Culture Karuta Hajime Ceremony 2027 Sunday - Jan 3rd At New Year in Japan's former capital of Kyoto, Karuta Hajime is an annual event where a popular traditional card game is played..
Culture Koinobori Festa 1000 2027 Late Apr - Early May On May 5th, cities and villages throughout hold koinobori (carp-streamers) festivals in celebration of Children’s Day, a day t..
Culture Gion Matsuri 2026 Jul 1st - Jul 31st Enjoy centuries old traditions, lively parades, mouth-watering street food, and contagious fun at one of Japan’s most popular ..
Culture Nada no Kenka 2026 Oct 14th - Oct 15th Nada no Kenka is a festival in Himeji celebrated every year on October 14 and 15. A dangerous, but very colourful and vibrant festival...
Recommended Activities Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Illumination 2026 Late Nov - Early Dec Autumn foliage is lit up at night at Kiyomizu-dera
Culture Setsubun Mantoro 2027 Early Feb At the Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, more than 3,000 lanterns in the precincts are lit up.
Culture Ohitaki Fire Festival Kifune Shrine 2026 Saturday - Nov 7th The annual Ohitaki Fire Festival at Kifune Shrine uses its spiritual powers to banish bad sprits and cleanse impurities of the people..
Culture Nyaramachi Neko Art Festival 2026 May 30th - Jun 30th Nyaramachi Neko Art Festival celebrates cats and cat-inspired artwork throughout June.