Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
The autumn festival of Asahara Shrine at Ojiya in Niigata, where the fireworks are offerings and include the four-shaku shell, said to be the world's largest.
11–12 Sep 2026Niigata · ChubuThis autumn festival's signature Hanabi-llusion concept synchronizes fireworks with movie soundtracks to celebrate Chofu's identity as Tokyo's historic film center.
12 Sep 2026Tokyo · KantoAinokura village light-up events transform the historic gassho-style settlement with seasonal illuminations, each named after natural phenomena throughout the year.
12–13 Sep 2026Toyama · ChubuAn interactive volleyball experience where visitors participate in jumping and spiking activities on a full-scale court, guided by anime characters throughout.
7 Aug – 13 Sep 2026Tokyo · KantoThe flagship Spice and Wolf 20th anniversary show in Tokyo, with the series' biggest-ever illustration display and new spring and summer artwork.
9–13 Sep 2026Tokyo · KantoSpecial exhibition at Fukuoka City Museum featuring around 100 carefully selected Edo-period ghost and yokai paintings exploring their cultural significance.
19 Jul – 13 Sep 2026Fukuoka · KyushuA summer festival lights up an aquarium with 30+ jellyfish-shaped lanterns, interactive zones, and water-based fortune-telling games.
11 Jul – 13 Sep 2026Osaka · KansaiThis centuries-old festival features over 100 mikoshi shrines and floats, with the Shishi-Odori deer dance and sacred Kagura-Gongenmai performance.
11–13 Sep 2026Iwate · TohokuThe Fate/Grand Order exhibition -stargazer- runs at Mori Arts Center Gallery from 17 July to 14 September, with a tie-in cafe on the same floor.
17 Jul – 14 Sep 2026Tokyo · KantoOne of Iwate's most enduring celebrations, this autumn festival originated as prayers for harvest, now featuring ornate floats and traditional parades.
14–16 Sep 2026Iwate · TohokuNanao's festival honors samurai heritage through a dramatic parade of locals dressed in full armor and helmets, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances.
20 Sep 2026Ishikawa · ChubuThe Johana Mugiya Festival celebrates Mugiya-bushi, a historic folk song and dance rooted in Gokayama's rural heritage, with costumed dancers and traditional instruments.
20 Sep 2026Toyama · ChubuPremier manga and anime fair in western Japan attracting 40,000 visitors annually to explore exclusive announcements, live performances, and merchandise.
19–20 Sep 2026Kyoto · KansaiOne of Japan's most dynamic float festivals with a 300-year history, known for its signature yarimawashi maneuver where massive floats are swung around corners.
18–20 Sep 2026Osaka · KansaiNagano's largest anime song festival celebrates the genre through live performances by voice actors and musicians, alongside regional food and cultural showcases.
19–20 Sep 2026Nagano · ChubuThis over 650-year-old festival in a northern mountain town expresses gratitude for the harvest while praying for protection from disaster and the arrival of good fortune.
17–20 Sep 2026Iwate · TohokuTakaoka Craft Ichibamachi celebrates the city's copperware and lacquerware heritage across preserved townscapes with exhibitions, markets, and craftspeople workshops.
18–20 Sep 2026Toyama · ChubuTokyo Game Show 2026 goes five days for its 30th anniversary. Full guide to dates, ticket prices, confirmed games, cosplay rules and how to survive Makuhari.
19–21 Sep 2026Chiba · Kanto
