A Guide to Japan's Best Summer Festivals

Summer in Japan is a time of celebration, with many vibrant festivals held nationwide. From cultural events showcasing Japan’s rich history to lively music and dance performances, there is something for everybody to enjoy. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with so many festivals to choose from, but don’t sweat it. We will guide you through some of Japan’s best summer festivals, providing all the information you need to plan your unforgettable festival experience. 

Gion Matsuri is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most famous and historic festivals. Held annually in Kyoto, this month-long extravaganza in July dates back to the 9th century. The festival’s highlight is the grand procession of elaborately decorated floats, known as Yamaboko Junko, which takes place on the 17th of July. The floats are divided into two types: hoko and yama each featuring intricate carvings, beautiful tapestries, and musicians playing traditional Japanese instruments. Visitors can also enjoy various traditional performing arts throughout the festival, including geisha dances and tea ceremonies.

Tips for Visitors:
●    Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the procession.
●    Explore the bustling night markets and food stalls that line the streets of Kyoto during the festival.
●    Visit the Byobu Matsuri, an event where local households display their treasured folding screens and other heirlooms.

Every August, the city of Aomori comes alive with the vibrant Aomori Nebuta Matsuri. This week-long long event, beginning at the start of August, showcases massive, illuminated floats called nebuta which are paraded through the streets by a team of enthusiastic participants. Each float depicts mythological and historical figures, designed with intricate wireframes and covered in colorful washi paper. The festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display over Aomori Bay, making it a must-see event for any summer traveler.

Tips for visitors:
●    Participate in the haneto dance alongside the floats – just rent a costume from a local vendor.
●    Don’t forget to try the local delicacy, Aomori apples which are called by many the “World's Best Apple.”
●    Visit the Nebuta Museum WA-RASSE to learn more about the festival’s history and see impressive nebuta displays.

Tenjin Matsuri, held annually on July 24th and 25th, is one of Japan’s top three festivals, alongside Gion Matsuri and Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri. This event is dedicated to the deity of learning and art, Sugawara Michizane. The highlight of this festival is the impressive boat procession on the Okawa River, where beautifully adorned boats are illuminated with lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. On land, visitors can witness a colorful land procession featuring traditional costumes, portable shrines, and lively performances.

Tips for visitors:
●    Attend the various traditional performances, such as Noh theater, held at the Osaka Tengmangu Shrine.
●    Stay until the evening to witness the breathtaking fireworks display over the Okawa River.
●    Sample Osaka’s famous street food, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, at the festival's numerous food stalls.

Tokyo’s Sumida River Fireworks Festival is a spectacular event held on the last Saturday of July. This fireworks extravaganza attracts over a million spectators every year, making it one of the largest and most popular fireworks displays in Japan. This explosive event has just resumed after being put on ice due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will feature a dazzling array of pyrotechnics, with more than 20,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky. The display generally lasts for nearly two hours, showcasing various themes and innovative firework techniques that captivate audiences.

Tips for visitors:
●    Arrive early in the day to secure a good viewing spot along the Sumida River, as this event gets busy and space fills up quickly.
●    Bring a picnic blanket, snacks, and drinks to enjoy while you wait for the fireworks to begin.
●    Consider booking a spot on a yakatabune (traditional Japanese riverboat) for a unique and exclusive viewing experience on the river.

Hokkaido’s Sapporo Summer Festival spans from late July to mid-August, offering a huge variety of exciting events and activities. The festival's main attraction is the Odori Beer Garden, where visitors can indulge in ice-cold beer and delicious Hokkaido cuisine under the open sky. The event also features a massive Bon Odori dance celebration, with thousands of participants dancing in unison to traditional Japanese music.

Tips for visitors:
●    Don’t miss the chance to sample some of Hokkaido’s famous seafood dishes, such as grilled scallops and crab, at the food stalls in Odori Park.
●    For a fun family activity, visit the Susukino area where you can find lively entertainment and beer-loving locals.

For music lovers, the Fuji Rock Festival is the ultimate summer festival event. Held annually in late July-Early August at the Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata, this three-day musical bonanza showcases a diverse line-up of international and Japanese artists across multiple stages. Past performers have included superstars such as Bjork, Kendrick Lamar, and The Chemical Brothers. The festival also boasts a wide array of food vendors, art installations, and other attractions, ensuring a fun-filled long weekend for all attendees.

Tips for visitors:
●    Book your accommodation and transportation well in advance, as this popular event attracts huge crowds.
●    Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the festival grounds are outdoors and so are subject to weather conditions and uneven terrain.
●    Visit the on-site hot springs and unwind after a day of partying.

Gujo Odori, held in the charming town of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture, is a traditional dance festival dating back over 400 years. The event takes place over 31 nights between the months of July and September, with participants donning colorful yukata and dancing through the streets. The most famous nights, called Tetsuya Odori, are all-night dance marathons which are held in mid-August. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the town’s canals and historic streets during their visit.

Tips for visitors:
●    Join the dancing! Basic dance steps are easy to learn, and locals are more than happy to teach you.
●    Visit Gujo Hachiman’s dazzling canals, historic streets, and charming shops during the day.
●    Sample Gujo Hachiman’s famous ayu (sweetfish) cuisine, available during the summer period when the festival takes place.