Festivals, exhibitions, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings across all nine regions.
A retro-themed railway journey through autumn scenery is accompanied by the gentle sounds of bell crickets resonating through the carriages.
1 Sep – 15 Oct 2026Aomori · TohokuSendai's market recreates the atmosphere of a traditional German Christmas celebration with wooden chalets, imported goods, and a central illuminated Christmas tree.
5–25 Dec 2026Miyagi · TohokuSendai's Pageant of Starlight creates a dazzling winter display with millions of LED lights synchronized to music along city streets, one of Japan's celebrated illuminations.
5–28 Dec 2026Miyagi · TohokuAn annual winter ritual in Sendai features the ceremonial burning of New Year decorations followed by a sacred pilgrimage procession in traditional attire.
14 Jan 2027Miyagi · TohokuThe 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 2027Iwate · TohokuThis Edo-period Kasedori Festival features performers in bird-shaped straw costumes paraded through Kaminoyama while spectators splash water on them for good fortune.
11 Feb 2027Yamagata · TohokuThe Hirosaki Castle Yuki-Doro Festival transforms the castle park into a winter wonderland with illuminated snow lanterns, dome-shaped kamakura huts, and intricate sculptures.
6–11 Feb 2027Aomori · TohokuMen 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 2027Iwate · TohokuA renowned winter festival recreates the Namahage tradition where demon-like figures visit shrines and homes, recognized as one of Japan's three strangest festivals.
13–15 Feb 2027Akita · TohokuA 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 2027Yamagata · TohokuHistoric 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 2027Aomori · TohokuThis Fukushima winter festival features Japan's largest straw sandal, a 12-metre marvel crafted in an Edo-period tradition and carried by volunteer bearers through the city.
21–22 Feb 2027Fukushima · TohokuThe Zao Juhyo Festival showcases Snow Monsters, ethereal ice and snow formations that coat trees in the Zao Mountains, illuminated after dark to create a surreal winter landscape.
27 Dec 2026 – 23 Feb 2027Yamagata · TohokuA 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 2027Aomori · TohokuThe Yonezawa Uesugi Matsuri features a multi-day celebration culminating in a reenactment of the 1561 Battle of Kawanakajima between Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen.
29 Apr – 3 May 2027Yamagata · TohokuHirosaki Park celebrates cherry blossoms with illuminated trees, boat rides across the moat to view reflections on water, and picnicking beneath the flowering branches.
23 Apr – 5 May 2027Aomori · TohokuA 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 2027Miyagi · TohokuPremier half-marathon running event through Fukushima City's scenic neighborhoods and parks, featuring aid stations every 5 kilometers and spectator support.
17 May 2027Fukushima · Tohoku
