[2025 Edition] Must-See Famous Summer Festivals Across Japan

Summer in Japan is filled with vibrant festivals that reflect the unique climate and history of each region. From magnificent floats and energetic dances to solemn fire rituals and grand fireworks, every event offers a distinct charm that leaves a lasting impression. In this article, we introduce some of the most iconic summer festivals taking place across Japan in 2025, highlighting their dates, features, and unique appeal. Let this guide help you find the perfect destination for your next summer adventure in Japan.

Aomori Nebuta Festival (Aomori Prefecture)

The Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of the largest summer festivals in the Tohoku region, is held annually from August 2 to 7 in Aomori Prefecture. Attracting around 3 million visitors from across Japan and around the world, it stands alongside the Akita Kanto Festival and Sendai Tanabata Festival as one of the three great festivals of Tohoku. In 1980, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

The festival’s biggest highlight is the vibrant parade featuring massive illuminated floats known as Ningyo Nebuta—gorgeously crafted paper-mâché figures—and lively dancers called Haneto. As they chant the iconic phrase “Rassera, Rassera” and leap through the streets, their energy captivates all who watch. From August 2 to 6, the floats parade through the city, and on the final day, August 7, the award-winning floats are featured in a special procession that leads to a spectacular marine event.

During the Marine Parade, six selected Nebuta floats are placed on boats and illuminated as they glide across Aomori Bay in a mystical display. At the same time, the Aomori Fireworks Festival lights up the night sky with over 10,000 fireworks, providing a breathtaking finale that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Another charm of the festival is that anyone can join as a Haneto dancer, as long as they follow the rules and wear the designated costume. These costumes can be easily purchased or rented at local department stores, making it accessible for tourists to experience the festivities firsthand.

Combining elements of bravery, elegance, and melancholy, the Aomori Nebuta Festival brings the summer night to life with its powerful yet dreamlike illumination. It is a traditional Japanese event that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Akita Kanto Festival (Akita Prefecture)

The Akita Kanto Festival is one of the three great festivals of the Tohoku region, alongside the Aomori Nebuta Festival and Sendai Tanabata Festival. Held in Akita Prefecture each summer, this traditional event boasts a history of over 270 years and has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

The centerpiece of the festival is the impressive Kanto poles, which can reach up to 12 meters in height and weigh as much as 50 kilograms. Each is adorned with 46 paper lanterns arranged to resemble rice stalks, symbolizing a prayer for a bountiful harvest. Expert performers known as Sashite skillfully balance these poles on their palms, foreheads, shoulders, and hips, showcasing incredible control and precision. As the lanterns sway and glow in the night, the crowd cheers along with the rhythmic chant “Dokkoisho! Dokkoisho!”

There are four types of Kanto poles—large (O-waka), medium (Chu-waka), small (Ko-waka), and children’s (Yo-waka)—allowing participants of different ages and skill levels to take part. The sight of nearly 280 Kanto poles rising simultaneously during the evening event is truly breathtaking. Meanwhile, the daytime Kanto Skill Competition offers a more intense and focused display of performance techniques as Sashite and musicians compete in skillful showdowns.

Another highlight lies in the intricate designs of the lanterns and traditional festival attire, which often bear auspicious symbols representing longevity, prosperity, or local pride. The Akita Kanto Festival is held every year from August 3 to 6, and in 2023, its iconic chants returned after a four-year hiatus. If you want to experience the shimmering waves of light and tradition, Akita is the place to be this summer.

All-Japan National Fireworks Competition “Ōmagari Fireworks” (Akita Prefecture)

Counted among Japan’s three greatest fireworks festivals, the Ōmagari Fireworks is a prestigious competition held annually on the last Saturday of August in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. Officially known as the “All-Japan National Fireworks Competition,” the event began in 1910 as part of the Suwa Shrine festival entertainment and now boasts a history of over 100 years. It gathers top pyrotechnicians from across the country who compete in categories such as Creative Fireworks and 10-shaku-dama shells, aiming for top honors, including the Prime Minister’s Award and four other ministerial awards—marking it as Japan’s highest-level fireworks contest.

This unique event features two segments: daytime fireworks and nighttime fireworks. Starting around 5:00 PM, the daytime fireworks use colored smoke and shapes to create visual effects against the blue sky—a rare and artistic spectacle. From around 6:50 PM, the night segment dazzles the audience with about 18,000 fireworks. Among the highlights are the Creative Fireworks, where pyrotechnicians showcase their imagination with artistic displays, and the Wide Starmine, a breathtaking sequence that takes full advantage of the vast Omagari riverside grounds.

In addition to the main summer event, the competition is extended with seasonal showcases: the Spring Chapter features new works by emerging artists, and the Autumn Chapter includes spectacular sequences like the 100-shot 10-shaku-dama finale. With over 600,000 visitors annually, the Ōmagari Fireworks Festival is a world-class event that celebrates the fusion of technology and art. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime summer experience you won’t want to miss.

Yamagata Hanagasa Festival (Yamagata Prefecture)

The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, held annually from August 5th to 7th in central Yamagata City, is one of the “Four Great Festivals of Tohoku” and is loved for its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. With the lively chant of “Yassho, Makasho!” and the powerful rhythm of the hanagasa taiko drums, around 10,000 dancers parade through the city’s main streets. Adorned with brilliantly colored outfits and holding flower-decorated hats inspired by safflowers, the dancers create a captivating spectacle.

There are various dance styles in the festival. These include the graceful Traditional Women’s Dance “Kunpu Mogamigawa”, the energetic Traditional Men’s Dance “Zao Gyokko”, the dynamic spinning-hat style from Obanazawa, and even original choreographies. Spectators can also participate in the fun through designated areas where they can join in the dancing—even beginners are welcome.

The roots of the festival date back to the Taisho era, when the “Tsuchitsuki Uta” (a traditional rice-pounding song) was sung during work in Obanazawa, accompanied by workers wearing straw hats. The festival was later reconstructed as a tourist event in 1963 and grew into its current form. It gained national recognition after being showcased at the 1970 Osaka Expo, and today it attracts about one million visitors each year.

With its powerful dances, colorful performances, and a warm community spirit, the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is a must-see summer tradition that you’ll want to experience at least once in your lifetime.

Sendai Tanabata Festival (Miyagi Prefecture)

The Sendai Tanabata Festival is Japan’s largest Tanabata (Star Festival), held annually from August 6 to 8 in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. With roots dating back to the era of Date Masamune, the founding lord of the Sendai Domain, this traditional event combines the elegance of the ancient Japanese star festival with the grandeur of elaborate bamboo and paper decorations. It is celebrated as one of the Tohoku Region’s three great festivals and attracts over two million visitors each year.

The highlight of the festival is the vivid display of Tanabata streamers that completely fill the covered shopping arcades stretching from Sendai Station through Chūō-dōri and Ichibanchō-dōri. These decorations include intricate handmade ornaments and themed creations that captivate spectators. The designs remain secret until the morning of August 6, when all decorations are simultaneously unveiled, transforming the cityscape in an instant.

The festival features the traditional “Seven Decorations”: tanzaku (paper strips), kamigoromo (paper kimonos), orizuru (paper cranes), kinchaku (pouches), and more. Each item carries wishes for prosperity, good health, and safety. Walking through the arcades to discover each type of decoration is one of the festival’s unique joys.

In the evenings, the festival becomes even more magical with illuminations and a fireworks display during the eve of the festival. Originally a humble custom celebrated in private homes, the Sendai Tanabata Festival has evolved over time while still honoring people’s heartfelt wishes. Known lovingly as “Tanabata-san” by locals, this elegant star festival is a treasured tradition that beautifully colors the Tohoku summer.

Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show (Niigata Prefecture)

The Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show, held annually on August 2 and 3 in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, is one of Japan’s three major fireworks festivals. Around 20,000 fireworks are launched over two days, captivating audiences with their grand scale and emotionally moving performances. The origins of this festival date back to 1946, one year after the Nagaoka air raid on August 1, 1945, which claimed 1,488 lives. It began as the “Nagaoka Reconstruction Festival,” honoring the victims and symbolizing hope for recovery.

The most iconic feature of the event is the “Shōsanshakudama,” a massive firework shell with a diameter of approximately 650 meters that bursts into an enormous floral display across the sky. Another centerpiece is the “Phoenix Fireworks for Recovery and Peace,” a breathtaking show synchronized with the song “Jupiter.” Spanning roughly 2 kilometers across the sky, this performance deeply moves spectators with its scale and message of hope.

Other highlights include the 100 successive “shakudama” shells and wide-scale starmine displays set to music, showcasing both power and artistry. Viewing seats are set up along both banks of the Shinano River, offering a unique spectacle of fireworks mirrored by the water and unfolding against the night sky.

Behind the dazzling lights lies a deeper message—remembrance, gratitude, and hope for the future. The Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Show is more than a fireworks display; it is a powerful and emotional summer tradition that remains etched in the hearts of all who witness it.

Fukagawa Hachiman Festival (Tokyo)

The Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, held around August 15 each year at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine in Koto City, Tokyo, is one of the three great festivals of Edo. Also known as the “Water Splashing Festival,” it is famous for the energetic scenes of mikoshi (portable shrine) bearers being doused with water by spectators along the roadside. The powerful chants of “Wasshoi! Wasshoi!” echo through the streets, creating an electrifying atmosphere of unity between the participants and the crowd.

The origins of the festival date back to 1642, when it began as a celebration of the birth of Tokugawa Ietsuna, the heir to the shogunate. Full-scale mikoshi processions started the following year. During the “Main Festival,” held once every three years, more than 120 mikoshi from various neighborhood associations parade through the city. The highlight is the “Rengō Togyo,” where 53 grand mikoshi gather in an awe-inspiring display of power and tradition.

The shrine’s primary mikoshi, known as “Ichinomiya Mikoshi,” was rebuilt after being lost in the Great Kanto Earthquake. It, along with the “Ninomiya Mikoshi,” is among the largest in Japan and is showcased during the Main Festival. The Ichinomiya Mikoshi measures 1.5 meters wide and weighs over 4.5 tons. Its lavish decoration with gold and jewels leaves a lasting impression on all who witness it.

In 1948, during the first postwar Main Festival, the mikoshi was even paraded to the Imperial Palace, serving as a symbol of Tokyo’s recovery. Today, the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival remains a proud tradition deeply rooted in local faith and community spirit. It continues to captivate all who attend with its blend of Edo-era passion and the unbreakable bonds of its people, making it one of Tokyo’s most iconic summer festivals.

Gozan no Okuribi (Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)

“Gozan no Okuribi,” or the Five Mountain Bonfires of Kyoto, is a traditional ceremony held annually on August 16 to mark the end of the Obon season. This spiritual event sends off the spirits of ancestors who have returned during Obon, lighting up five mountains surrounding the city of Kyoto with symbolic bonfires: “Daimonji” on Higashiyama, “Myo” and “Ho” on Matsugasaki, “Funagata” in Nishigamo, “Left Daimonji” on Okitayama, and “Toriigata” in Saga.

The ritual is deeply rooted in Japan’s folk beliefs and Buddhism, merging ancestor worship with the act of guiding spirits safely back to the afterlife. Though the exact origin remains unclear, records suggest it was practiced during the Muromachi period and reached its current form in the mid-Edo period.

Each of the five bonfires has its own unique origin and religious significance, carefully maintained by local communities. The “Daimonji” bonfire, the most iconic of the five, is visible even from central Kyoto. People write their prayers on wooden sticks called gomagi and offer them in hopes of healing or good health. Each fire is lit for about 30 minutes and burns solemnly until extinguished.

On the evening of the event, residents and visitors alike gather across Kyoto to quietly watch the glowing flames, reflecting on gratitude and farewells to their ancestors. Alongside the Gion Festival, “Gozan no Okuribi” stands as a spiritual symbol of Kyoto’s cultural heart, gently signaling the end of summer in a serene and reverent atmosphere.

Nara Daimonji Bonfire (Nara Prefecture)

The “Nara Daimonji Bonfire” is a traditional summer event held annually on August 15th on Mt. Takamado in Nara City, dedicated to the memorial of war victims and prayers for world peace. First held in 1960, this solemn ceremony takes place on the anniversary of the end of World War II, expressing remembrance for those lost in war and natural disasters, and a collective hope for a peaceful future. It is also well known for being held a day earlier than Kyoto’s Gozan Okuribi and is cherished as a beloved summer tradition of the ancient capital.

Before the lighting of the fire, a joint memorial ceremony is held from 7:00 p.m. at Tobihino in the precincts of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. In this rare and meaningful ritual, both Shinto priests of Kasuga Taisha and monks from around 30 temples in Nara gather at a shared altar to offer prayers, transcending religious denominations to pray for peace. The reverent atmosphere and collective prayer deeply move all in attendance.

At 8:00 p.m., the kanji character “大” (meaning “great”) is lit on Mt. Takamado, appearing brilliantly against the dark mountainside. The illuminated symbol quietly resonates with the hearts of viewers, who offer their silent prayers for peace. The bonfire can be viewed from various locations around the city, such as the Five-Story Pagoda of Kōfuku-ji Temple, Suzaku Gate at Heijō Palace Site, and Ukimido Pavilion—each offering scenic, historic backdrops that enhance the experience.

This year’s ceremony is especially significant as it marks the 80th anniversary of the war’s end. The Nara Daimonji Bonfire serves not only as a tribute to the past but also as a beacon of hope, connecting generations through prayer and illuminating the ancient city with heartfelt wishes for a peaceful future.

Kochi Yosakoi Festival (Kochi Prefecture)

The Kochi Yosakoi Festival is one of Japan’s most energetic dance celebrations, held annually in the center of Kochi City over four days starting August 9. Launched in 1954 (Showa 29) to lift post-war spirits, promote public health, and revitalize the community, the festival has grown into the birthplace of a vibrant “Yosakoi culture” that has spread across Japan and even overseas.

The main event takes place on August 10 and 11. Across 17 venues in the city—including 9 competition areas, 7 performance zones, and the Central Park stage—around 200 teams and 18,000 dancers perform with naruko (wooden clappers), wearing colorful costumes and showcasing unique choreography set to original music. A wide variety of musical styles is embraced, ranging from traditional Japanese tunes to rock, samba, and pop, with increasingly elaborate hairstyles and outfits adding to the spectacle each year.

There are two main types of performances: “street performances,” where dancers parade along the streets, and “stage performances,” where teams showcase highly choreographed routines. The eve of the festival on August 9 features performances by the previous year’s award-winning teams, while the post-festival events on August 12 and the National Yosakoi Competition bring together teams from across the country for a grand showcase.

This vibrant carnival that colors Kochi’s summer is not just a visual feast, but also a participatory celebration filled with freedom and exhilaration. With a perfect balance of tradition and innovation, the ever-evolving Yosakoi Festival is truly a soulful event that represents the pride of Kochi.

Awa Odori Dance Festival (Tokushima Prefecture)

The Awa Odori is Tokushima Prefecture’s most iconic summer festival and one of Japan’s most famous Bon Odori events. It is widely recognized for the phrase:
“The dancers are fools, the watchers are fools, if both are fools, you might as well dance!”
With over 400 years of history, the festival takes place from August 11 to 15 every year across multiple performance venues in Tokushima City. This large-scale traditional event attracts around one million visitors annually from both Japan and abroad.

The festival features groups of dancers called “ren” who perform in coordinated teams wearing happi coats, yukata, and woven hats. Accompanied by live music from traditional instruments such as the shamisen, taiko drums, and bamboo flutes, dancers perform in two distinct styles: the graceful and flowing women’s dance, and the powerful and dynamic men’s dance. The performances take place in both outdoor and indoor venues and continue day and night in a vibrant atmosphere.

Starting in 2025, the festival will be rebranded under the unified name “THE AWAODORI”, with upgraded production and more refined performances promising to enhance the experience even further. Additionally, visitors can explore the Awa Odori Kaikan in Tokushima City, where the festival’s history and dance styles are showcased year-round.

While Awa Odori has now spread to other parts of Japan—such as Koenji in Tokyo and Minami-Koshigaya in Saitama—as a beloved community event, nothing compares to experiencing the raw passion and intensity of the original in Tokushima. Blending deep tradition with modern flair, “THE AWAODORI” is a soul-stirring celebration you won’t want to miss this summer.

Experience the Spirit of Japanese Summer Festivals: Where Tradition Meets Passion

The summer festivals introduced above are more than just seasonal events—they are deeply rooted in local traditions and fueled by the heartfelt passion of their communities. From dazzling dance performances and ethereal bonfires to breathtaking fireworks shows, Japan’s summer is filled with awe-inspiring moments that move the soul.

In the summer of 2025, why not plan your journey around these unique festivals and immerse yourself in the rich culture each region has to offer? You’re sure to create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.