Japan Events Calendar: June 2026/July 2026

Surrounded by greenery, you can watch bugaku ritual dances , while following the path of the mikoshi (portable shrine carried by the locals). Admission is free.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112

OPENING HOURS: from 11 a.m

WEBSITE: kifunejinja.jp

The annual Yokohama hosts a wide variety of entertainment, including stage shows, concerts and a final fireworks display. It's a festival with a modern feel, featuring food stalls and sea-themed entertainment.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1 Chome-1-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001

TIMETABLE: Entertainment takes place throughout the day; please check the official website for details.

WEBSITE: yokohamajapan.com

Come and see these miniature Japanese trees in the heart of Tokyo's largest shrine! You'll also find a collection of over a hundred works of suiseki, the art of arranging stones on a wooden base.

While you'll need to pay the shrine entrance fee (500 yen) to access the event, you're free to enjoy the exhibits at your own pace.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557

HOURS: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m

WEBSITE: jal.japantravel.com

Tsukiji Lion Danse Festival

June 10-14

A series of rituals takes place on the first days of the festival at the Namiyoke Shrine in the Tsukiji district in Tokyo. However, the main celebrations will take place on Sunday, June 14, when a float featuring a giant lion's head will parade through the district, before being followed by the mikoshi parade.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 6 Chome-20-37 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045

SCHEDULE: from 9 a.m. on Sundays, see website for details

WEBSITE: hasedera.jp

Hydrangeas at Kamakura's Hasedera temple

All month of June

Every year in Kamakura in June, Hasedera, one of Kamakura's most beautiful temples, arranges a path for visitors to wander around the grounds, enjoying over 40 varieties of hydrangea in full bloom!

This leads to an elevated observation point, where you can admire the varied reflections of the rainy-season flowers.

Entrance fees are 900 yen per person. It is advisable to book in advance on the website.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 3 Chome-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016

OPENING HOURS: daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

WEBSITE: hasedera.jp

Rendezvous on Osaka Bay and enjoy one of the city's biggest fireworks displays! For an hour and a half, more than 10,000 rockets light up the sky to music. The show concludes with a launch of 1,500 drones over the water.

We advise you to reserve your place on the official website. A minimum of 8800 yen is required for adult admission.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Maishima Sport Island, 2 Chome-1-128 Hokkoryokuchi, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0042

SCHEDULE: 7pm to 8:20pm

WEBSITE: nta.co.jp

Visiting Hiroshima? Don't miss this UNESCO intangible heritage ritual! Accompanied by dance and music, the festival celebrates the replanting of rice and salutes the efforts of farm workers in a festive atmosphere.

Admission is free, and the venue is within easy reach of downtown Hiroshima.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 157 Mibu, Kitahiroshima, Yamagata District, Hiroshima 731-1515

SCHEDULE: Main ritual from 2 p.m., other celebrations start at 11 a.m

WEBSITE: kitahiro.jp

This nocturnal festival is held in Tonami, Toyama Prefecture. The yotaka, large floats covered in lights, parade through the streets. The atmosphere is particularly lively, with the crowds and the music accompanying the parades.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Around Tonami station, １番地 Omotemachi, Tonami, Toyama

TIMETABLE: from 7:45pm on Friday to 8:40pm on Saturday

WEBSITE:.tonami-kankou.org

This festival in the heart of Hokkaido offers an opportunity to discover the dances and songs of the Ainu people. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this artistic performance bears witness to a close bond with nature and the spirits, typical of the animist beliefs of this indigenous people from the north of the country.

The festival takes place every year at the foot of Mount Daisetsuzan and includes a prayer ceremony for the safety of climbers.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 〒071-1472 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Higashikawa, 旭岳温泉

SCHEDULE: from 7pm

WEBSITE: welcome-higashikawa.jp

Every year in Osaka, the Japan Sake and Shochu Fair brings together producers and visitors around two of Japan's most emblematic spirits: sake (brewed rice alcohol) and shochu (distilled alcohol made from rice, sweet potatoes or cereals). The event offers the chance to discover specialities from many regions of the country, with tastings and meetings with producers.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Asia-Pacific Trade Center, 2 Chome-1-10 Nankokita, Suminoe Ward, Osaka, 559-0034

HOURS: daily, 10am to 1pm, then 3pm to 6pm

WEBSITE: kokushufair.com

The Oku Asakusa Bon Odori Festival immerses visitors in the atmosphere of Japanese summer festivals. To the beat of drums and traditional music, locals and visitors gather around a central stage to take part in this traditional circle dance. Lanterns and food stalls create a convivial atmosphere in the heart of Tokyo.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Asia-Pacific Trade Center, 2 Chome-1-10 Nankokita, Suminoe Ward, Osaka, 559-0034

HOURS: 2pm to 10am

WEBSITE: Okuasakusa_bon

Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Tokyo's Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri! This festival celebrates the legend of Tanabata, when the stars Orihime and Hikoboshi meet. The program? Streets decorated with banners and lanterns, street food stalls and strolling shows. An intoxicating atmosphere, which enlivens the mythical district of Asakusa.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 2-18 Kappabashi, Taito, Tokyo 111-0035

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m

WEBSITE: shitamathitanabata (Japanese only)

Head to the spa town of Ito for the most unusual event of the summer! This wacky race sees participants compete aboard taraibune, large round wooden tubs used for fishing. Armed with an oar, competitors compete with skill and humor to completethe 400-meter course without capsizing. A fun, friendly competition to follow from the banks of the Matsukawa River.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1 Nagisacho, Ito, Shizuoka 414-0023

TIMETABLE: from 9 a.m

WEBSITE: itospa.com

Every summer, the Mitama Matsuri illuminates Yasukuni Shrine with over 30,000 lanterns. This festival combines traditional ceremonies, dances and food stalls in a festive and spiritual atmosphere. A special time to honor the ancestors, while enjoying the magic of summer in Tokyo!

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Yasukuni Shrine, 3-1 Kudanminami, Chiyoda, Tokyo

HOURS : 5pm to 9:30pm

WEBSITE: yasukuni.or.jp

Twelve monumental 50-kilo torches, representing the region's deities, are carried at arm's length and set ablaze along the steps leading to the Nachi-no-Ogi shrine. The festival culminates at the foot of the Nachi waterfall, where the contrast between water and fire makes for an unforgettable experience.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Kumano Nachi Taisha, 1 Chome-1-1 Katsuura, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro, Wakayama 649-5301

HOURS : 7pm to 9pm

WEBSITE: visitwakayama.jp

Every year, Fukuoka comes alive with the Hakata Gion Festival, which is famous for its impressive decorated floats. For two weeks, locals mobilize to prepare the festival ceremonies in a festive atmosphere punctuated by traditional music and dance. A not-to-be-missed event for experiencing the Japanese community spirit!

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata, Fukuoka, 812-0026

HOURS: 10am to 10pm

WEBSITE: hakatayamakasa.com

On the evening of July 16, the streets of downtown Kyoto become pedestrianized, illuminated by traditional lanterns and enlivened by food stalls, while gigantic decorated floats are displayed to the public. On the morning of July 17, the floats parade through the city. A historic event that fascinates visitors from all over the world.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Yasaka-jinja shrine and Shijo-dori thoroughfares, 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama, Kyoto, 605-0073

OPENING HOURS : from 6 p.m. on July 16, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 17

WEBSITE: kyokanko.or.jp

The Ise Shrine Dedication Fireworks Festival (or Ise Jingu hanabi Taikai) brings together the best fireworks masters from all over Japan in Mie Prefecture. The festival serves as a sacred offering to the great shrine of Ise. For almost two hours, the sky lights up over the Miyagawa River. A magical moment to enjoy summer fireworks.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Banks of the Miyagawa River, Ise, Mie

SCHEDULE: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm approx

WEBSITE: city.ise.mie.jp

Nestled in the charming river town of Gujo Hachiman, this event invites locals and travelers alike to don yukata and join in the seasonal dancing to the rhythm of traditional drums and chants. The atmosphere reaches a climax in mid-August (Obon period), when the dancing continues uninterrupted from dusk until dawn in an unforgettable collective fervor.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Various historic districts of Gujo Hachiman, Gujo, Gifu

HOURS: 8pm to 10:30pm weekdays

WEBSITE: gujohachiman.com

July 24 opens with sacred rituals, but it's July 25 that's the most popular. After a procession of thousands of participants in period costumes through the streets, the festivities move to the water. A fleet of nearly a hundred illuminated boats sails down the Okawa River, while fireworks are set off. An event not to be missed if you're visiting Kansai!

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, 2 Chome-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita, Osaka, 530-0041

SCHEDULE: from 3:30pm

WEBSITE: osakatemmangu.or.jp

Located right in the center of the island of Hokkaido (earning it the nickname of the island's "navel"), the town of Furano welcomes thousands of daring dancers every July. The concept? Participants paint humorous faces on their bellies, before parading through the streets with their heads hidden beneath a large hat. A hilarious celebration that appeals to young and old alike.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Hinodemachi, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0025

SCHEDULE: late afternoon entertainment, large parades from 7 to 8 p.m

WEBSITE: furanotourism.com