日本DiscoverJapan

A bon odori festival in Tokyo, held at Tsukiji Honganji Temple, features traditional dancing and food stalls from the adjacent Tsukiji Outer Market.

A cosplay festival in Nagoya, the World Cosplay Summit hosts an international championship. Teams are judged on handmade costumes and stage performance, with events including a parade and photo sessions.

A festival in Hachinohe City, the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai features parades with large, mechanically expanding floats. The event also includes a rare form of traditional polo.

A fireworks festival in Tokyo, this annual event launches 14,000 fireworks over 75 minutes. It features eight themes and an opening of 1,000 fireworks in five seconds.

A fireworks festival in Tokyo, this event launches 13,000 shells over the Arakawa River. It features a large shell and a 700-meter “Niagara Falls” sparkler display.

A traditional summer festival featuring a procession of 80 massive, illuminated fan-shaped lanterns painted with warriors, accompanied by rhythmic taiko drums, flutes, and chanting.

The Hachioji Fireworks Festival is a community event in Fujimori Park launching 3,000-4,000 shells. The park’s stadium provides stands for close viewing of the display.

A summer festival in Aomori City, the Nebuta Matsuri features parades of large, illuminated floats depicting mythical figures, accompanied by haneto dancers.

A summer festival in Numata, Gunma, the event features large tengu-head mikoshi (portable shrines) carried by women.

A harvest festival in Akita, the Kanto Matsuri features performers balancing large, lantern-adorned bamboo poles on their bodies without using their hands.

A dance festival in Yamagata City, the Hanagasa Festival is a parade from August 5-7. Ten thousand participants dance using safflower-adorned straw hats.

A star festival in Sendai, held annually in August, features large bamboo decorations, fireworks, and traditional performances.