OfficialOn now© Momopy~commonswiki · CC BY-SA 3.0USJ's anime-and-game mega-event marks its 10th anniversary with five blockbuster Japanese titles, including the park debut of 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End' running into January 2027.
Until Mon, Jan 11, 2027 21:00 JST OsakaRequires a Studio Pass (1-day from around 8,600 yen); some Cool Japan attractions need a separate Express Pass.
OfficialOn now© Mr.henry yanayah · CC BY-SA 4.0USJ celebrates 25 years with a year-long 'Discover U!!!' festival — a new anniversary parade, classic film cars on display and special entertainment running from spring 2026 into March 2027.
Until Tue, Mar 30, 2027 21:00 JST OsakaIncluded with a Studio Pass (1-day from around 8,600 yen); no separate ticket for the anniversary entertainment.
OfficialOn now© Matryokeshi · CC BY-SA 3.0Hello Kitty's indoor theme park celebrates 35 years with ribbon-themed decor and 'The Quest of Wonders' — its first all-new main parade in a decade — running all the way through the end of 2026.
Until Thu, Dec 31, 2026 20:00 JST TokyoDay Passport at the gate: adults ¥3,900–6,900; children (3–17, incl. high-school students) and seniors (65+) ¥2,800–5,800 — the price depends on the date. The official e-Passport is ¥100 cheaper (official site, checked 25 Sep 2026).
OfficialOn now© Cabeza2000 · CC BY-SA 4.0The world's only ocean-themed Disney park turns 25 with a year-long 'Sparkling Jubilee' — a new harbor show, the 'Dance the Globe!' production and 'Jubilee Blue' decor across all eight ports.
Until Wed, Mar 31, 2027 21:00 JST TokyoRequires a Tokyo DisneySea park ticket (1-day from around 7,900 yen, price varies by date).
OfficialOn now© Choi2451 · CC BY-SA 3.0Known as 'Osaka's Kitchen,' this 580-metre covered arcade packs around 150 stalls of fresh seafood, grilled crab, sea urchin, wagyu skewers and street snacks.
Until Thu, Dec 31, 2026 18:00 JST OsakaFree
OfficialOn now© Momopy~commonswiki · CC BY-SA 3.0USJ's 25th-anniversary ONE PIECE event runs July 30–Nov 19, 2026. Premier Show ¥3,000–6,000, Sanji's Pirate Restaurant ¥7,000 (lottery) — full ticket guide.
Until Thu, Nov 19, 2026 21:00 JST OsakaStudio Pass required; the Premier Show and Sanji's Pirate Restaurant need separate paid/lottery tickets.
OfficialOn now© おにく · CC BY-SA 3.0The 2026–27 season runs 17 October 2026 – 31 May 2027 (closed 6–7 Jan). Advance tickets cost ¥2,500–3,000 with a ¥1,000 voucher; 23–25 December needs a date-specific ticket (checked 2026-10-14).
Until Mon, May 31, 2027 23:59 JST Across JapanConvenience-store advance ¥2,500 (17 Oct–20 Nov, 1 Mar–31 May) / ¥3,000 (21 Nov–22 Dec, 26 Dec–28 Feb); at the gate ¥2,700 / ¥3,200 (¥2,500 from 1 Mar). Includes a ¥1,000 voucher and Begonia Garden entry. Free under elementary-school age. 23–25 Dec: date-specific ticket (same-day ¥5,500 if any remain) (checked 2026-10-14)
OfficialOn now© Miyuki Meinaka · CC BY-SA 4.0Oct 17, 2026 – Feb 14, 2027 at Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi. Lights on around 17:00 (around 16:30 from early Nov to early Jan); evening entry ¥1,500 adults, ¥800 children. 25th edition, 5 million+ lights (checked 2026-10-14).
Until Sun, Feb 14, 2027 21:00 JST TokyoEvening admission: adults ¥1,500 / children (age 4 to elementary school) ¥800 (2026-2027 season; may change with the state of the flowers) (checked 2026-10-14).
OfficialOn now© Zengame (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY 2.0Yomiuriland Jewellumination 2026 runs 29 October 2026 to 4 April 2027 at the Yomiuriland amusement park in Inagi, Tokyo, with lights on 16:00–20:30. Admission only is ¥1,800 for adults; the After Pass from 15:00 with unlimited rides is ¥3,100. This season's theme is "Growing Light".
Until Sun, Apr 4, 2027 09:00 JST TokyoStandard prices (tax incl.): admission only adult ¥1,800 / junior-senior high ¥1,500 / elementary & 65+ ¥1,000 / pre-school ¥1,000; After Pass (from 15:00, unlimited rides) ¥3,100 / ¥2,500 / ¥2,200 / ¥1,500; One-Day Pass ¥5,900 / ¥4,700 / ¥4,100 / ¥2,500 (checked 2026-10-13).
OfficialOn now© Cobalt Fox · Public DomainTokyo German Village Winter Illumination 2026–2027 runs 31 Oct 2026 – 4 Apr 2027, from sunset to 8 pm. Admission is ¥1,500 for adults and ¥800 for children; this year's theme is "Why USA!?".
Until Sun, Apr 4, 2027 20:00 JST Across JapanPaid. Illumination period (31 Oct 2026 – 4 Apr 2027): adults ¥1,500, children (age 4–elementary) ¥800; visitors with a disability ¥1,000 adult / ¥600 child. Parking ¥1,500 per car until 31 Dec 2026, ¥1,000 from 1 Jan 2027. Official fee table, checked 2026-10-13.
OfficialOn now© Shubert Ciencia · CC BY 2.0The 71st Korankei Momiji Festival runs November 1–30, 2026 in Asuke, Toyota City. The maples are lit up nightly from sunset to 9 p.m.; walking is free, parking is paid. Checked 2026-10-13.
Until Mon, Nov 30, 2026 21:00 JST NagoyaFree
OfficialOn now© Dick Thomas Johnson · CC BY 2.0In 2026, Roppongi Keyakizaka is lit 5 Nov–25 Dec, 17:00–22:00, and Marunouchi Naka-dori 12 Nov 2026–14 Feb 2027. Both are lit 12 Nov–25 Dec.
Until Sun, Feb 14, 2027 09:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialOn now© Jorge Láscar from Australia · CC BY 2.0Huis Ten Bosch's 2026 winter illumination, The Starlight Million, runs 6 Nov 2026 – 25 Feb 2027 — renewed for the first time in 16 years. A park ticket is required (checked 2026-10-13).
Until Thu, Feb 25, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanPark ticket required (1 DAY Passport, After 3 Passport, etc.). Price varies by date — see the official ticket page
OfficialOn now© Qiuqizhenghong · CC BY-SA 3.0The Yaeyama Islands' biggest festival fills central Ishigaki with a citizens' parade, island music and a closing fireworks display over the harbour town.
Until Sun, Nov 8, 2026 23:59 JST OkinawaFree
OfficialOn now© TR15336300101 · CC BY-SA 4.0Nara's 2026 deer antler-cutting ceremony is held on November 7 (Sat) and 8 (Sun) at the Roen arena within Kasuga Taisha, 11:45-15:00 (doors 11:15, last entry 14:30). Same-day tickets only: adults ¥1,000, children ¥500.
Until Sun, Nov 8, 2026 15:00 JST NaraSame-day tickets only: adults (junior high and up) ¥1,000, children (elementary) ¥500
OfficialThis weekend© Emran Kassim · CC BY 2.0Disney Christmas 2026 runs November 11 – December 25 at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, with the "Toys Wondrous Christmas!" parade, the "Disney Christmas Greeting" and "Starbright Christmas" fireworks. Merch from Nov 10, menus from Nov 1 (checked 2026-10-13).
Wed, Nov 11, 2026 09:00 JST TokyoA date-specific park ticket is required (no separate event ticket is listed). Adult 1-Day Passport at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea: 10,900–12,400 yen per day during the event (checked 2026-10-13). A designated parade viewing area is also available with paid Disney Premier Access.
OfficialThis weekend© Christophe95 · CC BY-SA 4.0USJ Christmas 2026 runs 13 November 2026 – 17 January 2027 at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. The night shows Light Up the Night and Joy of Lights (back after nine years) play 25 November – 11 January, with none on 31 December; the special viewing area costs from ¥1,700.
Fri, Nov 13, 2026 09:00 JST OsakaStudio Pass (park entry) required separately — check prices on the official web ticket store. Light Up the Night / Joy of Lights special viewing area: from ¥1,700 incl. tax, all ages. Holiday Kids Free Pass (Japan residents only, 1 adult + 1 child): from ¥8,400.
OfficialThis weekend© Martin Falbisoner (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 4.0The Umeda Sky Building Christmas Market 2026 runs 13 November–25 December in Wonder Square, the building's ground-floor plaza in Osaka, with stalls open 12:00–22:00 and free entry. The 25 m tree's light show starts at 18:00 in November and 17:00 in December; the limited mug costs ¥900.
Fri, Nov 13, 2026 12:00 JST OsakaFree
OfficialThis weekend© Volfgang · CC BY-SA 3.0Nov 14, 2026 – May 9, 2027 at Sagamiko MORI MORI in Sagamihara, Kanagawa. Lights come on from 16:00; adult admission is ¥2,000–2,400 depending on the day. This season adds a first collab with Kawaisouni! (Opanchu Usagi).
Sat, Nov 14, 2026 16:00 JST TokyoAdults ¥2,000–2,400 / children & seniors ¥1,300–1,700 / dogs ¥1,000. Night Free Pass adults ¥3,000–3,400; Free Pass adults ¥4,700 (2026-2027 season; varies by day).
OfficialUpcoming© Takeshi Kuboki · CC BY 2.0Kyoto's Arashiyama bursts into crimson and gold each November, with mountain temples, a scenic train and bamboo groves.
Sun, Nov 15, 2026 08:00 JST KyotoFree
OfficialUpcoming© senngokujidai4434 · CC BY 2.0Izumo Taisha's Kamiari-sai 2026 runs from the Kamimukae welcoming rite at 19:00 on Wednesday, November 18 to the Karasade send-off rite at 16:00 on Wednesday, November 25.
Wed, Nov 18, 2026 19:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Qiuqizhenghong · CC BY-SA 3.0Sapporo White Illumination 2026 (46th edition) opens on Friday 20 November 2026. Odori stays lit to 25 December, Ekimae-dori to 11 February 2027, and Minami-1-jo-dori, Akapla and the Station South Exit plaza to 14 March 2027. Free to view, with a new Nakajima Park venue added for 2026.
Fri, Nov 20, 2026 16:30 JST SapporoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Kakidai · CC BY-SA 3.0The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market 2026 runs Friday 20 November to Friday 25 December (36 days) at the Event Plaza and Red Brick Park. Opening day 17:00–21:00; 21 Nov–4 Dec 11:00–21:00; from 5 Dec 11:00–22:00. Entry from ¥500.
Fri, Nov 20, 2026 17:00 JST YokohamaEntry from ¥500 (varies by day and ticket type; food and shopping extra; some free areas). Ticket types: standard entry, priority entry (online only) and priority entry with the Premium Mug. Ticket sales details due in late October (checked 2026-10-13).
OfficialUpcoming© inunami · CC BY 2.0The Capybara Outdoor Bath at Izu Shaboten Zoo (Ito, Shizuoka) runs from 21 November 2026 to 4 April 2027. Bath time is 13:30-14:30 on weekdays, and 10:30-11:30 plus 13:30-14:30 at weekends, on public holidays and in set periods (official site, checked 2026-09-23). No yuzu-bath dates yet.
Sat, Nov 21, 2026 10:30 JST Across JapanAdmission is 2,800 yen for adults (junior-high age and over), 1,400 yen for elementary-school children and 700 yen for children aged 4 and over on weekdays; 3,000 / 1,500 / 800 yen at weekends, on public holidays and during school breaks (official site, checked 2026-09-23). The official pages do not say whether the bath is included in admission or charged separately.
OfficialUpcoming© ウィ貴公子 (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 4.0The Roppongi Hills Christmas Market 2026 runs November 21 to December 25, open 11:00–21:00 (official hours) at O-yane Plaza in Roppongi Hills, Tokyo. It is the 20th edition, with 10 stalls including Käthe Wohlfahrt; the 2025 market was free to enter (checked 2026-10-13).
Sat, Nov 21, 2026 11:00 JST TokyoEntry fee not stated in Mori Building's 2026 announcement (checked 2026-10-13). In 2025 entry was free; food and goods are paid.
OfficialUpcoming© Type specimen · CC BY-SA 3.0Ramen Expo Osaka 2026 runs 21 Nov – 30 Dec at Expo '70 Commemorative Park, Suita: 6 weekend sessions, 11:00–21:00, 10 shops each (60 total). Free entry; park fee ¥450; ramen by ticket. 2026 shop list not yet announced (checked 2026-10-13).
Sat, Nov 21, 2026 11:00 JST OsakaFestival entry free. Park admission required (Natural and Cultural Gardens / Japanese Garden combined ticket): ¥450 for high-school age and above, free for junior-high age and under (revised 1 Apr 2026). Ramen is paid for with tickets; 2026 ticket price not yet announced (checked 2026-10-13).
OfficialUpcoming© David Stanley · CC BY 2.0The 2026 Takachiho Yokagura Matsuri is free: Nov 22 (Sun) from 6 PM and Nov 23 (Mon, holiday) from 10 AM, all 33 dances in Takachiho Shrine's kagura hall. The nightly kagura runs 8-9 PM for ¥1,000. The 2026-27 village schedule was not yet posted as of Oct 13 (last season ran Nov 15, 2025 to Feb 7, 2026).
Sun, Nov 22, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Kakidai · CC BY-SA 4.0Tokyo Midtown Christmas 2026 runs November 26 to December 25, lit 17:00–23:00 in the Midtown Garden in Roppongi, and the illumination is free. The soap bubbles end December 20, the Path of Light stays until February 23, and the ice rink opens December 5 (checked 2026-10-14).
Thu, Nov 26, 2026 17:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Daisuke tashiro from Japan · CC BY-SA 2.0Wild Japanese macaques bathe in a steaming mountain hot spring as snow falls around them — the world-famous 'snow monkeys' of Nagano, most iconic in winter.
Tue, Dec 1, 2026 08:30 JST Across JapanPark admission around ¥800; the 'Snow Monkey Pass' (~¥3,500) bundles transport and entry.
OfficialUpcoming© Suicasmo · CC BY-SA 4.0At one of Japan's top hot-spring towns, kimono-clad locals cool the scalding spring water with long wooden paddles in time to folk songs — a centuries-old daily ritual at Netsunoyu.
Tue, Dec 1, 2026 09:30 JST Across JapanAdults ¥700, elementary children ¥350
OfficialUpcoming© Wikimedia Commons · Public domainSix lantern-lit floats are hauled up steep Dango-zaka as winter fireworks burst overhead — one of Japan's three great float festivals and a UNESCO heritage event.
Thu, Dec 3, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Chris 73 · CC BY-SA 3.0The 2026 dates are not announced yet (checked 13 October 2026). The 2025 market ran 5–25 December at Hisaya-odori Park in Sakae, Nagoya: free entry, open 16:00–21:00 on weekdays and 11:00–21:00 at weekends.
Fri, Dec 4, 2026 16:00 JST NagoyaFree
OfficialUpcoming© 663highland · CC BY 2.5Naha Marathon 2026 starts 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, Dec 6 at Onoyama Park, with a 6h15m limit. General entry closed July 11. Bib pick-up is Dec 5; cut-offs are 21.3 km at 12:15 and 34.3 km at 14:10 (checked 2026-10-13).
Sun, Dec 6, 2026 09:00 JST OkinawaEntry ¥11,000 (general) / ¥9,000 (aged 65+ or high-school age, 16+ on race day); non-refundable. General entry for 2026 closed on July 11.
OfficialUpcoming© あばさー (Abasaa) · Public domain (PD-self)Setagaya Boro-ichi 2026 runs Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 December, 9:00–20:00, on Boro-ichi Street in Setagaya, Tokyo, then again on 15–16 January 2027. No ticket needed; 3 minutes on foot from Setagaya or Kamimachi stations (Tokyu Setagaya Line). No parking. (Setagaya City, checked 2026-10-14.)
Tue, Dec 15, 2026 09:00 JST TokyoNo admission fee listed by the city (open street market).
OfficialUpcoming© Degueulasse · CC BY-SA 3.0Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri 2026 runs December 15 (Tue) to 18 (Fri) at Kasuga Taisha, Nara. The highlight, the Owatari-shiki costume procession, leaves the Nara Prefectural Office at noon on Dec 17 and is free to watch from the street. Full day-by-day times from the shrine's official schedule, plus access.
Tue, Dec 15, 2026 13:00 JST NaraFree
OfficialUpcoming© Jack145945 · CC BY-SA 4.0Shueisha's free mega anime-and-manga festival packs Makuhari Messe with Shonen Jump stages, exclusive reveals, voice-actor events and rare merch.
Sat, Dec 19, 2026 09:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialUpcoming© 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0Ito's winter fireworks over the seafront: Sat 19 Dec 2026, 20:30–21:00 at Nagisa Park, paired with the Winter Yosakoi Sozura dance festival and the ITO MARCHE stalls. 10 min walk from JR Ito Station.
Sat, Dec 19, 2026 16:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY 2.0The 2026-2027 Zao Snow Monsters light-up runs on 31 nights between Dec 26, 2026 and Feb 23, 2027, 17:00–21:00 (last ride up 19:45 from Zao Sanroku Station). Ropeway round trip: ¥4,600 adults, ¥2,300 children (Zao Ropeway, checked 2026-10-13).
Sat, Dec 26, 2026 17:00 JST Across JapanRound trip Zao Sanroku Station ⇔ Jizo Sancho Station: ¥4,600 adults, ¥2,300 children (6–11), 2026-2027 season (Zao Ropeway, checked 2026-10-13). Groups of 20 or more need a reservation.
OfficialUpcoming© Marianne North · Public domainChion-in's 2026 joya-no-kane dates and booking are not announced yet (as of Oct 14). In 2025 the ringing began around 22:40, viewing required an advance application (from Dec 1, 14:00) at ¥3,000, and visitors could watch but not ring the bell. The Dec 27 trial ringing needed no booking.
Thu, Dec 31, 2026 Kyoto2026 not announced (checked 2026-10-14). In 2025: ¥3,000 per person (free for elementary-school children and younger), by advance application or ticket bought at the Yuzen-en reception.
OfficialUpcoming© Christophe95 · CC BY-SA 4.0Universal Studios Japan's NO LIMIT! COUNTDOWN 2027 runs Dec 31, 2026 7:00 p.m. to Jan 1, 2027 9:00 p.m. A PARTY PASS costs ¥16,900 (all ages); general sale opens about 21:00 JST on Nov 4. Day guests must leave by 5 p.m. on Dec 31.
Thu, Dec 31, 2026 19:00 JST OsakaPARTY PASS ¥16,900 incl. tax (all ages; 3 and under free); fireworks viewing-area packages ¥23,800–24,300; dinner packages ¥32,800–61,900; VIP tours from ¥348,500
OfficialUpcoming© Markus Leupold-Löwenthal · CC BY-SA 3.0Tokyo's official free countdown lights up the Metropolitan Government Building with giant projection mapping, live acts and a midnight cheer in Shinjuku.
Thu, Dec 31, 2026 22:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Saigen Jiro · CC0Some two million Osakans cross the arched Sorihashi bridge to greet the year at 'Sumiyossan,' head shrine of Japan's 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines.
Thu, Dec 31, 2026 22:00 JST OsakaFree
OfficialUpcoming© Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert · CC BY-SA 4.0Fushimi Inari hatsumode 2027: entry free, New Year rite at 6:00 on 1 January; press and guide sites say the grounds are open around the clock. The car park closes 30 Dec-6 Jan; take JR to Inari or Keihan to Fushimi-Inari.
Thu, Dec 31, 2026 23:00 JST KyotoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Nightcrafter · CC BY-SA 4.0Meiji Jingu stays open all night from New Year's Eve; Jan 1 is 0:00–18:30 (previous 2025–26 official hours). Free, 1 min from Harajuku Station. 2026–27 hours not yet announced.
Thu, Dec 31, 2026 23:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Kestrel · CC BY-SA 4.0Hatsumode 2027 at Kawasaki Daishi: the New Year traditionally opens with the 0:00 goma rite on 1 January. Nearby roads close to cars at set hours on 1-3 Jan, so take the Keikyu Daishi Line; entry is free.
Fri, Jan 1, 2027Free
OfficialUpcoming© Dick Thomas Johnson from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY 2.0The New Year Greeting at Tokyo's Imperial Palace is held every 2 January, a Saturday in 2027. In 2026 visitors entered via the Main Gate (Nijubashi) from 9:30 a.m. to 2:10 p.m., free and without registration, for five balcony appearances.
Sat, Jan 2, 2027 TokyoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Ogata Kōrin · Public domainFamous as Japan's earliest-blooming plum grove, Atami Bairin opens its winter ume from early January with taiko, geisha dances and hot-spring charm.
Sat, Jan 9, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanModest garden admission during the festival (recent years a few hundred yen).
OfficialUpcoming© Creazilla · CC0Grand Sumo Hatsu Basho 2027 runs January 10–24, 2027 at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo. Advance tickets go on sale Saturday 5 December 2026. Arrive by ~14:00–15:00 for the top-division bouts.
Sun, Jan 10, 2027 08:00 JST TokyoTickets required (no free entry). Prices vary by day and seat tier; 2027 prices are released with the tournament — confirm on sumo.or.jp. As a rough guide (approximate 2026 prices, as of July 2026): ringside tamari-seki ~¥20,000/person; masu-seki tatami boxes ~¥9,000–15,000/person by tier and day; Western chair seats from ~¥3,500 (tier C, weekday) up to ~¥11,000+ (SS). On-sale is typically 5–8 weeks before — check the official site for the exact 2027 date.
OfficialUpcoming© 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0A flat seaside fun-run in Ito, Shizuoka: Sun 17 Jan 2027, starting and finishing at Ito Orange Beach with 2 km, 5 km and 10 km courses plus a family category. About 2,500 runners; 15 min walk from JR Ito Station.
Sun, Jan 17, 2027 08:00 JST Across JapanEntry fees vary by distance; 2027 fees and the entry window were not yet posted when checked (see Ito City's official page). Free to watch.
OfficialUpcoming© Midori (Wikimedia user) · CC BY-SA 3.0The 52nd Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival runs 23 January to 7 March 2027 (official). In a Daisetsuzan gorge, ice domes and towers fill a riverside field, lit nightly in shifting colors with weekend fireworks over the snow.
Sat, Jan 23, 2027 Across JapanThe cooperation fee for 2027 (52nd edition) has not been announced as of 2026-09-18. For the 51st edition in 2026 it was ¥1,000, with the site open 17:00–21:30 on weekdays and 11:00–21:30 at weekends and on holidays (last entry 21:15).
OfficialUpcoming© 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0Ito's once-a-year bargain market: Sat 23 Jan 2027 9:00–16:00 and Sun 24 Jan 9:00–15:00 at Matsukawa Fuji-no-Hiroba, selling Izu seafood, dried fish and farm produce at 'ridiculous' prices. 10 min walk from JR Ito Station.
Sat, Jan 23, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Yoyogimura · CC BY-SA 4.0Kobe Luminarie 2027 runs Jan 29 (Fri) – Feb 7 (Sun), 2027 — the 32nd edition. You can see the light arches free from the surrounding streets; the special paid zones at Meriken Park need a ticket (advance ¥500 weekday / ¥750 weekend, as of July 2026). All three venues are walkable from Sannomiya Station.
Fri, Jan 29, 2027 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Inlet Masu · CC BY-SA 3.0The 2027 Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival runs 30 January to 23 February, open 10:00–20:00 (official). Sculptors spray the clear blue waters of Lake Shikotsu onto frames to build towering turquoise ice domes and tunnels, glowing in jewel tones after dark.
Sat, Jan 30, 2027 10:00 JST SapporoAdmission (cooperation fee): ¥1,000 for junior-high age and over on weekdays, ¥3,000 at weekends and on public holidays; free for elementary-school children and younger (official, as of 2026-09-18)
OfficialUpcoming© Midori (Wikimedia user) · CC BY-SA 3.0Sumo wrestlers and celebrity 'lucky men' hurl tonnes of beans from Naritasan's great hall, where the chant is only 'fortune in' — no demons to expel.
Wed, Feb 3, 2027 11:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Senior Chief Petty Officer Ryan Delcore (U.S. Navy) · Public domainSapporo Snow Festival 2027: confirmed Feb 4–11 dates, the three free sites (Odori, Susukino, Tsudome), and how to get there from New Chitose Airport.
Thu, Feb 4, 2027 10:00 JST SapporoFree
OfficialUpcoming© 京浜にけ · CC BY 3.0The 68th Asahikawa Winter Festival runs 6–11 February 2027 (official). Hokkaido's second-biggest snow fest pairs colossal stage-sized snow sculptures by the Ishikari River with an international ice-carving championship.
Sat, Feb 6, 2027 SapporoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Kirin7739 · CC0Dates for the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival 2027 had not been announced as of September 18, 2026. The 2026 edition (the 36th) ran February 7 to March 8, a 3-minute walk from Kawazu Station in Izu.
Sat, Feb 6, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Rarisan · CC0Hundreds of candlelit snow igloos glow across Yokote while children inside invite passersby in for sweet sake — plus 4,000 mini-kamakura lighting the riverbed.
Fri, Feb 12, 2027 Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Aos.1905 (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 4.0Osaka Auto Messe 2027 runs Fri 12 – Sun 14 February 2027 at INTEX Osaka, 9:00–18:00. Tickets are planned to go on sale in December 2026; prices are not yet announced (a 2026 advance general ticket was ¥3,000).
Fri, Feb 12, 2027 09:00 JST Osaka2027 prices not yet announced; tickets planned to go on sale in December 2026. 2026 show: general ¥3,000 advance / ¥3,500 on the day; U-22 ¥2,000 / ¥2,500; visitors with a disability certificate ¥2,000 / ¥2,500 (one carer free). Each general ticket admitted one child of junior-high age or younger free with a guardian (tax included; checked 2026-10-13).
OfficialUpcoming© Etwas Neues · CC BY-SA 3.0Roughly 3,000 plum trees in over 60 varieties scent one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, drawing crowds for taiko, tea ceremony and geisha dances.
Sat, Feb 13, 2027 08:00 JST Across Japan2026: Kairakuen inner garden ¥320, Kodokan ¥420 for adults (Ibaraki residents also pay during the festival). Kairakuen's current fee table lists ¥500 for adults in the festival period; check 2027 prices on the official site.
OfficialUpcoming© Immanuelle · CC BY 4.0Every February the whole of Mount Omuro (580 m) above Izu Kogen is set alight. 2027: Sunday 14 February (planned) — ten signal fireworks at noon, then about 40 minutes of flames racing to the summit. Rain or wind pushes it to the next week.
Sun, Feb 14, 2027 12:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Nihongo1234 (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 4.0The Tokamachi Snow Festival 2027 (78th edition) runs Friday 19 to Sunday 21 February 2027 across Tokamachi, Niigata. Hours, fireworks and prices are due around December 2026; in 2026 it ran Friday 18:00 to Sunday 15:00.
Fri, Feb 19, 2027 09:00 JST Across Japan2027 prices not announced yet (details due around December 2026; checked 2026-10-13). In 2026 the paid items were limited ones such as the loop bus (¥500, free for junior-high students and younger) and the WEST Snow Park (¥500); free shuttle buses ran.
OfficialUpcoming© 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0Ito's annual All-Japan Pillow Fight Championship at the Ito Municipal Gymnasium. The tourist association's calendar lists Sat 20 – Sun 21 Feb 2027, but the 15th edition's official guidelines are not yet published (as of 2026-09-13). From the 14th edition's official rulebook: eight per team (general, libero, three attackers, three support), three 2-minute sets, yukata compulsory, entry fee 5,000 yen per team.
Sat, Feb 20, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanEntry for the open division was 5,000 yen per team including accident insurance (14th edition guidelines). The fee for the 15th edition has not been announced. The defending champions enter free.
OfficialUpcoming© 掬茶 · CC BY-SA 3.0On March 3 across Japan, families display tiered hina dolls of the Heian court to wish for girls' health, amid peach blossoms and sweet hishi-mochi.
Wed, Mar 3, 2027 Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Seattleite7 · CC BY-SA 4.0Over 1,000 cherry trees frame the brilliant white 'White Heron' castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in one of Japan's most picture-perfect hanami scenes.
Sat, Mar 27, 2027 OsakaFree
OfficialUpcoming© Midori (Wikimedia user) · CC BY-SA 3.0Japan's hot-spring capital throws its biggest party of the year — a fire festival on Mount Ogi, free baths across the city and a mikoshi parade thanking the springs.
Thu, Apr 1, 2027 11:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Chris 73 · CC BY-SA 3.0Dates for Inuyama Festival 2027 had not been announced as of September 18, 2026. The festival falls on the first Saturday and Sunday of April, which points to April 3-4, 2027.
Sat, Apr 3, 2027 08:00 JST NagoyaFree
OfficialUpcoming© z tanuki · CC BY 3.0Twelve ornate Edo-era yatai floats with karakuri puppets parade through old Takayama, glowing with around 100 lanterns each at the night festival.
Wed, Apr 14, 2027 09:00 JST NagoyaFree
OfficialUpcoming© 掬茶 · CC BY-SA 4.0Around 2,600 cherry trees encircle Hirosaki Castle's moats, famous for petal-carpeted 'flower rafts' and dazzling nighttime illuminations.
Fri, Apr 16, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Jovandavid · Public DomainThree 12-metre, 20-ton wooden floats — among Japan's largest — are hauled through Nanao's narrow streets.
Mon, May 3, 2027 09:00 JST KanazawaFree
OfficialUpcoming© Midori (Wikimedia user) · CC BY-SA 3.0Giant kites duel over the Nakatajima dunes by day; by night, illuminated palace-style floats and brass bands fill downtown Hamamatsu.
Mon, May 3, 2027 10:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© フェレス · CC BY-SA 2.1 jpOne of Japan's biggest festivals: around 2 million people watch 750-plus troupes parade with shamoji clappers, flower floats and stage shows over May 3–4.
Mon, May 3, 2027 10:00 JST FukuokaFree
OfficialUpcoming© countryroad (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 3.0The Sendai Aoba Festival 2027 (43rd edition) is on May 15 (eve festival) and May 16 (main festival) on Jozenji-dori in central Sendai. Reserved seats cost ¥1,000–5,000, group and SS bookings opened Oct 1, 2026 on a first-come basis (checked 2026-10-13), and individual sales start in March 2027 or later.
Sat, May 15, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanReserved seats (43rd edition, Jozenji-dori, tax incl.): A ¥1,500 (May 15 day) / ¥2,500 (May 15 evening) / ¥4,000 (May 16); B ¥1,000 / ¥2,000 / ¥3,500; SA ¥5,000 and SB ¥4,500 (May 16 only); SS tables ¥8,000–80,000. Group (10+) and SS bookings Oct 1, 2026 – Mar 26, 2027; individual sales from March 2027 or later (checked 2026-10-13).
OfficialUpcoming© J o (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 3.0Aoi Matsuri 2027 is on Saturday, May 15. The procession usually leaves the Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30, reaches Shimogamo Shrine at 11:40 and Kamigamo Shrine at 15:30; rain moves it to May 16. Paid seats cost ¥5,000-¥20,000 in 2026; 2027 prices are not yet announced.
Sat, May 15, 2027 10:30 JST KyotoPaid seats (2026): Kyoto Gyoen general ¥5,000-¥6,500, Royal Seat ¥18,000-¥20,000; Shimogamo Shrine approach general ¥5,000-¥6,500, Manabi Seat ¥8,500-¥10,500. 2027 prices not yet announced (checked 2026-10-13).
OfficialUpcoming© Marie-Sophie Mejan · CC BY 4.0A 1,400-year-old imperial procession of 500 people in Heian-era robes winds 8km through Kyoto, oxen and ox-carts adorned with hollyhock leaves.
Sat, May 15, 2027 10:30 JST KyotoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Ray in Manila · CC BY 2.0Nikko Toshogu's Spring Grand Festival (Nikko City, Tochigi) is held every year on May 17-18 -- a fixed date because it is a Shinto rite -- which in 2027 falls on Mon May 17 and Tue May 18. Usually, yabusame mounted archery starts at 1pm on the 17th on the Omotesando approach, and the Hyakumono-zoroi Sennin Musha Gyoretsu, a procession of over 1,200 people in 53 roles, sets off at 11am on the 18th for the Otabisho. Watching is free. Confirm the 2027 times on toshogu.jp before you go.
Mon, May 17, 2027 09:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Jonathan Mercieca · CC BY-SA 4.0One of Hokuriku's three great festivals: six towering 6-metre warrior floats crowned with giant musha-ningyo figures are hauled through old port-town streets.
Wed, May 19, 2027 08:00 JST KanazawaFree
OfficialUpcoming© Qiuqizhenghong · CC BY-SA 3.0Some 400 lilac trees burst into bloom in Odori Park, with a lilac wine garden and outdoor music marking the start of the northern spring.
Wed, May 19, 2027 10:00 JST SapporoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Z3144228 · CC BY-SA 4.0Kanazawa's grandest festival reenacts feudal lord Maeda Toshiie's triumphant entry into the castle, with a costumed warrior procession, tea ceremonies and lantern-lit dances.
Fri, Jun 4, 2027 09:00 JST KanazawaFree
OfficialUpcoming© Ogiyoshisan · Public domainOsaka's Aizen Matsuri (fixed every Jun 30–Jul 2) just wrapped its 2026 run — here's what happened, and the reliable placeholder for 2027.
Wed, Jun 30, 2027 10:00 JST OsakaFree
OfficialUpcoming© 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0Held on the Matsukawa in Ito, Shizuoka since 1956: competitors sit in a one-metre washtub and paddle 400 m from Ideyu Bridge to Fuji-no-Hiroba with a paddle shaped like a rice scoop. The 2026 race was on Sunday 5 July; the 2027 date is not yet announced (as of 2026-09-13).
Sun, Jul 4, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© elmimmo · CC BY 2.0The 2027 Grand Sumo Nagoya Basho runs July 11–25, 2027 at IG Arena (IGアリーナ), Nagoya's new arena that opened in July 2025. It's a 15-day tournament; the top-division bouts run each afternoon and always finish by about 6:00pm. Tickets go on sale roughly 5–8 weeks ahead via the official English site.
Sun, Jul 11, 2027 08:00 JST NagoyaPaid, ticketed. Prices are set per tournament; 2027 figures are released with the Nagoya basho. For scale (approximate 2026 prices, as of July 2026): ringside tamari-seki around ¥20,000 per person; masu-seki tatami boxes about ¥9,000–15,000 per person by tier and day; chair (isu-seki) seats from about ¥3,500 (tier C, weekday) up to ¥11,000+ (SS). Confirm the exact 2027 prices on sumo.or.jp.
OfficialUpcoming© Cp9asngf · CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)Nagaoka Fireworks 2027 is on Monday, August 2 and Tuesday, August 3, by the Shinano River in Nagaoka, Niigata (fixed every year). Show times are not announced yet (2026: 19:20-21:25 both nights). All seats are paid; in 2026 the ticket lottery opened May 25 and sold out June 17.
Mon, Aug 2, 2027 Across JapanAll seats inside the venue are paid; no free seating, no same-day tickets. 2027 seats, prices and sales dates not yet announced (checked 2026-10-14). In 2026: resident lottery Apr 10-28, general first lottery May 25 12:00 - Jun 8 17:00, sold out Jun 17, official resale from Jul 6 (Japan residents only).
OfficialUpcoming© Fisherman · CC BY-SA 3.0Aomori Nebuta Matsuri 2027 runs from Monday 2 to Saturday 7 August 2027 in central Aomori City, on its fixed annual dates. 2027 seat prices are not out yet; in 2026 reserved seats cost 4,000 yen (9,500 yen for the 7 August daytime-plus-fireworks set). Checked 2026-10-14.
Mon, Aug 2, 2027 Across Japan2027 seat prices not announced. 2026: 4,000 yen (2–6 Aug and 7 Aug daytime only), 9,500 yen (7 Aug daytime + fireworks set), wheelchair seat 3,200 yen (tax and guidebook included)
OfficialUpcoming© 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0Ito's largest festival honours William Adams (Miura Anjin): lantern floating on the Matsukawa, a taiko battle, then the sea fireworks on 10 August, the city's founding day. 2027 (81st) dates are not yet announced — this page will update.
Sun, Aug 8, 2027 19:30 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Rosino · CC BY-SA 2.0Awa Odori 2027 in Tokushima is expected on 11–15 August (Wed–Sun), with the outdoor paid arenas on 12–15 August; 2027 is not yet officially announced. In 2026, grandstand seats cost ¥1,000–¥15,000 and the web presale ran 13–21 June (checked 2026-10-14).
Wed, Aug 11, 2027 Across Japan2027 prices not announced. 2026 outdoor paid arenas: C (unreserved) ¥1,000, B ¥2,000, A ¥2,500, S ¥3,000, SS ¥6,000, special seats ¥15,000 (Minami-uchimachi only); advance, tax included, ages 3+. Free to watch in the streets and free arenas.
OfficialUpcoming© Mila Lai · CC BY-SA 2.0The 2027 Grand Sumo Autumn Tournament (Aki Basho) runs Sep 12–26, 2027 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo — 15 straight days of top-division bouts. It's a 2-minute walk from JR Ryogoku Station. Tickets go on sale roughly 5–8 weeks ahead via the official English site; arrive by ~15:00 for the makuuchi stars.
Sun, Sep 12, 2027 08:00 JST TokyoPaid, ticketed. Rough guide (approximate 2026 prices — the 2027 fares are released with each tournament, so confirm on sumo.or.jp; as of July 2026): ringside tamari-seki around ¥20,000/person; masu-seki tatami boxes about ¥9,000–15,000/person by tier and day; Western chair (isu-seki) seats from about ¥3,500 (tier C, weekday) up to ¥11,000+ (tier SS). A limited number of same-day chair tickets (tojitsu-ken) are sold at the box office each morning, first-come.
OfficialUpcoming© Hirho · CC BY-SA 4.0**Grand Sumo's Kyushu Basho 2027 runs Nov 14–28, 2027 at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center**, the year's sixth and final honbasho. Fifteen days of top-division sumo close the season; the top bouts run roughly 15:45–18:00 daily. Buy via the official English site sumo.or.jp/EnTicket.
Sun, Nov 14, 2027 08:00 JST FukuokaPaid; buy via sumo.or.jp/EnTicket (international cards accepted), Ticket Pia / Lawson / Seven, or resellers (Klook, Viator, GetYourGuide, JTB) at higher prices with English support. Approximate 2026 prices — 2027 prices are released with the tournament, so confirm on the official site (as of July 2026): ringside tamari-seki around ¥20,000/person; masu box seats roughly ¥9,000–15,000/person by tier and day; Western chair seats from about ¥3,500 (tier C, weekday) up to ¥11,000+ (tier SS). Advance sale typically opens 5–8 weeks before; check the official site for the exact 2027 on-sale date.
OfficialOpen year-round© Jan Schoepe · CC0Naha's vibrant 'kitchen': vivid Okinawan reef fish, pork and produce downstairs, then a 'mochiagari' service cooks your picks at the upstairs eateries.
Open year-round OkinawaFree
OfficialOpen year-round© DrHughManning · CC BY-SA 4.0A lakeside museum in Ohori Park by architect Kunio Maekawa, mixing Dali and Warhol with Buddhist treasures across 16,000+ works.
Open year-round FukuokaCollection ~¥200; special exhibitions vary
OfficialOpen year-round© Joi (Joi Ito) · CC BY 2.0A 50-minute sampler of Kyoto's traditional performing arts in one sitting: maiko kyomai dance, bunraku puppet theatre, kyogen comedy, court bugaku dance, tea ceremony, ikebana and koto. The easiest, most tourist-friendly intro to Japanese arts.
Open year-round KyotoAdult from ¥5,500; premium seats ¥6,600. Daily shows at 18:00 and 19:00 (winter Dec–Mar: Tue–Fri only).
OfficialOpen year-round© Michael Helmer · Public domainHiroshima's most visited site: a deeply moving record of the 1945 atomic bombing, with multilingual audio guides and free volunteer guides for overseas visitors.
Open year-round HiroshimaAdults ¥200; reservations advised at peak hours
OfficialOpen year-round© BradBeattie · CC BY-SA 3.0Hakata's oldest 400 m covered arcade with 130+ shops, eateries and the famous Kawabata zenzai red-bean sweet.
Open year-round FukuokaFree
OfficialOpen year-round© Yu Morita from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY-SA 2.0A converted 1920s schoolhouse whose corridors are lined with 50,000 readable manga — pull any volume off the 200m 'Wall of Manga' and sprawl on the lawn.
Open year-round KyotoAdults ¥900 (check site for current fees)
OfficialOpen year-round© そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0A Kisho Kurokawa building tucked into Shirakawa Park, strong on the Ecole de Paris, the Mexican Renaissance and local modern art.
Open year-round NagoyaCollection ~¥300; special exhibitions vary
OfficialOpen year-round© Ssemmanda will · CC BY-SA 4.0Nara's famous mochi shop where two artisans pound steaming mugwort rice at blinding speed, then hand you a warm, soft yomogi mochi filled with red bean.
Open year-round NaraFree
OfficialOpen year-round© shankar s. from Poona (pune), India, India · CC BY 2.0660 hectares where ~1,200 wild deer roam freely among temples and lawns, bowing for shika-senbei crackers — a National Natural Monument.
Open year-round NaraFree
OfficialOpen year-round© Hiart · CC0The home of bunraku, Japan's UNESCO-listed puppet theatre, where master puppeteers, tayu chanters and shamisen bring epic dramas to life.
Open year-round OsakaTickets vary by program; English audio guide available
OfficialOpen year-round© pelican from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY-SA 2.0Sapporo's 125-year-old fish market in the heart of downtown: crab legs, sea-urchin, salmon roe and steaming kaisen-don bowls from morning to early evening.
Open year-round SapporoFree
OfficialOpen year-round© Evan-Amos · Public domainNintendo's own museum in Uji traces 130+ years of play — from hanafuda cards to the Switch — with giant interactive exhibits in a former factory.
Open year-round KyotoLottery reservation required; admission via official ticket draw
OfficialOpen year-round© James St. John · CC BY 2.0Inside Ocean Expo Park, the giant Kuroshio tank holds whale sharks and manta rays behind one of the world's largest acrylic panels.
Open year-round OkinawaAdmission charged (see official fee page)
OfficialOpen year-round© Venkasub · CC BY-SA 3.0Okinawa's biggest cultural park: explore a vast limestone cave, dress in Ryukyu attire, try bingata dyeing and Ryukyu glass, and catch the daily Super Eisa show.
Open year-round OkinawaAdults ¥2,000; children (4-14) ¥1,000
OfficialOpen year-round© AUSH baowHAO 260088 · CC0Kanazawa's 300-year-old kitchen: ~170 stalls of Sea of Japan crab, sweet shrimp and just-sliced sashimi rice bowls under one covered arcade.
Open year-round KanazawaFree
OfficialOpen year-round© Hanlu Cao · CC BY-SA 3.0A 106-hectare green expanse around Osaka Castle, ringed by moats and stone walls — 300 cherry trees, 1,200 plums, lawns and concerts year-round.
Open year-round OsakaFree
OfficialOpen year-round© Hirho · CC BY-SA 4.0Kyushu's only official Pokemon store, two minutes from Hakata Station, stocking 2,500+ items including Fukuoka-themed exclusives.
Open year-round FukuokaFree
OfficialOpen year-round© JJBers from Willimantic, Connecticut, USA · CC BY 2.0Pokémon Center Osaka DX sits on 9F of the Daimaru Shinsaibashi Main Building, open 10:00–20:00 (official, checked 2026-10-11), with an underground link from Shinsaibashi Station Exit 4. The adjoining Pokémon Cafe OSAKA is reservation-only: 90-minute seatings, last orders 19:00.
Open year-round OsakaFree
OfficialOpen year-round© DXR · CC BY-SA 4.0In the heart of old-town Asakusa, this beloved yose performs 365 days a year — rakugo storytelling plus manzai, magic, acrobatics and impressions. Drop in any day for an authentic dose of downtown Tokyo entertainment.
Open year-round TokyoBox-office tickets, all unreserved. Day program from 11:40, evening from 16:40.
OfficialOpen year-round© Saruno Hirobano · CC BY-SA 3.0JR Central's railway museum displays 39 real trains — from steam locomotives to record-setting maglev — plus Japan's largest model railway diorama.
Open year-round NagoyaAdults ~¥1,000 (check site)
OfficialOpen year-round© Asturio Cantabrio · CC BY-SA 4.0The world's first ramen theme park: slurp regional ramen styles in a recreated 1958 Tokyo backstreet, with gluten-free and vegetarian bowls too.
Open year-round YokohamaAdmission: adults ¥450, children ¥100, under 6 free (ramen extra)
OfficialOpen year-round© Angelo DeSantis from Berkeley, US · CC BY 2.0Tokyo's vast wholesale fish market with tuna auctions, viewing decks and fresh-sushi restaurants open to visitors.
Open year-round TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© kimubert · CC BY 2.0Glowing arches of hundreds of thousands of lights fill Kobe each winter, a moving memorial turned beloved festival.
Fri, Jan 23, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Kinori · Public DomainHokkaido's winter wonderland: giant snow and ice sculptures fill Odori Park, drawing over two million visitors each February.
Wed, Feb 4, 2026 10:00 JST SapporoFree
OfficialPast event© Diego Molla · CC BY-SA 3.0Otaru's historic canal and old streets glow with thousands of candles in snow lanterns, a quiet, romantic counterpoint to Sapporo's snow festival.
Fri, Feb 13, 2026 17:00 JST SapporoFree
OfficialPast event© 雷太 · CC BY 2.0A UNESCO World Heritage village of steep thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses, nestled in a mountain valley that turns magical under snow.
Sun, Feb 15, 2026 09:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Chad Davis · CC BY 2.0Japan's biggest anime expo: trailers, stage events, voice actors and exclusive goods from every major studio.
Sat, Mar 21, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoTickets around 2,500 yen; some stage events require extra entry
OfficialPast event© Stephane D'Alu · CC BY-SA 3.0One of Tokyo's most famous hanami spots: 1,000 cherry trees line Ueno Park's central path in a pink canopy each spring.
Wed, Mar 25, 2026 09:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Banzai Hiroaki · CC BY 2.0Okinawa's Golden Week dragon-boat festival packs Naha's port with thundering paddle races, music stages and fireworks over the harbor.
Sun, May 3, 2026 09:00 JST OkinawaFree
OfficialPast event© Taisyo · CC BY 3.0A vibrant Golden Week celebration along Peace Boulevard, with flower parades, yosakoi dancing, music stages and a giant flower tower.
Sun, May 3, 2026 09:30 JST HiroshimaFree
OfficialPast event© Danko Georgiev · CC BY-SA 3.0A grand samurai procession reenacts a feudal lord's entry into Kanazawa, complete with armor, geisha and lantern-lit floats.
Fri, Jun 5, 2026 14:00 JST KanazawaFree
OfficialPast event© DannyWithLove · CC BY-SA 4.0Wade barefoot through water and light in this immersive digital-art museum where you become part of the artwork.
Wed, Jun 24, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoAdmission around 3,800 yen; book timed tickets online in advance
OfficialPast event© Maplestrip · CC BY 3.0The flagship Pokemon store in Ikebukuro, packed with exclusive plush, seasonal merch and a giant Pikachu welcoming fans.
Thu, Jun 25, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Domenico Convertini · CC BY-SA 2.0teamLab Borderless Azabudai Hills is open roughly 9:00–21:00 (Jul 2026). Tickets are timed, online-only, from ¥3,800 (adult; varies by day, +¥200 at the door), a 2-min walk from Kamiyacho Station. Allow 2–3 hours — always confirm exact hours on the official site before booking.
Thu, Jun 25, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoAdult (18+) from ¥3,800 online, +¥200 for door purchase; teens 13–17 ¥2,800, child 4–12 ¥1,500, age 3 and under free, with a disability discount available. Pricing is dynamic and varies by day, so always check the exact fare for your date on the official site. As of July 2026.
OfficialPast event© Syced · CC0Wander Japan's largest Chinatown for steaming nikuman, xiaolongbao and panda sweets among ornate gates and red lanterns.
Thu, Jun 25, 2026 11:00 JST YokohamaFree
OfficialPast event© Matthide127 · CC0Yokohama's glittering bayfront at night — ride the giant Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel and stroll the illuminated waterfront promenade.
Thu, Jun 25, 2026 17:00 JST YokohamaFree
OfficialPast event© そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0Explore the crimson seat of the former Ryukyu Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site now rising again from its 2019 fire.
Fri, Jun 26, 2026 09:00 JST OkinawaPark areas free; paid zones include the reconstruction site view
OfficialPast event© Rob Young · CC BY 2.0Tokyo's favorite escape: an easy, scenic mountain just an hour from Shinjuku, with temples, trails and a cable car.
Sat, Jun 27, 2026 09:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Savannah Rivka · CC BY-SA 4.0Suit up in samurai armor, learn the basics of swordsmanship, and throw real ninja shuriken on a guided English tour through Japan's warrior history in Asakusa.
Sat, Jun 27, 2026 13:00 JST TokyoBasic ticket from about ¥3,000 (adult); premium experiences cost more
OfficialPast event© Auckland Museum Collections from Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand · CC BY 2.0Dress in samurai armor, try sword training and throw shuriken on an English guided tour through Japan's warrior history in the heart of downtown Kyoto.
Sat, Jun 27, 2026 14:00 JST KyotoBasic ticket from about ¥3,000 (adult); longer experiences cost more
OfficialPast event© Guilhem Vellut · CC BY 2.0A historic waterfront landmark hosting seasonal events year-round — Christmas markets, an ice rink, beer festivals and bay views.
Sun, Jun 28, 2026 11:00 JST YokohamaFree
OfficialPast event© Brett Fagan · CC0Kobe's waterfront glitters after dark — the red Port Tower, illuminated promenade and bay views make for a relaxed romantic evening.
Sun, Jun 28, 2026 17:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Syced · CC0Japan's most famous baseball club under the dome — easy, all-weather pro baseball in the heart of Tokyo.
Sun, Jun 28, 2026 18:00 JST TokyoReserved seats from about ¥2,200 to ¥7,000+
OfficialPast event© Carla Antonini · CC BY-SA 3.0Japan's oldest and largest museum in Ueno Park, home to samurai armor, Buddhist art and an unrivaled national treasure collection.
Mon, Jun 29, 2026 09:00 JST TokyoRegular collection around 1,000 yen; special exhibits priced separately
OfficialPast event© Lianguanlun · CC BY 4.0Cook Osaka's soul food — okonomiyaki, takoyaki and ramen — with an English-speaking chef in 'Japan's kitchen', then sit down and feast on what you made.
Mon, Jun 29, 2026 11:00 JST OsakaVaries by menu and group; reserve via the official site
OfficialPast event© M Disdero · CC BY-SA 2.5Train like a real ninja with a licensed Japanese master — sword, dagger, shuriken and blowgun techniques in a downtown tatami dojo, taught hands-on in English.
Mon, Jun 29, 2026 13:00 JST Kyoto1-hour lesson ¥10,000; 2-hour lesson ¥15,000 per person (ninja costume included)
OfficialPast event© Douglas Perkins · CC0Sculpt your own seasonal nerikiri wagashi by hand, then enjoy it with freshly whisked matcha in a kimono — a gentle, English-guided sweets-and-tea workshop near Senso-ji.
Mon, Jun 29, 2026 14:00 JST TokyoAbout ¥12,000 per person (kimono rental, ingredients and utensils included)
OfficialPast event© Yasu (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0Japan's most passionate baseball crowd — join tens of thousands of Tigers fans for a jet-balloon night at historic Koshien.
Mon, Jun 29, 2026 18:00 JST OsakaOutfield seats from about ¥2,000; infield reserved ¥6,000–¥9,000+
OfficialPast event© Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Feel the thunder of Japanese wadaiko drums in an English-led lesson — learn the rhythms and stances, then perform together wearing a happi coat, no experience needed.
Tue, Jun 30, 2026 15:00 JST TokyoVaries by plan; reserve via the official site (taiko-reserve.com)
OfficialPast event© Mr.ちゅらさん · CC BY 4.0Catch Japan's top-flight football — choreographed ultras, family-friendly stands and clubs in nearly every city.
Wed, Jul 1, 2026 14:00 JST TokyoTickets typically ¥2,000–¥6,000
OfficialPast event© City of Kanazawa · CC BY 2.1 jpA circular, glass-walled art museum famous for Leandro Erlich's Swimming Pool — playful, interactive and free to wander outside.
Thu, Jul 2, 2026 10:00 JST KanazawaFree public zones; ticketed exhibition galleries
OfficialPast event© Midori (Wikimedia user) · CC BY-SA 3.0One of the Kanto region's largest Tanabata festivals, where central Hiratsuka disappears beneath giant, gaudy bamboo streamers up to ten metres tall.
Fri, Jul 3, 2026 10:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Kyu3 · CC BY-SA 4.0Step into the worlds of Studio Ghibli in Aichi, with life-size sets from Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Castle and more.
Tue, Jul 7, 2026 10:00 JST NagoyaTimed tickets required; book online well in advance
OfficialPast event© Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0World-touring taiko troupe DRUM TAO performs a 45-minute show at its own open-air theatre, perched at 1,036m in the grasslands of Aso-Kuju National Park. Thunderous drumming, athletic choreography and sweeping highland views.
Tue, Jul 7, 2026 14:00 JST Across JapanAdults (junior-high+) ¥4,500; children (4+) ¥2,500; under 3 free. Spring/autumn shows at 14:00.
OfficialPast event© Benford Choi · CC BY-SA 3.0Rolling purple lavender fields perfume the Hokkaido hills at Japan's most iconic flower farm, framed by distant snow-capped peaks.
Fri, Jul 10, 2026 08:30 JST SapporoFree
OfficialPast event© Shixart1985 · CC BY 2.0Japan's largest handmade-craft festival, where about 3,000 creators sell jewelry, ceramics, leather, art and food over one weekend.
Sat, Jul 11, 2026 11:00 JST Tokyo¥1,300 advance / ¥1,500 door (1-day); ¥2,000 advance / ¥2,500 door (2-day); elementary schoolers and younger free.
JmtyPast event© pickle · via jmtyA free, all-ages pickleball gathering near Odo Station bringing students, staff and locals together to play and connect across generations.
Sun, Jul 12, 2026 10:00 JST KyotoFree
JmtyPast event© こまつな／江戸川ベースnappa · via jmtyA free, family-friendly Sunday gathering in Edogawa where kids and adults play, sing and connect across English and Japanese—no experience needed.
Sun, Jul 12, 2026 15:30 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© PattayaPatrol · CC BY-SA 4.0Over 30,000 golden lanterns light the approach to Yasukuni Shrine across four summer nights, with Aomori nebuta floats and bon-odori dancing.
Mon, Jul 13, 2026 18:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Corpse Reviver · CC BY 3.0Kyoto's grandest festival fills July with towering wooden floats, lantern-lit evening parties, and 1,100 years of tradition.
Fri, Jul 17, 2026 09:00 JST KyotoFree
OfficialPast event© Nissy-KITAQ · CC BY-SA 3.0Kokura Gion Daiko 2026 was held July 17-19 around Kokura Castle, Kitakyushu -- free entry, an estimated 300,000 visitors over the three days, 400 years of two-sided drumming. The 2027 dates are not yet announced.
Fri, Jul 17, 2026 18:00 JST FukuokaFree
OfficialPast event© Original: Mithun Kunwar
Derivative work: Radomianin · CC BY-SA 4.0Three seaside days of Nepal in Tokyo's Odaiba — momo and dal bhat, Himalayan crafts, folk dance and music against the bay, free to all.
Sat, Jul 18, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Matthide127 · CC0A summer seaside festival at Yamashita Park with parades, a lit-up boat procession and fireworks over Yokohama Bay.
Sat, Jul 18, 2026 16:00 JST YokohamaFree
OfficialPast event© Qiuqizhenghong · CC BY-SA 3.0Otaru's biggest summer festival fills the port with the mass 'Shio Nerikomi' dance and a closing fireworks display.
Fri, Jul 24, 2026 11:00 JST SapporoFree
OfficialPast event© さかおり (talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0Around 600,000 sunflowers blaze across the Yatsugatake foothills, lit up after dark for a glowing field beneath the night sky.
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 09:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Chris 73 · CC BY-SA 3.0One of Japan's three great river festivals — lantern-laden 'makiwara' boats glide across the Tenno River by night.
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 18:00 JST NagoyaFree
OfficialPast event© Adbh266 · CC BY-SA 4.0By night, daytime banner floats transform into 'lantern pyramids' — 12 tiers of 309 glowing lanterns swaying as bearers race them through Kitakyushu.
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 18:30 JST FukuokaFree
OfficialPast event© 桜庭シェリー · CC BY-SA 3.0Tokyo's most storied summer fireworks show launches 20,000 shells over the Sumida River with Tokyo Skytree glowing behind.
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Jovandavid · Public DomainThe 2026 Kanazawa Fireworks Festival (Hokkoku Hanabi) has finished — it was held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 19:50, with about 12,000 shells over the Saigawa River in central Kanazawa, free to watch. It ran for the third year as a Noto earthquake recovery-support edition. The 2027 date is not yet announced.
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 19:50 JST KanazawaFree
OfficialPast event© Daniel Ramirez from Honolulu, USA · CC BY 2.0One of the Seto Inland Sea's largest displays — about 10,000 shells, including wide 10-go bursts, choreographed to music over Hiroshima Port.
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 20:00 JST HiroshimaFree
OfficialPast event© Alan & Flora Botting · CC BY-SA 2.0Nagoya's quirky downtown district throws a lively summer festival with cosplay, world dance and a wet 'kara-okuri' parade.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 10:00 JST NagoyaFree
OfficialPast event© Marho · CC BY-SA 4.0A Guinness-record wall of taiko drums thunders through Morioka as thousands of dancers chant 'Sakkora choiwayasse!'
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Rosino · CC BY-SA 2.0Hirosaki's own summer lantern parade (Aug 1–7, 2026) — fan-shaped floats and a calmer chant that set it apart from nearby Aomori Nebuta.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 19:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Volfgang · CC BY-SA 3.0A 700-metre 'Grand Niagara' cascade and Tokyo's largest shells light up the Arakawa, fired in tandem with Toda City across the water.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 19:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Volfgang · CC BY-SA 3.0A 1,000-shell opening burst in five seconds sets the tone for one of Tokyo's biggest riverside fireworks shows over the Edogawa.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 19:15 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Raita Futo · CC BY 2.0The Hakodate Port Festival 2026 is over - it ran 1-5 August 2026. The festival is held on the same calendar dates every year, so the 2027 edition falls on Sunday 1 - Thursday 5 August 2027. Free to attend, 5 minutes' walk from JR Hakodate Station.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 19:45 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© MaedaAkihiko · CC BY-SA 4.021,000 fireworks over Lake Shinji across two nights (Aug 1-2, 2026) -- one of western Japan's biggest lake firework shows, with a drone show opening night one.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 20:00 JST Across JapanPaid reserved seating in 3 lakeside areas (Kohoku, Shirakata, Konan) went on sale June 6, 2026; free public viewing spots are also available around the lake.
OfficialPast event© Fisherman · CC BY-SA 3.0Aomori Nebuta 2026 reserved viewing seats: ¥4,000 prices, the 2026 sale dates (lottery + Jun 27 first-come), how to buy, and access from Tokyo.
Sun, Aug 2, 2026 19:00 JST Across JapanReserved viewing seat ¥4,000 (Aug 7 daytime + fireworks set ¥9,500); handling fee added
OfficialPast event© MIKI Yoshihito · CC BY 2.0How to buy paid grandstand seats at Japan's summer matsuri in 2026: lottery vs first-come, prices, the on-sale calendar and the official links.
Sun, Aug 2, 2026 19:00 JSTPaid grandstand seats from ¥1,000 (varies by festival and tier)
OfficialPast event© Fisherman · CC BY-SA 3.0Giant illuminated warrior floats are paraded through Aomori nightly as chanting dancers leap alongside in a blaze of color.
Sun, Aug 2, 2026 19:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Cp9asngf · CC BY-SA 3.0Nagaoka's 2026 reserved seats sold out June 17 — the official resale opens July 6 (Japan residents only). Here's the resale route, the unauthorized-resale warning, and where you can still watch for free.
Sun, Aug 2, 2026 19:20 JST Across JapanReserved seats sold out; official resale only (Japan residents), approx. ¥1,000-¥48,000 face value by tier
OfficialPast event© Cp9asngf · CC BY-SA 3.0One of Japan's three great fireworks festivals, famed for the colossal 'Phoenix' shells fired across the Shinano River as a prayer for peace.
Sun, Aug 2, 2026 19:20 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© 掬茶 · CC BY-SA 4.0Akita's Kanto Matsuri lights up Kanto Odori with about 280 bamboo poles and 10,000 lanterns, balanced on foreheads, hips and palms like glowing rice sheaves.
Mon, Aug 3, 2026 18:45 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© hildgrim · CC BY-SA 2.0Performers balance towering bamboo poles strung with dozens of glowing lanterns on their palms, foreheads and shoulders.
Mon, Aug 3, 2026 18:50 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© No machine-readable author provided. Crown of Lenten rose assumed (based on copy · Public domainSome 10,000 dancers twirl flower-adorned straw hats to the rhythmic cry of 'Yassho, makasho!' in one of Tohoku's biggest parades.
Wed, Aug 5, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© かるちる · CC0On summer nights, 20,000 candles flicker across Nara Park's historic grounds in a serene sea of gentle light.
Wed, Aug 5, 2026 19:00 JST NaraFree
OfficialPast event© 掬茶 · CC BY-SA 4.0Sendai Tanabata Festival 2026 (Aug 6–8): the fixed dates, the giant paper streamers, the Aug 5 fireworks, 5-min access from Sendai Station, and what to see.
Thu, Aug 6, 2026 10:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Nesnad · CC BY 3.0Japan's grandest star festival drapes Sendai's arcades in thousands of giant, handmade paper streamers.
Thu, Aug 6, 2026 10:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Lonely Planet Japan · CC BY-SA 4.0Around 12,000 fireworks reflect off Japan's largest lake near Otsu in a 40th-anniversary show fused with drones and lasers.
Thu, Aug 6, 2026 19:30 JST KyotoFree
OfficialPast event© Volfgang · CC BY-SA 3.0Asagaya Tanabata Festival 2026 runs Aug 7–11, free, rain or shine. Tokyo's arcade tanabata is famous for giant handmade papier-mâché figures of the year's characters, right by JR Asagaya Station.
Fri, Aug 7, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© m-sasaki · CC BY 4.0Fukushima Waraji Matsuri 2026 (Aug 7–9) parades a 12m, 2-ton straw sandal past the station before offering it to Haguro Shrine.
Fri, Aug 7, 2026 18:30 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© DAI-nk · CC BY-SA 3.0Niigata Matsuri 2026 runs Aug 7–9: a 15,000-dancer folk parade on the 7th, then a Shinano River fireworks finale on the 9th.
Fri, Aug 7, 2026 19:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Kounosu · CC BY-SA 3.0Awa Odori 2026 (Aug 12–15, Tokushima): grandstand seat prices, the 2026 on-sale dates, how to buy via Ticket Pia, and how to get there.
Wed, Aug 12, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanReserved grandstand ¥1,000 (C) – ¥3,000 (S); Minami-uchimachi SS ¥6,000 / Special ¥15,000
OfficialPast event© KASEI · CC BY-SA 3.0Tottori's Guinness-record umbrella dance returns Aug 13–14, 2026 for its 62nd edition — free to watch along the city-center parade route.
Thu, Aug 13, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Zairon · CC BY 4.0Three thousand bronze and stone lanterns are lit across ancient Kasuga Taisha, filling the shrine's forest paths with a soft golden glow.
Fri, Aug 14, 2026 19:00 JST NaraSmall fee to enter the inner lantern corridors
OfficialPast event© Cobalt Fox · Public DomainAround 40,000 fireworks erupt over Lake Suwa, their booms echoing off the surrounding mountains in one of central Japan's most spectacular summer displays.
Sat, Aug 15, 2026 19:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© American Art Association;
Millet, Francis Davis, 1846-1912 · No restrictionsOne of Edo's three great festivals returns to its full triennial form in 2026, with 50+ mikoshi paraded as spectators drench bearers in purifying water.
Sun, Aug 16, 2026 07:30 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© New Zealand Government, Office of the Governor-General · CC BY 4.0Thousands of memorial lanterns drift down the Oi River below Arashiyama as the 'Torii-gata' bonfire of the Gozan Okuribi blazes on the hillside above.
Sun, Aug 16, 2026 19:00 JST KyotoFree
OfficialPast event© 掬茶 · CC BY-SA 4.0Masked dancers in black hikosa-zukin hoods and deep amigasa hats sway through torchlit streets at one of Japan's three great Bon Odori, 700+ years old.
Sun, Aug 16, 2026 19:30 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© MIKI Yoshihito from Sapporo City, Hokkaido, Japan · CC BY 2.0A thousand women dance through summer night with golden paper lanterns glowing on their heads — Kumamoto's most ethereal festival.
Sun, Aug 16, 2026 20:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Internet Archive Book Images · No restrictionsOne of Japan's biggest tropical-fish and aquatic-life markets fills an Asakusa hall with around 200 specialist booths.
Sun, Aug 23, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoPaid admission (check the official site for the current ticket price).
OfficialPast event© Tet · CC BY 4.0Okinawa's biggest eisa festival, where drum troupes from across the islands perform thunderous traditional dance under summer skies.
Fri, Aug 28, 2026 15:00 JST OkinawaFree
OfficialPast event© Prosperosity · CC BY-SA 3.0Noboribetsu's hot-spring Hell Festival returns Aug 29-30, 2026: a giant demon float, the 1-ton Oni Mikoshi, mass demon-dancing and fireworks -- free to attend.
Sat, Aug 29, 2026 10:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Degueulasse · CC BY-SA 3.0Held on Aug 29–30, 2026 at Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha and along Sanjo-dori — now ended. A record of Nara's energetic summer dance festival, where vivid street-dance teams paraded through the city.
Sat, Aug 29, 2026 11:00 JST NaraFree
OfficialPast event© Qiuqizhenghong · CC BY-SA 3.0Japan's only major summer full marathon starts and finishes at Odori Park, using stretches of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic route.
Sun, Aug 30, 2026 08:30 JST SapporoSpectating free; runner entry opens in late March 2026.
OfficialPast event© Volfgang · CC BY-SA 3.0A quirky Tokyo street festival born from a comic rakugo tale, where charcoal-grilled Pacific saury is served with sudachi citrus to long, happy queues.
Sun, Sep 6, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Qiuqizhenghong · CC BY-SA 3.0Sapporo Autumn Fest 2026 ran Sep 11–Oct 3 in Odori Park and has ended. Check the official site for the 2027 dates.
Fri, Sep 11, 2026 10:00 JST SapporoFree
OfficialPast event© Shizhao · CC BY-SA 2.5Held on Sep 12–13, 2026 at Nihon-odori, Yokohama — now ended. A record of the free bayfront festival of pho and banh mi stalls, ao dai try-ons and water-puppet theatre, with venue and access.
Sat, Sep 12, 2026 10:00 JST YokohamaFree
OfficialPast event© そらみみ (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 4.0Hojoya runs 12-18 September 2026 - seven days and seven nights at Hakozakigu Shrine in Fukuoka, with several hundred stalls along the approach and around a million visitors. Free to enter.
Sat, Sep 12, 2026 10:00 JST FukuokaFree
OfficialPast event© ELLusKa 86 · Public domainDisney Halloween 2026 is on at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea through Saturday, October 31. The second full-costume window is October 16–31, there's no changing space inside the parks, and here are the costume rules and ticket basics, checked October 14, 2026.
Wed, Sep 16, 2026 09:00 JST TokyoRequires a date-specific park ticket (variable pricing; check the price for your date on the official site). The Halloween parade and decorations are included with regular admission.
OfficialPast event© そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0Kitakyushu's biggest summer festival sends massive 'Wasshoi' dance parades and mikoshi through Kokura, capped by fireworks.
Sat, Sep 19, 2026 09:00 JST FukuokaFree
OfficialPast event© Umako · Public domainSome 600 people parade in full samurai costume through Aizuwakamatsu in a 'Lord's Procession' honouring the clan that made a famous last stand in Japan's last civil war.
Sat, Sep 19, 2026 10:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© ヒタチギ · CC BY-SA 4.0Held on Sep 19, 2026 around Kashiwa Station — now ended (200,000 visitors per Kashiwa City). Sep 20 was cancelled as a typhoon approached. A record of Kashiwa City's biggest festival in its first year after moving from summer to September because of extreme heat.
Sat, Sep 19, 2026 13:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0The Sept 20, 2026 procession of Kumamoto's Fujisaki Hachimangu grand festival (Boshita Matsuri) and decorated horses were cancelled after the July 28 earthquake. Shrine rites began Sept 13. 2027 dates are not announced (checked 2026-10-14).
Sun, Sep 20, 2026 06:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Vassil · CC0The Sep 20–21, 2026 dates at Tokyo Big Sight East Halls have passed. A record of Japan's biggest reptile and exotic-animal expo, where geckos, snakes, frogs and their breeders gather.
Sun, Sep 20, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoAdults ¥1,400 advance / ¥1,600 door; elementary ¥700 advance / ¥800 door; preschoolers free.
OfficialPast event© Judgefloro · CC BY-SA 4.0Pet Haku Osaka 2026 runs Sep 21-23 at Intex Osaka. Ticket prices (advance vs door) and the exact rules for bringing your own pet, explained.
Mon, Sep 21, 2026 10:00 JST OsakaAdults (junior-high+) ¥1,300 advance / ¥1,500 door; children (age 4-elementary) ¥700 advance / ¥800 door.
OfficialPast event© Nesnad · CC BY 4.0Japan's largest Indian festival fills Yoyogi Park with curry stalls, chai, sari shops, Bollywood dance and classical music — a two-day plunge into India in the heart of Tokyo.
Sat, Sep 26, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0Around 100 fishing boats escort three deities' mikoshi across the sea at this World Heritage shrine's grand autumn festival.
Thu, Oct 1, 2026 09:00 JST FukuokaFree
OfficialPast event© Ben P L from Provo, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0The Ueno Park edition of the free Caribbean-Latin street fair — Latin food, mojitos, salsa and reggae beside the fountain plaza in one of Tokyo's most famous parks.
Sat, Oct 3, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Nihonmatsuri · CC BY 4.0Seven towering floats, each carrying 300+ glowing red lanterns, parade through Fukushima nights to the beat of taiko in one of Japan's three great lantern festivals.
Sat, Oct 3, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Marine-Blue · CC BY-SA 3.0A 380-year-old shrine festival blending Japanese, Chinese and Dutch flair — spinning dragon dances, whirling umbrella floats and roaring 'Motte-koi' chants.
Wed, Oct 7, 2026 07:00 JST FukuokaFree
OfficialPast event© z tanuki · CC BY 3.0Eleven gilded Edo-era floats parade through old Takayama by day, then glow with 100+ lanterns at dusk in one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals.
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 09:00 JST NagoyaFree
OfficialPast event© Kanchi1979 · CC BY-SA 4.0Konpira-san's biggest festival (Oct 9-11, 2026): once a year the mountain deity 'comes down' -- a ~600-strong procession carries the mikoshi 2km through Kotohira by torchlight.
Fri, Oct 9, 2026 16:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Internet Archive Book Images · No restrictionsSome 33,000 round kochia bushes turn Miharashi Hill a blazing crimson each October, a fluffy red carpet rolling toward the Pacific Ocean.
Sat, Oct 10, 2026 09:30 JST Across JapanAdults (high-school+) from ¥450; price rises during peak kochia season
OfficialPast event© Okimoto · Public DomainJoin thousands pulling the world's largest straw rope through Naha in this Guinness-record Okinawan autumn festival.
Sun, Oct 11, 2026 11:00 JST OkinawaFree
OfficialPast event© Yuet Man Lee · CC BY-SA 4.0Tens of thousands grab a Guinness-record 200m rope and heave for 30 minutes in the middle of Naha's main road — Okinawa's most thunderous autumn spectacle.
Sun, Oct 11, 2026 14:30 JST OkinawaFree
OfficialPast event© 三塚 · CC BY-SA 4.0In Tokyo's 'Little Edo', towering tiered floats with revolving dolls roll past kurazukuri warehouses and clash in 'Hikkawase' flute-and-drum face-offs.
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Lance Cpl. David Hersey · Public domainJapan's biggest analog-game fair, where thousands of indie board, card and tabletop creators sell and demo their games over one weekend.
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 11:00 JST TokyoAround ¥1,500 advance / ¥2,000 same-day (2026 reference; autumn fees TBA); elementary schoolers and younger free.
OfficialPast event© Base64 · CC BY-SA 3.0The 72nd Nagoya Festival is on Oct 17 (Sat) and 18 (Sun), 2026, centered on Hisaya-odori Park, free. There is no Three Heroes parade in 2026; the parade floats, karakuri puppets and kagura are shown in the park instead. Checked 2026-10-14.
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 11:00 JST NagoyaFree
OfficialPast event© Corpse Reviver · CC BY-SA 3.0Jidai Matsuri 2026 is Thursday, October 22: about 2,000 people in period costume leave the Kyoto Imperial Palace at noon and reach Heian Jingu around 14:30. Free from the roadside; paid seats from ¥5,000. Rain date: Oct 23.
Thu, Oct 22, 2026 12:00 JST KyotoFree
OfficialPast event© そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0Hakata Okunchi 2026 (Oct 23–24) is Kushida Shrine's free autumn festival in Fukuoka — a 1,200-year harvest rite, famous for the Oct 24 ox-cart procession. Dates, schedule, access.
Fri, Oct 23, 2026 10:00 JST FukuokaFree
OfficialPast event© zannaland · CC BY-SA 2.0A laid-back eco-minded community fair in Yoyogi Park — organic food, world music, crafts and a mellow forest atmosphere that draws Tokyo's international and creative crowd.
Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© EllieBellie25 · CC BY-SA 4.0Hiroshima's biggest autumn food fair fills the grounds of Hiroshima Castle with okonomiyaki, oysters, lemons and gourmet stalls from every corner of the prefecture.
Sat, Oct 24, 2026 10:00 JST HiroshimaFree
OfficialPast event© Marc Antomattei · CC BY-SA 4.0Yokohama Marathon 2026 is on Sunday 25 October: the full marathon starts at 8:30 in front of Landmark Tower and finishes at Pacifico Yokohama Waterfront Park, closing at 15:00. Entry has closed.
Sun, Oct 25, 2026 08:30 JST YokohamaEntry fees (entry closed): full marathon ¥18,500, pair relay ¥32,000 per team, Wangan Highway Run ¥16,000, Minato Mirai 7km Run ¥7,000, Enjoy Run ¥4,500 (family ¥7,000 per pair), plus a handling fee. Spectating is free.
OfficialPast event© Pekachu · CC BY-SA 4.0The Saga International Balloon Fiesta 2026 runs Friday, October 30 to Tuesday, November 3, 2026 on the Kase River banks in Saga City, and entry is free. Competition flights go up daily 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 3:00–5:00 p.m. (final day mornings only), and the La Montgolfier Nocturne night glow is on November 2 and 3 from 6:30 p.m. A temporary JR station, Balloon Saga Station, opens at the venue during the fiesta (official info checked 2026-10-13).
Fri, Oct 30, 2026 06:30 JST FukuokaFree
OfficialPast event© Shisma · CC BY 4.0Tokyo Ramen Festa 2026 runs for five days, October 30 (Fri) to November 3 (Tue, holiday), at Komazawa Olympic Park's Central Plaza in Tokyo. Entry is free; ramen costs ¥1,100 (tax incl.) per bowl, paid by ticket.
Fri, Oct 30, 2026 11:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© Dariusz Jemielniak · CC BY-SA 3.0Onomichi's Betcha Matsuri 2026 runs November 1–3. The demon parade is on November 3 (a national holiday): it leaves the Otabisho (the mikoshi's resting place) in the morning and returns to Ichinomiya (Kibitsuhiko) Shrine around 18:30 (checked 2026-10-13). Free to watch.
Sun, Nov 1, 2026 09:00 JST HiroshimaFree
OfficialPast event© Sanjo · CC BY-SA 4.0Kagoshima's 75th Ohara Matsuri runs Nov 2, 2026 (Mon) from 18:50 (night festival) and Nov 3 (Tue, national holiday) 10:20–15:25 (main festival) on a 1,480 m stretch of the Tenmonkan tram street. It is the original festival — not the May event in Tokyo's Shibuya.
Mon, Nov 2, 2026 18:50 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Pekachu · CC BY-SA 4.0Karatsu Kunchi 2026 runs Mon 2 – Wed 4 November. The highlight is the Nov 3 Otabisho Shinko, when 14 floats are hauled onto the sand at Nishinohama. Free to watch; two floats turn 180 this year.
Mon, Nov 2, 2026 19:30 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© 武田信徳 · CC BY 4.0The Iruma Air Show 2026 is on Tuesday, November 3, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (gates 8 a.m.) at JASDF Iruma Air Base in Sayama, Saitama, and entry is free. The Blue Impulse time is not announced yet (about 11 a.m. in 2025). Last year there was no visitor parking. Checked 2026-10-14.
Tue, Nov 3, 2026 08:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialPast event© PIRELLI from Tokyo, Japan (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY 2.1 JPThe 95th Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition is on Saturday 7 November 2026, 17:30–20:00 (scheduled), on the Sakuragawa riverbank near Gakuen Bridge, with about 20,000 shells. Bad-weather date: 14 November. All organiser seating is paid; there are no free seats.
Sat, Nov 7, 2026 17:30 JST Across JapanAll organiser seating is paid (no free seats). Sajiki box full ¥26,000 (5 people), half ¥13,000 (2), sajiki chair seat ¥12,000, sajiki table seat ¥80,000 (4); chair seats A ¥6,000 / B ¥5,000 / C ¥4,000 (tax incl., plus a ¥990 delivery charge). The lottery and the resale lottery have both closed (checked 2026-10-13).