Events in Japan
Discover Japan’s Seasonal Festivals and Traditions
Japan’s cultural calendar is full of events that mark the passing seasons — from Hatsumode and Hanami to Tsukimi. This guide helps you plan when to travel, what to see, and which customs to join.
How to use this guide with the Japanese Calendar
Use this guide to see which festivals and traditions happen in each season, then check the Japanese Calendar for exact dates, rokuyō and moon phases in the year you plan to visit.
- Still choosing your travel month? Start with the Plan Your Trip overview.
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Already set on spring or autumn?
Jump to our flagship hubs:
Plum Blossom Hub (Ume),
Sakura Timing Hub,
Autumn Leaves Hub (Koyo).
Or start with our guides: Cherry Blossom in Japan (Sakura), Autumn Leaves in Japan (Koyo). - Want a draft plan right away? Try the Free Japan Trip Planner .
Quick Calendar
Jump to month: Jan / Feb / Mar / Apr / May / Jun / Jul / Aug / Sep / Oct / Nov / Dec
January
- New Year (Jan 1–3): Osechi cuisine, nengajo cards, family time. First Sunrise in Japan, Sanganichi in Japan
- Hatsumode: First shrine visit of the year. New Year in Japan: Hatsumode
- Nanakusa (Jan 7): Simple porridge for good health. Nanakusa Gayu
Recommended spots
- Meiji Jingu (Tokyo) — serene New Year atmosphere
- Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto) — early morning shrine visit
February
- Setsubun (around Feb 3): Bean-throwing, ehomaki rolls. Setsubun in Japan
- National Foundation Day (Feb 11)
- Plum blossoms: Early sign of spring; local plum festivals. Plum Blossom Hub
Recommended spots
- Yushima Tenjin (Tokyo) — plum blossom festival
- Dazaifu Tenmangu (Fukuoka) — famed for early plum blooms
March
- Hinamatsuri (Mar 3): Doll displays, hina-arare sweets. Hinamatsuri in Japan
- Spring Equinox week (Ohigan): Family grave visits; botamochi sweets.
- Graduation season: End of the school year.
Recommended spots
- Katsuura Big Hina Doll Festival (Chiba)
- Awa Jurobe Yashiki (Tokushima) — hina exhibitions
April
- Hanami: Peak varies by region. Sakura Timing Hub
- Entrance ceremonies: Start of school year.
- Showa Day (Apr 29): Beginning of Golden Week.
Recommended spots
- Ueno Park (Tokyo) — classic hanami
- Hirosaki Park (Aomori) — castle & sakura views
May
- Golden Week: Major holiday period. Travel tips
- Children’s Day (May 5): Carp streamers, kashiwa-mochi.
- Mother’s Day (2nd Sunday)
Recommended spots
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route — snow walls (early May)
- Koinobori displays along rivers (various regions)
June
- Rainy season: Hydrangea gardens are beautiful. Hydrangea highlights
- Father’s Day (3rd Sunday)
- Nagoshi no Harae (Jun 30): Pass through a chinowa grass ring.
Recommended spots
- Meigetsu-in (Kamakura) — hydrangea temple
- Hakone Tozan Railway — rainy-season scenic rides
July
- Tanabata (Jul 7): Wishes on paper strips. Origins & stories
- Gion Matsuri (July): Kyoto’s grand festival with ornate floats.
- Marine Day (3rd Monday) and Fireworks season begins.
Recommended spots
- Gion Matsuri Yamaboko Parade (Kyoto)
- Sumida River Fireworks (Tokyo)
August
- Obon: Families honor ancestors; Bon Odori dances in many towns.
For Buddhist origins, see Wikipedia. - Mountain Day (Aug 11)
- Summer festivals & fireworks: Nebuta (Aomori), Sendai Tanabata.
Recommended spots
- Aomori Nebuta Festival
- Sendai Tanabata Festival
September
- Tsukimi: Decorate with pampas grass; enjoy sweet rice dumplings under the moon.
Heian-era court origins | Story: Tsukimi Dango - Respect for the Aged Day (3rd Monday) & Autumn Equinox (around Sep 22–24) Respect for the Elderly, Autumn Equinox
Recommended spots
- Himeji Castle moon-viewing events (Hyogo)
- Daikaku-ji moon-viewing boat (Kyoto, selected dates)
October
- Autumn festivals: Harvest celebrations and shrine events.
- Juusan-ya
- Halloween: City parades and themed nights.
Recommended spots
- Nikko & Hakone — early autumn foliage
- Kawagoe Festival (Saitama) — traditional floats
November
- Shichi-Go-San (Nov 15): Guide for visitors
- Culture Day (Nov 3) & Labor Thanksgiving Day (Nov 23)
- Autumn foliage peaks (varies by region). Foliage guide
Recommended spots
- Kyoto temples — peak foliage (mid–late Nov)
- Eikando & Tofuku-ji (Kyoto) — famous maple views
December
- Winter Solstice: Yuzu baths, pumpkin dishes.
- Christmas: Illuminations, cakes, markets. Christmas in Japan
- Year-end customs: Big cleaning, mochi making; Joya no Kane (Dec 31). Japanese Year-End Traditions, Year-End Greetings in Japan
Recommended spots
- Roppongi & Shibuya illuminations (Tokyo)
- Kiyomizu-dera night view (Kyoto, seasonal openings)
Tips for Travelers
- Book early for popular events like Gion Matsuri and Hanami.
- Check regional timing: blossoms and foliage vary by area.
- Use JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) for official info and forecasts.
Explore
Popular next steps
Not ready to choose a plan yet? These quick links help you explore the calendar, timing hubs, and tools.
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Tip: Open the timing hubs in new tabs while you compare bloom windows.
