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Japanese Festivals & Events

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.

August festivalsSummer matsuri and fireworks firstFireworksA clear planning path for visitors2026 calendar guideStart from the highest-engagement guide
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9 festivals found

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival - Snow Festival
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Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Snow Festival

Ice sculpture festival at Lake Shikotsu with illuminated ice creations.

HokkaidoJanuaryModerate crowd
Free
Kagami Biraki - Seasonal
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Kagami Biraki

Seasonal

Breaking of New Year mochi decorations, symbolizing new beginnings.

KantoJanuaryLow crowd
Free
Sumo Grand Tournament - Other
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Sumo Grand Tournament

Other

Official sumo tournaments held six times a year in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.

KantoJanuaryCrowded
Toka Ebisu - Matsuri
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Toka Ebisu

Matsuri

Osaka's New Year business prosperity festival at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine.

KansaiJanuaryExtremely crowded
Free
Kabuki at Kabukiza - Performing Arts
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Kabuki at Kabukiza

Performing Arts

Grand kabuki performances at Tokyo's iconic Kabukiza Theatre.

KantoJanuaryModerate crowd
Ekiden (Hakone) - Other
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Ekiden (Hakone)

Other

Japan's most famous long-distance relay race from Tokyo to Hakone and back.

KantoJanuaryExtremely crowded
Free
Shogatsu - Seasonal
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Shogatsu

Seasonal

Japanese New Year celebrations with traditional food, games, and shrine visits.

KantoJanuaryCrowded
Free
Hatsumode - Seasonal
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Hatsumode

Seasonal

First shrine or temple visit of the New Year, a nationwide tradition.

KantoJanuaryExtremely crowded
Free
Dazaifu Usokae - Religious
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Dazaifu Usokae

Religious

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

KyushuJanuaryModerate crowd
Free