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Japan Matsuri Calendar

A comprehensive, rule-based interactive guide parsing national shrine parades, floats, and historic events. Filter by month or see what is active right now.

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Active / Upcoming This Week5 events found

Gion Matsuri

Float Parade

Location: Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto

Dates: July 1 – 31★ Peak Spectacle: July 17 (Yamaboko Junco) & July 24

Kyoto's flagship festival and one of Japan's most famous. Massive hand-built wooden floats are pulled through the streets to ward off disease and natural disasters.

Sapporo Beerfest

Food & Drink

Location: Odori Park, Sapporo

Dates: Late July – Mid-August

A month-long open-air beer garden stretching through the heart of Sapporo, serving fresh local beer and street food snacks.

Nebuta Matsuri

Lantern Parade

Location: Aomori City, Aomori

Dates: August 2 – 7

Stunning night parades featuring gigantic, brightly lit paper lantern floats depicting historical and mythical figures, accompanied by energetic dancers.

Kanto Matsuri

Lantern Balancing

Location: Akita City, Akita

Dates: August 3 – 6

Performers balance giant 12-meter bamboo poles (kanto) holding up to 46 lit paper lanterns on their foreheads, hips, shoulders, and hands.

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Star Festival

Location: Sendai, Miyagi

Dates: August 6 – 8

The largest Tanabata star festival in Japan, renowned for the colorful, giant paper streamers and paper decorations hanging inside shopping arcades.

Procession Etiquette

  1. Check the active list above to identify parades occurring near you today.
  2. Navigate directly to the shrine's street address. The main procession routes are typically lined with lanterns and spectators.
  3. Arrive at least 30 minutes before the peak procession hours to secure a viewing spot on the street.
  4. Show respect during sacred moments: bow when mikoshi pass by, avoid blocking pathways, and never touch floats without invitation.

Yatai Cash Rules

Food stalls (Yatai) set up around festival perimeters do not accept IC-cards or credit cards. You must carry physical cash (coins and ¥1,000 bills) to purchase items (typically ¥500 to ¥1,000 per food portion).