Events in Japan

Hamamatsu Festival

The Hamamatsu Festival celebrates the birth of children and falls on Children's Day (May 5).

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

One of Japan's best cherry blossom festivals.

Shinkawa Market Festival

Head to the Shinkawa Market Festival and see the fox's wedding parade.

Mamada Snake Festival

At the Mamada Snake Festival, giant handmade snakes move through town in a ritual to bring rain and good harvests. The festival’s high point? A spirited water ceremony where the snakes end up in …

Naha Hari Dragon Boat Races

Feel the beat of the drum at Okinawa's biggest dragon boat races

Kamo Kurabeuma Horse Racing Ritual

The Kamo Kurabeuma Horse Racing Ritual at Kamigamo Shrine is an ancient celebration featuring sacred horse races and traditional rituals.

Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival

Celebrate sakura at Hokkaidō's top cherry blossom viewing spot.

Ninnaji Flower Festival

See the cherry blossom festivals at Ninnaji Flower Festival.

Osaka Nemophila Festival

Two blues meet when a million nemophila flowers bloom in front of Osaka Bay.

Kōdai-ji Temple Spring Illuminations

Kyoto's Kōdai-ji Temple features one of the city's most stunning springtime illuminations, complete with projection mapping and Zen vibes.

Kyotographie International Photography Festival

This international photography festival around Kyoto is a great way to discover compelling photography from Japan and around the world.

Kyotophonie Borderless Spring Festival

Kyotophonie brings a diverse lineup of music and art performances to Kyoto this spring.

Aoi Matsuri

Expect to see men on horseback, ornate carts, and women in kimono.

Kankame-Inari Yomiya Festival

See geisha entertain the locals at this very small festival in Kyoto.

Kōbe Festival

The Kōbe Festival is a citywide festival.

Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival

See the natural beauty of fields of wisterias at this mesmerizing display.

Sendai Aoba Festival

Every May, as Sendai’s zelkova trees turn green, the Sendai Aoba Festival takes center stage. Rooted in the legacy of the Date clan, this annual event is one of the city’s most significant …

Togyo 1,000 Samurai Procession

This procession takes place on the second day of the Nikkō Tōshōgū Shrine Grand Festival.

Mifune Festival

Gander at traditional boats floating down the river carrying musicians and performers.

Sakata Festival

See giant lion head floats and unique wheeled floats.

Tōji Temple Flea Market

Visit Tōji Temple, one of Kyoto's oldest temples, and explore the bustling Kobo-ichi Market. Held monthly, this vibrant market is an unmissable experience for visitors and locals alike.

Kamogawa Odori

This is the last of Kyoto's spring geisha dances.

Hamamatsu Flying Dragon Festival

Ever wanted to see the mystical dragons of the Nintendo Zelda games come to the life?

Soma Nomaoi Wild Horse Chasing Festival

A traditional festival showcasing military skills and horseback riding in Fukushima.