Calendar of Events in Japan: August and September 2026
- Published on : 29/07/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Nebuta
@Unsplash
Fireworks, decorated floats, lanterns, and food stalls—the end of summer in Japan promises to be a festive time! What should you do if you’re traveling to Japan in August and September? Japan Experience presents 20 events you won’t want to miss.
August
Fireworks at Lake Yamanakako (Yamanashi)
August 1
Summer in Japan is inevitably synonymous with fireworks.On the shores of the largest of the five lakes at the foot of Mount Fuji, enjoy a sunset over the sacred mountain before a fireworks display lasting about an hour! The fireworks will be visible from around the lake. Head towardthe village of Yamanakako to get as close as possible to the launch site.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0501
TIMES: Starting at 8:00 p.m.
Yamanakako Fireworks
@Wikimedia Commons
Potato Festival (Jaga Matsuri) (Kutchan)
August 1–2
Why not head to Hokkaido to attend the potato festival? Held every year in the town of Kutchan, at the foot of Mount Yōtei, the Kutchan Jaga Matsuri celebrates this iconic regional product. For two days, the town center comes alive with parades, dance performances, concerts, and stalls offering local specialties. The event also features games and a fireworks display, which brings the festivities to a close on Sunday evening.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Ekimae-dori Street, Kutchan
HOURS: 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Jaga Matsuri (Kutchan)
@Kutchan Tourism
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Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori)
August 2–7
Every summer, the streets of Aomori light up for the Nebuta Matsuri, one of Japan’s most famous festivals. For several days, huge illuminated paper floats depicting warriors, deities, or characters from Japanese folklore parade through the streets in a festive atmosphere to the sound oftaiko (large traditional drums), flutes, and cymbals. A fireworks display brings the festival to a close.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Downtown Aomori
SCHEDULE: Starting at 1:00 p.m. on Friday; starting at 5:00 p.m. on other days
Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival (Yanai)
August 13
Held every summer in Yanai, Yamaguchi Prefecture, this festival showcases goldfish-shaped lanterns, a local craft whose origins date back to the Edo period. Due to the complexity of their construction— which uses bamboo and washi paper—these lanterns were on the verge of disappearing a few decades ago. A local resident took it upon himself to revive this craft and simplified the manufacturing technique to ensure the festival’s continued existence.
In mid-August, as night falls, several thousand of these colorful lanterns light up the streets of the historic center. The festival features parades,dance performances, local food stalls, and various activities, culminating in a fireworks display.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Yanaitsu, Yanai, Yamaguchi 742-0022
HOURS: 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Yanai
@Toshiharu Tani on Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Peace Memorial Ceremony (Hiroshima)
August 6
Held annually on August 6 at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the Peace Memorial Ceremony pays tribute to the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing.
The day begins with a series of moments of silence, official speeches, and wreath-laying ceremonies attended by survivors and government officials. At 8:15 a.m., the exact time of the bombing, a minute of silence is observed throughout the city. Seats are reserved for guests, but the event is open to the public.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811
TIMES: 8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
Hiroshima
@Wikimedia Commons
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Tanabata Festival (Sendai)
August 6–8
The Sendai Tanabata Festival is Japan’s most famous Tanabata festival and one of the major summer events in the Tohoku region. Held annually, it transforms downtown Sendai into a veritable sea of colors thanks to huge paper decorations suspended above the shopping streets.
These ornaments, crafted using traditional artisanal techniques, are a showcase of creativity and refinement. The festival also features a variety of events, such as performances and concerts. A fireworks display is held on the eve of the festivities, on Wednesday evening. Every year, the festival attracts thousands of visitors from all over Japan.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 3-2 Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0811
HOURS: All day
The Tanabata Festival in Japan
@Pexels, royalty-free
Awa Odori Festival (Tokushima)
August 12–15
The Tokushima Awa Odori is Japan’s largest traditional dance festival and one of the summer’s must-see events. It brings togetherthousands of dancers organized into troupes, who parade through the city streets to the sound ofthe shamisen (a three-stringed guitar), flutes, drums, and gongs. Participants perform rhythmic choreographed routines while dressed in traditional costumes. The atmosphere is very festive, especially since visitors are also invited to join in through groups open to the public. Building on a tradition dating back more than 400 years, the Awa Odori attracts over a million spectators each year.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1-61 Terashimahonchonishi, Tokushima, 770-0831
HOURS: 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Awa Odori
@Wikimedia Commons
Kyoto Gozan Okuribi (Kyoto)
August 16
The Kyoto Gozan Okuribi festival is held to mark the end of Obon, the Japanese festival honoring the dead. At nightfall, five mountains surrounding Kyoto are set ablaze one after another, revealing huge characters made of fire, the most famous of which is the“Daimonji” (大). This centuries-old tradition is intended to guide the souls of the deceased to the afterlife.
Although the ceremonies take place in the mountains, many residents and visitors gather in various neighborhoods of Kyoto to watch the display, which is visible from much of the city. The banks of the Kamo River, the Imperial Palace Park, Funaokayama Park, and the Matsugasaki neighborhood are among the best spots to view the fireworks.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Kyoto
TIMES: at nightfall
Gozanokuribi
@Wikimedia Commons
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Roppongi Hills Bon Odori (Tokyo)
August 22–24
The Roppongi Hills Bon Odori is one of Tokyo’s most popular Obon festivals. Held at the Roppongi Hills Arena, it brings together locals and visitors every summer to enjoy the Bon Odori dance: a simple traditional dance performed in a circle around a central stage to the sound of taiko drum sand folk music. Participants, often dressed in yukata, are invited to join the dance circles, regardless of their skill level. The festival also features various activities and food stalls.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032
SCHEDULE: Bon-odori dancing from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM; other activities starting at 3:00 PM.
Roppongi Hills Bon Odori
@Wikimedia Commons
Harajuku Omotesandō Super Yosakoi (Tokyo)
August 29–30
The Harajuku Omotesandō Super Yosakoi is one of Tokyo’s largest Yosakoi festivals (traditional dance in costume). It brings together troupes from all over Japan to perform their choreographed routines. The streets of Omotesandō, the Harajuku district, and Yoyogi Park are transformed into a massive open-air stage, where dancers, dressed in colorful costumes, move to the rhythm of songs and drums.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1-chome Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
HOURS: 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday
Harajuku Genki Festival
@kanon_7 on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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September
Lantern Festival (Kakunodate)
September 7–9
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kakunodate Lantern Festival dates back more than 350 years! Held in the historic samurai town of Kakunodate, the festival is renowned forits 18 elaborately decorated floats that parade through the historic streets, accompanied by lanterns, musicians, and dancers. The highlight of the event is when the floats meet, leading to displays of strength and coordination. Admission is free.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Kakunodatemachi, Semboku, Akita 014-0331
HOURS: All day, from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Lantern Festival (Kakunodate
@JNTO
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai (Kamakura)
September 14–16
It is one of Kamakura’s most important events. Every yearfor the past 800 years,Shinto ceremonies and traditional performances have taken place at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine for three days. One of the highlights of the event is the yabusame, a demonstration of horseback archery performed by riders in period costumes. Admission to the shrine grounds is free.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588
HOURS: Vary by ceremony (yabusame usually takes place on the afternoon of September 16)
WEBSITE
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai (Kamakura)
@JNTO
Yashima Hassaku Festival (Akita)
Mid-September
It has been a tradition in Akita Prefecture for two centuries. The festival is famous for its kasa-boko, large structures decorated with washi paper figures depicting warriors, legendary creatures, or historical scenes. Carried through the streets to the sound of drums and flutes, they offer a chance to discover the traditions of northern Japan in a festive and lively atmosphere. Admission is free.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Yashima Shinmeisha Shrine, Mizukami-5 Yashimamachi Jonai, Yurihonjo, Akita 015-0411
HOURS: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the first evening; starting at 9:45 a.m. the following day
WEBSITE
Yashima Hassaku Festival (Akita)
@monsuxu on Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
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Yuru-chara Festival (Susaki)
Mid-September
This colorful festival brings togetherdozens of yuru-chara—the famous Japanese mascots that represent regions or companies. Parades, shows, photo ops, and food stalls allow visitors to experience local culture in a friendly atmosphere. Admission is free.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Susaki Park, 1 Kirimaminami, Susaki, Kochi 785-0058
HOURS: Please check the website
Yurukyara
@morischan on Flickr
ULTRA JAPAN 2026 (Tokyo)
September 18–20
It’s one of the biggest electronic music festivals in Japan! Held in Tokyo, it features dozens of international and Japanese DJs on multiple stages each year, complete with light shows and visual effects. Please check the event website for ticket prices and the lineup.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Tokyo Odaiba Ultra Park,1-8-2 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo 135-0091
HOURS: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., daily
Ultra Japan
@Ultra Japan
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival (Osaka)
September 19 and 20
Considered one of Japan’s most spectacular festivals, the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri features massive wooden floats, weighing several metric tons, being pulled at full speed through the streets of Kishiwada, just a stone’s throw from Osaka.
The teams perform tight turns to the cheers of the crowd, putting on a daring show that’s the perfect way to experience the atmosphere of Japanesematsuri (festivals). Admission is free.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Around Kishiwada Castle, 9-1 Kishikicho, Kishiwada, Osaka 596-0073
HOURS: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the first day, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the last day
Kishiwada Danjiri Festival (Osaka)
@Wikimedia, copyright-free
Kyoto International Manga & Anime Fair 2026 (Kyoto)
September 19 and 20
Nicknamed Kyomaf, this fair is one of the most important events dedicated to manga and video games in western Japan.
Publishers, animation studios, and creators showcase their latest releases, while lectures, exhibitions, and merchandise booths bring the aisles to life.
The event will be held at two venues: the Miyako Messe/ROHM Theatre Kyoto and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Please check the official website for ticket prices.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: ROHM Theatre Kyoto, 13 Okazaki Saishojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8342; Kyoto International Manga Museum, 452 Kinbukicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0846
HOURS: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the ROHM Theatre Kyoto; 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Kyoto International Manga Museum
Kyoto International Manga & Anime Fair (Kyoto)
@kyomaf.kyoto
Aizu Festival in Fukushima (Fukushima)
September 19–21
For three days, Aizuwakamatsu hosts parades, drum performances, and ceremonies in various neighborhoods throughout the city to honor the Aizu clan, a powerful feudal clan.
The highlight is the Aizu Hanko Gyoretsu, a historical parade featuring several hundred participants in armor and period costumes. The event also pays tribute to the Byakkotai, the famous group of samurai whose history is closely tied to Aizuwakamatsu. Admission is free.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS:Tsuruga-jo Castle, 1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima 965-0873
HOURS: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the first day, 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the second day, approximately 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the last day
Aizu Festival in Fukushima
@Wikimedia, copyright-free
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Ohara Hadaka "Naked Man" Festival 2026 (Chiba)
Late September
Held for over 300 years in the city of Isumi, the Ohara Hadaka Matsuriis one of the most famous festivals in Chiba Prefecture. Hundreds of men wearing fundoshi (traditional loin cloths) carry mikoshi (portable shrines) through the city streets to the sound of drums and singing.
The highlight of the event occurs when the mikoshi are carried to Ohara Beach and immersed in the waves of the Pacific Ocean as part of a purification ritual, intended to pray for bountiful harvests and the prosperity of the community. Admission is free.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Ohara Beach, 11574 Ohara, Isumi, Chiba 298-0004
HOURS: Approximately 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Ohara Naked Festival
@shutterstock
Fox Wedding Festival (Hida)
September 26
Inspired by a Japanese legend that foxes get married on full moon nights, this festival features a traditional wedding procession in which the bride and groom parade through the historic streets of Hida Furukawa, accompanied by costumed participants and lanterns. The atmosphere, blending folklore and local traditions, attracts many visitors each year. Admission is free.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS: Hida-Furukawa town center and Festival Square
HOURS: Noon to 5:30 p.m.
The Foxes' Wedding
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