Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
By month: October 2026, November 2026, December 2026, January 2027
Footraces run in inflatable T-rex costumes, held in parks, on beaches and at local festivals across Japan since 2022, with adult and juvenile classes.
8 Nov 2026Ueda · NaganoDosojin, a folk deity protecting travelers and villages, is honored through this traditional festival featuring ceremonial fire and ritual.
15 Jan 2027Exact date not confirmed yetNozawaonsen · NaganoMatsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival: a championship ice-carving contest and illuminated sculptures set against the National Treasure and the Northern Alps.
23–25 Jan 2027Exact date not confirmed yetMatsumoto · NaganoProjection mapping at Matsumoto Castle with ukiyo-e imagery, traditional crafts and seasonal scenes in three phases, plus interactive illuminations in the park.
13 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetMatsumoto · NaganoThe Nagano Gion Festival celebrates Susanoo-no-Mikoto, deity of storms and protection, with mikoshi processions at Yasaka Shrine near historic Zenkoji temple.
6 Jun 2027Exact date not confirmed yetNaganoThe Nagano Binzuru Dance Festival draws over 10,000 participants in yukata processions through closed-off city streets in a fully participatory summer festival.
2 Aug 2027Exact date not confirmed yetNaganoA music festival on a high mountain terrace with two stages against the Northern Japan Alps, hosting reggae, hip-hop and DJ performances.
29–30 Aug 2027Exact date not confirmed yetHakuba · NaganoA summer classical music festival in Matsumoto founded by Seiji Ozawa, centred on the international Saito Kinen Orchestra, with a focus on music education.
15 Aug – 2 Sep 2027Matsumoto · NaganoNagano's largest anime song festival, with live performances by voice actors and musicians alongside regional food and cultural showcases.
19–20 Sep 2027Exact date not confirmed yetSaku · NaganoAn autumn parade brings the Warring States period to life with over 250 participants in samurai and historical costumes, honoring the Sanada clan.
10–11 Oct 2027Exact date not confirmed yetNagano
