Events and Festivals in Japan

Sengakuji’s Ako Gishi Sai

Dec 14 / 11:00 AM 〜 3:00 PM

The story of the 47 ronin is one of Japan’s most celebrated and famous. While in English it…

December Setagaya Boroichi Market

Dec 15 〜 Dec 16

This market in the suburbs of Setagaya has its origins over 400 years ago when people began exchanging…

Hakone Ekiden

Jan 2, 2026 〜 Jan 3, 2026

Ekiden (駅伝) is the term for road relay in Japanese, the two kanji meaning “station” and “transmission” in…

Tokyo Auto Salon

Early 〜 Mid Jan 2026

The Tokyo Auto Salon is one of the biggest events in the car modification and tune-up world. Held…

Daikoku Matsuri

Mid Jan 2026

The association of Kanda Myojin with wealth and good fortune (it is after all home to two of…

New Year Tokyo Sumo Tournament

Jan 11, 2026 〜 Jan 25, 2026

Six major sumo tournaments (called honbasho) are held during the year—one on each odd month, each taking place…

January Setagaya Boroichi Market

Jan 15, 2026 〜 Jan 16, 2026

This market in the suburbs of Setagaya has its origins over 400 years ago when people began exchanging…

Dosojin Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival

Jan 15, 2026 / 6:00 PM 〜 11:30 PM

The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival (野沢温泉道祖神火祭り, Nozawa Onsen Dōsojin Hi-matsuri) is held on 15 January every year and…

Sapporo Snow Festival

Early Feb 2026

What started off in 1950 as community event to display six snow statues made by local high school…

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Feb 2026

Started by the Chinese community in Nagasaki to celebrate the Chinese New Year, this festival of lights has…

A calendar of all the major events and festivals in Japan. Wherever possible, the link to the event’s official website is provided and visitors are advised to confirm scheduling details on the official website before attending to ensure there have not been any last minute changes.