Traditional Culture

Japanese Traditional Festival Calendar

A seasonal guide to well-known Japanese matsuri. Dates can vary by year, so always confirm the latest schedules before traveling.

Festival Visuals

Illustration of colorful koi fish in a Japanese pond

Koi Garden

Peaceful water gardens before shrine events

Illustration of glowing lanterns during a Japanese night festival

Lantern Night

Summer matsuri atmosphere after sunset

Illustration of shrine torii gate festival path in Japan

Shrine Route

Torii paths and spring celebrations

Calendar View

January

Shogatsu (New Year)

Hatsumode shrine visits and New Year traditions.

Jan 1-3

Nationwide

Toka Ebisu

Business prosperity prayers and lucky bamboo charms.

Jan 9-11

Kansai

February

Setsubun

Bean-throwing ritual to invite luck and remove bad fortune.

Early Feb

Nationwide

Sapporo Snow Festival

Large snow sculptures and winter culture celebration.

Early Feb

Hokkaido

March

Hina Matsuri

Girls' Day doll displays and family blessings.

Mar 3

Nationwide

April

Takayama Spring Festival

Historic floats and karakuri puppet performances.

Apr 14-15

Gifu

Miyako Odori

Seasonal dance performances by geiko and maiko.

April

Kyoto

May

Aoi Matsuri

Heian-era procession between major shrines.

May 15

Kyoto

Sanja Matsuri

High-energy portable shrine parades in Asakusa.

Mid May

Tokyo

June

No major featured festival in this month.

July

Gion Matsuri

Month-long iconic matsuri with grand parade floats.

July

Kyoto

Tenjin Matsuri

River processions and fireworks celebrations.

Jul 24-25

Osaka

August

Nebuta Matsuri

Illuminated giant floats and dancing teams.

Aug 2-7

Aomori

Awa Odori

Traditional street dance festival with rhythmic chants.

Aug 12-15

Tokushima

September

No major featured festival in this month.

October

Jidai Matsuri

Historical costume parade across Japanese eras.

Oct 22

Kyoto

Takayama Autumn Festival

Autumn floats with evening lantern displays.

Oct 9-10

Gifu

November

Shichi-Go-San

Shrine blessings for children aged 3, 5, and 7.

Nov 15

Nationwide

December

No major featured festival in this month.

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