Japan Festivals Calendar: Matsuri Month by Month

Last reviewed: October 22, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Dates below are typical. Some festivals are fixed to calendar dates, others to particular weekends, and some are scaled back or changed in a given year. Always check the organiser's or local tourism site.

January–March

• Hatsumode (1–3 January): First shrine visit of the year — Meiji Jingu, Fushimi Inari and others are packed.
• Wakakusa Yamayaki, Nara (late January): A hillside is set alight, with fireworks.
• Sapporo Snow Festival (early February): Giant snow and ice sculptures.
• Setsubun (around 3 February): Bean-throwing ceremonies at temples and shrines to drive out evil.
• Otaru Snow Light Path (February): Candles and lanterns along the canal.
• Hina Matsuri (3 March): Girls' Day, with doll displays.
• Omizutori, Todai-ji, Nara (1–14 March): Fire rituals on Nigatsu-do's balcony.

April–June

• Hanami (late March–April): Cherry blossom viewing parties nationwide.
• Takayama Spring Festival (14–15 April): Ornate floats in the old town.
• Hakata Dontaku, Fukuoka (3–4 May): Large parade during Golden Week.
• Aoi Matsuri, Kyoto (15 May): Heian-period costume procession.
• Kanda Matsuri, Tokyo (May; full-scale in odd-numbered years): Portable shrines through Kanda and Akihabara.
• Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo (third weekend of May): Lively mikoshi processions around Asakusa Shrine.
• Nikko Toshogu Spring Festival (May): Procession of a thousand samurai.
• Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival (early June).

July–August

• Gion Matsuri, Kyoto (all of July): Highlights are the Yamaboko Junko float processions on 17 and 24 July, and the evening street festivities in the days before.
• Hakata Gion Yamakasa, Fukuoka (1–15 July): Ends with a dawn float race.
• Tenjin Matsuri, Osaka (24–25 July): River procession and fireworks.
• Sumida River Fireworks, Tokyo (usually the last Saturday of July).
• Aomori Nebuta (2–7 August): Huge illuminated warrior floats.
• Sendai Tanabata (6–8 August): Streamer decorations across shopping arcades.
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony (6 August).
• Awa Odori, Tokushima (12–15 August): Japan's biggest dance festival.
• Obon (around 13–16 August): Bon dances nationwide; Kyoto's Gozan no Okuribi bonfires on 16 August.
• Eisa (around Obon): Okinawan drum dances.

September–December

• Kishiwada Danjiri, Osaka (September): Wooden floats pulled at speed around corners.
• Nagasaki Kunchi (7–9 October).
• Takayama Autumn Festival (9–10 October).
• Naha Great Tug-of-War, Okinawa (October).
• Jidai Matsuri, Kyoto (22 October): Procession of costumes through Japanese history.
• Shichi-Go-San (around 15 November): Children aged 3, 5 and 7 visit shrines in kimono.
• Chichibu Night Festival, Saitama (2–3 December): Lantern floats and winter fireworks.
• Winter illuminations (November–February): Light displays in cities and theme parks.

Festival tips

• Book accommodation early — big festivals fill hotels months ahead.
• Expect street closures and crowded trains.
• Yukata (summer kimono) is common at summer festivals and fireworks.
• Food stalls (yatai) are part of the fun — bring cash.