Japan’s 2025 Festival Calendar
Spring Festivals (March–May)
- Hinamatsuri (March 3, Nationwide) – Celebration for young girls’ health and happiness.
- Omizutori (March 1-14, Nara) – Sacred water-drawing ceremony at Todaiji Temple.
- Takayama Spring Festival (April 14-15, Takayama) – Ornate floats and historical charm.
- Fuji Shibazakura Festival (April–May, near Lake Motosuko) – Stunning pink moss phlox flowers.
- Aoi Matsuri (May 15, Kyoto) – Imperial Heian-era parade.
- Kanda Matsuri (Mid-May, Tokyo) – Vibrant parades and mikoshi processions.
- Sanja Matsuri (May 16-18, Tokyo) – Asakusa’s biggest festival with parades and performances.
Summer Festivals (June–August)
- Gion Matsuri (July 1-31, Kyoto) – Grand yamaboko float processions.
- Tenjin Matsuri (July 24-25, Osaka) – River procession and fireworks.
- Sumida River Fireworks (Late July, Tokyo) – One of Japan’s largest fireworks displays.
- Nebuta Matsuri (August 2-7, Aomori) – Illuminated paper floats parade.
- Awa Odori (August 12-15, Tokushima) – Traditional bon odori dance.
- Obon (Mid-August, Nationwide) – Festival honoring ancestors, featuring lanterns and dances.
Autumn Festivals (September–November)
- Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri (September 14-15, Kishiwada) – Thrilling cart-pulling races.
- Nagasaki Kunchi (October 7-9, Nagasaki) – Vibrant performances celebrating cultural heritage.
- Jidai Matsuri (October 22, Kyoto) – Historical reenactment parade.
- Shichi-Go-San (November 15, Nationwide) – Festival for young children to celebrate their growth.
Winter Festivals (December–February)
- Chichibu Night Festival (December 2-3, Saitama) – Ornate floats and fireworks.
- Hatsumode (January 1-3, Nationwide) – First shrine visit of the New Year.
- Sapporo Snow Festival (February, Sapporo) – Massive snow and ice sculptures.
- Yokote Kamakura Festival (Mid-February, Akita) – Festival featuring snow houses illuminated at night.
*Dates and details may be subject to change. Always check official sources before planning your visit.