Niiname-sai
SeasonalImperial harvest thanksgiving ritual held at the Imperial Palace.
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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15 festivals found
Imperial harvest thanksgiving ritual held at the Imperial Palace.
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.
Autumn foliage at Miyajima's Momijidani Park with deer and shrine views.
November rooster fair at Otori Shrine, Tokyo. Nov 5, 17, 29, 2026. Buy ornate kumade rakes for good luck. Street food, lively atmosphere.
Saga's grand autumn festival featuring 14 massive lacquered floats.
Historical costume parade through the streets of Asakusa.

Udon noodle festival in Kagawa, the self-proclaimed 'Udon Prefecture'.

Autumn leaf festival at Jingoji Temple in Kyoto with illuminated maple trees.

Annual grand festival at Meiji Shrine with traditional performances.

Festival celebrating world-famous Kobe beef in Kobe city.

Ancient masked dance ritual in Toei, Aichi, designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Festival when all 8 million gods gather at Izumo Grand Shrine.

Gyoza dumpling festival in Hamamatsu, Japan's gyoza capital.