Japan is famous for its stunning scenery, incredible food, and rich history—but if you want to truly feel the country’s heartbeat, join a matsuri. These unique Japanese festivals are more than events—they’re immersive Japanese cultural experiences full of music, tradition, and community spirit.
For travelers, planning your trip around these festivals can turn a great holiday into an unforgettable one. Here’s your festival calendar and detailed guide to the most spectacular festivals in Japan for travelers.
📅 Japanese Festival Calendar at a Glance
| Month | Festival Name | Location | 2026 Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Oniyo Fire Festival | Kurume, Fukuoka | Jan 7 |
| February | Sapporo Snow Festival | Sapporo, Hokkaido | Feb 5–11 |
| February | Otaru Snow Light Path Festival | Otaru, Hokkaido | Feb 7–14 |
| July | Gion Matsuri | Kyoto | Jul 1–31 (Main: Jul 17 & 24) |
| July | Hokkai Heso Matsuri | Furano, Hokkaido | Jul 28–29 |
| August | Nebuta Matsuri | Aomori, Aomori Prefecture | Aug 2–7 |
| August | Kanto Matsuri | Akita, Akita Prefecture | Aug 3–6 |
| August | Awa Odori | Tokushima, Tokushima Prefecture | Aug 12–15 |
| August | Yoshida Fire Festival | Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi | Aug 26–27 |
| October | Takayama Autumn Festival | Takayama, Gifu | Oct 9–10 |
| November | Karatsu Kunchi | Karatsu, Saga | Nov 2–4 |
| December | Chichibu Night Festival | Chichibu, Saitama | Dec 2–3 |
🏮 Festival Details & Travel Tips
1. Oniyo Fire Festival – Fukuoka
When: January 7
Where: Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine, Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture
Why Go: One of Japan’s oldest festivals, with six massive 13-meter flaming torches paraded through shrine grounds—a fiery spectacle believed to bring good fortune.
Travel Tip: Stand back from the flames, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting smoky.
2. Sapporo Snow Festival – Hokkaido
When: February 5–11
Where: Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Why Go: Enormous ice and snow sculptures fill the city, lit with colorful lights at night.
Travel Tip: Book early—this is peak winter travel season.
3. Otaru Snow Light Path Festival – Hokkaido
When: February 7–14
Where: Otaru City, Hokkaido
Why Go: Romantic snow lanterns and candles transform the canal area into a winter fairy tale.
Travel Tip: Visit in the evening for the best atmosphere.
4. Gion Matsuri – Kyoto
When: July 1–31 (Main: Jul 17 & 24)
Where: Kyoto City
Why Go: Japan’s most famous festival, with giant floats, traditional music, and vibrant street life.
Travel Tip: Don’t miss “yoiyama” nights for food stalls and illuminated floats.
5. Hokkai Heso Matsuri – Hokkaido
When: July 28–29
Where: Furano, Hokkaido
Why Go: The “Belly Button Festival” where locals paint faces on their stomachs and dance.
Travel Tip: Pair with a visit to Furano’s lavender fields.
6. Nebuta Matsuri – Aomori
When: August 2–7
Where: Aomori City
Why Go: Enormous warrior-themed floats illuminated at night.
Travel Tip: Night parades are the most spectacular—arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
7. Kanto Matsuri – Akita
When: August 3–6
Where: Akita City
Why Go: Performers balance bamboo poles up to 12 meters tall with glowing paper lanterns.
Travel Tip: Stay until evening to see the lanterns lit.
8. Awa Odori – Tokushima
When: August 12–15
Where: Tokushima City
Why Go: Japan’s largest dance festival, with thousands of costumed dancers and musicians.
Travel Tip: Join a visitor dance group (“niwaka ren”) to experience it firsthand.
9. Yoshida Fire Festival – Yamanashi
When: August 26–27
Where: Fujiyoshida City
Why Go: Streets glow with massive flaming torches to mark the end of Mount Fuji’s climbing season.
Travel Tip: Bring a light jacket for cool summer nights.
10. Takayama Autumn Festival – Gifu
When: October 9–10
Where: Takayama City
Why Go: Beautiful floats and mechanical puppets in a preserved Edo-period town.
Travel Tip: Combine with a trip to Shirakawa-go.
11. Karatsu Kunchi – Saga
When: November 2–4
Where: Karatsu City
Why Go: Giant samurai helmet-shaped floats paraded along city streets and beaches.
Travel Tip: The November 3 parade is the most lively.
12. Chichibu Night Festival – Saitama
When: December 2–3
Where: Chichibu City
Why Go: Lantern-lit floats, winter fireworks, and festival food stalls.
Travel Tip: Wear warm clothes—December nights get cold.
✈️ Final Word for Travelers
These festivals in Japan for travelers are more than photo opportunities—they’re living traditions. Plan your trip using this calendar, and you’ll get to witness everything from firelit nights to glowing winter streets, from joyful dances to solemn rituals. Each one is a chance to immerse yourself in unique Japanese festivals you’ll remember for a lifetime.
