Events and Festivals in Japan

Kyoto Gion Festival

Jul 1 〜 Jul 31

Kyoto’s Gion Festival (京都祇園祭, Kyoto Gion Matsuri) is the city’s biggest festival and one of the most famous…

Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri

Early Jul 2025

Tanabata (七夕) has origins in a Chinese festival of old and is celebrated not just in Japan, but…

Asakusa Hozuki Ichi

Jul 9 〜 Jul 10

The Hozuki Ichi (ほおずき市, hōzuki-ichi) is a summer tradition that has been held since the Edo period on…

Mitama Matsuri

Mid Jul 2025

One of Tokyo’s most popular summer festivals, Mitama Matsuri (みたままつり) at Yasukuni Shrine has been held every year…

July Nagoya Sumo Tournament

Jul 13 〜 Jul 27

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

Nachi Fire Festival

Jul 14 / 10:00 AM 〜 5:00 PM

Nachi Fire Festival (那智の扇祭り, Nachi no Ogi Matsuri) or “Nachi Fan Festival” is one of three major fire…

Kagurazaka Matsuri

Mid 〜 Late Jul 2025

The Kagurazaka Matsuri lasts four days: two days for the Hozuki Market and two days for the Kagurazaka…

Chiyoda Lantern Floating Evening

Mid Jul 2025

About 600 lanterns are released into the water of Chidorigafuchi for this evening event. You can watch from…

Tenjin Matsuri

Jul 24 〜 Jul 25

Reputedly one of Japan’s top three festivals, Tenjin Festival (天神祭) is held on 24 and 25 July every…

Koganei Awaodori Festival

Late Jul 2025

The true Awa Dance Festival is Shikoku is Japan’s biggest dance festival, attracting well over one million visitors…

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.