CultureJapan Festivals Calendar 2026: Every Major Matsuri by Month
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Japan has festivals (祭り — matsuri) every month. Here's what's happening and when.
Japan has festivals (祭り — matsuri) every month. Here's what's happening and when.
January
| Festival | Location | What |
|---|
| Hatsumode | Nationwide | First shrine visit |
| Toshikoshi Soba | Nationwide | New Year's Eve noodles |
| Setsubun | Nationwide | Bean-throwing ceremony |
February
| Festival | Location | What |
|---|
| Sapporo Snow Festival | Sapporo | Ice sculptures |
| Naked Festival | Various | Men in loincloths |
| Daruma Market | Shorinzan | Doll market |
March
| Festival | Location | What |
|---|
| Hinamatsuri | Nationwide | Girls' Day |
| Hanami | Nationwide | Cherry blossom viewing |
| Sakura Matsuri | Tokyo | Cherry blossom festival |
April
| Festival | Location | What |
|---|
| Tokyo Rainbow Pride | Tokyo | LGBTQ+ pride |
| Takayama Spring | Takayama | Float festival |
| Miyako Odori | Kyoto | Geisha dance |
May
| Festival | Location | What |
|---|
| Golden Week | Nationwide | Holiday period |
| Sanja Matsuri | Tokyo | 100+ portable shrines |
| Aoi Matsuri | Kyoto | Ancient parade |
June
| Festival | Location | What |
|---|
| Sanno Matsuri | Tokyo | Portable shrine parade |
| Kanda Matsuri | Tokyo | Portable shrine parade |
July
| Festival | Location | What |
|---|
| Gion Matsuri | Kyoto | Largest festival |
| Tenjin Matsuri | Osaka | River procession |
| Sumida River Fireworks | Tokyo | 20,000 fireworks |
August
| Festival | Location | What |
|---|
| Nebuta Matsuri | Aomori | Giant illuminated floats |
| Kanto Matsuri | Akita | Balancing lantern poles |
| Yamagata Hanagasa | Yamagata | Flower hat dance |
| Awa Odori | Tokushima | Japan's largest dance |
September
| Festival | Location | What |
|---|
| Tsurugaoka Hachimangu | Kamakura | Horseback archery |
| Tokyo Jidai Matsuri | Tokyo | Historical parade |
October
| Festival | Location | What |
|---|
| Kurama Fire Festival | Kyoto | Massive fire display |
| Jidai Matsuri | Kyoto | Historical parade |
| Nagasaki Kunchi | Nagasaki | Dance festival |
November
| Festival | Location | What |
|---|
| Shichi-Go-San | Nationwide | Children's day |
| Karatsu Kunchi | Karatsu | Float festival |
December
| Festival | Location | What |
|---|
| Kobe Luminarie | Kobe | Memorial lights |
| Christmas illuminations | Nationwide | Light displays |
| Omisoka | Nationwide | New Year's Eve |
Tips
- Check dates annually — dates shift each year
- Book accommodation early — festivals are peak tourism
- Arrive early — for good viewing spots
- Bring cash — for food stalls and souvenirs
- Dress appropriately — festivals can be hot or cold
- Join in — many festivals welcome participation
- Be respectful — these are cultural events
- Have fun — that's what festivals are for
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