Enjoy the Complete Calendar of Japanese Matsuri and Holidays. Japanese matsuri are numerous, so I am constantly updating this guide and calendar for your consultation. It is ordered by month and day, refer to the table of content to jump to your desired month.
Please note that the exact dates of the festivals may change from year to year due to reasons beyond my control. Be sure to check the latest information before traveling

January
Japanese New Year (Shogatsu)
Date: January
Location: Nationwide
Hatsumode
Date: January 1 to January 5
Location: Nationwide
Emperor’s New Year’s Greeting
January
Tokyo
Tokyo Autosalon
Date: Early January
Location: Chiba
Toka Ebisu Festival
Date: January 9 to January 11
Location: Osaka
Sumo New Year Basho
Date: Early January -> Late January
Location: Tokyo
Dondo Yaki
Date: Mid January
Location: Multiple Locations
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Date: Late January -> Mid February
Location:Hokkaido
Wakakusa Yamanaki
Date: January 28
Location:Nara
February
Setsubun
Date: February 3
Location: National Holiday
Setsubun Mantoro
Date: February
Location: Nara
Asashikawa Winter Festival
Date: Early February
Location: Asahikawa
Sapporo Snow Festival
Date: Early February
Location: Sapporo
Otaru Snow Festival
Date: Early February
Location: Otaru
Plum Blossom Season
Date: Mid February -> Early March
National Foundation Day
Date: February 11
Location: National Holiday
Valentines Day in Japan
Date: February 14
Location: Nationwide
Tokyo Marathon
Date: End of February
Location: Tokyo
March
Omizutori Festival
Date: March 1 -> March 14
Location: Nara
Hina Matsuri
Date: March 3
Location: Nationwide
Doll Floating Festival
Date: March 3
Location: Wakayama
Katsuura Hinamatsuri
Date: March 3
Location: Katsuura
Sumo Spring Basho
Date: Early March -> Late March
Location: Osaka
White Day
Date: March 14
Location: Nationwide
Honen Matsuri
Date: March 15
Location: Komaki
Sakura Season
Date: March 15 -> April 30
Location: Varies By Region
Saint Patrick’s Parade
Date: Mid March
Location: Tokyo
Spring Equinox Day
Date:March 21
Location: National Holiday
April
Inuyama Festival
Date: Early April
Location: Inuyama
Miyako Odori
Date: April 1 -> April 23 (closed on Mondays)
Location: Kyoto
Takayama Festival
Date: April 14 -> April 15
Location: Takayama
Date: April 19 -> April 20
Location: Hida Furukawa
Tateyama Kurobe Apline Route
Date: Mid April -> End of November
Location: Katsuura
Earth Day Tokyo
Date:Mid April
Location: Tokyo
Showa Day (Golden Week)
Date: April 29
Location: National Holiday
May
Kamogawa Odori
Date: May 1 -> May 24
Location: Kyoto
Meiji Shrine Spring festival
Date: May 2 -> May 3
Location: Tokyo
Wisteria at Ashikaga Park
Date: Early May -> Late May
Location: Ashikaga
Hakata Dontaku Festival
Date: May 3 -> May 4
Location: Fukuoka
Constitution Day (Golden Week)
Date: May 3
Location: National Holiday
Greenery Day (Golden Week)
Date: May 4
Location: Nationwide
Children’s Day
Date: May 5
Location: Komaki
Sumo Summer Basho
Date: Early May -> Late May
Location: Tokyo
Kanda Matsuri
Date: May 13 -> May 14
Location: Tokyo
Shibuya Ohara Matsuri
Date: Mid May
Location: Tokyo
Aoi Matsuri
Date: May 15
Location: Kyoto
June
Yosakoi Soran Festival
Date: Early June
Location: Sapporo
Rainy Season
Date: Early June -> Mid July
Location: Multiple Regions
Sanno Festival
Date: June 17
Location: Tokyo
Otaue Rice Planting Festival
Date: June 14
Location: Osaka
Hokkaido Shrine Festival
Date: June 14
Location: Sapporo
Cormorant Fishing
Date:Mid June -> Mid October
Location: Multiple Regions
July
Gion festival
Date: July 1 -> July 29
Location: Kyoto
Date: July 7
Location: Multiple Regions
Tanabata, also known as the “Star Festival”, is a Japanese celebration that takes place on the seventh day of the seventh month. According to Japanese folklore, this is the only day of the year when the two stars, Altair and Vega, can meet.
Date: July 10 to July 15
Location: Fukuoka
This vibrant festival, held from the 1st to the 15th of July, is renowned for its ornately decorated floats, known as Yamakasa, and the exhilarating races that test the skill and stamina of participants.
Date: July 10 -> September 10
Locaion: Mt. Fuji
Mount Fuji, a majestic volcano and iconic symbol of Japan, beckons adventurous travelers worldwide. But with its unique weather patterns and challenging terrain, climbing Mount Fuji requires careful planning and knowledge of the climbing season.
Date: Early July -> late July
Location: Nagoya
The Nagoya Basho is a unique opportunity to witness a powerful blend of sport and tradition. Whether you’re a Sumo enthusiast or simply curious about Japanese culture, the electrifying atmosphere, captivating matches, and rich history of the tournament create a truly unforgettable experience.
Date: July 13 -> July 15
Location: Multiple Regions
Obon offers a window into the heart of Japanese culture, showcasing a unique blend of reverence for the past and celebration of life. Witnessing this heartfelt festival allows visitors to appreciate the importance of family, the beauty of tradition, and the enduring connection between the living and the departed.
Beach Season
Date: July 15 -> August 31
Sapporo Summer Festival
Date: Mid July -> Mid August
Location: Sapporo
Tenjin Matsuri
Date: July 24 -> July 25
Location: Osaka
Kamakura Hanabi
Date:Late July
Location: Kamakura
Fuji Rock festival
Date: Late July
Location: Niigata
Toyohira River Fireworks
Date: End of July
Location: Sapporo
Gion Kashiwazaki Festival
Date: Late July
Location: Niigata
Shinjuku Eisa Festival
Date:Late July
Location: Tokyo
August
Date: August 1 to August 4
Location: Morioka
The Sansa Odori, meaning “Sansa Dance,” boasts a rich history dating back to the feudal period. Legend tells of a time when villagers danced in jubilation after warding off evil spirits.
Date: Early August
Location: Edogawa
Tokyo’s summer sky ignites with color and wonder every first Saturday of August at the spectacular Edogawa Fireworks Festival.
Date: August 2 to August 3
Location: Nagaoka
The Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s a celebration of community and shared experiences. Witnessing the awe and joy on the faces of a million spectators as the fireworks illuminate the night sky creates a truly unforgettable experience.
Date: August 2 to August 7
Location: Aomori
Every August, the city of Aomori in northern Japan explodes with vibrant energy during the Nebuta Matsuri, a spectacular summer festival renowned for its giant illuminated floats and lively parades.
Date: First Saturday of August
Location: Tokyo, Arakawa River Banks
The Itabashi Fireworks Festival is a true highlight of Tokyo’s summer. Witnessing the awe-inspiring displays against the backdrop of the night sky creates a magical and unforgettable experience.
Date: August 3 -> August 6
Location: Akita
This vibrant summer festival, held from August 3rd to 6th, features towering bamboo poles adorned with dozens of paper lanterns, creating a breathtaking display of tradition and artistry.
World Music and Dance Festival
Date:Early August
Location: Hakodate
Hiroshima Lantern Ceremony
Date: August 6
Location: Hiroshima
Sendai Tanabata Matsuri
Date: August 6 -> August 8
Location: Sendai
Mountain Day
Date: August 11
Sanuki Takamtsu Festival
Date: August 12 -> August 14
Location: Takamatsu
Tokushima Awa Odori
Date: August 12 -> August 15
Location: Tokushima
Mitama Matsuri
Date: August 13 -> August 16
Location: Fukuoka
Obon
Date: August 13 -> August 15
Location: Multiple Regions
Summer Sonic
Date: Mid August
Location: Chiba
Summer Sonic Osaka
Date: Mid August
Location: Osaka
Jingu Gaien Hanabi
Date: Mid August
Location: Gaienmae
Daimonji
Date: August 16
Location: Kyoto
Sado Earth celebration
Date: Late August
Location: Sado Island
Hibiya Bon Odori
Date: Late August
Location: Tokyo
Tamagawa Hanabi
Date: Late August
Location: Tokyo
Asakusa Samba Carnival
Date:End of August
Location: Tokyo
Azabu Juban Noryo Festival
Date: Late August
Location: Tokyo
Fukagawa Hachiman
Date: Late August
Location: Tokyo
Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi
Date: Late August
Location: Tokyo
Domannaka Matsuri
Date: Late August
Location: Nagoya
Koenji Awa Odori
Date: End of August
Location: Tokyo
Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri
Date: End of August
Location: Noboribetsu
Hokkaido Marathon
Date: End of August
Location: Sapporo
September
Disaster Prevention Day
Date: September 1
Location: Nationwide
Sumo Autumn Basho
Date: Early September -> Late September
Location: Tokyo
Tokyo Game Show
Date: Late September
Location: Chiba
Fukuro Matsuri
Date: Late September
Location: Tokyo
Autumn Equinox Day
Date: September 23
Location: National Holiday
Rally Hokkaido
Date: Late September
Location: Sapporo
Japan grand Prix
Date: Late September -> Early October
Location: Mie
October
CREATEC
Date: Early October
Location: Chiba
Tokyo Yosakoi Contest
Date: Early October
Location: Tokyo
Date: October 7 -> October 9
Location: Nagasaki
Takayama Autumn Festival
Date: October 9 -> October 10
Location: Takayama
Autumn Leaves
Date: October 15 -> December 15
Location: Multiple Regions
Niihama Taiko Festival
Date: October -> October 1
Jidai Matsuri
Date: October 22
Location:Kyoto
Kurama Fire Festival
Date: October 22
Location: Kyoto
Halloween In Japan
Date: October 31
Location: Nationwide
November
Meiji Shrine Autumn Festival
Date: November 1 -> November 3
Location: Tokyo
Tori No Ichi
Date: Days of the Rooster in November
Location: Nationwide
Karatsu Kunchi Festival
Date: November 2 -> November 4
Location: Karatsu
Culture Day
Date: November 3
Location: National Holiday
Sumo Kyushu Basho
Date: Mid November -> Late November
Location: Fukuoka
Shichigosan
Date: Mid November
Sapporo White Illumination
Date: November 21 – December 25
Location: Sapporo
Labour Thanksgiving Day
Date: November 23
Location: National holiday
German Christmas Market
Date: November 28
Location: Sapporo
December
Chichibu Night Festival
Date: December 2 -> December 3
Location: Saitam
Kasuga Wakamiya Matsuri
Date: December 15 -> December 18
Location: Nara
Ski And Snowboarding Season
Date: Mid December -> Mid March
Location: Varies by Region
Emperor’s Birthday
Date: December 23
Location: National Holiday
Emperor’s Birthday Greeting
Date: December 23
Location: Tokyo
Christmas in Japan
Date: December 25
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