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Japan Events & Festivals Calendar
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January • February • March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December • National Holidays
January • February • March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December • National Holidays
January
January 1-3
New Year (Hatsumode)
Nationwide
During the first days of the year, most businesses and companies are closed. Families celebrate the New Year enjoying traditional dishes, wearing their finest kimonos or formal attire, and visiting Shinto and Buddhist temples to pray for health and happiness in the coming year.
Nationwide
During the first days of the year, most businesses and companies are closed. Families celebrate the New Year enjoying traditional dishes, wearing their finest kimonos or formal attire, and visiting Shinto and Buddhist temples to pray for health and happiness in the coming year.
January 10-24
First Sumo Tournament
Tokyo
Tokyo
Second Monday in January
Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi)
Nationwide
All those turning 20 this year are officially recognized as adults during Seijin no Hi. Young people celebrate this milestone in grand style: dressing in festive kimonos, taking to the streets, and enjoying festivities with friends.
Nationwide
All those turning 20 this year are officially recognized as adults during Seijin no Hi. Young people celebrate this milestone in grand style: dressing in festive kimonos, taking to the streets, and enjoying festivities with friends.
January 15
Fire Festival (Nozawa Matsuri)
Nozawa Onsen, Nagano
Enormous ceremonial bonfires among snow-covered mountains create a breathtaking spectacle.
Nozawa Onsen, Nagano
Enormous ceremonial bonfires among snow-covered mountains create a breathtaking spectacle.
January 17
Bonden Festival (Miyoshi Bonden)
Akita
Dozens of Bonden figures, symbols of the god of Creation, are carried on poles by young men through city streets.
Akita
Dozens of Bonden figures, symbols of the god of Creation, are carried on poles by young men through city streets.
January 31 - February 11
Sapporo Snow Festival (Yuki Matsuri)
Sapporo, Hokkaido
Japan's most famous snow festival, featuring enormous snow and ice sculptures expertly crafted by professionals.
Sapporo, Hokkaido
Japan's most famous snow festival, featuring enormous snow and ice sculptures expertly crafted by professionals.
February
February 3
Spring Festival (Setsubun)
Nationwide
Also called the "bean-throwing festival" because it drives away evil spirits. This day marks nature's awakening and the beginning of spring.
Nationwide
Also called the "bean-throwing festival" because it drives away evil spirits. This day marks nature's awakening and the beginning of spring.
February 3
Lantern Festival (Mantoro)
Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara
Only twice a year are all the lanterns lit at the deer sanctuary Kasuga Taisha in ancient Nara: in winter for the Spring Festival, and in summer during Obon celebrations.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara
Only twice a year are all the lanterns lit at the deer sanctuary Kasuga Taisha in ancient Nara: in winter for the Spring Festival, and in summer during Obon celebrations.
February 12-14
Demon Festival (Namahage)
Oga Peninsula, Akita Prefecture
Young people dressed as demons dance around fires, beat drums, and invite onlookers to share mochi rice and sake.
Oga Peninsula, Akita Prefecture
Young people dressed as demons dance around fires, beat drums, and invite onlookers to share mochi rice and sake.
Second Weekend of February
Oyster Festival (Kaki Matsuri)
Miyajima Island
At the beginning of oyster season, oyster farmers bring their products to Miyajima Island's dock, offering tastings of raw, boiled, and charcoal-grilled oysters—Hiroshima Prefecture's main delicacy.
Miyajima Island
At the beginning of oyster season, oyster farmers bring their products to Miyajima Island's dock, offering tastings of raw, boiled, and charcoal-grilled oysters—Hiroshima Prefecture's main delicacy.
February 15-16
Snow House Festival (Kamakura Matsuri)
Yokote, Akita Prefecture
Uniquely shaped snow houses are built throughout the city to honor the Water God. Festival guests can enter the snow houses and enjoy mochi rice and warm sake.
Yokote, Akita Prefecture
Uniquely shaped snow houses are built throughout the city to honor the Water God. Festival guests can enter the snow houses and enjoy mochi rice and warm sake.
Third Saturday of February
Naked Festival (Hadaka Matsuri)
Saidaiji Temple, Okayama
Hundreds of nearly naked men in loincloths participate in ritual baths, festivities, and competitions at Saidaiji Temple. Male visitors can join by purchasing a traditional loincloth, but according to centuries-old tradition, only men may participate.
Saidaiji Temple, Okayama
Hundreds of nearly naked men in loincloths participate in ritual baths, festivities, and competitions at Saidaiji Temple. Male visitors can join by purchasing a traditional loincloth, but according to centuries-old tradition, only men may participate.
March
March 1-14
Holy Water Festival (Omizutori)
Todaiji Temple, Nara
Every night during the festival, the spectacular Otaimatsu ceremony takes place under the light of pine torches, culminating on the night of March 12.
Todaiji Temple, Nara
Every night during the festival, the spectacular Otaimatsu ceremony takes place under the light of pine torches, culminating on the night of March 12.
March 3
Girls' Day (Hina Matsuri)
Nationwide
Also called the Doll Festival. Celebrated nationwide as a home festival. Families with daughters display richly decorated traditional dolls.
Nationwide
Also called the Doll Festival. Celebrated nationwide as a home festival. Families with daughters display richly decorated traditional dolls.
March 13
Kasuga Taisha Main Festival (Kasuga Matsuri)
Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara
Classical dances that have been performed unchanged for thousands of years are presented.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara
Classical dances that have been performed unchanged for thousands of years are presented.
March 14-28
Second Sumo Tournament
Tokyo
Tokyo
March 20
Spring Equinox (Shunbun no Hi)
Nationwide
A day of love for all living beings and reverence for nature. Marks the beginning of cherry blossom season.
Nationwide
A day of love for all living beings and reverence for nature. Marks the beginning of cherry blossom season.
April
April 1-20
Sakura Festival (Miyako Odori)
Kyoto
Throughout almost the entire month of April, in honor of cherry blossoms, geisha students (maiko) perform traditional Japanese dances. Come see the colorful spectacle by residents of the flower districts at Kyoto's largest tea house: Gion Kobu Kabukai.
Kyoto
Throughout almost the entire month of April, in honor of cherry blossoms, geisha students (maiko) perform traditional Japanese dances. Come see the colorful spectacle by residents of the flower districts at Kyoto's largest tea house: Gion Kobu Kabukai.
April 8
Flower Festival (Hana Matsuri)
Nationwide
A colorful, fragrant celebration dedicated to Buddha's birthday, celebrated at all Buddhist temples throughout Japan.
Nationwide
A colorful, fragrant celebration dedicated to Buddha's birthday, celebrated at all Buddhist temples throughout Japan.
April 13-17
Futarasan Shrine Festival (Yayoi Matsuri)
Nikko
A magnificent parade of ritual floats "yatai" and portable shrines "mikoshi." The festival's climax comes on the final day when 12 of the most beautifully decorated floats are displayed at the temple. Also called the "Festival of Disputes" due to competition between floats for supremacy.
Nikko
A magnificent parade of ritual floats "yatai" and portable shrines "mikoshi." The festival's climax comes on the final day when 12 of the most beautifully decorated floats are displayed at the temple. Also called the "Festival of Disputes" due to competition between floats for supremacy.
April 14-15
Hie Shrine Festival (Takayama Matsuri)
Takayama
An impressive parade of enormous floats and temple replicas.
Takayama
An impressive parade of enormous floats and temple replicas.
Late April - May
Fuji Shibazakura Flower Festival
Kawaguchiko
Fields of blooming phlox at the foot of Mount Fuji.
Kawaguchiko
Fields of blooming phlox at the foot of Mount Fuji.
May
May 3-4
Gods Festival (Hakata Dontaku)
Fukuoka
A well-known festivivity featuring a parade of legendary Shinto gods on horseback.
Fukuoka
A well-known festivivity featuring a parade of legendary Shinto gods on horseback.
May 3-5
Kite Battles (Hamamatsu Matsuri)
Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
The competition involves the art of flying enormous kites to force your opponent's kite to descend.
Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
The competition involves the art of flying enormous kites to force your opponent's kite to descend.
May 5
Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi)
Nationwide
Distinguished by hanging colorful carp banners that sway in the spring breeze.
Nationwide
Distinguished by hanging colorful carp banners that sway in the spring breeze.
Weekend Closest to May 15
Kanda Myojin Shrine Festival (Kanda Matsuri)
Tokyo
One of Tokyo's most important festivals takes place at Kanda Shrine near Akihabara. The most colorful festival days are the final Saturday and Sunday, featuring costume processions and parades of ritual palanquins and temple replicas.
Tokyo
One of Tokyo's most important festivals takes place at Kanda Shrine near Akihabara. The most colorful festival days are the final Saturday and Sunday, featuring costume processions and parades of ritual palanquins and temple replicas.
May 9-23
Third Sumo Tournament
Tokyo
Tokyo
May 14-16
Sensoji Temple Festival (Sanja Matsuri)
Asakusa, Tokyo
Features a procession with three large portable shrine-palanquins and over one hundred smaller ones, traditionally carried by men, women, and children. The festival includes a procession of dancers and craftsmen in national costumes, floats with shakuhachi flutists, taiko drummers, and the traditional "binzasara" dance.
Asakusa, Tokyo
Features a procession with three large portable shrine-palanquins and over one hundred smaller ones, traditionally carried by men, women, and children. The festival includes a procession of dancers and craftsmen in national costumes, floats with shakuhachi flutists, taiko drummers, and the traditional "binzasara" dance.
May 15
Gods Festival (Aoi Matsuri)
Kyoto
Features a spectacular procession from Kyoto's Imperial Palace to Kamo Shrine—a true parade of historic Japanese costumes.
Kyoto
Features a spectacular procession from Kyoto's Imperial Palace to Kamo Shrine—a true parade of historic Japanese costumes.
Third Sunday of May
Boat Festival (Mifune Matsuri)
Kyoto
Parade of ancient boats along the Oi River in the traditional Arashiyama area.
Kyoto
Parade of ancient boats along the Oi River in the traditional Arashiyama area.
May 17-18
Toshogu Shrine Main Festival (Reitaisai Matsuri)
Nikko
Features a procession of portable shrines "mikoshi" with over a thousand participants, and the mounted archery competition "yabusame."
Nikko
Features a procession of portable shrines "mikoshi" with over a thousand participants, and the mounted archery competition "yabusame."
June
Second Saturday of June
Equestrian Festival (Chagu-chagu Umakko)
Morioka, Iwate
A procession dedicated to horses, featuring the horses themselves adorned with decorative blankets.
Morioka, Iwate
A procession dedicated to horses, featuring the horses themselves adorned with decorative blankets.
May-June
Dragon Boat Race (Hari)
Okinawa
Traditional dragon boat teams compete in speed and agility off the coast of tropical Okinawa Island.
Okinawa
Traditional dragon boat teams compete in speed and agility off the coast of tropical Okinawa Island.
Mid-June
Hie Shrine Festival (Sanno Matsuri)
Tokyo
Held in even-numbered years
Parade with portable altars through the busy streets of the Akasaka district.
Tokyo
Held in even-numbered years
Parade with portable altars through the busy streets of the Akasaka district.
Mid-June to Mid-July
Fuji Kawaguchiko Lavender Festival
Fujikawaguchiko
In midsummer, mountain lavender blooms in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Expect unique aromas and wonderful views of purple fields against the backdrop of calm lake waters and majestic Mount Fuji.
Fujikawaguchiko
In midsummer, mountain lavender blooms in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Expect unique aromas and wonderful views of purple fields against the backdrop of calm lake waters and majestic Mount Fuji.
June 20
Bamboo Cutting Ceremony (Takekiri Eshiki)
Kurama Temple, Kyoto
This ritual has its roots in a legend where a warrior monk defeated magical serpents. Their battle is reenacted by men dressed in monastic robes, competing to cut thick bamboo stalks.
Kurama Temple, Kyoto
This ritual has its roots in a legend where a warrior monk defeated magical serpents. Their battle is reenacted by men dressed in monastic robes, competing to cut thick bamboo stalks.
July
July 1-15
Hakata Gion Yamakasa
Fukuoka
The festival lasts two weeks, but the most colorful moment—when teams of residents carry giant palanquins from Kushida Shrine—occurs on the festival's final day. Not only the size and decoration of the Yamakasa palanquins and rhythmic drum sounds impress, but also their speed: teams must cover a 5-kilometer distance as quickly as possible.
Fukuoka
The festival lasts two weeks, but the most colorful moment—when teams of residents carry giant palanquins from Kushida Shrine—occurs on the festival's final day. Not only the size and decoration of the Yamakasa palanquins and rhythmic drum sounds impress, but also their speed: teams must cover a 5-kilometer distance as quickly as possible.
July 4-18
Fourth Sumo Tournament
Nagoya
Nagoya
July 14
Nachi Fire Festival (Nachi no Ogi Matsuri)
Kumano
White-robed priests carry 12 enormous torches from Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine to Japan's largest waterfall.
Kumano
White-robed priests carry 12 enormous torches from Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine to Japan's largest waterfall.
July 17 & 24
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto
Less significant events occur throughout the month
Kyoto's largest festival, which began in the 9th century. A grand spectacle featuring parades of enormous, luxuriously decorated floats and palanquins, accompanied by dances, songs, and theatrical performances.
Kyoto
Less significant events occur throughout the month
Kyoto's largest festival, which began in the 9th century. A grand spectacle featuring parades of enormous, luxuriously decorated floats and palanquins, accompanied by dances, songs, and theatrical performances.
July 24-25
Tenmangu Temple Festival (Tenjin Matsuri)
Osaka
Features traditional bunraku puppet theater performances on street stages, processions with medieval yukata and kimonos, and demonstrations of miniature temples transported by boat along the Okawa River.
Osaka
Features traditional bunraku puppet theater performances on street stages, processions with medieval yukata and kimonos, and demonstrations of miniature temples transported by boat along the Okawa River.
Last Saturday of July
Fireworks Festival (Sumida Hanabi)
Tokyo
Grand fireworks display over the Sumida River.
Tokyo
Grand fireworks display over the Sumida River.
Last Weekend of July
Fuji Rock Festival
Niigata
In summer, Naeba ski resort's slopes become the venue for Japan's largest rock festival.
Niigata
In summer, Naeba ski resort's slopes become the venue for Japan's largest rock festival.
August
August 1-4
Drum Festival (Morioka Sansa Odori)
Morioka, Iwate
A spectacular parade of taiko drummers, featured in the Guinness Book of Records.
Morioka, Iwate
A spectacular parade of taiko drummers, featured in the Guinness Book of Records.
August 1-7
Sleeping Demons Festival (Neputa Matsuri)
Hirosaki
Ball-shaped demon images traverse the old castle town of Hirosaki accompanied by enormous traditional odaiko drums.
Hirosaki
Ball-shaped demon images traverse the old castle town of Hirosaki accompanied by enormous traditional odaiko drums.
August 2-7
Glowing Figures Festival (Nebuta Matsuri)
Aomori
Enormous figures of samurai, fairy tale creatures, and famous actors, made of paper and illuminated from within, are transported on festival floats along the city's main street. The procession ends with a spectacular fireworks castle over the sea.
Aomori
Enormous figures of samurai, fairy tale creatures, and famous actors, made of paper and illuminated from within, are transported on festival floats along the city's main street. The procession ends with a spectacular fireworks castle over the sea.
August 3-6
Paper Lantern Festival (Kanto Matsuri)
Akita
Famous for its grand parade where participants balance numerous pyramids of paper lanterns suspended on long bamboo poles.
Akita
Famous for its grand parade where participants balance numerous pyramids of paper lanterns suspended on long bamboo poles.
August 5-7
Dancers Festival (Hanagasa Matsuri)
Yamagata
Around 10,000 citizens wearing traditional straw hats adorned with colorful artificial flowers dance folk dances.
Yamagata
Around 10,000 citizens wearing traditional straw hats adorned with colorful artificial flowers dance folk dances.
August 6-8
Star Festival (Tanabata Matsuri)
Sendai
Conducted on the largest scale in Sendai. During the festival, bamboo poles with colorful paper strips attached are placed in front of house doors and gardens.
Sendai
Conducted on the largest scale in Sendai. During the festival, bamboo poles with colorful paper strips attached are placed in front of house doors and gardens.
August 12-15
Awa-odori Folk Dance Festival
Tokushima, Shikoku
Day and night, the entire city fills with sounds of songs and dances.
Tokushima, Shikoku
Day and night, the entire city fills with sounds of songs and dances.
August 13-15
Ancestor Memorial Week (Obon)
Nationwide
Religious rituals are held throughout the country to commemorate the dead. Bon-odori folk dances are performed to calm the souls of the deceased.
Nationwide
Religious rituals are held throughout the country to commemorate the dead. Bon-odori folk dances are performed to calm the souls of the deceased.
August 13-15
Dancing Umbrellas Festival (Shan-shan Matsuri)
Tottori
The highlight of the parade on the central street of Wakasa is the traditional bamboo umbrella dance.
Tottori
The highlight of the parade on the central street of Wakasa is the traditional bamboo umbrella dance.
August 15-16
Dancing Lanterns Festival (Yamaga Toro Matsuri)
Yamaga, Kumamoto
The dance of women with lanterns on their heads is especially impressive when performed by a thousand people.
Yamaga, Kumamoto
The dance of women with lanterns on their heads is especially impressive when performed by a thousand people.
August 16
Fire Ritual (Daimonji Bonfire)
Kyoto
Bonfires shaped like hieroglyphs are lit on the mountains surrounding Kyoto.
Kyoto
Bonfires shaped like hieroglyphs are lit on the mountains surrounding Kyoto.
September
September 12-26
Fifth Sumo Tournament
Tokyo
Tokyo
September 14-16
Mounted Archery Competition (Yabusame)
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura
Festival of the art of mounted archery.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura
Festival of the art of mounted archery.
October
October 7-9
Suwa Temple Festival (Kunchi Matsuri)
Nagasaki
Features Chinese-style dragon dances during the festival.
Nagasaki
Features Chinese-style dragon dances during the festival.
October 9-10
Hachimangu Shrine Festival (Takayama Matsuri)
Kamakura
Distinguished by its parade of colorful palanquins.
Kamakura
Distinguished by its parade of colorful palanquins.
Mid-October
Nagoya City Festival
Nagoya
Notable for the procession of residents dressed as feudal princes through the streets.
Nagoya
Notable for the procession of residents dressed as feudal princes through the streets.
October 14-15
Fighting Festival (Nada no Kenka)
Matsubara Shrine, Himeji
The festival's climax is a procession of young people dressed as lions carrying mikoshi palanquins.
Matsubara Shrine, Himeji
The festival's climax is a procession of young people dressed as lions carrying mikoshi palanquins.
Mid-October to Mid-November
Chrysanthemum Exhibitions
Meiji and Sensoji Temples, Tokyo
Meiji and Sensoji Temples, Tokyo
October 16-17
Toshogu Shrine Autumn Festival
Nikko
The celebration tradition involves a procession of sacred palanquins accompanied by armed servants.
Nikko
The celebration tradition involves a procession of sacred palanquins accompanied by armed servants.
October 16-17
Kawagoe Festival (Edo Tenka Matsuri)
Kawagoe
A colorful procession dating back to the Edo era, featuring music, dances, and colorful palanquins.
Kawagoe
A colorful procession dating back to the Edo era, featuring music, dances, and colorful palanquins.
October 22
Festival of the Ages (Jidai Matsuri)
Heian Temple, Kyoto
The historical reconstruction of the imperial procession is one of the three main festivals of Kyoto, the ancient capital.
Heian Temple, Kyoto
The historical reconstruction of the imperial procession is one of the three main festivals of Kyoto, the ancient capital.
October 22
Fire Festival at Yuki Temple
Kurama, Kyoto
Distinguished by long rows of torches along the path to the temple.
Kurama, Kyoto
Distinguished by long rows of torches along the path to the temple.
October 25
Karate Day
Naha, Okinawa
In the capital of karate's historic homeland, demonstrations and competitions of one of the world's most popular martial arts take place.
Naha, Okinawa
In the capital of karate's historic homeland, demonstrations and competitions of one of the world's most popular martial arts take place.
November
November 2, 14, 26
Otori Shrine Festival (Tori-no-ichi)
Kanto
Known as a popular folk festival with a fair.
Kanto
Known as a popular folk festival with a fair.
November 3
March of the Feudal Lords (Daimyo Gyoretsu)
Hakone
Historical recreation of feudal rulers' processions from the past.
Hakone
Historical recreation of feudal rulers' processions from the past.
November 14-28
Sixth Sumo Tournament
Fukuoka
Fukuoka
November 15
Children's Day (Shichi-Go-San)
Nationwide
A holiday for children ages 7, 5, and 3. Children are dressed in beautiful kimonos and taken to temples to thank the deities who care for children's health.
Nationwide
A holiday for children ages 7, 5, and 3. Children are dressed in beautiful kimonos and taken to temples to thank the deities who care for children's health.
December
December 2-3
Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Yomatsuri)
Chichibu, Saitama
All festival activities take place at night: torches, lanterns, fireworks, and float parades—the festivities last until late.
Chichibu, Saitama
All festival activities take place at night: torches, lanterns, fireworks, and float parades—the festivities last until late.
December 15-18
Kasuga Shrine Festival (On Matsuri)
Nara
Features costume processions during the holidays.
Nara
Features costume processions during the holidays.
December 17-19
Paddle Fair (Hagoita-ichi)
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
The festival is dedicated to the traditional Japanese game hanetsuki with wooden "hagoita" paddles, reminiscent of badminton.
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
The festival is dedicated to the traditional Japanese game hanetsuki with wooden "hagoita" paddles, reminiscent of badminton.
December 31
Yasaka-jinja Shrine Festival (Okera Mairi)
Kyoto
Sacred fire ceremony on New Year's Eve.
Kyoto
Sacred fire ceremony on New Year's Eve.
For more information about events in Japan, visit the JNTO website: www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/festivals/
National Holidays
- January 1 - New Year's Day
- 2nd Monday in January - Coming of Age Day
- February 11 - National Foundation Day
- February 23 - Emperor's Birthday
- March 20 or 21 - Spring Equinox
- April 29 - Showa Day
- May 3 - Constitution Day
- May 4 - Greenery Day
- May 5 - Children's Day
- 3rd Monday in July - Marine Day
- August 11 - Mountain Day (2025 only)
- 3rd Monday in September - Respect for the Aged Day
- September 23 or 24 - Autumn Equinox
- 2nd Monday in October - Sports Day
- November 3 - Culture Day
- November 23 - Labor Thanksgiving Day
Note: Some holiday dates may vary slightly from year to year based on the lunar calendar and government announcements.
