Summer in Japan:
Top Festivals You Can’t Miss This Season
Natsu Matsuri
Japan’s beloved summer festivals, are lively events filled with tradition and joy. These celebrations light up the season with dazzling fireworks, energetic dances like Bon Odori, and the rhythmic beats of taiko drums. Attendees in colorful yukata enjoy delicious street food, festive games, and beautifully lit lanterns. Rooted in centuries-old customs, Natsu Matsuri captures the spirit of summer and the heart of Japanese culture.
Why is it celebrated?
Summer festivals are celebrated in Japan to honor local traditions, deities, and community ties. Historically rooted in Shinto practices, these festivals were held to express gratitude to the gods (kami) for blessings like good harvests, protection from disease, and prosperity.
Natsu Matsuri also became an opportunity for communal joy, showcasing cultural performances, parades, and fireworks. Today, they blend spirituality, tradition, and celebration, offering a way for people to connect with their heritage and enjoy the season's vibrant energy.
When it will be held?
Dates: July 1–31, 2025
Highlights: A month-long celebration featuring grand processions of ornate floats (yamaboko), traditional music, and street festivities.
Significance: Originated in 869 C.E. as a purification ritual to ward off plagues.
GION MATSURI
[KYOTO]
Held in Kyoto throughout July, is one of Japan's most famous festivals, dating back over 1,000 years. Centered around Yasaka Shrine, it features grand processions of ornate floats (yamaboko), traditional music, and vibrant street festivities. Originally a ritual to ward off plagues, it now blends spiritual significance with cultural celebration, attracting visitors from around the world.
Yamaboko are the grand, intricately decorated floats featured in Kyoto's Gion Matsuri. Divided into two types—Yama, smaller floats adorned with trees and mannequins, and Hoko, towering structures often exceeding 25 meters—they are pulled through the streets during the festival's parade. These floats symbolize the purification of spirits and showcase Kyoto's exquisite craftsmanship.
Natsu Matsuri Essentials You Need Before Going
SUMIDA RIVER FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
[TOKYO]
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai) is one of Tokyo's most iconic summer events, held annually on the last Saturday of July.
The festival originated as a ritual to honor the souls of those lost to famine and disease, and to ward off evil spirits. Today, it has evolved into a grand spectacle featuring approximately 20,000 fireworks launched from two main sites along the river
When it will be held?
Date: July 26, 2025
Highlights: One of Tokyo's most famous fireworks displays, illuminating the night sky over the Sumida River.
Significance: A tradition dating back to 1733, attracting large crowds who enjoy the spectacle in summer attire.
Natsu Matsuri Essentials You Need Before Going
AOMORI NEBUTA MATSURI
[AOMORI]
The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is a vibrant summer festival held annually from August 2 to 7 in Aomori City, located in Japan's Tōhoku region. Renowned as one of the nation's most spectacular events, it draws over 3 million visitors each year.
The festival's centerpiece is the nightly parade of massive, illuminated floats known as Nebuta. It depicts the scenes from Japanese mythology, kabuki theater, and historical tales.
When it will be held?
Dates: August 2–7, 2025
Highlights: Parades of massive illuminated floats depicting warriors and mythical figures, accompanied by traditional music and dancers.
Significance: Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, it's one of the Tōhoku region's major festivals.
Natsu Matsuri Essentials You Need Before Going
AKITA KANTO MATSURI
[AKITA]
The Akita Kanto Matsuri, held annually in Akita City during early August, is a breathtaking traditional festival showcasing the strength, skill, and spirit of the region. This celebrated event is one of Japan's most famous Tanabata festivals, recognized for its visually stunning display of towering kanto—long bamboo poles adorned with rows of glowing lanterns, symbolizing sheaves of rice and prayers for a bountiful harvest.
Each kanto can reach heights of up to 12 meters and weigh up to 50 kilograms, supported by up to 46 lanterns lit with real candles.
When it will be held?
Dates: August 3–6, 2025
Highlights: Performers balance long bamboo poles adorned with lanterns, showcasing incredible skill and balance.
Significance: A traditional event to pray for a good harvest, it's a captivating display of strength and dexterity.
Natsu Matsuri Essentials You Need Before Going
SENDAI TANABATA MATSURI
[SENDAI]
The Sendai Tanabata Matsuri, held annually from August 6th to 8th in Sendai City, is one of Japan’s most renowned festivals, celebrated with dazzling decorations and heartfelt traditions. Rooted in the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, star-crossed lovers separated by the Milky Way, the festival is a tribute to love, dreams, and perseverance.
The festival honors the spirit of the Tanabata legend, where people write wishes on colorful strips of paper (tanzaku) and hang them on bamboo branches, hoping for their dreams to come true.
When it will be held?
Dates: August 6–8, 2025
Highlights: The city is adorned with colorful streamers and decorations, celebrating the legend of star-crossed lovers.
Significance: Known as one of the most elegant Tanabata festivals in Japan, attracting visitors from all over.
Natsu Matsuri Essentials You Need Before Going
As summer approaches, start planning your visit to one of these incredible events and create memories that will last a lifetime.
