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日本旅行 · Trip prep

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🏮About Japanese festivals (matsuri)
Matsuri began as rites asking local deities for good harvests and wellbeing. People parade portable shrines (mikoshi) or giant floats through the streets, and yatai food stalls line the roads. Each season has its own character, making festivals a good guide for when to travel.
Winter · SpringSnow and ice sculptures, and picnics under the cherry blossoms, are the highlights.
SummerTwo of Japan's three great festivals (Gion and Tenjin) are held in July, followed by fireworks and dance festivals.
Autumn · WinterHistorical processions, autumn leaves and illuminations fill the cities.
💡Handy tips
  1. During major festivals, lodging fills up months in advance. Book as soon as your dates are set.
  2. Many people wear yukata (light kimono) at summer festivals. It's fun to rent one and try it on.
  3. Traffic is restricted along procession routes and it gets very crowded. Use a station one or two stops away instead of the nearest one.
  4. Many yatai accept cash only, so carry coins and ¥1,000 bills.
Choose an area below to go to its Festivals info.
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Festivals · Seasonal events

Pick your travel month to see events across Japan.

Nov · Peak autumn leaves. Kyoto temples hold evening illuminations.
Mid-Nov – Early Dec · Kyoto

Kyoto Autumn Leaves Season

Special autumn openings and night illuminations at temples such as Tofuku-ji, Eikando and Kiyomizu-dera.

November, on Rooster days (tori no hi) · Tokyo

Tori-no-Ichi

A fair selling decorated bamboo rakes (kumade) that 'rake in' good fortune. Otori Shrine in Asakusa is the best known.

Nov 3 · Tokyo

Tokyo Jidai Matsuri

A procession of people dressed as figures from Tokyo's history, including the Edo period, walks through Asakusa.

Mid-Nov – Dec 25 · Fukuoka

Hakata Christmas Market

A German-style Christmas market in the plaza in front of Hakata Station.