five days across Kyushu's biggest summer + autumn festivals. Hakata Gion Yamakasa's 4:59 AM race, Karatsu Kunchi's 14 ornate floats, Nagasaki Kunchi's Dutch-Chinese performances, plus onsen recovery at Beppu.
essentialsFree Festivals in Japan: Best No-Cost Events by Region
Japan's best festivals don't have to cost a thing. Discover free matsuri, fireworks shows, and cultural events across every region — plus budget tips for paid events.
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Tokyo37 festivals in this areaOsaka11 festivals in this areaKyoto10 festivals in this areaHokkaido10 festivals in this areaKanagawa9 festivals in this areaHiroshima7 festivals in this areaYamagata6 festivals in this areaIbaraki5 festivals in this areaNagano5 festivals in this areaAkita5 festivals in this areaAichi5 festivals in this areaFukuoka5 festivals in this area