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Nagasaki Shoronagashi
ReligiousFamilies guide decorated spirit boats through Nagasaki to remember the departed during Obon.
KyushuDate unconfirmed
Festivals in August
106 festivals in this month
August is the peak of Japan's festival calendar. Massive fireworks displays light up every region, including the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival. Awa Odori brings dance to Tokushima, while Nebuta in Aomori and Kanto Festival in Akita celebrate summer in Tohoku. Obon dance festivals honor ancestors nationwide.
Top picks this month
Comiket
Tokyo Big Sight anchor for travelers who want fixed indoor dates, ticketed entry, and an easy Tokyo base in mid-August.
Tsukiji Bon Odori
The easiest central Tokyo bon odori in early August if you want an outdoor Obon night without leaving your city hotel base.
Kanto Matsuri
Akita’s August 3-6 lantern-pole festival, best if you want one of Japan’s strongest night performances plus free street viewing.
Nebuta Matsuri
The most visually explosive early-August float festival, ideal if your trip needs one unmistakable Tohoku flagship.
Awa Odori
Tokushima’s August 12-15 dance festival, strongest if you want participation and all-night summer energy instead of a fixed parade route.
How to use this month
- Treat August as three different routes: Tokyo indoor events like Comiket, early-August Tohoku circuits, or mid-August Obon / dance festivals. Trying to do all three in one short trip usually fails on transit.
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Niigata Festival
MatsuriMass folk dancing around Bandai Bridge celebrates Niigata's port-town traditions.
ChubuDate unconfirmed
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Nishimonai Bon Odori
DanceMysterious bon dance in Akita where dancers wear deep straw hats obscuring their faces.
TohokuUsually in AugustModerate crowd
Free
