OfficialOn now© Douggers · Public DomainA 1,300-year-old torchlit tradition: Gifu's Imperial cormorant masters work leashed birds on the Nagara River nightly, May 11-October 15, 2026.
Until Thu, Oct 15, 2026 20:30 JST Across JapanShared sightseeing boat (2026 rates): ¥4,200 adults / ¥2,100 children on regular days; ¥5,100 adults / ¥2,600 children on peak dates. Watching for free from the riverbank is also possible.
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© 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© ELLusKa 86 · Public domainDisney Halloween 2026 runs Sept 16 (Wed)–Oct 31 (Sat) at both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea — the dates are official. Full costumes are allowed only Sept 15–30 and Oct 16–31 (not Oct 1–15). Dates, costume rules and ticket tips below.
Until Sat, Oct 31, 2026 21:00 JST TokyoRequires a park ticket (1-day from around 7,900 yen, varies by date); all Halloween entertainment is included.
OfficialThis weekend© 663highland · CC BY 2.5Matsue's castle and canals glow with lanterns every weekend from Sept 26-Oct 18, 2026, 18:00-21:00 -- a quiet, romantic alternative to Japan's big-city illuminations.
Sat, Sep 26, 2026 18:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© 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
OfficialUpcoming© 663highland · CC BY-SA 3.0Marimo Festival 2026 runs 8–10 October at Lake Akan, Hokkaido. Every ceremony is free to watch: Ainu elders open with kamuinomi prayers, a torchlit parade winds along the lake on the second night, and on the final morning the marimo are carried by dugout canoe back into the water — a rite held every year since 1950 to protect a Special Natural Monument.
Thu, Oct 8, 2026 10:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© 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
OfficialUpcoming© 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
OfficialUpcoming© Subramaniam K V · CC BY 3.0Walk ancient moss-covered pilgrimage paths through the forested Kii Mountains to sacred Kumano shrines, a UNESCO World Heritage route.
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 08:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Raita Futo · CC BY 2.0ELLEGARDEN, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and Sambomaster headline a headland-side music festival on Miyako Island, Okinawa on October 17, 2026.
Sat, Oct 17, 2026 11:00 JST OkinawaAdvance ¥9,000 / Door ¥10,000 (day-of sales only if not sold out) / Miyako Island resident student ticket ¥4,000 / children under elementary-school age free (up to 3 per guardian)
OfficialUpcoming© Christophe Robin · CC BY-SA 2.0The hairpin Irohazaka road climbs through a moving gradient of red and gold to Lake Chuzenji, where the 97-m Kegon Falls plunges past blazing maples.
Sun, Oct 18, 2026 08:00 JST TokyoFree
OfficialUpcoming© Marc Antomattei · CC BY-SA 4.0Yokohama's flagship full marathon starts at Landmark Tower and is the only domestic race that runs on the Bay Expressway.
Sun, Oct 25, 2026 08:30 JST YokohamaFull marathon entry from around ¥18,500; spectating is free.
OfficialUpcoming© Pekachu · CC BY-SA 4.0**The Saga International Balloon Fiesta 2026 runs Oct 30–Nov 3, 2026 on the banks of the Kase River in eastern Saga City, and it's completely free to watch.** Asia's largest sky-sports event fills the Kyushu sky with 100+ hot-air balloons, drawing over 800,000 visitors across five days.
Fri, Oct 30, 2026 06:30 JST FukuokaFree
OfficialUpcoming© Shubert Ciencia · CC BY 2.0Over 4,000 maples of 11 varieties set Aichi's Korankei gorge ablaze in crimson, with evening light-ups reflecting on the Tomoe River until 9 p.m.
Sun, Nov 1, 2026 09:00 JST NagoyaFree
OfficialUpcoming© Jorge Láscar from Australia · CC BY 2.0Japan's largest illumination floods a European-style canal town with millions of lights every night of the year across this Nagasaki resort.
Sun, Nov 1, 2026 17:00 JST Across JapanPark admission ticket required (varies by plan)
OfficialUpcoming© 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.
Sat, Nov 7, 2026 11:45 JST NaraSame-day tickets only: adults (junior high and up) ¥1,000, children (elementary) ¥500
OfficialUpcoming© Cobalt Fox · Public DomainOne of Japan's three great fireworks competitions, where rival pyrotechnicians fire 20,000 shells over the Sakuragawa river to be crowned the nation's best.
Sat, Nov 7, 2026 17:30 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialUpcoming© Emran Kassim · CC BY 2.0Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea transform into glittering winter wonderlands for Disney Christmas — festive parades, nighttime sparkle and holiday-exclusive shows, food and merchandise at both parks.
Wed, Nov 11, 2026 09:00 JST TokyoRequires a park ticket (1-day from around 7,900 yen, varies by date); all Christmas entertainment is included.
OfficialUpcoming© Mr.ちゅらさん · CC BY-SA 4.0Japan's earthquake-recovery marathon returns Nov 15, 2026 — 20,000 runners from Kobe City Hall out along the Akashi coast to a Harborland finish.
Sun, Nov 15, 2026 09:00 JST OsakaMarathon ¥18,000 (Japan residents) / ¥24,200 (overseas entrants); 2-person relay ¥30,400 (Fees per the official race guidelines, as of September 18, 2026.)
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© 663highland · CC BY 2.5The 40th NAHA Marathon runs Dec 6, 2026: 30,000 runners cross 5 southern Okinawa towns on the Peace Memorial Park course to a finish in Naha.
Sun, Dec 6, 2026 09:00 JST OkinawaEntry ¥11,000 (general) / ¥9,000 (ages 65+ and under 18); spectating along the course is free.
OfficialUpcoming© Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY 2.0Wind, snow and ice encase the alpine firs into surreal white 'snow monsters'; ride the ropeway up and see them glow under colored floodlights at night.
Sat, Dec 26, 2026 17:00 JST Across JapanFree outdoors; Zao Ropeway round-trip fare (several thousand yen) to reach the summit juhyo.
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© 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© 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© 欅 (Keyaki) · CC BY-SA 3.0The 2027 edition runs 6–13 February (Otaru Tourism Association, announced 9 June 2026). Otaru's historic canal and old rail line glow with thousands of hand-lit snow lanterns and floating candles for eight winter nights.
Sat, Feb 6, 2027 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© 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 JapanInner garden ~¥300 for non-residents; festival grounds largely free.
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© Jean-Pierre Dalbéra · CC BY 2.0Kyoto Marathon 2027 runs on Sunday, February 21, 2027, starting at Takebishi Stadium Kyoto in Nishikyogoku at 9:00 a.m. and finishing in front of Heian-jingu Shrine, with a field of 16,000.
Sun, Feb 21, 2027 09:00 JST KyotoMarathon entry ¥18,500 (Kyoto residents) / ¥19,500 (other domestic) / ¥35,000 (overseas); pair-ekiden ¥34,000/pair; wheelchair race ¥3,000. Spectating is free. (Fees per the official race guidelines, as of September 18, 2026.)
OfficialUpcoming© Type specimen · CC BY-SA 3.0Osaka Marathon 2027 runs on Sunday 28 February 2027. General entry closes at 17:00 on 28 August 2026 and lottery results are emailed on 28 September. The ¥16,000 fee is not the final bill — an admin charge and a compulsory charity donation take it to about ¥18,000. Caps, eligibility and race-number collection, straight from the race guidelines.
Sun, Feb 28, 2027 09:00 JST OsakaAn individual general entry costs ¥16,000 in Japan / US$145 from overseas. On top of the entry fee you must also pay an administration charge (6.0% of the settled amount for domestic entries) and a compulsory charity donation of at least two units (¥500 each in Japan), so a domestic individual entry actually comes to roughly ¥18,000. Watching from the roadside is free. (Race guidelines, as of 16 August 2026.)
OfficialUpcoming© Chris 73 · CC BY-SA 3.0The world's largest women-only marathon, where every finisher is handed a Baccarat crystal tumbler by a tuxedoed attendant at the Nagoya Dome.
Sun, Mar 14, 2027 09:10 JST NagoyaPaid, lottery entry (spectating is free).
OfficialUpcoming© Manish Prabhune · CC BY 2.0A 700m 'sakura tunnel' of 260-plus cherry trees arches over the Imperial Palace moat, best seen by rowboat or under evening illumination.
Thu, Mar 25, 2027 TokyoFree
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© Tawashi2006 · CC BY 2.1 jpAround 30,000 cherry trees in 200 varieties blanket a sacred mountainside, blooming in waves up four zones from Shimo to Oku Senbon.
Sat, Mar 27, 2027 NaraFree
OfficialUpcoming© Qiuqizhenghong · CC BY-SA 3.0One of Japan's earliest big fireworks of the year — around 10,000 shells choreographed to live music over the East China Sea off Ginowan.
Sat, Apr 10, 2027 18:30 JST OkinawaTicketed reserved seating in tiers; a free viewing area is also available. Exact 2027 date confirmed in winter.
OfficialUpcoming© Volfgang · CC BY-SA 3.0Tokyo's biggest environmental festival fills Yoyogi Park with eco-food stalls, live music and 300+ booths — zero-waste, English-friendly and free to wander.
Sat, Apr 17, 2027 10:00 JST TokyoFree
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 23, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanFree
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© Hajime NAKANO · CC BY 2.0Hundreds of riders in full samurai armour thunder across Fukushima's coast for armoured horse races and a wild scramble to catch sacred flags shot into the sky.
Sat, May 29, 2027 09:00 JST Across JapanThe main-day grounds (Hibarigahara) are ticketed for grandstand seating; street processions are free to watch. Exact 2027 dates (last weekend of May) confirmed in advance.
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© Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0Ohori Park Japanese Garden hours, ¥250 admission, closed Mondays, and the easiest way there from Ohori-Koen Station — plus what to see in 30–45 minutes.
Open year-round FukuokaAdults ¥250, children ¥120 (65+ free)
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© 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© shankar s. · CC BY 2.0A 175,000m2 classical garden of relocated historic buildings — in summer, irises, hydrangeas and early-morning lotus blooms float over its ponds.
Open year-round YokohamaAdults ¥900, children ¥200
OfficialOpen year-round© Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0A daimyo stroll-garden on the Owari Tokugawa estate, with a central pond, Ozone Waterfall and seasonal peony and iris beds beside a samurai art museum.
Open year-round NagoyaAdmission charged (see official site)
OfficialPast event© tab2_dawa · CC BY 2.0One of Japan's three great gardens glows after dark in seasonal light-up events, from snowy yukitsuri ropes to autumn-leaf reflections.
Fri, Feb 6, 2026 17:30 JST KanazawaFree
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© BLM Nevada · CC BY-SA 2.0Some 20,000 hydrangeas in 50 varieties carpet a hillside temple garden in Uji — including the elusive star-shaped 'shichidanka' — with weekend evening light-ups.
Mon, Jun 22, 2026 08:30 JST KyotoGarden admission approx. ¥1,000 (adults).
OfficialPast event© Mitchwandrew · CC BY 4.0Walk a luminous path through towering bamboo in Kyoto's Arashiyama, where filtered light and rustling stalks feel otherworldly.
Fri, Jun 26, 2026 07:00 JST KyotoFree
OfficialPast event© Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert · CC BY 4.0One of Japan's most sacred shrines, set in a tranquil ancient forest in Nagoya and home to the legendary Kusanagi sword.
Sat, Jun 27, 2026 09:00 JST NagoyaFree
LumaPast event© Nanako · via LumaLie back and feel the resonance of Japanese taiko in an immersive sound-bath session.
Sun, Jun 28, 2026 16:30 JST Tokyo¥7,000
OfficialPast event© tab2_dawa · CC BY 2.0Pair Japan's celebrated Kenrokuen Garden with the restored Kanazawa Castle next door — landscaped ponds, teahouses and white turrets.
Mon, Jun 29, 2026 09:00 JST KanazawaKenrokuen entry around 320 yen; castle park grounds mostly free
OfficialPast event© Jakub Hałun · CC BY 4.0A short ferry from Hiroshima reaches Miyajima, where the great vermilion torii of Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on the tide.
Tue, Jun 30, 2026 09:00 JST HiroshimaFerry and shrine entry each a few hundred yen
OfficialPast event© summonedbyfells · CC BY 2.0Sit zazen with the head monk inside a 400-year-old temple usually closed to the public, just minutes from Roppongi — a calm, English-guided introduction to Zen with tea and sweets.
Wed, Jul 1, 2026 10:00 JST TokyoPrivate experience — contact the operator for pricing
OfficialPast event© AudaCity3371 · CC BY-SA 3.0Ride one of the world's great cycling routes across the Seto Inland Sea, island-hopping by bike over soaring suspension bridges.
Thu, Jul 2, 2026 08:00 JST HiroshimaBike rental from around 2,000 yen per day
LumaPast event© Tokyo Wellness Community · via LumaStart the day with rooftop yoga in Aoyama, finished with a healthy BELCOMO breakfast.
Fri, Jul 3, 2026 07:30 JST TokyoPaid (see Luma)
OfficialPast event© Suicasmo · CC BY-SA 4.0A mountain hot-spring resort near Mt. Fuji, combining steaming onsen, a sculpture park, a pirate-ship lake cruise and ropeway views.
Sat, Jul 4, 2026 09:00 JST Across JapanOnsen and museum entries vary; a Hakone Free Pass saves on transport
OfficialPast event© 663highland · CC BY 2.5An island in the Seto Inland Sea reborn as living art, with Tadao Ando museums, a Yayoi Kusama pumpkin and outdoor installations.
Sun, Jul 5, 2026 10:00 JST Across JapanMuseum tickets vary; Chichu Art Museum needs advance booking
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© 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© 663highland · CC BY 2.5A celebrated contemporary art festival scattered across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea, blending installations with fishing-village life.
Mon, Jul 13, 2026 09:00 JST Across JapanPassport tickets cover many sites; some works charge separately
OfficialPast event© Internet Archive Book Images · No restrictionsTwelve fan-shaped portable shrines representing the gods meet a procession of giant 50-kilogram flaming torches before Japan's tallest waterfall — one of the country's three great fire festivals.
Tue, Jul 14, 2026 10:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© skyseeker · CC BY 2.0A pristine alpine valley in the Northern Japan Alps, with the Kappa Bridge, clear Azusa River and jagged peaks rising all around.
Sat, Jul 18, 2026 06:00 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Christopher Johnson (globalite) on Flickr · CC BY-SA 2.0Japan's biggest outdoor music festival unfolds across a misty mountain ski resort, with global headliners on eleven forest stages.
Fri, Jul 24, 2026 09:00 JST Tokyo3-day pass approx. ¥60,000 / 1-day approx. ¥24,000
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© Hasui Kawase · Public domainSado Island's 140th Kozan Matsuri (Jul 25-26) pairs a gold-mine shrine ritual with a town-wide Okesa dance through Aikawa and fireworks over the harbor.
Sat, Jul 25, 2026 10:00 JST Across JapanFree
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© Chris 73 · CC BY-SA 3.0The 58th Toyota Oiden Festival has finished — the Oiden fireworks lit up the Yahagi River on July 26, 2026, after the Sohodori dance on July 25. It was the festival's last summer edition: from 2027 it moves to autumn, with the 59th planned for October 30-31, 2027.
Sun, Jul 26, 2026 19:00 JST NagoyaFree
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© 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© Volfgang · CC BY-SA 3.0Ten thousand fireworks burst over central Tokyo synced to a live concert lineup, a rare downtown display you can pair with a stadium seat.
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 19:30 JST TokyoFree to glimpse from afar; the official stadium viewing-and-concert tickets are paid.
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© 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© Marco Tambara · CC BY-SA 3.0World-famous taiko ensemble Kodo hosts a three-day island arts festival with thunderous harbour-side concerts under the stars.
Fri, Aug 21, 2026 17:00 JST Across JapanHarbour Concert tickets approx. ¥5,000–7,000 each; fringe events free
OfficialPast event© Akinori Takemoto · CC BY-SA 4.0Roughly 15,000 shells light up the Karasugawa River in under an hour -- the fast, dense fireworks night that opens Gunma's biggest annual festival.
Sat, Aug 22, 2026 19:30 JST Across JapanFree
OfficialPast event© Marc Antomattei · CC BY-SA 4.0A rapid-fire summer fireworks night lights up Minato Mirai 21 over Rinko Park and the Yokohama waterfront.
Mon, Aug 24, 2026 18:30 JST YokohamaFree
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© 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© Cobalt Fox · Public DomainThe birthplace of the giant 'sanshakudama', this Niigata shrine festival fires the world's largest fireworks shell — a four-shaku, 800kg behemoth.
Fri, Sep 11, 2026 19:30 JST Across JapanFree