Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
The Nagano Binzuru Dance Festival draws over 10,000 participants in coordinated yukata processions through closed-off city streets in a fully participatory summer celebration.
2 Aug 2026Nagano · ChubuThe Summer Grand Festival honours Onominato Shrine's deities with Kanazawa's largest mikoshi procession, traditional dances, and rituals from the 1600s.
30 Jul – 2 Aug 2026Ishikawa · ChubuJapan's only seaside onsen fireworks display illuminates Wakura Port on the first Thursday of August during this 50-year tradition.
6 Aug 2026Ishikawa · ChubuA festival celebrating the legend of star-crossed lovers transforms the city with colorful bamboo displays, streamers, and a traditional parade.
1–8 Aug 2026Toyama · ChubuA summer festival on Sado Island blending the Tanabata star festival with the ceremonial opening of Ryotsu Port, featuring parades, folk dance, and a fireworks finale.
7–8 Aug 2026Niigata · ChubuThe Yamashiro Daidengaku Festival revives the ancient dengaku dance form rooted in Shintoism, through performances by local talents and renowned actors in period costumes.
8–9 Aug 2026Ishikawa · ChubuUozu's biggest summer event, the Jantokoi Uozu Festival brings UNESCO-listed Tatemon floats, folk dance, seaside fireworks, and jazz.
7–9 Aug 2026Toyama · ChubuA summer fireworks festival in the coastal town of Mikuni, Fukui, where hanabi are launched over the sea, alongside food stalls, festival games, and traditional performances.
11 Aug 2026Fukui · ChubuSunpu Castle Park hosts a lantern event where participants release LED lanterns into the night sky using helium and string, balancing safety with environmental responsibility.
14–15 Aug 2026Shizuoka · ChubuAn Obon evening lantern ceremony held on 16 August at Yakuoin Onsenji Temple in Yamashiro Onsen, where lanterns light the temple's wooded walking paths.
16 Aug 2026Ishikawa · ChubuA hands-on event at Hamamatsu Castle Park allowing visitors to launch flameless LED lanterns into the night sky above the castle grounds.
18 Jul – 19 Aug 2026Shizuoka · ChubuJapan's largest stationery festival brings together 42 brands and designers to showcase handcrafted pens, papers, and decorative tapes.
19–23 Aug 2026Niigata · ChubuOrnate 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 2026Ishikawa · ChubuThe 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 2026Yamanashi · 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 2026Ishikawa · ChubuA music festival at a high-altitude mountain terrace features two stages set against the backdrop of the Northern Japan Alps, hosting reggae, hip-hop, and DJ performances.
29–30 Aug 2026Nagano · 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 2026Niigata · ChubuAn 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 2026Ishikawa · Chubu
