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.
A dance festival in Sapporo, the Yosakoi Soran is held annually in June. It features teams performing choreographed routines with wooden clappers to folk and modern music.
A religious festival in Kyoto, the Gion Matsuri occurs in July. It features two main parades with large traditional floats, along with evening street events called yoiyama.
A summer festival in Fukuoka where teams from seven districts race through city streets carrying one-ton floats. The event’s final timed race is held before dawn on July 15.
The Tanabata festival in Hiratsuka features large decorations, parades, and food stalls in its commercial district. The event attracts numerous visitors.
