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
Chef cooking Yakisoba at a yatai – Photo Credit: cowardlion
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!
Young woman in a yukata with a traditional fan tucked into her obi – Photo Credit: miya227
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
Lanterns lining the Torii gate at the Mitama Festival – Photo Credit: Korkusung
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/
Traditional Dancers at Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri – Photo Credit: MAHATHIR MOHD YASIN
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
Festival goers throwing water on the shrine – Photo Credit: Fukugawa Website
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
Parade at Gion Matsuri – Photo Credit: Yasaka Shrine Website
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/
Festival boats rowing down the Okawa River – Photo Credit: Shawn.ccf
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
Large lantern floats on display at Nebuta Matsuri – Photo Credit: Takashi Images
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
Fireworks at Nagaoka Festival – Photo Credit: Official Niigata Website
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
People dancing at Gujo Odori – Photo Credit: Gujo Hachiman Website
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!
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