Japan’s Best Summer Festivals

Japan’s summer festivals, or natsu matsuri, are vibrant celebrations filled with tradition, lively performances, and stunning fireworks displays. These summer festivals are typically held throughout the country from June to August. From illuminated decorations and dancing, to festival games and delicious street snacks, Japan’s summer festivals are perfect for a fun outing with friends, family, and loved ones!

What to Expect at Summer Festivals

The food served at summer festivals is a feast of flavors, featuring classics like yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus-filled dough balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and so much more. These foods are usually served at yatai, or street stalls. The sizzling sounds and rich aroma of these foods create an immersive festival experience that excites all the senses!

For a traditional experience, many people will wear yukatas (light cotton kimono), geta (wooden sandals), and a kinchaku (drawstring bag) for carrying essentials. People also like to bring decorative fans to stay cool from the summer heat, as well as some cash since many yatai don’t accept credit cards. If you’re planning to watch some fireworks, it might also be a good idea to bring a picnic mat!

Summer Festivals

Mitama Matsuri

Mitama Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s largest Obon festivals. It’s a day of celebrating and honoring the spirits of ancestors. Lanterns are displayed throughout the shrine, along with musical performances and dancing.

Date: July 13, 2025 – July 16, 2025

Time: 6:00 pm

Admission: Free

Location: Yasukuni-jinja Shrine – 3 Chome-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0073

Website: https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/

Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri

During the Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri, streets are filled with bright lanterns and decorations. This festival celebrates the meeting of two deities, Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are star crossed lovers that are only allowed to meet once a year. For this festival, the streets are closed off allowing people to enjoy the festive atmosphere and food stalls fully!

Date: Early July 2025

Admission: Free

Location: 3-chōme-18-2 Matsugaya, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0036

Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/event/kanko/shitamathitanabata.html

Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri

The Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri is one of the largest Edo festivals in Tokyo. The festival is known for people throwing water on the mikoshi, or portable shrines, parading through the district. The event is five days long with a variety of street food, dancing, and performances to enjoy.

Date: Mid-August 2025

Admission: Free

Location: Tomioka Hachiman Shrine – 1 Chome-20-3 Tomioka, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0047

Website: https://fukagawa-web.com/wpfuka02/2023/06/29/2023fukagawa-hachiman_matsuri272-1-2

Gion Matsuri

Gion Matsuri is Kyoto’s most famous festival. The highlights of this festival are the lit lanterns, food stalls, and traditional music. With over a thousand years of history, Gion Matsuri is a spectacular celebration of Kyoto’s cultural heritage and Shinto traditions.

Date: July 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025

Admission: Free

Location: Yasaka Shrine – 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073

Website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/gion_fes/

Tenjin Matsuri

Tenjin Matsuri, dedicated to celebrating the deity Sugawara Michizane, is one of Osaka’s biggest festivals. Featuring dazzling fireworks and boats sailing along the Okawa River, it’s a must see this summer!.

Date: July 24, 2025 – July 25, 2025

Admission: Free

Location: ​​Osaka Tenmangu Shrine – 2 Chome-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041

Website: https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/saijireki/tjm

Nebuta Matsuri

Showcasing numerous impressive lantern floats, Nebuta Matsuri is known for its energetic dancers and traditional taiko drumming creating a lively festival scene!

Date: August 2, 2025 – August 7, 2025

Admission: Free

Location: Kyodosha – 2-chōme-2 Shinmachi, Aomori, 030-0801 *(Starting Point) Check website for full map and details

Website: http://www.nebuta.jp/foreign/english.html

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is one of Japan’s most spectacular firework displays. Held at the Shinano River, the fireworks and synchronized music shows create the most breathtaking night sky!

Date: August 2, 2025 – August 3, 2025

Time: 7:20pm – 9:10pm

Admission: Check the website

Location: Shinanogawa Kasen Park – 2102-2 Okamuramachi, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-0000

Website: https://enjoyniigata.com/en/event/2441

Gujo Odori

Gujo Odori is one of Japan’s longest-running Bon Odori dance festivals. During this time, people will gather around and dance all night. They even provide dance classes to those wanting to join in the traditional dances!

Date: July 12, 2025 – September 6, 2025

Admission: Free

Location: Check the website

Website: http://www.gujohachiman.com/kanko/odori_e.html

Summer festivals in Japan are a lively mix of tradition, food, and fun! From fireworks to dance parades, each festival has its own unique charm. Whether enjoying street food, wearing a colorful yukata, or joining in a traditional dance, the festive energy is unforgettable. The warm nights, glowing lanterns, and cheerful crowds make for a magical summer experience.

Featured Photo Credit: akiyoko

If you’ll be in Japan enjoying these amazing summer festivals, come join one of our summer food tours guided by a local!