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The First-Timer's Japan Guide16-page PDF, in your welcome email.

The First-Timer's Japan Guide

Guides, places, and what's on across Japan, written at street level.

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Festival

Dontosai Festival

An 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 · Tohoku

Festival

Nozawa Onsen Dōsojin Festival

Dōsojin, a folk deity protecting travelers and villages, is honored through this traditional festival featuring ceremonial fire and ritual.

15 Jan 2027Nagano · Chubu

Festival

New Year’s Bonfire (Sagicho-shinji)

The Sagicho-shinji ritual burns New Year's decorations on January 15 at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū shrine in a purifying fire believed to cleanse impurities and bring a bountiful harvest.

Festival

Dontosai Festival

An 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 · Tohoku

Festival

Nozawa Onsen Dōsojin Festival

Dōsojin, a folk deity protecting travelers and villages, is honored through this traditional festival featuring ceremonial fire and ritual.

15 Jan 2027Nagano · Chubu

Festival

New Year’s Bonfire (Sagicho-shinji)

The Sagicho-shinji ritual burns New Year's decorations on January 15 at Tsurugaoka Hachimangū shrine in a purifying fire believed to cleanse impurities and bring a bountiful harvest.

15 Jan 2027

Kanagawa · Kanto

Festival

Oiso Sagicho Festival

A National Important Folk Cultural Property, this Little New Year fire ritual purifies homes and communities through burning traditional new-year decorations.

17 Jan 2027Kanagawa · Kanto

Festival

Echizen Ono Hina Festival

A 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 · Chubu

Festival

Fire Festival at Cape Shionomisaki

At Cape Shionomisaki, a practical piece of land management becomes a spectacular celebration as flaming arrows set the grasslands ablaze each winter.

30 Jan 2027Wakayama · Kansai

Festival

Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

An ice festival at Lake Shikotsu showcases sculptures created from sprayed water, complemented by performances, fireworks, and nearby hot springs.

31 Jan – 23 Feb 2027Hokkaido · Hokkaido

Festival

Setsubun Armor Festival

In February, this festival features a grand procession of 200 costumed samurai in traditional armor proceeding to Bannaji Temple for a traditional purification ceremony.

31 Jan 2027Tochigi · Kanto

Festival

Katsuura Big Hina Matsuri

Every spring the town of Katsuura in Chiba sets out 10,000 hina dolls down shrine staircases, under temple gates, and through the shops and streets between.

1 Feb – 3 Mar 2027Chiba · Kanto

Festival

Amamehagi

Ancient Noto folk ritual where children masquerading as demons parade through streets to symbolically drive away laziness and encourage diligent work.

3 Feb 2027Ishikawa · Chubu

Festival

Utasu Jinja Shrine Setsubun Festival

The Utasu Jinja Shrine Setsubun Festival marks the seasonal transition through purification rituals and Mamemaki, the traditional ceremony of throwing roasted soybeans.

3 Feb 2027Ishikawa · Chubu

Festival

The 77th Sapporo Snow Festival

Snow and ice sculptures crafted by the Japan Self-Defense Force and local artists fill three Sapporo sites for Japan's most celebrated winter festival.

4–11 Feb 2027Hokkaido · Hokkaido

Festival

Yamaga Lantern Hyakka Hyakusai

This handmade winter festival transforms harvested bamboo into intricate lanterns that celebrate Yamaga's heritage as a traditional umbrella-producing town.

6–28 Feb 2027Kumamoto · Kyushu

Festival

Chofu Cinema Festival 2027

A festival celebrating Chofu's cinematic heritage since 1933 connects audiences with the city's continued cluster of film and media companies.

6 Feb – 1 Mar 2027Tokyo · Kanto

Festival

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

The festival illuminates Nagasaki's streets with around 15,000 Chinese lanterns, some reaching 10 metres, celebrating Lunar New Year traditions.

6–23 Feb 2027Nagasaki · Kyushu

Festival

Hirosaki Castle Yuki-Doro Festival

The 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 · Tohoku

Festival

Snowman Festival

Thousands 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 · Chubu

Festival

Takewari Festival (Gogan Shinji)

An 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 · Chubu