Japanese Festivals & Events

New Year's Eve tradition of eating buckwheat noodles for longevity.

Ancient Shinto festival at Kasuga Shrine with 900 years of unbroken tradition.

Winter illumination along Sendai's zelkova-lined Jozenji-dori Avenue.

One of Japan's three great float festivals, featuring massive illuminated floats and fireworks.

Annual all-star kabuki performance at Kyoto's Minamiza Theatre in December.

Holiday illumination along Tokyo's chic Omotesando Avenue.

Imperial harvest thanksgiving ritual held at the Imperial Palace.

Winter illumination at Enoshima Island with ocean views.

German-style Christmas market with illumination at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.

Sapporo's winter illumination at Odori Park, Japan's oldest illumination event.

Autumn festival of the god Ebisu, especially popular in Nagano.

Children's rite of passage at ages 3, 5, and 7, celebrated at shrines.

Spectacular autumn foliage at Kyoto's famous Arashiyama district.

Massive illumination at Sagamiko Resort with over 6 million lights.

Champagne gold LED illumination along Marunouchi Naka-dori Avenue.

Elegant winter illumination at Tokyo Midtown with a starlight garden.

Autumn foliage at Miyajima's Momijidani Park with deer and shrine views.

National fireworks competition in Tsuchiura, one of Japan's top three.

November rooster fair at Otori Shrine selling lucky rakes (kumade).

Saga's grand autumn festival featuring 14 massive lacquered floats.