Japan has an ancient and vibrant history that shines through in their summer festivals, from Gion Matsuri in Kyoto to more local festivals in Tokushima or Okinawa. There’s sure to be something for everyone here.
Visit Japan’s Yaeyama Islands for an unforgettable adventure. These remote group of islands boast beautiful beaches and lush rainforests – plus friendly locals who welcome visitors.
Gion Matsuri
Gion Matsuri is one of Japan’s premier festivals, held each July in Kyoto. The Gion Matsuri features elaborate floats made from wood and paper decorated with intricate carvings and paintings as well as traditional dance performances by groups known as Ren. Dancing ren are also present and perform dances accompanied by Japanese traditional music for this unique cultural experience that allows people to come together while celebrating their culture.
How to get to: Osaka International (Itami) Airport is the closest one to Kyoto. You can rent a car and drive to Kyoto or take a bus from the airport to downtown Kyoto which takes approximately 1 hour.
Address: Various locations across central Kyoto.
Dates: July 1-31 (Yamaboko Junko parades on July 17 and 24)
Nebuta Matsuri
Nebuta Matsuri is an annual festival held in Aomori, Japan that showcases beautiful lantern floats paraded down the streets decorated with lanterns and sculptures that reach up to 30 feet high. People come together and celebrate their culture while dancing along to traditional music as they enjoy this unforgettable event.
How to get to: Aomori Airport is the closest one to Aomori. You can rent a car and drive to Aomori or take a bus from the airport to downtown Aomori which takes approximately 1 hour.
Address: Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture
Dates: August 2-7
Tenjin matsuri
Tenjin Matsuri is an annual festival held in Osaka, Japan that features a river parade with fireworks on the Dotombori River. Boats decorated with festive lanterns add to its magical ambience as people celebrate culture together at this celebration of traditions.
How to get to: Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the closest one to Osaka. You can rent a car and drive to Osaka or take a train from the airport to Osaka Station which takes approximately 30 minutes.
Address: Dotombori River, Osaka
Dates: July 24-25
Awa Odori
Held each August in Tokushima, Awa Odori is an annual festival featuring traditional Japanese music and dancing. Awa Odori refers to an energetic form of dancing known as Awa Odori that blends Western with traditional Japanese tunes – providing an incredible way to celebrate culture while unifying people together! It offers the perfect way to honor our culture while making new friendships.
How to get to: Tokushima Airport is the closest one to Tokushima. You can rent a car and drive to Tokushima or take a train from the airport to Tokushima Station which takes approximately 10 minutes.
Address: Various locations across Tokushima City
Dates: August 12-15
Tanabata Matsuri
Celebrated annually across Japan, this festival occurs in July or August to honor the meeting between Orihime & Hikoboshi stars; Orihime being known as Hikoboshi the cowherd’s star – with legend having it that their meeting takes place only once every seven lunar calendar months on July 7th day 7th lunar calendar month 7. Tanabata matsuri provides people an opportunity to honor hope, love, romance and enjoy romantic experiences at this memorable festival!
How to get to: Sendai Airport is the closest one to Sendai. You can rent a car and drive to Sendai or take a train from the airport to Sendai Station which takes approximately 20 minutes.
Address: Ichibancho and Chuo shopping arcades, Sendai
Dates: July 7-8
Sanno Matsur
Sanno Matsuri, held annually in Tokyo, features a parade of floats decorated with traditional Japanese themes and accompanied by Japanese traditional music. It serves as an opportunity to honor culture while bringing people together and creating memories.
How to get to: Haneda Airport is the closest one to Tokyo. You can rent a car and drive to Tokyo or take a train from the airport to Tokyo Station which takes approximately 30 minutes.
Address: Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Dates: July 14-15
Japan offers something for everyone; so why wait – make plans now to visit!