8 Unique Summer Festivals in Japan You Can’t Miss
Japan’s summer season is a time of extraordinary festivals that captivate visitors from across Japan and around the world. Immerse yourself in the unique sights, sounds, and traditions of these one-of-a-kind celebrations, from the traditional bon-odori festival of Nagano’s Zenko-ji Temple to the awe-inspiring pyrotechnics of Niigata’s Katakai Fireworks Festival.
In this article we’ll answer your questions about the best time to attend summer festivals, what to expect when attending a summer festival in Japan, and some of our favorite summer festivals accessible by train. Including the following:
— Zenko-ji Temple Summer “Ennichi”
— Mikawa Ishiki Lantern Festival
— Battle of Sekigahara Festival
When Is the Best Time to Experience Summer Festivals in Japan?
Summer festivals in Japan can be seen from June to October and generally peak from late July to mid-August. The best time to experience summer festivals is typically during the week of Obon (early-mid August). This period is marked by traditional dances (Bon Odori), special ceremonies, and vibrant festivals. Summer festivals in Japan make for a unique opportunity to experience Japanese traditions and customs and provide a chance to connect with the people and culture of the region you visit.
If you plan to attend a festival, it’s a good idea to check the specific dates and details of the festivals you’re interested in, as there can be variations from year to year. Also, be prepared for crowds, especially at major festivals, and consider booking accommodations and transport in advance.
What Activities Can I Expect at Japan’s Summer Festivals?
Japan’s summer festivals—including “hanabi taikai” (fireworks festivals) and “matsuri” (traditional festivals), are vibrant, colorful events filled with a wide range of activities. Most festivals have street vendors selling fried foods, takoyaki, grilled meats, and sweets. Often, there are also booths with traditional games like kingyo sukui (catching goldfish with a paper scoop) and various other carnival-style games. Many attendees wear traditional summer clothing such as yukata (a casual summer kimono) or hakama (traditional trousers), adding to the festive atmosphere. We’ve created a list of some of the biggest and most unique festivals in Central Japan.
Must-See Summer Festivals in Japan:
Japan is renowned for its vibrant summer festivals, celebrating everything from traditional arts to local culture. Here are some of our favorite festivals throughout Central Japan—all easily accessible by train.
Arimatsu Shibori Festival
Location: Arimatsu, Aichi Prefecture
Dates: Early June
Highlights: This festival celebrates the unique tie-dying history of the town of Arimatsu–just outside of Nagoya. The festival has multiple stage performances—including traditional puppets, as well as tie-dying workshops, music, food, and plenty of beautiful fabrics for sale.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Guided Garden Walk through Nagoya’s Castle, Gardens, and Historic Estates | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Toyohama Sea Bream Festival
Location: Toyohama, Aichi Prefecture
Dates: Late-July
Highlights: To pray for the safety of Toyohama and the sea, huge sea bream constructed entirely of bamboo and paper—with a weight of about 1 ton—are carried throughout town. The festival culminates in the five largest fish getting launched to sea where they meet in a fight to sea which ones sink first.
Gero Hot Spring Festival
Location: Gero Onsen, Gifu Prefecture
Dates: August 1–4 annually
Highlights: Five large dragons twist and turn as they are carried throughout the streets of the onsen town surrounded by a dancing crowd. The festival ends with a fireworks display and all five dragons meeting on the bridge.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Unveiling the Charm of Gero Onsen | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
Tejikara Fire Festival
Location: Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
Dates: The second Sunday of August
Highlights: This festival, held for over 300 years, is dedicated to the god (“kami”) of a local shrine. The kami is carried throughout town in a small portable shrine loaded with gunpowder and set alight—thus raining sparks down upon the shirtless men carrying the shrine.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan’s Oldest Castle | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥21,900 ~ |
| Child Rate | ¥14,000 ~ |
Zenko-ji Temple Summer “Ennichi”
Location: Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
Dates: Mid August
Highlights: The Ennichi festival is held to welcome ancestral spirits which are said to return home and commune with relatives through a dance called “Bon-Odori.” Everyone is welcome to participate as dancers circulate around a platform raised in front of the temple.
2 Day Tour
| Zenkoji Experience Tour inc. Overnight ‘Shukubo’ (Temple Lodging) Stay | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 12:15-16:00 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥29,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥24,800 |
Nippon Domannaka Festival
Location: Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Dates: Late-August
Highlights: The largest dance festival in Central Japan, the Nippon Domannaka Festival is a 3–4 day long festival featuring traditional dances of the region as well as modern dance groups from all over the world.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 8:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Mikawa Ishiki Lantern Festival
Location: Nishio, Aichi Prefecture
Dates: Late-August
Highlights: A dozen 10-meter tall lanterns surround Suwa Shrine and light up the night. The hand painted paper lanterns depict various Japanese myths and legends.
Katakai Fireworks Festival
Location: Ojiya, Niigata Prefecture
Dates: 2nd Friday and Saturday in September
Highlights: This annual firework festival is famous for the single largest firework in the world. At over 800-meters in diameter, this firework holds a Guinness Record and lights up the surrounding mountains at night wowing festival goers. Over 15,000 fireworks are launched during the two-day festival.
Battle of Sekigahara Festival
Location: Sekigahara, Gifu Prefecture
Dates: October
Highlights: Wrapping up the summer is the Battle of Sekigahara Festival—commemorating the largest and most decisive battle of Japan’s samurai era. This festival has reenactments, musical performances, and parades featuring historical armor and clothing.
These festivals offer a fantastic glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Central Japan and are great opportunities to experience local traditions, food, and community spirit.
Wondering How to Attend a Summer Festival in Japan?
For those interested in traveling to any of the locations seen on this page, we can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter to these locations. With door-to-door service, we can pick you up from where you are and take you to where you want to go anywhere in Central Japan and the neighboring regions.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
For more information, please click HERE to check availability and pricing for your trip. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
