Japanese Festivals & Events

National taiko drumming festival showcasing Japan's powerful percussion tradition.

World's largest self-published comic book fair at Tokyo Big Sight.

All-night rock festival in Hokkaido, ending at sunrise.

Annual Buddhist festival honoring ancestral spirits with bon dances and lanterns.

Japan's largest dance festival in Tokushima, where 'the dancing fool' philosophy reigns.

The original Awa Odori in Tokushima attracting over 1 million spectators.

High-energy dance festival originating in Kochi, featuring colorful costumes and naruko clappers.

One of Japan's largest rock festivals, held in Ibaraki.

Osaka's celebration of its iconic street food with vendors from across the city.

Tokyo's western suburb festival with 19 ornate floats parading through the streets.

Sendai's Tanabata festival with elaborate bamboo decorations across the city.

Lantern festival at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu with hand-painted paper lanterns.

Lake Biwa's grand fireworks display with approximately 10,000 shots.

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

Year-round fireworks at Atami Bay, famous for its amphitheater-like viewing area.

Over 20,000 candles illuminate the grounds around Nara Park temples.

Elegant court music festival on the sea at Itsukushima Shrine.

Akita's pole lantern festival where performers balance bamboo poles with lanterns.

One of Japan's three great fireworks festivals with spectacular Phoenix fireworks.

Aomori's spectacular festival with giant illuminated paper floats.