Matsuri are traditional Japanese festivals that are held throughout the year to celebrate a variety of events, including the changing seasons, religious festivals, and harvests. They are a colorful and vibrant part of Japanese culture, and they offer a unique opportunity to experience the country's rich history and traditions.
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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

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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

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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


Okoshi-Daiko No Sato

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


Tanabata

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.


Hakata Gion Yamasaka

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.


Mount Fuji Climbing Season

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.


Sumo Nagoya Basho

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.


Obon Matsuri

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

Morioka Sansa Odori

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.


Edogawa Hanabi

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.


Nagaoka 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.


Aomori Nebuta Festival

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.


Itabashi Hanabi

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.


Akita Kanto festival

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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Daniele

As a lifelong lover of Japan, its rich culture, and captivating beauty, I organize tours in Japan and help others craft unforgettable journeys to this extraordinary land.

Through my personalized travel planning services, I'll guide you in creating an itinerary that aligns with your interests, ensuring an authentic and immersive Japanese experience. Reach me out now and ask for help!

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