
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Snow FestivalIce sculpture festival at Lake Shikotsu with illuminated ice creations.
Matsuri, fireworks, seasonal celebrations, and cultural events across Japan
Japan hosts over 300,000 festivals every year, from intimate village shrine ceremonies to massive urban spectacles drawing millions. Summer brings spectacular fireworks festivals and energetic Bon Odori dances; autumn features elegant harvest celebrations; winter illuminations light up cities nationwide; and spring's cherry blossom festivals are beloved worldwide. Our comprehensive guide covers festivals across all 47 prefectures with dates, locations, crowd levels, and insider tips. Filter by month, region, or festival type to find events perfectly matched to your travel plans.
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9 festivals found

Ice sculpture festival at Lake Shikotsu with illuminated ice creations.
Breaking of New Year mochi decorations, symbolizing new beginnings.
Official sumo tournaments held six times a year in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
Osaka's New Year business prosperity festival at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine.
Grand kabuki performances at Tokyo's iconic Kabukiza Theatre.
Japan's most famous long-distance relay race from Tokyo to Hakone and back.
Japanese New Year celebrations with traditional food, games, and shrine visits.
First shrine or temple visit of the New Year, a nationwide tradition.

Bullfinch-exchanging ceremony at Dazaifu Tenmangu to replace bad luck with good.