Must-see July Festivals in Japan 2026

Japan has different festivals at all times of the year. Whether it's snow festivals in winter or cherry blossom festivals in spring, there's always a reason to celebrate the season.

Summer is no exception, with plenty of festivals, shrines, and temples hosting festivals to celebrate the summer season or in celebration of the religious deities that guard them. Many of these festivals date back hundreds of years, and it is amazing to see the structures that might have paraded down the same streets hundreds of years ago still doing it today.

During this time, many people also wear yukata (light cotton kimono), and alongside the already colorful decorations at many festivals, you'll appreciate the beautiful garments as well. There will also probably be food stalls and games set up, so it's a great time to meet with friends or go out with family members.

Summer is the peak festival season in Japan, and with so many possibilities to choose from, we wanted to help you out with a guide to some of the nation's best. Don't forget to book your Shinkansen in advance if you're traveling in peak season!

Date: July 3–5, 2026

The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is one of the three largest festivals held for the Tanabata holiday in the Kanto region. Tanabata, known as the “star festival”, is a holiday that celebrates the Chinese legend of two deities who — though usually separated — are able to meet on this day. Some regions celebrate this holiday on August 7, but for the Kanto region, it typically falls on July 7. The festival is held for three days from Friday to Sunday in early July.

The main shopping street in Hiratsuka City is adorned with over 500 decorations for the festival, some of which include breathtaking 10-meter-high ornaments. Many shops open up during this time, selling traditional Japanese festival foods like yakisoba (fried noodles) and takoyaki (octopus poppers), or you might find fun activities like water yoyo fishing.

Be on the lookout for the Tanabata Odori Parade, where dancers parade down the main shopping street. Throughout the day, there are various other performances including local marching bands and yosakoi (a unique Japanese folk dance) groups.

If you hang around at the festival until evening, you’ll see these spectacular decorations illuminated as well, creating a magical atmosphere. You can reach Hiratsuka Station via the JR Shonan-Shinjuku line, which is about an hour from Shibuya Station.

*Note: The largest Tanabata Festival in Japan is held in August in Sendai.

Date: July 1–31 annually

In Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital, you'll find the Gion Matsuri. Held in July, it's just another great reason to visit Kyoto. The festival dates back to 869, when it was held to pray for protection from illness.

Throughout the month, different events are held leading up to the main parade, the Yamaboko Junko. The parade is broken up into two matsuri (festivals): the Saki-matsuri, which is held during the middle of July with over 20 floats; and the Ato-matsuri, which is held a week after with around 10 floats on display.

If you’re not able to attend either of the processions, you can also see these floats in action during the Yamaboko Hikihajime, which is typically held a few days before each of the main festivals. These days are meant to test the floats to ensure they are in good shape for the day of the parades.

For three evenings before each main festival, the city hosts yoiyama (festive evenings). Food and drink vendors set up stalls throughout the downtown Kyoto area, and many people dress up in yukata.

Date: Late June to July 25 annually (Main events held July 24–25)

Known as one of the three greatest festivals in Japan, Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri at the end of July is not one to miss. The festival celebrates Sugawara no Michizane, God of Learning and main deity of Osaka Tenman-gu Shrine.

On the July 24, a ritual is held at Osaka Tenman-gu Shrine, in which prayers are cast along the river for Osaka's prosperity and safety. In the area, drumming performances and a shishimai lion dance take place.

In the afternoon of July 25, traditional floats and portable shrines pack the Tenjinbashi and Nakanoshima areas. Alongside the floats are people dancing in different costumes, lion dancers, and umbrella dancers. Drummers in red hats lead the parade.

The procession then continues with the main portable shrine transported onto one of the 100 decorated boats. The boats, which are beautifully illuminated in the evening, are an amazing sight. To end the night, you can catch a fireworks display signaling that the shrines have returned to their homes.

Hotels near Osaka Tenman-gu Shrine

Date: July 25, 2026 (Last Saturday in July annually)

The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is always held during the last weekend of July. It is said that the festival originated in the 18th century when Tokugawa Yoshimune wanted to host a fireworks display to pray for the end of famine and to ward away evil spirits.

This fireworks festival is also one of the oldest (if not the oldest) on record. It takes place on the banks of the Sumida River in Tokyo, and you’ll be able to catch these colorful lights in the sky, with the Tokyo SkyTree beautifully shining nearby.

Before coming to this event, though, it should be noted that it can get very crowded, so it is best to wear comfortable clothing during this hot time of the year. It is also recommended that you come early to the river to mark off a spot that you can use for seating/viewing in the evening. You can purchase paid seating if you want to save the hassle of coming in early in the morning.