11 Must-See Festivals to See in Japan in Summer

Every last weekend in July, the Sumida River becomes the scene of a popular fireworks display around Tokyo. In the XVIIᵉ century, this was intended to soothe souls and ward off bad luck. Suspended following development near the waters, the festival was reborn in 1978 as Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai, becoming a must-see summer event in the region. Today, the best vantage points for enjoying the festival are along the riverbanks, between the Sakurabashi, Kototoibashi and Komagatabashi bridges.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Banks of the Sumida River, Tokyo
Dates: Last weekend in July, from 7pm to 8:30pm

2. Awa Odori (Tokushima)

The Awa Odori, or "Dance of the Fools", is the highlight of Obon in Tokushima. From August 12 to 15, 100,000 dancers dressed in yukata and straw hats liven up the streets to the sound of taiko. The refrain celebrates the joy and abandonment of dance: "The dancing fool and the watching fool are both fools, so why not dance? Every year, over 500,000 spectators flock to the festival. We therefore recommend that you get in early to secure a prime seat.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Downtown Tokushima, Shikoku
Dates: August 12-15

3. Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori)

From August 2nd to 7th, Aomori lights up during the Nebuta Matsuri, one of Tohoku's biggest festivals. Huge paper floats, depicting heroes and mythological creatures, parade through the streets to the sound of drums. The spectacle reaches its climax at night, when the floats are illuminated by thousands of lanterns and fireworks display brings the evening to a close

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Downtown Aomori, Tohoku
Dates: August 2 to 7

4. Gion Matsuri (Kyoto)

Celebrated since 869, the Gion Matsuri is Kyoto's most emblematic festival. Established to ward off an epidemic, it now attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. The evenings from July 14 to 16 offer a variety of entertainment, while July 17 marks the high point of the festivities: a parade of decorated floats, some up to 12 meters high, representing Kyoto's historic districts and corporations. Musicians and traditional melodies complete the spectacle to the delight of passers-by.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto
Dates: July 14 to 17

5. Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka)

A thousand years old, the Tenjin Matsuri is the world's biggest nautical festival. On July 24 and 25, Osaka comes alive with processions to Tenmangû Shrine and along the Dojima River. Mikoshi are carried by 3,000 participants, while boats decorated with hundreds of lanterns offer a magical spectacle on the water. The festival ends with a spectacular fireworks display, celebrating Tenjin, patron saint of learning and the arts!

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Tenmangû Shrine, Osaka
Dates: July 24 and 25

6. Mitama Matsuri (Tokyo)

The Mitama Matsuri is held from July 13 to 16 at Tokyo's Yasukuni Jinja. For four days, the aisles of the shrine are illuminated by 20,000 lanterns, creating a contemplative atmosphere. Intended to appease the souls of Japanese soldiers who have died since 1853, the festival combines ceremonies, float parades, martial arts demonstrations and local gastronomy. Wear your yukata to enjoy the experience to the full.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Yasukuni Jinja, Tokyo
Dates: July 13 to 16

7. Tenkû no Fuyajô (Noshiro)

Held on August 3 and 4 in Noshiro, the Tenkû no Fuyajô is linked to the Tanabata Star Festival. Since the 19th century, giant lanterns have lit up the town at this time of year. They parade to the sound of flutes and drums, providing an impressive visual and aural spectacle.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Noshiro City, Akita
Dates: August 3 and 4

8. Soma-nomaoi Festival (Soma)

Celebrated on the last weekend and Monday of July, the Soma-nomaoi showcases the samurai tradition. In the Soma district, 12 horsemen in full armor ride one kilometer on horseback. Spectators also attend the Shinki Sodatsusen, a ceremony in which around 100 riders compete for 40 sacred temple flags.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Soma District, Fukushima
Dates: Last weekend and Monday in July

9. Ushigoe Matsuri (Miyazaki)

On July 28, the Sugawara temple in Miyazaki celebrates oxen during the Ushigoe Matsuri, a 400-year-old ritual that honors the animals and guarantees good harvests. The calves, dressed for the festival, take part in races and obstacle jumps around the temple grounds. An unusual event not to be missed if you're visiting Japan!

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Sugawara Temple, Miyazaki
Dates: July 28

10. Tanabata Matsuri (Sendai)

On August 7, the Tanabata Matsuri transforms Sendai into a spectacular festival! The streets are adorned with giant lanterns, while dance, music and fireworks create a festive atmosphere for the festival of the stars!

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Downtown Sendai, Miyagi
Dates: August 7

11. Hanagasa Matsuri (Tottori)

Created in 1964, the Hanagasa Matsuri attracts over a million visitors every summer. From August 5 to 7, some 10,000 dancers parade through the streets of Tottori, wearing flowery Hanagasa hats, accompanied by decorated floats. Dancing and hat-throwing create a joyous atmosphere, perfect for celebrating summer in Japan!

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Downtown Tottori
Dates: August 5 to 7