Events in Japan

Your Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Events

Japan’s attractions extend far beyond its serene temples and beautiful natural landscapes. One of the best reasons to visit is to experience its diverse range of events, from traditional Japanese festivals steeped in history and unique Shinto rituals to pop culture celebrations and massive rock festivals. The seasonal events are also spectacular: stroll under delicate cherry blossoms in spring, be moved by the boom and beauty of summer fireworks, gaze at crimson leaves in autumn, and be captivated by intricate snow and ice sculptures at a winter snow festival. This guide is your key to unlocking these unforgettable experiences. Keep it handy to find the perfect event that will transform your trip to Japan into a truly special memory.

Major Annual Events in Japan

Japan is home to thousands of festivals, but these three stand out for their immense scale, popularity, and cultural significance.

Sanja Festival

This is a powerful festival centered around Asakusa Shrine (pictured above), where about 100 mikoshi (portable shrines) are paraded through the streets. You’ll be captivated by the intense energy and wild performance of the participants, and the lively atmosphere welcomes tourists to join in the celebration.

Gion Matsuri

One of Japan’s most famous festivals with over a thousand years of history. The magnificent “Yamaboko Junko” parade (picture above), often described as a “moving museum,” is a spectacular sight. Gion Matsuri is a culturally rich event where you can feel the tradition and formality of the ancient capital, Kyoto, along with the passion of the local community.

Chichibu Night Festival

A festival with a long history, registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The procession of ornate floats (Kasaboko and Yatai) is breathtakingly dynamic, but the intricate details on each float are also worth admiring. Don’t miss the fireworks show that lights up the winter night sky.

Seasonal Events in Japan 

One of Japan’s greatest charms is its distinct four seasons. For travelers searching for spring events in March or the best summer festivals, this seasonal guide is for you. Here are our top event picks that perfectly capture the unique beauty of each season.

Spring 

• Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival: Popular as one of Japan’s most scenic spring spots, featuring the beautiful collaboration of cherry blossoms with the historic Hirosaki Castle and Mt. Iwaki.

• “The Great Wisteria Festival” (Ashikaga Flower Park): Be mesmerized by the magical scenery created by a 160-year-old great wisteria trellis and a stunning tunnel of white wisteria.

Summer 

• Aomori Nebuta Festival: As one of the most spectacular festivals happening in August in Japan, the Aomori Nebuta Festival is a dynamic event where colossal, vibrant warrior-figure lanterns (Nebuta) parade through the city.

• Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival: An awe-inspiring spectacle of about 20,000 fireworks launched against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers like Tokyo Skytree.

• Fuji Rock Festival: Japan’s largest outdoor music festival, where you can immerse yourself in the music of famous artists from Japan and abroad in a lush natural setting.

Autumn 

• Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival: Enjoy two of Japan's most iconic sights at once: the majestic Mt. Fuji and vibrant autumn leaves.

• Jidai Matsuri: One of the most important festivals in Japan in October. It’s a must-see procession of 2,000 people recreating historical figures and Japanese culture from the Heian to the Meiji periods.

Winter 

• Sapporo Snow Festival: One of the world’s top three snow festivals, featuring breathtakingly intricate snow and ice sculptures across multiple venues.

• “Kingdom of Lights” (Huis Ten Bosch Resort): The world’s largest display of 13 million lights envelops a park that perfectly recreates a historic Dutch town.

• Yokote Snow Festival: Experience sitting inside a kamakura (snow hut), and enjoy the memorable sight of countless miniature kamakura lit by candles.

Niche or Themed Events

Japan’s event scene is not only ancient rituals and temple festivals. All year you will find themed gatherings for specific passions, from ramen showdowns and indie art fairs to the world’s biggest fan conventions. Below are three crowd favorites with quick planning tips.

Tokyo Ramen Festival: A large outdoor tasting event where top ramen shops from across Japan set up stalls so you can sample regional styles in one place. Expect rotating lineups across multiple days, with tickets or meal tokens purchased on site. Go early or on weekdays to avoid the longest queues, and bring small bills or a transit card for quick payment. Venues vary by year, often large parks, so check the official site for the current location and dates. Dress for the weather, as most seating is open air.

Comic Market Comiket: Japan’s legendary self published manga and pop culture fair, held twice a year in Tokyo. Thousands of creators sell doujinshi, fan art, and merchandise. Many attendees cosplay, and lines can be long. Arrive early, bring cash, and study the floor map beforehand to prioritize circles you want to visit, since stock often sells out. Bag checks and basic etiquette apply, and you should ask before photographing cosplayers. It is intense but unforgettable for anime, manga, and game fans.

Grand Sumo Tournament: Watching sumo live is a uniquely Japanese experience, with ceremonial ring entrances, salt throws, and explosive bouts that often last only seconds. Official tournaments run six times a year around Japan. Tokyo events are typically in January, May, and September at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Tickets range from arena seats to traditional box seats, and advance purchase is recommended since weekend sessions sell out. Arrive early to see lower division matches, explore the sumo museum, and try chanko nabe in nearby restaurants.

How to Plan Your Trip To Japan Events 

A little advance planning can make your experience at Japan’s events much smoother and more enjoyable. Here are our top tips to help you get the most out of your visit.

• Book accommodation early. Lock in rooms 4 to 8 weeks ahead for major festivals and 8 to 12 weeks for peak seasons such as cherry blossom, Golden Week, and autumn leaves. 

• Use local transport for city events; consider a JR Pass for intercity travel. Within cities, get an IC card such as Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA for tap and go access on subways, buses, and most trains, so you skip ticket lines. For multiple cities, a JR Pass or Regional Pass can pay off if you plan two or more long Shinkansen rides in a seven-day window. Reserve seats for busy days, and check timetables in the official JR apps.

• Stay connected with Pocket WiFi. Pick up at the airport, connect several devices, and rely on stable speeds for maps, translations, e tickets, and last minute updates. Battery life usually covers a full day, but bring a power bank. Return is simple via a prepaid mailer or an airport counter.

FAQs About Events in Japan

Have more questions? Here are some frequently asked questions about attending events in Japan.

Q: What are some events in Japan?

A: Japan boasts an incredible variety of events year-round. You'll find everything from ancient religious festivals like Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri to modern pop culture gatherings like Comic Market, seasonal celebrations like cherry blossom viewing, and massive music festivals.

Q: What are the major events in Japan?

A: Some of Japan’s most significant annual events include Tokyo’s energetic Sanja Matsuri, Kyoto’s historic Gion Matsuri, and the stunning Chichibu Night Festival. These are known for their grand scale and deep cultural roots, attracting massive crowds each year.

Q: What is the most famous event in Japan?

A: While it’s difficult to name just one, Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri is arguably one of the most famous, with a history spanning over a thousand years. Internationally, the Sapporo Snow Festival is also extremely well-known for its magnificent snow and ice sculptures.

Q: Can foreigners participate in Japanese festivals?

A: Absolutely! While some roles, like carrying a mikoshi (portable shrine), are often reserved for locals, many festivals welcome visitor participation. 

Q: Are most festivals in Japan free to attend?

A: Yes, the vast majority of traditional street festivals are free to attend and watch. However, some larger events may offer paid reserved seating for better views. Specific exhibitions, concerts, or entry into temple grounds may also require an admission fee.