Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
A light display each autumn at the former Sasagawa residence near Niigata, with projections on an Edo-period house, a lit garden and works by local students.
26 Sep – 18 Oct 2026NiigataThis festival transforms rice straw into massive sculptures created through collaboration between university students and local residents in Niigata.
29 Aug – 31 Oct 2026NiigataA winter festival celebrates Edo-period scholar Bokushi Suzuki and the region's textile traditions with a 108-lantern Goma fire ceremony by mountain ascetics.
21 Feb 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedMinamiuonuma · NiigataAn international festival brings together animators and creative professionals to showcase diverse animated works across screenings, competitions, and workshops.
20–25 Feb 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedNiigataWinter fireworks light up the ski slopes of this snowy mountain town, offering a uniquely beautiful seasonal spectacle.
2 Mar 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedYuzawa · NiigataA 1,200-year-old midwinter festival features bare-chested men competing to ascend to the temple and offer prayers to the protective deity Bishamonten.
7 Mar 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedMinamiuonuma · NiigataThis festival celebrates Niigata's renowned sake heritage, offering over 500 types of sake, local cuisine, seminars, and stage performances.
7–8 Mar 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedNiigataWinter fireworks displays held on ski slopes throughout the season, creating a unique nocturnal atmosphere distinct from traditional summer shows.
1 Jan – 21 Mar 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedYuzawa · NiigataSpring's arrival is celebrated with delicate alpine flowers that bloom as snow melts across multiple scenic sites in the Echigo region.
7 Mar – 12 Apr 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedNagaoka · NiigataA spring parade in Niigata features courtesans in Edo-period dress and 70 followers moving gracefully among blooming cherry blossom trees.
12 Apr 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedTsubame · NiigataSagiryu Kyogen, a rare traditional comic theatre form from only three locations in Japan, is performed during this festival eve by preservation groups and local students.
14 Apr 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedSado · NiigataSeven portable shrines and demon-drum performances highlight this Sado festival, jointly conducted by six local communities as part of traditions spanning over 800 years.
12–14 Apr 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedSado · NiigataA two-day marathon event on Sado Island showcases the landscape and natural heritage of this habitat for the rare Japanese crested ibis.
25–26 Apr 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedSado · NiigataHakusan Shrine and Hakusan Park showcase cherry blossoms in spring, with peak bloom typically occurring in mid-April.
15–30 Apr 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedNiigataAnnual shrine festival featuring traditional performing arts, portable shrine processions, and demonstrations of ancient Minato kiyari songs.
5 May 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedSado · NiigataTracing its roots to an Edo-period crop dispute, this kite battle showcases traditional craftsmanship as teams compete with specially designed flying kites.
5–9 Jun 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedNiigataSwimmers choose from four distance options ranging from 500 meters to five kilometers in this open-water competition held in Mano Bay.
12 Jul 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedSado · NiigataJapan's largest outdoor music festival takes place annually at a mountain ski resort, featuring over 200 Japanese and international artists across multiple stages.
24–26 Jul 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedYuzawa · Niigata
