A religious festival in Kyoto, the Gion Matsuri occurs in July. It features two main parades with large traditional floats, along with evening street events called yoiyama.
A fireworks festival in Tokyo, this event launches approximately 15,000 shells in 60 minutes. Its flat riverbank viewing area provides close, unobstructed sightlines for spectators.
This Tokyo Bon Odori festival features synchronized folk dancing and taiko drumming. Participants dance around a central yagura tower at the West Exit of Ebisu Station.
A cosplay festival in Nagoya, the World Cosplay Summit hosts an international championship. Teams are judged on handmade costumes and stage performance, with events including a parade and photo sessions.
A festival in Hachinohe City, the Hachinohe Sansha Taisai features parades with large, mechanically expanding floats. The event also includes a rare form of traditional polo.
This fireworks festival in Ome launches 4,000 pyrotechnics, including a large waterfall display. The mountain location creates loud sound echoes from the explosions.
A fireworks festival in Tokyo, this annual event launches 14,000 fireworks over 75 minutes. It features eight themes and an opening of 1,000 fireworks in five seconds.
A fireworks festival in Tokyo, this event launches 13,000 shells over the Arakawa River. It features a large shell and a 700-meter “Niagara Falls” sparkler display.
A traditional summer festival featuring a procession of 80 massive, illuminated fan-shaped lanterns painted with warriors, accompanied by rhythmic taiko drums, flutes, and chanting.
The Hachioji Fireworks Festival is a community event in Fujimori Park launching 3,000-4,000 shells. The park’s stadium provides stands for close viewing of the display.
