Festivals in Japan

Festivals

Season or date: Early February

International event featuring massive snow sculptures and illuminations showcasing Hokkaido's winter

Season or date: July

Festival of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. Famous for spectacular float processions (Yamaboko Junko)

Season or date: Early August

Enthusiastic parade in Aomori City featuring warrior-themed illuminated floats and haneto dancers

Season or date: August 12-15

Dancing festival where all of Tokushima City participates

Season or date: April and October

Lavish floats and karakuri (mechanical puppets) performances in Takayama City, Gifu

Season or date: Lunar New Year

Approximately 15,000 lanterns illuminate Chinatown and surrounding areas

Season or date: September

Festival in Kishiwada City, Osaka, known for dynamic float pulling

Season or date: Mid-February

Mystical scenery created by lanterns and snow caves in Yonezawa Castle Park, Yamagata

Season or date: August 5-7

Tohoku summer festival where Hanagasa dancers parade through Yamagata City streets

Season or date: Mid-May (biennial)

One of Tokyo's three major festivals. Portable shrines (mikoshi) parade through central Tokyo