Festival · Aomori · TohokuHachinohe · 31 Jul – 4 Aug 2026
04:5118:43Tokyo
Reference rates · 2026/08/03
Major summer dance festival originating from legend about a demon's defeat, featuring traditional Sansa Odori dance and powerful taiko performances.
1–4 Aug 2026Iwate · TohokuHachinohe Sansha Taisai combines traditional shrine processions with elaborately decorated floats and is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
31 Jul – 4 Aug 2026Aomori · TohokuThe Chikugo River Fireworks Festival in Kurume, Fukuoka, launches around 18,000 fireworks over Kyushu's longest river, with roots tracing back over 350 years.
5 Aug 2026Fukuoka · KyushuA summer harvest festival features towering bamboo poles adorned with paper lanterns, paraded through streets with traditional music and daytime balancing performances.
3–6 Aug 2026Akita · TohokuKansai's spectacular summer fireworks over Japan's largest lake at Otsu, with shells fired low across the water and mirrored on its surface.
6 Aug 2026Shiga · KansaiBehind Narita's great temple lies a hillside garden with ponds, waterfalls and poem-carved stones, free to walk and far quieter than the temple itself.
Narita · ChibaThis museum celebrates Fujiko·F·Fujio, creator of Doraemon, displaying his original works, workspace, and interactive exhibits for manga fans.
Kawasaki · KanagawaA Tendai temple in the Kawasaki hills, known as the "azalea temple" for the 2,000 shrubs that colour its slopes each spring, and for its healing prayers.
Kawasaki · KanagawaOn a quiet hillside in rural Chiba, around thirty retired railway carriages have been preserved, including several that survive nowhere else in Japan.
Isumi · ChibaA wooded park in Kimitsu, where light entering an old river tunnel meets its reflection to form a heart on the water, best seen at dawn near the equinox.
Kimitsu · ChibaA shrine in Ichihara with an unusual tradition: expectant mothers borrow a small purse left unstitched at the base, for an easy birth.
Ichihara · ChibaBLEACH Mirrors High just revealed three new Kubo-designed Soul Reapers and a full system trailer. Here's the story, cast, and battle system, explained.
2026/07/18The English guide to Kobito Zukan: what kobito are, the most popular characters from Nabata Toshitaka's field guides, and where to find kobito goods in Japan.
Pandorobo, The Bread Thief, in English: the story of Japan’s beloved bread-stealing character, the picture books, the anime, and Pandorobo merchandise.
2026 is anime's most stacked year ever. Your season-by-season guide to every major release, streaming options, and Japan-only perks.
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Where to find Sylvanian Families in Japan: the Tokyo Solamachi store, outlet shops, the life-size park in Osaka, Forest Kitchen dining, and craft workshops.
