Events and Festivals in Japan

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Feb 2026

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

Some no Komichi

Late Feb 2026

Until the 1950s, many dying factories could be found along the river near Nakai Station in Shinjuku Ward…

CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show

Feb 26 〜 Mar 1

The CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show is Japan’s biggest photography event where the likes of Nikon, Canon,…

Kyoto Higashiyama Hanatoro

Early 〜 Mid Mar 2026

Hanatoro (花灯路, Hanatōro) is a 10-day long illumination that takes place in Kyoto’s Higashiyama in March and Arashiyama…

March Osaka Sumo Tournament

Mar 8 〜 Mar 22

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

Mount Takao Fire Walking Festival

Early Mar 2026

The Fire Walking Festival (火渡りまつり, hiwatari matsuri) is held near Takaosanguchi Station on the second Sunday of March…

Bunkyo Azalea Festival

Late Mar 〜 Late Apr 2026

One of the five flower festivals of Bunkyo Ward, this time Nezu Shrine takes the spotlight. The Azalea…

Kanamara Matsuri

Early Apr 2026

Kanamara Matsuri (otherwise known as the “Penis Festival” or “Festival of the Steel Phallus”) is an annual festival…

Hana Matsuri

Apr 8 / 10:00 AM 〜 3:00 PM

This event at Sensoji Temple celebrates the Buddha’s birthday on 8 April and is more formally called Bussho-e…

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Apr 〜 May 2026

From mid April through to the end of May 800,000 shibazakura flowers (pink moss or phlox moss) come…

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.