Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival returns with a championship ice-carving competition and illuminated sculptures against the backdrop of the National Treasure and Northern Alps.
23–25 Jan 2027Nagano · ChubuAncient Noto folk ritual where children masquerading as demons parade through streets to symbolically drive away laziness and encourage diligent work.
3 Feb 2027Ishikawa · ChubuThe Utasu Jinja Shrine Setsubun Festival marks the seasonal transition through purification rituals and Mamemaki, the traditional ceremony of throwing roasted soybeans.
3 Feb 2027Ishikawa · ChubuThousands of handmade snowmen light up after dark, transforming two mountain towns into a glowing winter spectacle, while local food vendors offer regional specialties to visitors.
6 Feb 2027Ishikawa · ChubuAn ancient Shinto ritual held on February 10 features young men in white ceremonial clothing splitting bamboo stalks to symbolize strength and readiness.
10 Feb 2027Ishikawa · ChubuMatsumoto Castle features projection mapping with ukiyo-e imagery, traditional crafts, and seasonal scenes unfolding in three phases with interactive illuminations throughout the park.
13 Dec 2026 – 15 Feb 2027Nagano · ChubuA 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 2027Niigata · ChubuThe Tokai region's largest ramen festival features 30 restaurants showcasing regional bowls and specialty dishes from February onward.
3–23 Feb 2027Aichi · ChubuAn international festival brings together animators and creative professionals to showcase diverse animated works across screenings, competitions, and workshops.
20–25 Feb 2027Niigata · ChubuHistoric purification festival where nearly-naked men engage in a spirited struggle to touch the selected Naoi-nin, symbolizing the cleansing of misfortune.
1 Mar 2027Aichi · ChubuWinter fireworks light up the ski slopes of this snowy mountain town, offering a uniquely beautiful seasonal spectacle.
2 Mar 2027Niigata · ChubuAn evening celebration on the Rokuroshi Plateau in Fukui features LED sky lanterns against a backdrop of starry skies and fireworks.
7 Mar 2027Fukui · ChubuA 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 2027Niigata · ChubuThis festival celebrates Niigata's renowned sake heritage, offering over 500 types of sake, local cuisine, seminars, and stage performances.
7–8 Mar 2027Niigata · ChubuA Doll's Day celebration features hina doll displays at two venues, including a 20-step arrangement at a historic National Cultural Property and character dolls.
24 Jan – 8 Mar 2027Fukui · ChubuA spring procession of 22 sake barrel shrines celebrates the completion of new sake and prays for an abundant harvest of the five grains.
15 Mar 2027Gifu · ChubuA spring fertility rite centered on a symbolic wooden offering features portable shrine processions as communities pray for abundant harvests and prosperity of future generations.
15 Mar 2027Aichi · ChubuWinter fireworks displays held on ski slopes throughout the season, creating a unique nocturnal atmosphere distinct from traditional summer shows.
1 Jan – 21 Mar 2027Niigata · Chubu
