Natsu Matsuri: 5 Must-Visit Summer Festivals in Japan

Summer in Japan is synonymous with vibrant festivals that celebrate the country’s rich culture, history, and community spirit. Throughout the months July and August, and even early September, almost every week is jam-packed with a myriad of summer festivals, or natsu matsuri (夏祭り), featuring everything from elaborately decorated floats, to fantastic fireworks that light up the night sky, to dazzling dance displays. 

Prepare to groove to rhythmic beats, feast your eyes on mesmerising performances, and witness magnificent fireworks. These festivals showcase Japan’s rich culture and customs, offering an unforgettable way to celebrate summer.

You may be confused by the sheer abundance of summer festivals all over the country, so we’ve narrowed it down for you, and here are the top five, must-visit summer festivals that you should definitely experience when visiting Japan:

1. Kyoto Gion Festival | Kyoto

Yamahoko being carried during the grand parade. | Photo by Carissa Loh

One of Japan’s most famous festivals, the Kyoto Gion Festival (祇園祭 Gion Matsuri) is held throughout the month of July in Kyoto, and is dedicated to Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社).

While festivities take place throughout the month of July, the festival’s highlight is the Yamaboko Junko Parade on 17 July. In this grand parade, beautifully decorated floats―yamaboko (山鉾)―are paraded through the streets of central Kyoto. These gorgeous, gigantic floats are adorned with tapestries, carvings, and other artistic treasures, and can weigh up to 10 tons, so it is truly a marvelous sight to watch them being pulled by sheer manpower.

Stalls and floats on display the day before the parade. | ©Carissa Loh

In the days leading up to the main parade, the streets of Kyoto are lined with stalls selling traditional foods, souvenirs, and games. Many of the old merchant houses in the area also open their doors to the public, showcasing family heirlooms and historical artefacts.

Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy various traditional music and dance performances, adding to the historical and cultural atmosphere of the event. The Gion Festival is a visual feast not to be missed!

Kyoto Gion Festival (祇園祭)
Festival period: 1–31 July 2024 (Annually)
Grand parade: 17 July 2024
Venue: Various locations around central Kyoto, accessible from Shijo Station (四条駅) and Karasuma Station (烏丸駅).

2. Aomori Nebuta Festival | Aomori Prefecture

Nebuta floats parade. | ©Aomori Prefecture

Next up, we have the Aomori Nebuta Festival (青森ねぶた祭). Held from 2 to 7 August in Aomori City, this festival is one of the most spectacular summer festivals in Japan. Known for its large, illuminated floats―nebuta (ねぶた)―the Aomori Nebuta Festival attracts millions of visitors each year.

Nebuta are large, colourful paper-mâché floats depicting warriors, gods, and scenes from Japanese mythology and history. These floats are illuminated from within, creating a mesmerising sight as they are paraded through the streets at night. Starting off small, only 2/3 of the nebuta (mostly the smaller ones) are paraded in the evenings on 2 and 3 August. On 4–6 August, all nebuta are paraded in the evenings, including the larger and more elaborate ones. 

Haneto dancers hyping up the atmosphere. | ©Carissa Loh

The nebuta are accompanied by musicians and dancers, who create a lively atmosphere. Energetic haneto (跳人) dancers invite spectators to join in the dance. The dance is easy to learn, making it a fun way for visitors to participate in the festival!

On 7 August, the festival features its sole daytime parade, and concludes with an evening fireworks display over Aomori Bay, providing a perfect end to this vibrant celebration. The Aomori Nebuta Festival is a unique blend of art, dance, and community participation; a must-see event in Japan’s summer festival calendar!

Aomori Nebuta Festival (青森ねぶた祭)
Festival period: 2–7 August 2024 (Annually)
Venue: Various streets in Aomori City, accessible from JR Aomori Station (青森駅).

3. Nagaoka Fireworks Festival | Niigata Prefecture

Large Vesuvius Starmine fireworks. | ©Carissa Loh

One of Japan’s most impressive fireworks displays, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (長岡花火大会) is held on 2–3 August every year in Nagaoka City. This festival commemorates the victims of the August 1945 bombing of Nagaoka, and prays for peace and recovery.

The festival is renowned for its grand fireworks show, which features thousands of fireworks launched over the Shinano River. The fantastic displays include massive starmines, chrysanthemum bursts, and the famous Phoenix Fireworks, a firework symbolising rebirth and renewal.

Phoenix Fireworks segment. | ©Carissa Loh

Many of the fireworks segments have a story behind them, and are launched to convey messages of peace and remembrance. These fireworks create a poignant and reflective atmosphere, adding depth to the festival. Not just a breathtaking spectacle, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival combines dazzling celebration with messages of peace, making it an unforgettable experience.

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (長岡花火大会)
Festival period: 2–3 August 2024 (Annually)
Venue: Fields near Shinano River, accessible from JR Nagaoka Station (長岡駅).

4. Sendai Tanabata Festival | Miyagi Prefecture

Fukinagashi streamers line the streets of Sendai. | ©Carissa Loh

Up next is the Sendai Tanabata Festival (仙台七夕祭り) in Miyagi Prefecture. Held annually on 6 to 8 August, it is Japan’s largest Tanabata festival. Also known as the Star Festival, Tanabata originated from the Chinese Qīxì (七夕) Festival, and celebrates the meeting of the star-crossed lovers Cowherd Hikoboshi (彦星) and Weaver Girl Orihime (織姫), who are represented by two of the brightest stars in the night sky—Altair and Vega.

Sendai’s Tanabata Festival is unique for its nanatsu kazari (七つ飾り), seven decorations each symbolising something different. During the festival, the streets of downtown Sendai are adorned with large, colourful streamers (吹き流し fukinagashi) made from washi paper. These streamers, hung from bamboo poles, create a stunning canopy of colour and movement.

Write your wish on a strip of tanzaku and hang them up. | ©Carissa Loh

A quintessential Tanabata activity, visitors can write their wishes on small pieces of paper, called tanzaku (短冊), and hang them on bamboo branches. This tradition is believed to bring good fortune, and is a meaningful way to participate in the festival.

Sendai Tanabata Festival (仙台七夕祭り)
Festival period: 6-8 August 2024 (Annually)
Venue: Streets in downtown Sendai, accessible from JR Sendai Station (仙台駅) and Kōtōdai Kōen Subway Station (勾当台公園駅).

5. Tokushima Awa Odori | Tokushima Prefecture

Awa Odori is one of Japan’s most famous dance festivals. | ©photoAC

Finally, we round this list off with the Tokushima Awa Odori (阿波おどり), held from 12 to 15 August in Tokushima City. One of Japan’s most famous dance festivals, the festival is famed for its lively dance performances and vibrant music. 

Its main event is the Awa dance (阿波踊り awa odori), where groups of dancers―ren (連)―perform choreographed dances to traditional music played on shamisen (三味線), taiko drums, and flutes. “Awa” is an old name for Tokushima, and “odori” means “dance”. The dance is characterized by its energetic and joyous movements, and visitors are encouraged to join in the dance, making it a highly interactive and engaging festival. There are also designated areas where beginners can learn the dance steps.

Feel free to join in the dance festivities. | ©photoAC

During the festival, the streets of Tokushima come alive with nightly parades, where dancers in colourful yukata and traditional hats perform under the glow of lanterns. The festive atmosphere is infectious, drawing in locals and tourists alike, so don’t be shy to join in when you visit.

Tokushima Awa Odori (阿波おどり)
Festival period: 12–15 August 2024 (Annually)
Venue: Tokushima city centre, accessible from JR Tokushima Station (徳島駅).

Sun-sational celebrations

Japan’s summer is full of exciting festivals. | ©photoAC

Japan’s summer heat may deter you from visiting the country during this period, but the vibrant summer festivals highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit are definitely a reason to go! From the historic Kyoto Gion Festival to the mesmerising Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, these summer festivals offer a unique glimpse into Japan’s traditions and culture.

Whether you’re marvelling at illuminated floats, dancing in the streets, or gazing at spectacular fireworks, each festival promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the essence of Japanese culture. So, mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the vibrant and diverse world of Japan’s summer festivals.

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