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Traditional Japanese festival dancers in vibrant red kimono performing under falling snow or sakura petals at night

Japan Festivals Calendar 2026

Matsuri dates, locations, and events worth traveling for.

Japan holds more than 300,000 matsuri, from summer fire festivals to winter lantern and snow events. This calendar lists the cultural festivals worth planning a trip around, with dates and locations for the 2026 season.

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Matsuri guides

Festival guides by month

月ごとの祭り

Researched guides with dates checked against official sources, soonest first. All dates are Japan Standard Time.

Traditional Japanese summer festival with Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji in the background

Summer

Summer dazzles with hanabi (fireworks) illuminating the night skies and countless festivals in June, July, and August. Don't miss the iconic Gion Festival in Kyoto or the lively Aomori Nebuta Festival in Aomori.

Japanese snow monkeys (macaques) relaxing in a natural hot spring at Jigokudani Monkey Park

Winter

Winter brings enchanting snow festivals featuring massive ice and snow sculptures of pop culture icons and historical figures. The Sapporo Snow Festival and Nozawa Fire Festival are especially popular.

Woman in pink kimono admiring cherry blossoms in front of an orange torii gate during spring

Spring

Spring marks cherry blossom season, celebrated with flower festivals and cheerful gatherings under blooming trees. The Hirosaki and Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festivals stand out among many nationwide.

Autumn landscape with Mount Fuji, red maple trees, and their reflection in a serene lake

Fall

Autumn showcases fiery momiji (red maple leaves) and festive events around temples and shrines, like the Fujiwara Autumn Festival in Hiraizumi and the Kawagoe Festival. Major international events such as the Tokyo International Film Festival, Tokyo Motor Show (biennial), and Tokyo Comic Con also take place in fall.

Frequently asked questions

What is a matsuri in Japan?

A matsuri is a Japanese festival, often tied to a shrine or temple. Expect processions, music, food stalls, and seasonal rituals — from summer fire festivals to winter lantern and snow events.

How should I use this festivals calendar?

Start with the weekly events list for what is on soon, then browse the directory for dates and locations. Prefer confirmed dates on detail pages; vague phrases like “early August” are not exact schedules.

Are every festival date on this site official?

We verify cultural and event facts against Tier-1 sources (JNTO, Japan Guide, official shrine/city pages) when possible. Thin listings without usable descriptions and dates stay noindex until they are ready.

How many festivals does Japan have?

Japan hosts hundreds of thousands of local festivals. This guide focuses on culturally significant events worth traveling for, with curated dates for the 2026 season.
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