Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
By month: November 2026, December 2026, January 2027, February 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.
15 Nov 2026Rikuzentakata · IwateA German-style Christmas market in central Sendai, with wooden huts shipped from Germany, mulled wine, a tall Christmas tree and concerts on winter evenings.
4–25 Dec 2026Sendai · MiyagiAbout 480,000 LEDs light the 127 zelkova trees of Jozenji-dori in central Sendai each December, and several times a night the lights go out for a minute.
4–27 Dec 2026Sendai · MiyagiAn annual winter ritual in Sendai features the ceremonial burning of New Year decorations followed by a sacred pilgrimage procession in traditional attire.
14 Jan 2027Exact date not confirmed yetSendai · MiyagiThe final day of this week-long Buddhist observance at a UNESCO World Heritage temple features torchlit processions and prayers for good fortune.
14–20 Jan 2027Exact date not confirmed yetHiraizumi · IwateAn Edo-period festival in Kaminoyama where performers in bird-shaped straw costumes parade through town as spectators splash them with water for good fortune.
11 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetKaminoyama · YamagataThe Hirosaki Castle Yuki-Doro Festival fills the castle park with illuminated snow lanterns, dome-shaped kamakura huts and intricate sculptures.
6–11 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetHirosaki · AomoriMen of unlucky ages run through icy waters in this harsh February ritual that has cleansed misfortune since the devastating Edo-period Great Fire.
11 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetIchinoseki · IwateThe Namahage Sedo Festival recreates the winter tradition of demon-like Namahage visiting shrines and homes, known as one of Japan's three strangest festivals.
13–15 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetOga · AkitaA two-day winter festival in snowy Yonezawa transforming Matsugasaki Park into a landscape of 300 snow lanterns and 3,000 snow lamps lit by candlelight.
14–15 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetYonezawa · YamagataHistoric winter celebration over 800 years old marking the end of the cold season with traditional performances and prayers for a bountiful rice harvest.
17–20 Feb 2027Hachinohe · AomoriA Fukushima winter festival in which volunteer bearers carry Japan's largest straw sandal, 12 metres long and made in an Edo-period tradition, through the city.
21–22 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetFukushimaThe Zao Juhyo Festival in the Zao Mountains centres on the Snow Monsters, ice and snow formations that coat the trees, illuminated after dark.
27 Dec 2026 – 23 Feb 2027Exact date not confirmed yetYamagataA retro winter rail journey through Aomori's snowy landscape, where coal-burning stoves warm passengers as they share stories and grill dried squid.
1 Dec 2026 – 31 Mar 2027Goshogawara · AomoriA multi-day festival in Yonezawa that ends with a reenactment of the 1561 Battle of Kawanakajima between Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen.
29 Apr – 3 May 2027Yonezawa · YamagataCherry blossoms at Hirosaki Park, with illuminated trees, boat rides on the moat where the blossoms reflect in the water, and picnics under the branches.
23 Apr – 5 May 2027Exact date not confirmed yetHirosaki · AomoriA spring festival in Sendai honors feudal lord Date Masamune with ornate floats decorated with scenes from classic literature and theater over two days.
16–17 May 2027Exact date not confirmed yetSendai · MiyagiPremier half-marathon running event through Fukushima City's scenic neighborhoods and parks, featuring aid stations every 5 kilometers and spectator support.
17 May 2027Exact date not confirmed yetFukushima
