Japanese Festival Calendar & Event Search

Japan's premier fireworks competition, held annually in Daisen, Akita.

Dancers in distinctive head coverings form a slow-moving circle around bonfires in Kemanai.

Decorated floats circle Tanabu before a final gathering known as the parting of the five floats.

Dance processions bring Tsugaru folk music and lively calls to the streets of Kuroishi.

Sendai Tanabata Festival: Japan's largest star festival. Aug 6–8, 2026. Thousands of handmade streamers decorate the city. Free entry, food stalls.

Yamagata's flower hat dance festival with thousands of dancers.

Towering illuminated floats parade through Goshogawara to lively chants and festival music.

Akita Kanto Festival: Mesmerizing bamboo lantern balancing. Aug 3–6, 2026. 280+ poles with 10,000 lanterns light up the night sky. Free admission.

Aomori Nebuta Matsuri: Japan's most spectacular summer festival. Aug 2–7, 2026. Giant illuminated warrior floats parade through streets. Free to watch.

Morioka's drum and dance festival, the world's largest taiko drum parade.

Hirosaki's fan-shaped illuminated float festival, sister event to Nebuta.

Figure-shaped and fan-shaped lantern floats bring light and festival music to Kuroishi.

Yamagata's premier fireworks festival along the Akagawa River.

A procession carrying a giant straw sandal joins dance groups in central Fukushima.

Three shrine processions and elaborate story-themed floats parade through Hachinohe.

Colorful flower hat dance parade through the streets of Yamagata.

Festival carts carrying traditional musicians parade through Hanawa and gather near Kazuno-Hanawa Station.

Riverside ceremonies and celebrations honor the river and the history of flood control in Ishinomaki.

Folk performances, including Onikenbai dances, bring summer celebrations to Kitakami.

Mysterious bon dance in Akita where dancers wear deep straw hats obscuring their faces.