Japanese Festivals & Events

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

Massive fireworks along the Edo River, attracting over 1.3 million viewers.

Iconic bon dance event at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple with modern DJ mixes.

One of the world's largest fireworks displays in Tondabayashi, Osaka.

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

Okinawan Eisa dance festival in the heart of Tokyo's Shinjuku.

Samurai horse festival in Fukushima with mounted warriors in armor.

The river procession portion of Tenjin Matsuri with thousands of boats on the Okawa River.

Tokyo's oldest and most famous fireworks display along the Sumida River.

Japan's largest outdoor music festival at Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata.

Osaka's greatest festival with a river procession of illuminated boats.

Festival of lights at Yasukuni Shrine with 30,000 paper lanterns.

Chiba's float festival in the historic canal town of Sawara.

Star Festival celebrating the annual meeting of celestial lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi.

One of Japan's three great festivals, held in Kyoto with elaborate float processions.

Fukuoka's high-energy festival where teams race through the streets carrying massive floats.

Mid-year purification ceremony where visitors walk through a reed ring.

Rice planting festival at Sumiyoshi Taisha with traditional music and dance.

Sapporo's dynamic dance festival blending Yosakoi and Soran traditions.

Alternate-year festival at Hie Shrine in Tokyo with an imperial procession.