Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
A summer festival where 4,000 decorated goldfish lanterns cast a spellbinding glow over the town, alongside a spirited Goldfish Nebuta procession.
13 Aug 2027Yamaguchi · ChugokuA rare Yamaguchi ritual festival said to date back over 1,800 years, with seven nights of dances around the Oni-ishi stone, towering banners, and lantern-topped poles.
7–13 Aug 2027Yamaguchi · ChugokuJapan's most famous traditional dance festival, held annually in Tokushima City, where dancers form groups with distinctive choreography and costumes.
12–15 Aug 2027Tokushima · ShikokuOne of Tokyo's three greatest Shinto festivals, this mid-August celebration centers on water-splashing processions with portable shrines through the city.
15 Aug 2027Tokyo · KantoA traditional Bon dance performed on Shiraishi Island honours historical battle casualties through a unique ensemble format where multiple dances synchronize to a lead.
13–16 Aug 2027Okayama · ChugokuA summer festival transforms a town with illuminated green bamboo lanterns, folk performances, and fireworks over Takahata.
16 Aug 2027Yamagata · TohokuAn Okayama City summer festival inspired by the Momotaro folk tale, featuring demon-costumed Uraja dancing, parades, and fireworks across the city in August.
22–23 Aug 2027Okayama · ChugokuOrnate lacquered lanterns parade through Wajima's four districts, symbolizing the path for visiting deities, accompanied by taiko drums and portable shrine processions.
22–25 Aug 2027Ishikawa · ChubuA festival with over 260 years of history, where 20 ornate floats themed on historical tales, legends, and kabuki parade through the streets with traditional music.
24–26 Aug 2027Yamagata · TohokuThe Yoshida Fire Festival marks the end of the Mount Fuji climbing season on 26–27 August, with some 80 giant torches set ablaze along the streets of Kamiyoshida.
26–27 Aug 2027Yamanashi · ChubuA festival centred on a giant papier-mache fish, or guzu, paraded through the streets, danced with, and finally burned at Fuhashi Shrine, rooted in local legend.
29–30 Aug 2027Ishikawa · ChubuA summer festival in the port town of Ogi on Sado Island, with traditional dances, portable shrines, and a fireworks display rooted in prayers for maritime safety.
29–30 Aug 2027Niigata · ChubuA pottery village celebration in mid-July features handcrafted wind bells and illuminated lanterns that create a summer atmosphere.
15 Jun – 31 Aug 2027Saga · KyushuAn autumn festival at Yamashiro Onsen features a parade with a large lion and traditional Urayasu Dance of gratitude performed at Hatori Shrine for the harvest.
1 Sep 2027Ishikawa · ChubuThis traditional harvest festival features processions of lantern-lit dancers in matching happi coats moving through Yatsuo to shamisen and kokyū music for three September days.
1–3 Sep 2027Toyama · ChubuA three-day festival in Towada, Aomori, begun as a prayer for the harvest, with floats and drum carts drawn through the streets and lit at night.
4–6 Sep 2027Aomori · TohokuA traditional autumn festival with 400 years of history, held in September in Kakunodate, featuring large wooden floats decorated with samurai warrior dolls.
7–9 Sep 2027Akita · TohokuThe 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 2027Niigata · Chubu
