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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.

Apr · Peak cherry blossoms on the mainland. Watch out for Golden Week crowds (late April–early May).
End of Mar – Early Apr · Tokyo

Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Viewing

Tokyo's spring ritual of spreading picnic mats under rows of cherry trees.

Late Mar – Early Apr · Tokyo

Meguro River Cherry Blossoms

A tunnel of cherry blossoms along the river, lit by lanterns at night.

All of April · Kyoto

Miyako Odori

A spring dance performance by the geiko and maiko of Gion.

First Saturday and Sunday of April · Inuyama

Inuyama Festival

A UNESCO intangible heritage festival where 13 three-story floats roll beneath the cherry blossoms; at night they glow with 365 lanterns.

Apr 14–15 · Takayama

Spring Takayama Festival

Counted among Japan's three most beautiful festivals, with ornate floats and karakuri puppet shows.