A Shinto festival in Tokyo, the Kanda Matsuri is held in mid-May. The main celebration occurs in odd-numbered years and includes a large procession and portable shrines visiting the shrine.
This annual Kyoto festival, held on May 15, features a procession of over 500 people in Heian Period costumes traveling from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines.
A Shinto festival in Tokyo, the Sanja Matsuri is held in May at Asakusa Shrine, featuring parades where participants carry large portable shrines through the streets.
A spring festival celebrating Sendai’s feudal history with thousands performing the fan-wielding sparrow dance alongside a grand procession of yamahoko floats and armored samurai.
The Spring Grand Festival in Nikko is a two-day event. It features horseback archery and a large procession of participants in historical samurai armor re-enacting a funeral procession.
An annual festival in Kobe held in May, the Kobe Matsuri features a large main parade with samba teams, along with markets and live stage performances.
A Tokyo dance parade, this festival features 2,500 performers in a synchronized procession through Shibuya each May to celebrate Kagoshima culture with traditional folk dances.
A port festival in Yokohama, this June event features maritime activities, live performances, and a finale with lasers and fireworks to commemorate the port’s opening.
An annual festival in Kanazawa, the Hyakumangoku Matsuri commemorates a lord’s castle entry. It features a historical parade, lantern floating, and traditional tea ceremonies in early June.
A shrine festival in Asakusabashi, Torigoe Matsuri features a procession with a four-ton portable shrine. The main event is its lantern-lit ceremonial return to the shrine at night.
The Sanno Festival in Tokyo is a biennial event centered at Hie Shrine. Its main feature is a long procession with costumes, floats, and portable shrines.
