Festivals

Japan has a calendar of unique festivals, many of them following a particular theme. Known locally as matsuri, they attract scores of locals and tourists, some lasting a matter of hours with others stretching out for days. Festivals in Japan occur throughout the year and some of the best ones take place in the summer months. Many are local to a certain region or prefecture but that doesn’t stop people traveling hundreds – or sometimes thousands – of miles to experience the occasion. Here is a small selection of what’s on offer across the country in 2025. Tanabata Known as the ‘star festival’, this gathering commemorates the crossing of two stars representing two Japanese deities who were lovers – Orihime and Hikoboshi. According to legend, they are separated by the Milky Way and can only meet once a year on the 7th day of the 7th month (July 7 in the lunar calendar and around August 7 in the solar calendar). Festivals are held across the country, with the most famous taking place in the city of Sendai. Expect to see streets decorated in colorful bunting and ribbons, and plenty of music, dancing, food stalls, and a fireworks festival. During…