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 2024

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…

Kamakura Fireworks Festival

Mid Jul 2024

A smaller scale event with about 2,500 fireworks set off near Yuigahama Beach. But while it might lack…

Mitama Matsuri

Mid Jul 2024

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 14 〜 Jul 28

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 2024

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

Summer Wonder Festival

Late 〜 Late Jul 2024

Semi-annual exhibition of “garage kits” or resin models of anime, manga, and video game characters. The models—some made…

Chiyoda Lantern Floating Evening

Late 〜 Late Jul 2024

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

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.