[Complete Guide to Japanese Festivals] Experience the Must-See Events in Japan! 17 Selected Festivals

Experiencing the unique cultural charm of a foreign land is one of the greatest joys of travel.
The festivals held across Japan encapsulate the local history, traditions, and the passionate emotions of the people. Throughout the year, each season boasts its own distinctive festivals. Not only can you watch, but you can also immerse yourself in the joy through sounds and dances, making this one of the greatest attractions of festivals.
In this article, we will explain the basics of festivals and highlight some of Japan’s most representative and famous festival events by season.
When planning your itinerary, be sure to adjust your schedule to experience these festivals firsthand!

Table of Contents

1. The Essence of Japanese History and Culture: “Matsuri (Festivals)”
2. Things to Know Before Attending Japanese Festivals
3. Japan’s Most Famous Festivals: “The Three Great Festivals of Japan”
4. Spring Festivals (March to May): Top 3 Must-See Events
5. Summer Festivals (June to August): Top 5 Must-See Events
6. Autumn Festivals (September to November): Top 3 Must-See Events
7. Winter Festivals (December to February): Top 3 Must-See Events
8. Conclusion

The Essence of Japanese History and Culture: “Matsuri (Festivals)”

Japanese “Matsuri (Festivals)” originated from religious rituals to thank deities and ancestors, seeking blessings from nature and peace in people’s lives.
The original purpose of festivals was to offer worship to the gods, and the term “Matsuri” itself comes from the word “祀る” (to worship).
Many festivals are based on Shinto, Buddhism, or local folk beliefs, often tracing their origins back hundreds or even over a thousand years.

Understanding Unique Japanese Concepts: “Hare” and “Ke”

“Hare (ハレ)” refers to the extraordinary, while “Ke (ケ)” represents everyday life.
Japanese people often accumulate fatigue or misfortune from their “everyday life (Ke)” and use special extraordinary rituals (Hare)—namely, festivals—to eliminate and rejuvenate themselves.
Thus, festivals are not merely events; they are essential rituals for maintaining life rhythms and promoting renewal.
On festival days, people don traditional kimonos and the streets are lined with various stalls, accompanied by music and dance, filling the city with vibrant energy and a festive atmosphere.
Even if you don’t fully understand the stories behind the festivals, you can still feel the passion and experience a unique sense of joy that contrasts sharply with daily life.

Diversity: One of the Charms of Festivals

Japan is home to countless festivals across the country.
From parades featuring portable shrines to enchanting atmospheres created with lights, snow, and dance, the festival scenes vary greatly by location and season. This rich diversity is a significant charm of Japanese festival culture.
Not only can you watch, but visitors can also easily participate—whether by dancing along or tasting local delicacies, everyone can enjoy the festivities.
These extraordinary experiences will make your travel memories even more profound.

Things to Know Before Attending Japanese Festivals

While most festival events allow tourists to participate joyfully, each region has its specific rules and etiquette.
To fully enjoy the charm of festivals, here are some important points to understand in advance.

Confirm the Festival Dates, Locations, and Transportation

Festival dates in Japan vary by season and region, and sometimes the schedule may change each year.
Especially for well-known festivals, accommodations and transportation can become crowded, so it’s crucial to book in advance and plan your itinerary thoroughly.
It’s advisable to check the official website of the local tourism association for the latest information on dates, venues, and transportation to ensure a smooth trip.

Clothing and Items to Bring

Festivals usually involve long periods of walking outdoors, so it’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes you are used to.
Additionally, if you’re attending a summer festival, be sure to wear a hat and stay hydrated to prevent heatstroke.
For winter festivals, keep warm; if it’s a snow festival, choose non-slip shoes for safety.
It’s also a good idea to bring a foldable umbrella or picnic mat as needed.

Etiquette for Photography and Participation

During religious ceremonies or festival dances held at shrines, it’s generally advisable to avoid using flash photography and to refrain from loud noises.
When near portable shrines or floats, please do not touch or obstruct the parade route.
Some festival events are significant days for locals, so please respect their feelings while visiting or participating in the festivities.
When taking photos, be mindful of etiquette and ensure you do not disturb others while enjoying your photography.

Prepare Cash and Follow Public Etiquette

Most stalls at festival venues only accept cash payments, so it’s advisable to prepare some change or 1000 yen bills in advance for smoother shopping.
Additionally, knowing the location of restrooms can provide peace of mind.
At the same time, please be mindful of Japan’s public etiquette, such as lining up when it’s crowded and taking your trash with you.

Japan’s Most Famous Festivals: “The Three Great Festivals of Japan”

Among the numerous festivals across Japan, three are particularly renowned and historically significant, referred to as “The Three Great Festivals of Japan.”
While there is no absolute definition, they generally refer to Kyoto’s “Gion Matsuri,” Tokyo’s “Kanda Matsuri,” and Osaka’s “Tenjin Matsuri,” which are well-known throughout Japan.

【Kyoto】 Gion Matsuri

Attracting numerous visitors from both domestic and international locations, the “Gion Matsuri” began in 869 AD (the 11th year of the Jōgan era) when a large epidemic broke out in Kyoto and the local people prayed to Yasaka Shrine for the disease to be dispelled. Today, it is a series of Shinto rituals and activities held at Yasaka Shrine, taking place over a month starting from July 1.
The highlight of the Gion Matsuri is the procession of 34 floats on the 17th of July and the portable shrine procession on the 24th.

View more details about Gion Matsuri

【Tokyo】 Kanda Matsuri

Historically, this festival served as an official ceremony for the Edo Shogunate, earning it the nickname “Tenka Matsuri.” It is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu prayed for victory at Kanda Shrine before going into battle.
Today, the “Hon Matsuri” is held in odd-numbered years, while the “Kage Matsuri” takes place in even-numbered years; generally, when people refer to Kanda Matsuri, they mean the Hon Matsuri in odd-numbered years.
The most exciting highlight of Kanda Matsuri is the “Shinkō-sai,” which occurs on the Saturday closest to May 15 during the Hon Matsuri year. A procession of people dressed in Heian period attire, along with unique floats dragging large catfish, parades through the streets with great vigor.

A parade featuring portable shrines and flower carts, filled with the atmosphere of the Edo period celebration

View more details about the Kanda Matsuri

【Osaka】Tenjin Matsuri

The Tenjin Matsuri is a festival dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, held at the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. Various religious ceremonies take place over the course of a month starting from late June.
Among these, the most grand and lively events are the evening festival on July 24 and the main festival on July 25, which attract over 3 million visitors from both domestic and international locations each year.
On the day before the evening festival, July 23, a procession of female portable shrines takes place along the longest shopping street in Japan, the Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street; followed by the evening festival on the 24th, which features the “Hoko-ryu Shinto Ritual,” believed to be the origin of the Tenjin Matsuri, praying for health, disaster prevention, and the city’s peace and stability.

The Osaka Tenmangu Shrine festival, with over a thousand years of history, attracts about 3 million visitors from around the world each year

View more details about the Tenjin Matsuri

Unique “Three Great ○○ Festivals”

In addition to the previously mentioned three major festivals in Japan, there are various themed “Three Great ○○ Festivals,” such as the “Three Great Noisy Festivals” and the “Three Great Fire Festivals.”
Among these, particularly unique are the Namahage Sedo Matsuri (Akita Prefecture), the Onbashira Matsuri (Nagano Prefecture), and the Yoshida Fire Festival (Yamanashi Prefecture), collectively known as the “Three Great Strange Festivals of Japan.”

Namahage Sedo Matsuri : Young people wear masks resembling demons and don straw raincoats, holding wooden kitchen knives as they visit homes. This festival features numerous rituals and ceremonies, allowing participants to experience the intense “Namahage” purification.

Onbashira Matsuri : This ritual is held to rebuild the Suwa Grand Shrine, where people cut down massive trees from deep mountains and manually transport them to the shrine grounds, erecting them as sacred pillars at the corners of the shrine building.

Yoshida Fire Festival : After placing the portable shrines of the “Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine” and “Suwa Shrine” at the “Otabisho” (the place for the portable shrine), massive torches, arranged over approximately 2 kilometers, are ignited, creating a spectacular scene of flames.

If you’re interested in such themes, why not explore more about the “Three Great Festivals of Japan”?

Experience the unique “Namahage culture” at the Namahage Sedo Matsuri

Spring Festivals You Must See (March - May)

As cherry blossoms bloom in spring, life fills the air, and lively and grand festivals are held across Japan.
Here are three particularly famous spring festivals that you should not miss.

1. 【Tokyo】Sanja Matsuri

The “Sanja Matsuri,” held in Tokyo’s Asakusa, takes place on the third weekend of May, spanning three days from Friday to Sunday.
Affectionately referred to as “Sanja-sama” by the locals, its official name is the “Asakusa Shrine Grand Festival.”
This festival attracts 1.8 million visitors each year, making it one of Japan’s most representative and well-known festivals.

The Asakusa Shrine Grand Festival held every May in Tokyo is one of Japan’s most iconic festivals

View more details about the Sanja Matsuri

2. 【Gifu】Takayama Matsuri

The Takayama Matsuri has been carefully preserved in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, for over 300 years. The Hie Shrine’s grand festival, known as the Sanno Matsuri, is celebrated in April, while the Hachiman Shrine’s grand festival, known as the Hachiman Matsuri, takes place in October.
The Takayama Matsuri refers to these two festivals and is recognized as one of Japan’s “Three Great Beautiful Festivals.” The highlight is the luxurious and splendid “Matsuri Yatai,” which stands about 6 to 8 meters tall, featuring a three-tiered structure. These floats are crafted by renowned artisans, showcasing intricate carvings and delicate embroidery, reflecting traditional craftsmanship.

The spring Sanno Matsuri and the autumn Hachiman Matsuri are collectively known as the Takayama Matsuri, one of Japan’s “Three Great Beautiful Festivals.”

View more details about the Takayama Matsuri

3. 【Kyoto】Aoi Matsuri

Held annually on May 15 at the Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine) and the Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine) in Kyoto, the Aoi Matsuri is one of the “Three Great Festivals of Kyoto,” alongside the Gion Matsuri and the Jidai Matsuri.
Dating back 1500 years, it originated as a prayer for a bountiful harvest and has appeared in historical works such as “The Pillow Book” and “The Tale of Genji,” making it a festival with a rich history.
A highlight of the festival is the “Roto no Gi,” where participants dressed in Heian period clothing parade along an 8-kilometer route.

One of the “Three Great Festivals of Kyoto,” the “Roto no Gi” resembles a Heian-era painting and is a spectacular highlight.

View more details about the Aoi Matsuri

Summer Festivals You Must See (June - August)

Adding a splash of vibrant color to the hot summer in Japan are the energetic summer festivals.
With the sound of drums echoing in the night sky, dazzling floats illuminating the evening, and vibrant dance performances, the entire festival scene is filled with enthusiasm and vitality.
Across Japan, various summer festivals of different scales take place during this season. Here are five of the most representative summer festivals in Japan.

1. 【Aomori】Aomori Nebuta Matsuri

Held annually from August 2 to 7 in Aomori, the “Aomori Nebuta Matsuri” attracts up to 1 million visitors. Believed to have originated in the Nara period, this historic festival is one of the “Three Great Festivals of Tohoku” and has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.
The highlight of the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is the giant Nebuta floats. The largest Nebuta stands 5 meters tall, 9 meters wide, and 7 meters deep, handcrafted each year by artisans known as Nebuta craftsmen. The parade starts from the beginning of the route, with one Nebuta float after another, coinciding with the fireworks at 7 PM.

A large summer festival attracting up to 1 million visitors each year. The giant Nebuta floats parading through the city are not to be missed!

View more details about the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri

2. 【Tokushima】Tokushima Awa Odori

The “Tokushima Awa Odori,” held from August 12 to 15 each year, is a summer festival with over 400 years of history and is also one of Japan’s “Three Great Bon Odori Festivals.” Awa Odori is performed by groups called “ren,” where male dancers showcase a low and powerful style known as “Otoko Odori,” while female dancers in yukatas perform a graceful and light style known as “Onna Odori.”
Various performance venues are available throughout Tokushima City, ranging from professional stages for paid viewing to free casual stages, as well as “Niwaka Ren” where tourists can join in and experience the dance firsthand, allowing everyone to enjoy the charm of Awa Odori in various ways.

The Charm of Awa Odori, a Festival with Over 400 Years of History

View more information about the Awa Odori Hall

3. 【Hiroshima】Toukasan Festival

Every year, on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of June, the “Toukasan Festival (とうかさん大祭)” is held in downtown Hiroshima. This festival, dedicated to the Inari deity of Enryuji Temple, boasts a history of over 400 years.
During the festival, not only is the sacred object displayed, but various traditional rituals are also performed. Around 1,000 stalls are set up along the streets surrounding Enryuji Temple, where crowds dressed in yukata create a vibrant atmosphere.
As this marks the first occasion of wearing yukata in early summer, it is also known as the “Yukata Hatsu Chaku Matsuri” (浴衣初着祭), making it one of the most iconic sights of summer in Hiroshima.

Around 1,000 stalls bustling with activity and various traditional rituals make it one of the ‘Three Great Festivals of Hiroshima’

Visit the official website of the Toukasan Festival

4. 【Kochi】Yosakoi Festival

The “Yosakoi Festival” kicks off with a pre-festival on the night of August 9, followed by the main events on the 11th and 12th, and concludes with an after-festival on the 12th. This four-day celebration features performances across nine competition venues and seven dance stages in Kochi City, with around 190 teams and approximately 20,000 participants, making it one of the most lively summer events.
The parade includes competitive performances on major streets like Otemachi, where dancers move and perform, as well as stages in central parks where audiences can enjoy the shows. The pre-festival showcases performances by last year’s award-winning teams, which are a must-see.

The Yosakoi Festival, a grand celebration that conveys joy to the world, is the most passionate summer festival in Kochi

View more information about the Yosakoi Festival

5. 【Okinawa】Okinawa All-Island EISA Festival

The “Okinawa All-Island EISA Festival” takes place on the weekend following the lunar Obon Festival.
“EISA” refers to the traditional dance performed to welcome and send off ancestral spirits during Obon.
With the sound of the shamisen and local folk songs, dancers sway to the rhythm of the drums, showcasing one of Okinawa’s traditional arts.
Originating from the “Kushiro City” EISA dance competition in 1956, this festival invites groups selected from various regions of Okinawa, along with guest groups from sister cities nationwide, to display their unique EISA dance styles.

A summer tradition in Okinawa, this large-scale event attracts over 300,000 visitors each year

View more information about the Okinawa All-Island EISA Festival

Must-See Autumn Festivals (September to November)

As temperatures cool and the climate becomes pleasantly mild, many festivals are held across Japan to express gratitude for the harvest.
The serene atmosphere of traditional dances and splendid floats parading through the streets creates a captivating scene that embodies the charm of autumn festivals.
Here are three of Japan’s most representative autumn festivals that you won’t want to miss.

1. 【Nagasaki】Nagasaki Kunchi Festival

The “Suwa Shrine” is dedicated to the guardian deity of Nagasaki. Since 1634, the shrine has hosted the grand autumn festival known as the “Nagasaki Kunchi Festival (長崎宮日節).”
Held from October 7 to 9, this three-day event envelops the entire city of Nagasaki in a festive atmosphere.
The festival’s origins trace back to a folk song called “Ko Mai” performed by two courtesans in front of Suwa Shrine, which has been passed down through generations.
The dynamic dedication dance is a highlight of the festival activities.

The lively ‘dedication dance’ performed throughout Nagasaki is a must-see!

View more information about the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival

2. 【Toyama】Echuu Yao Owara Kaze no Bon

Yao Town in Toyama Prefecture is a well-known mountain town. During the Edo period, it thrived on sericulture and later developed into a post town. Today, the streets lined with stone pavements and white-walled houses in Suwa Town retain a glimpse of Japan’s original scenery. Every year from September 1 to 3, the “Echuu Yao Owara Kaze no Bon (越中八尾 Owara 風之盆)” festival takes place here.
Believed to have originated in the Genroku era (1688-1740), this folk festival has been lovingly preserved by the local community for over three centuries.
During the festival, thousands of lanterns illuminate the streets, and men and women dressed in matching happi coats or yukata dance gracefully to the sounds of shamisen, kokyu, and taiko drums.

This folk festival, which has been passed down for over three centuries in the mountain town of Echuu Yao, attracts around 200,000 visitors each year

View more information about the Echuu Yao Owara Kaze no Bon Festival

3. 【Saitama】Kawagoe Festival

The “Kawagoe Festival (川越祭)” is a poetic autumn celebration in Kawagoe, held on the third Saturday and Sunday of October each year.
During these two days, the streets of Kawagoe are filled with visitors from all over Japan, making it the most vibrant and lively time of the year in the city.
The Kawagoe Festival has a history of over 370 years and was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset in 2005. In 2016, it was registered as a “UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage,” highlighting its historical significance and cultural value.

A famous large-scale celebration in Saitama Prefecture, the highlight is the luxurious and splendid floats!

View more information about the Kawagoe Festival

Must-See Winter Festivals (December to February)

Various festivals are also held across Japan during the winter months.
Especially in heavy snowfall areas, visitors can enjoy unique snowy landscapes and stunning ice sculptures that are considered works of art. These winter festivals are particularly popular among international tourists.
Here are a few of the most renowned winter festivals in Japan that are absolutely worth seeing.

1. 【Niigata】Tokamachi Snow Festival

The “Tokamachi Snow Festival,” a winter extravaganza held in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, features snow sculptures created by local citizens.
The festival showcases a spectacular “Snow Carnival” on a massive snow stage, combining sound and light effects for a dreamlike experience that you won’t want to miss.
Additionally, various food stalls offer delicious local treats, and numerous activities allow visitors to enjoy the fun of playing in the snow.
This event embodies the spirit of “making friends with snow and enjoying its pleasures,” reflecting the dedication and efforts of the local community, making it the largest winter festival along the Sea of Japan coast.

A dreamlike performance created with snow, music, and light, it’s the largest winter festival along the Sea of Japan coast

View the official website of the Tokamachi Snow Festival

2. 【Hokkaido】Sapporo Snow Festival

One of the “World’s Three Great Snow Festivals,” the “Sapporo Snow Festival (札幌雪祭)” is a grand winter event held annually in February in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Originating in 1950, when local middle and high school students created snow sculptures in Odori Park, it has since evolved into a large festival that attracts over 2 million visitors from both Japan and abroad each year.

The venue is mainly divided into three areas: the “Odori Venue,” the “Tsudome Venue,” and the ”Susukino Venue.”
At the “Odori Venue,” towering snow sculptures over 10 meters high stand alongside intricately crafted citizen snow sculptures, creating a breathtaking display of grandeur and beauty. The “Tsudome Venue” is filled with interactive experiences, featuring activities like ice slides and snow rafting, ensuring that both adults and children can fully enjoy the fun of winter sports. Meanwhile, the “Susukino Venue” showcases stunning ice sculptures that sparkle under the lights, radiating enchanting brilliance.

The Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the world’s three major snow festivals, is the grandest winter event in Sapporo, created from snow and ice.

View detailed information about the Sapporo Snow Festival

3. Akita Yokote Snow Festival

The tradition of creating “snow caves” to honor the water deity with altars made of snow is a cherished custom passed down in regions like Akita and Niigata during the Little New Year. The Yokote Snow Festival boasts a proud history of 450 years.
There are four main venues for the festival. If you want to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, head to the “Yokote City Hall,” which has the most snow caves and numerous food stalls. For those looking to enjoy Japan’s pristine landscapes, the “Yokote Park” located at Yokote Castle is a great choice. Additionally, mini snow caves can be found on the campus of Yokote Minami Elementary School and at the “Hebizaki Riverbank” along the Yokote River. The scene of countless small snow caves illuminated with lights is truly magical.

The snow caves honor the water deity, a traditional snow festival that has been passed down for about 450 years.

View detailed information about the Yokote Snow Festival

Conclusion

This article has provided a detailed introduction to the “festivals” that embody the history, beliefs, and emotions of the people across Japan.
Each festival has its unique charm. You can witness sacred rituals and traditional performances, savor local delicacies at food stalls, experience unique local cultures, and even enjoy fireworks, snow, and ice sculpture art at events centered around artistic themes. When traveling to Japan, be sure to participate in these festival activities to deeply experience the essence of Japanese history and culture!

Additionally, the article below thoroughly organizes must-see sights, must-visit attractions, and must-try foods for your first visit to Japan, so feel free to check it out as well!