Festivals, events, and experiences across Japan with dates — browse by date and area.
1238 events
Hyogo · Festivals & Fireworks
Don't miss the spectacular Chushingura Parade! Experience the grandeur of samurai history, ornate floats, and delicious seasonal food in a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
Dec 14
Aichi · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the 700-year-old Hanamatsuri in Nakazaike. The fierce Sakaki-oni dance and powerful Yu-bayashi music bring the winter night to life.
Hokkaido · Festivals & Fireworks
The Hokkaido Gishi Festival honors the legacy of the 47 Ronin. Witness the powerful Tameshigiri sword-testing ceremony and memorial services. Please dress warmly for the December cold.
Nagano · Festivals & Fireworks
Immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere of Shobu Hachiman-gu through the Shimotsuki-sai, a profound journey into Japan's traditional spiritual history.
Nagasaki · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the special Onsen Thanksgiving Festival in Unzen Onsen this winter. Discover beautiful nature and hot spring culture. Please dress warmly and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Dec 15
Yamagata · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the majestic Shitau Dai-goma, a traditional fire ritual at Wakamatsu-ji Temple in Yamagata. Witness a profound ceremony for traffic safety and healing amidst the serene, cold air of December. Perfect for those seeking to connect with traditional Japanese spiritual culture.
Dec 17
Ibaraki · Other
A special Goma fire ritual at Oyama-ji Temple in Sakuragawa, Ibaraki. Experience the profound spiritual traditions of Japan through a powerful fire ceremony set within a historic temple landscape.
Dec 18
Tokyo · Performances & Shows
Experience Fujii Kaze's world tour at Tokyo Dome! Witness the soulful neo-soul sounds of his latest album, Prema, live in person.
Dec 19 – Dec 20
Kyoto · Performances & Shows
A special event to enjoy the culture of Kyoto's five flower districts through beautiful dance and lunch. This is a rare opportunity to witness the brilliant performances of Maiko and Geiko up close. A true highlight of any Kyoto sightseeing trip.
Dec 19
Kyoto · Other
While Kaikoku Kinenkan is closed in late 2026, you can still experience history through the 'Auris' MR audio guide at Hikone Castle. Just bring your iPhone and earphones for an immersive journey!
Dec 25 – Dec 31
Nara · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the sacred New Year at the World Heritage site, Tamaki Jinja. From the purifying year-end rituals to the powerful first drum of the year, witness the heart of Japanese tradition. As the shrine is in a cold mountain region, please dress warmly and bring cash for a seamless visit.
Dec 26
Kyoto · Festivals & Fireworks
Witness the mystical glow of lanterns at Fushimi Inari Taisha. A breathtaking night of tradition and sacred beauty awaits.
Dec 30
Hiroshima · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the Chinka-sai, a sacred ritual at Itsukushima Shrine to pray for peace and fire prevention. A perfect moment to witness Japanese spiritual culture amidst breathtaking scenery.
Dec 31
Experience the breathtaking fire festival and sacred Yamabushi rituals at Mt. Haguro on December 31. Heavy winter clothing and non-slip shoes are essential!
Kagawa · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the stunning autumn colors at the historic Kotohira-gu Shrine. The evolving scenery along the stone steps is a must-see.
Yamanashi · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the sacred rituals and lively spirit of the Sansha Jinja Festival. A perfect opportunity to witness authentic Japanese traditions and local culture.
Okayama · Other
Reflect on the year in profound silence. Prepare your spirit for the new year within the sacred and solemn atmosphere of Akihayama.
Experience the traditional Joya no Kane at Futiya Kannon Oyama-ji in Sakura-gawa, Ibaraki. Listen to the resonant temple bells to welcome the New Year in a serene atmosphere.
Celebrate a special New Year's Eve at the World Heritage site, Tamaki Jinja. Experience the powerful resonance of the Joya Taiko drums and sacred rituals. Please bring heavy warm clothing as the mountain environment is extremely cold.
Fukuoka · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the Oharaesiki at Hikosan Jingu. Purify your spirit through the sacred Chinowa ritual to welcome the New Year with a clean heart.
A sacred ritual held at 3:00 PM on December 31. Experience the purification ceremony at Jishu Jinja in Kyoto to welcome the New Year with a clear mind and spirit.
Experience the soul-stirring Joya Taiko and sacred rituals at the World Heritage site, Tamaki Jinja. A profound way to welcome the New Year in a spiritual sanctuary.
Experience the mystical Hanamatsuri (Furudo), a 700-year-old National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Witness the breathtaking dance and vibrant colors of ancient Japan.
Jan 2, 2027
Experience Hanamatsuri, a 700-year-old ritual of rebirth and mystical mask dances designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Property.
The Genshi-sai ritual at Itsukushima Jinja is a rare opportunity to experience the profound spiritual traditions of Japan within a majestic, natural setting.
Jan 3, 2027
A mystical night of Kagura dance featuring red demons. Experience Japan's ancient traditions at the historic Kumano Shrine.
Experience the vibrant energy of Tenteko Matsuri! Immerse yourself in the lively spirit and traditional customs of a local Japanese festival.
Experience the sacred rituals and history of Nishinomiya Jinja during the Hyakutayu Shrine Festival. Witness beautiful traditional ceremonies in a stunning historic setting.
Jan 5, 2027
Iwate · Festivals & Fireworks
日本三大奇祭の一つ、黒石寺蘇民祭。炎の中で繰り広げられる蘇民袋争奪戦の熱狂は一生の思い出に!
Jan 7, 2027
Experience the Toba no Himatsuri, a 1,200-year-old fire festival. Watch the dramatic ritual of retrieving sacred wood from the massive, flaming 'Suzumi' structure.
Experience the solemn 'Waraji Mikoshi' ritual and feel the spirit of Japan. Witness a historic ceremony held in the serene, cold air of January.
Jan 10, 2027
Experience Hanamatsuri, a traditional Kagura dance from Aichi designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Discover the mystical beauty of ancient Japanese ritual dance.
Jan 11, 2027
Gunma · Festivals & Fireworks
Watch giant Yaki-manji being grilled at Isesaki Shrine! Enjoy the Joshu Yaki-man Festival and the lively Daruma Market. Bring warm clothes to enjoy this traditional winter treat.
Shiga · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the high-speed excitement of traditional Karuta at the Karuta Matsuri. A special winter event to feel the warmth of local Japanese culture.
Witness the mystical night where torches blaze through the snow and gods perform sacred dances. Experience a true traditional Japanese winter festival.
Jan 13, 2027
Miyagi · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the 300-year-old Matsutaki Matsuri at Osaki Hachiman-gu. Witness the sacred Goshinka fire and the spirited Hadaka-mairi for a profound encounter with Japanese winter culture.
Jan 14, 2027
Experience the dramatic Donton-sai fire festival and the traditional Hadakamari procession at Morioka Hachiman-gu. A must-see winter tradition in Iwate.
Jan 15, 2027
Experience the intense heat and history of the Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Festival. Watch the massive shrine burn amidst a fierce battle for fire. Please prepare for extreme cold and wear flame-resistant clothing.
Wakayama · Festivals & Fireworks
Witness the breathtaking fire festival at Cape Shionomisaki. Experience the dramatic sight of flames sweeping across the grass, traditional performances, and warm local delicacies.
Jan 16, 2027
Akita · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the intense 'Kenka Bonten' in the snow! Witness colorful banners clashing to the sound of traditional songs at Akita's vibrant winter festival.
Jan 17, 2027
Ishikawa · Festivals & Fireworks
A grand traditional festival featuring magnificent, decorated floats. Experience the history, culture, and vibrant energy of Japan up close.
Jan 18, 2027
Shizuoka · Festivals & Fireworks
Celebrate spring in Inatori with the Hina no Tsurushi-kazari festival. Enjoy colorful traditional crafts and hands-on workshops in the birthplace of this beautiful tradition.
Jan 20, 2027
Witness the powerful spectacle of hot water splashing in the freezing cold! Be sure to bring heavy winter gear and waterproof clothing to enjoy this traditional winter festival.
A special winter festival at Mokeiji Temple featuring dramatic torchlight processions and the elegant Ennen-no-mai dance.
A 300-year-old Iwate tradition featuring grand floats and glowing lanterns. Experience the breathtaking music and magical night scenery of the Hidaka Hibō Matsuri.
Jan 22, 2027
A magical night of light. Experience the breathtaking beauty of countless lanterns illuminating the sky and water.
Osaka · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the elegance of blooming plum blossoms and traditional performing arts at Osaka Tenmangu. A perfect blend of history and culture.
Jan 24, 2027
Witness the magic of fireworks over Lake Kawaguchiko! Enjoy the stunning reflection on the water and warm up with local winter delicacies.
Tokyo · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the powerful chanting of sutras and traditional healing rituals at Koko-ji Temple. Enjoy the vibrant culture and local food of the Sugamo district.
Gifu · Festivals & Fireworks
A breathtaking world of light and snow. Dress warmly and prepare your camera to capture the magic of Kisoji's winter.
Jan 25, 2027
Experience the magic of a Shiretoko winter night. Enjoy illuminated art, cozy bonfires, and relaxing hammocks for a truly special winter memory.
Jan 30, 2027
Tochigi · Festivals & Fireworks
A breathtaking winter festival in Yunishigawa Onsen featuring thousands of glowing snow sculptures. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime winter illumination in Tochigi!
Feb 1, 2027
Kanagawa · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience a magical night in Hakone where traditional Shinto rituals meet a spectacular fireworks display.
Feb 2, 2027
Experience the profound beauty of traditional Kagura and the arrival of spring. Discover the thousand-year history of Uwadotori Jinja Shrine.
迫力の源泉湯かけ合戦と、温泉街を練り歩く湯鬼神の演舞!冬の登別でしか味わえない熱狂的な伝統祭りに参加しませんか?
Witness the powerful demon dances and ancient rituals at Heian Jingu. A perfect opportunity to experience Japan's traditional way of warding off bad luck.
Experience the traditional Setsubun-sai at the historic Munakata Taisha to welcome good fortune and witness a beautiful piece of Japanese spiritual culture.
Aomori · Festivals & Fireworks
A breathtaking night of snow and candlelight. Dress warmly and prepare to experience the magical winter beauty of Aomori.
Feb 3, 2027
Immerse yourself in the majestic autumn traditions and spiritual heritage of the historic Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine.
Shimane · Festivals & Fireworks
Experience the solemn Shinto rituals and traditional ceremonies at Izumo Taisha. Discover the profound depth of Japanese spiritual culture through sacred seasonal rituals.