Experience Traditional Japanese Festivals

Japan is famous for its rich cultural heritage and spectacular festivals, known as "matsuri." From spring to late summer, countless festivals take place across the country, featuring colorful parades, traditional performances, and breathtaking fireworks displays. Here’s a guide to some of Japan’s most exciting festivals happening from this April to August.

Japanese Festivals in 2025

1. Takayama Matsuri (Gifu)
April 14–15

Takayama Matsuri is one of Japan’s most beautiful festivals, featuring elaborate festival floats known as “yatai.” The festival is divided into two events: the Sanno Matsuri in spring and the Hachiman Matsuri in autumn. During the spring festival, visitors can witness the vibrant processions in Takayama’s historic old town.

2. Hakata Dontaku Festival (Fukuoka)

May 3–4

Dating back over 800 years, the Hakata Dontaku Festival is one of Japan’s largest Golden Week events, attracting millions of spectators. It features a massive parade with performers dressed in colorful costumes and traditional dances.

3. Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo)
May 8–15

Held every other year, the Kanda Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals, featuring magnificent mikoshi (portable shrines) paraded through the streets. It celebrates the prosperity of the city and showcases samurai-era traditions.

4. Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)
July 1–31

One of Japan’s most famous festivals, Gion Matsuri, spans the entire month of July. The highlights are the Yamaboko Junko parades on July 17 and 24, where enormous floats are pulled through the streets.

5. Hakata Gion Yamakasa (Fukuoka)
July 1–15

This thrilling festival features teams of men racing massive, elaborately decorated floats through the streets of Fukuoka. The event dates back over 770 years and is known for its intense energy and speed.

6. Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka)
July 24–25

Celebrating Osaka’s patron deity, this festival features a lively river procession and one of Japan’s most impressive fireworks displays. Locals dressed in historical costumes parade through the city before boarding illuminated boats.

7. Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Tokyo)
July 26

Dating back to the Edo period, this is one of Japan’s largest fireworks festivals. It attracts thousands of spectators who gather along the Sumida River to enjoy the dazzling pyrotechnics.

8. Hakodate Port Festival (Hokkaido)
August 1–5

This festival celebrates Hakodate’s maritime history with lively parades, traditional dances, and fireworks over the bay.

9. Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori)
August 2–7

Famous for its massive illuminated floats depicting mythical warriors, this festival is one of Japan’s most visually striking events. The energetic haneto dancers and taiko drummers add to the lively atmosphere.

10. Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (Niigata)
August 2–3

One of Japan’s top three fireworks festivals, Nagaoka’s display features massive fireworks lighting up the night sky over the Shinano River.

11. Akita Kanto Festival (Akita)
August 3–6

This unique festival showcases skilled performers balancing long bamboo poles with rows of lanterns on their shoulders, foreheads, and hips.

12. Sendai Tanabata Festival (Miyagi)
August 6–8

Known for its beautiful streamers decorating the city, this festival celebrates the Tanabata star festival with colorful displays and cultural performances.

13. Kochi Yosakoi Festival (Kochi)
August 9–12

This lively festival features teams of dancers performing the Yosakoi dance, incorporating traditional and modern elements.

14. Awa Odori (Tokushima)
August 11–15

One of Japan’s most famous dance festivals, Awa Odori fills the streets of Tokushima with thousands of dancers performing the traditional Awa dance in vibrant costumes.

15. Ōmagari Fireworks Festival (Akita)
August 30

A national fireworks competition where Japan’s top pyrotechnicians showcase their most spectacular designs in a breathtaking display.

Plan Your Festival Adventure

Whether you’re drawn to the dazzling floats of Takayama, the high-energy performances of Awa Odori, or the stunning fireworks of Sumida and Nagaoka, Japan’s festival season offers something for everyone. Make sure to plan ahead, as many of these festivals attract large crowds and require early accommodation bookings!

Want to experience these festivals hassle-free? Let Omakase Travels help you plan the perfect itinerary!