Japanese Festivals & Events

Thousands of lanterns illuminate Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine during Obon.

Ancient Buddhist water-drawing ceremony at Todaiji Temple with spectacular torch procession.

Giant illuminated lantern floats in Noshiro, reaching over 24 meters high.

Floating lanterns and fireworks on Miyazu Bay in Kyoto Prefecture.

Award-winning illumination at Ashikaga Flower Park, featuring light wisteria.

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

Purple rakkyo flower fields against the backdrop of Tottori Sand Dunes.

Vibrant autumn colors around Nikko's World Heritage shrines and temples.

Lavender fields in bloom at Furano and Kamifurano in central Hokkaido.

Japan's largest tulip festival with over 3 million flowers in Toyama.

Ramen festival featuring Kumamoto's rich tonkotsu ramen.

Okinawa's largest Eisa dance festival with powerful taiko drumming and dance.

Prestigious classical music festival founded by Seiji Ozawa in Matsumoto.

Free outdoor jazz festival in the streets of Osaka.

Ancient Noh performed by farmers at Kasuga Shrine in Yamagata.

Traditional fan dance performances at Itsukushima Shrine.

New Year's Eve tradition of eating buckwheat noodles for longevity.

Ancient Shinto festival at Kasuga Shrine with 900 years of unbroken tradition.

Winter illumination along Sendai's zelkova-lined Jozenji-dori Avenue.

One of Japan's three great float festivals, featuring massive illuminated floats and fireworks.