Fuji Shibazakura Festival (富士芝桜まつり)
Time: Mid April to Late May
Prefecture: Yamanashi
Location: Fuji Motosuko Resort

The Fuji Shibazakura Festival takes place annually between April and May, marking the arrival of moss phlox blooms and celebrating the vibrant colors of spring. Its strategic location near Mt. Fuji and other attractions around Kawaguchiko makes it a compelling choice for both tourists and locals alike.

Kurayami Festival (くらやみ祭)
Time: Late April - Early May
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Okunitama Shrine

The Kurayami Matsuri, or Darkness Festival, is an extraordinary annual event in Fuchu City, Tokyo. Regarded as one of the oldest festivals in the Kanto region, it is truly unique in all of Japan. This festival takes place every April 30th to May 6th at Okunitama Shrine, and true to its name, it unfolds during the night. Throughout the week, festivities include floats featuring men, women, and children adorned in traditional costumes, engaging in captivating dances along the streets. This distinctive celebration adds a touch of mystique to the cultural landscape.

Hakata Dontaku Festival (博多どんたく港まつり)
Time: May 3 - 4
Prefecture: Fukuoka
Location: Kushida Shrine

The Dontaku Festival, held annually in Fukuoka on May 3 and 4, is among the most widely attended festivals in Japan and is particularly popular during the Golden Week holiday.

Over the course of the two-day celebration featuring dances and processions, an estimated 2 million people enthusiastically cheer on the participants.

Hamamatsu Festival (浜松まつり)
Time: May 3 - May 5
Prefecture: Shizuoka
Location: Hamamatsu Station

The Hamamatsu Festival, celebrating the birth of children and coinciding with the annual Children’s Day on May 5, is a vibrant event with two distinct parts.

Firstly, there is a procession featuring floats resembling small temples, each carrying musicians. This procession showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region and contributes to the festive atmosphere.

Secondly, the festival includes a massive kite-flying competition, where each neighborhood competes with their own giant kite. This adds an exciting and competitive element to the celebration, making the Hamamatsu Festival a lively and unique experience.

Kanda Matsuri (神田祭)
Time: Mid May
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Kanda Myojin Shrine

Gear up for the Kanda Festival (Kanda Matsuri), a major event that occurs once every two years. This two-day festival in mid-May presents distinct events on Saturday and Sunday, each deeply intertwined with the festival's rich history.

Sanja Festival (三社祭)
Time: Mid to Late May
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Asakusa Shrine, Sensōji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street

The Sanja Matsuri is renowned as one of Tokyo's more spirited festivals, drawing around two million spectators. It features lively and occasionally tattooed participants engaging in what can be aptly described as "mikoshi jousting." While in other festivals mikoshi bearers may bounce the heavy portable shrine, at Sanja Matsuri, participants don fundoshi (loin cloth) attire, riding atop the mikoshi and attempting to knock off opponents, despite it being strictly prohibited.

Togyo-sai "1,000 Samurai Procession"(渡御祭「百物揃千人武者行列」)
Time: Mid May
Prefecture: Tochigi
Location: Nikko Toshogu Shrine

The annual 1,000 Samurai Procession, locally known as Hyakumonozoroe Sennin Gyoretsu, takes place at Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. Recognized as a World Heritage site since 1999, this event draws thousands of locals who assemble at Toshogu to participate in a grand parade adorned in Nikko's traditional warrior attire.

Aoi Matsuri (葵祭)
Time: May 15
Prefecture: Kyoto
Location: Kamigamo Shrine

The festival ranks among Kyoto's three most renowned festivals, alongside the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri. The festival's centerpiece is a grand parade featuring more than 500 participants attired in the aristocratic fashion of the Heian Period (794-1185). They march from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines. The festival derives its name from "Aoi," which means Hollyhock in Japanese, in reference to the Hollyhock leaves worn by the procession members.

Shibuya Ohara Matsuri (渋谷・鹿児島おはら祭)
Time: Late May
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Around Shibuya Station

Adopting elements from Kagoshima Prefecture, the Shibuya Kagoshima Ohara Festival showcases a variety of foods and delicacies from the Satsuma domain. The festival is marked by a lively parade along Dogenzaka Dōri, featuring captivating performances such as taiko drumming, marching troupes, and a multitude of traditional dancers elegantly clad in kimono attire.

Soma Nomai Matsuri (相馬野馬追)
Time: May 25-27
Prefecture: Fukushima
Location: Hibarigahara Festival Site

Soma Nomaoi traces its origins back over a millennium to the Minamisoma region. It evolved from the historical practice of training horses in open fields as a crucial aspect of military drills, along with the ceremonial capture of wild horses. Those horses captured during this ritual were honored with an almost divine status, being kept at the local shrine.

Yosakoi Soran Festival in Sapporo (YOSAKOIソーラン祭り)
Time: Early to Mid June
Prefecture: Hokkaido
Location: Odori Park

Yosakoi is an exhilarating celebration of dance and enjoyment. Come and experience the energy of powerful and dynamic dance performances up close. If you're up for it, dive into the excitement and join the festivities!

In Odori Park and on specially arranged event stages throughout Sapporo City, prepare to witness a vibrant and lively showcase of the city's best dancing. Teams from across Hokkaido will compete, presenting thrilling dances that embody the spirited essence of this lively festival.

Tsukiji Lion Dance Festival (つきじ獅子祭)
Time: Early - Mid June
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Namiyoke Shrine, Tsukiji

During the annual Tsukiji Lion Dance Festival at Namiyoke Shrine, the entire town of Tsukiji comes alive as the roads are closed off, and residents take to the streets in celebration.

What sets this festival apart from other mikoshi processions is the inclusion of giant lion heads carried alongside the shrines. These impressive lion heads add a unique and vibrant element to the event. Additionally, on Saturday, you can expect to see adorable shrines featuring popular Japanese children's characters on top, led by local kids. This infusion of tradition with a touch of contemporary charm distinguishes the Tsukiji Lion Dance Festival as a distinctive and memorable cultural celebration.

Sanno Festival (山王祭)
Time: June 7-17
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Hie Shrine

The Grand Parade of the Sanno Matsuri unfolds biennially in mid-June during even-numbered years. This event is a significant component of the Sanno Matsuri Festival, counted among Tokyo's three most renowned festivals. Alternating with the Kanda Matsuri, which occurs in odd-numbered years in May, the Sanno Matsuri Festival spans 11 days. Throughout this festival period, numerous smaller events take place, although details are typically available on a Japanese-only website. The focal point of the festivities is the impressive grand parade.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival (博多祇園山笠)
Time: July 1-15
Prefecture: Fukuoka
Location: Kushida Shrine

The festival reaches its zenith with a thrilling time trial race in the early morning of July 15. During this race, seven neighborhoods from Fukuoka's Hakata district engage in a competition to push elaborately adorned festival floats along a five-kilometer course through the city.

Gion Matsuri (祇園祭)
Time: The entire month of July
Prefecture: Kyoto
Location: Yasaka Shrine

Being Japan's most renowned festival, it encompasses numerous events, with the grand procession of floats (Yamaboko Junko) on July 17 being a spectacular highlight. Equally enjoyable are the festive evenings leading up to the procession (Yoiyama).

Mitama Matsuri (みたままつり)
Time: Mid July
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Yasukuni Shrine

The Yasukuni Shrine is known for its rich history, purpose, and the intense political controversy that surrounds it. However, during a few nights each summer, many people set aside their political stances to partake in and enjoy the wonderful Mitama Festival.

Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival (尾張津島天王祭)
Time: Late July
Prefecture: Aichi
Location: Tennogawa Park, Tsushima

For over 500 years, on every scorching summer evening, the residents of Tsushima in Aichi Prefecture gather along the Tenno River. It's not necessarily cooler by the riverside on the fourth Saturday of July, but that's when the Tsushima Tenno Festival unfolds, one of the three major river festivals in Japan and nationally renowned. The Tenno Festival, believed to have been a favorite of the local warlord Oda Nobunaga, holds the status of a Nationally Intangible Folk Cultural Asset today.

Hachinohe Sansha Taisai (八戸三社大祭)
Time: Late July - Early August
Prefecture: Aomori
Location: Hachinohe City Hall

The Hachinohe Sansha Taisai is an annual event held from July 31st to August 4th, recognized as one of Japan's Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. With a history spanning over 300 years, this summer festival is a significant and culturally rich event that shouldn't be missed if you're in the area.

Fuji Rock Festival (フジロックフェスティバル)
Time: Late July
Prefecture: Niigata
Location: Naeba Ski Resort

Fuji Rock is the largest music festival in Japan, drawing between 100,000 and 150,000 people in normal years. Located in the picturesque Naeba Ski Resort, about a 90-minute train ride from Tokyo, the festival has been running since 1997, with its international attendance steadily growing.

Primarily held outdoors, featuring only one indoor stage, attendees must be prepared for both rain and shine. With its Japanese essence, Fuji Rock offers hot springs for soaking and nature walks, providing a bit of a Glastonbury vibe, including the possibility of stumbling upon secret woodland gigs. It's a festival that encourages exploration and embraces both music and nature.

Shinjuku Eisa Festival (新宿 エイサ祭)
Time: Late July
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Shinjuku Station East Exit

Eisa, a traditional dance style originating in the Okinawan islands, takes center stage each year in early August during the Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators. For those unable to visit Okinawa, the Shinjuku Eisa Festival provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in this vibrant aspect of the region's cultural heritage. This festival, running for nearly 20 years, brings a taste of Okinawa's rich culture to Shinjuku.

Tenjin Festival (天神祭)
Time: July 24-25
Prefecture: Osaka
Location: Tenmangu Shrine

Originating in the 10th century, this festival is one of Japan's premier festivals, ranking alongside Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and Tokyo's Kanda Matsuri. The celebration commenced in the 10th century and currently occurs annually on July 24th and 25th. The primary festivities occur on July 25 and feature a terrestrial procession and a river procession, accompanied by a stunning display of fireworks.

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (長岡まつり大花火大会)
Time: August 1-3
Prefecture: Niigata
Location: Shinano River

Taking place annually from August 1 to 3 along the Shinano River in Nagaoka City, the Nagaoka Festival unfolds its festivities. The inaugural day is dedicated to a peace ceremony, while August 2 to 3 features vibrant firework displays. Central to the festival are the daytime attractions, including portable shrine float parades and folk dance processions. As night falls on the last two days, the event crescendos with spectacular large-scale fireworks exhibitions.

Morioka Sansa Odori (盛岡さんさ踊り)
Time: Early August
Prefecture: Iwate
Location: Chuodori Street

The highlight of the festival is a colossal parade featuring over three thousand drummers, each representing taiko groups affiliated with schools, companies, organizations, and the twenty-plus taiko groups based in Morioka. This gathering of drummers playing simultaneously sets a world record. The performers march in continuous lines, occasionally interrupted by parade floats or banners introducing the next segment of the event.

Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival (立佞武多祭り)
Time: Early August
Prefecture: Aomori
Location: Central Goshogawara City

While Aomori prefecture is renowned for being Japan's largest apple producer, it undergoes a stunning transformation once a year during the Nebuta Festival in Aomori City. In nearby Goshogawara, the Tachineputa Festival, though less known, proves to be even more impressive and memorable. From a tourist's standpoint, this festival offers the advantage of being less crowded while maintaining the excitement. Conveniently located just an hour's drive away from Aomori City, Goshogawara makes it easy for visitors to plan a trip to experience both versions of Nebuta, as both festivals occur during the same week.

Edogawa Fireworks Festival (江戸川区花火大会)
Time: Early August
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Edogawa River

This particular festival features two fireworks shows held simultaneously, with the Edo River running through the middle. On one side of the river is Ichikawa City, Chiba, and on the other side is Edogawa-ku, Tokyo. The friendly competition between both sides adds an extra layer of excitement to the event.

For the complete festival experience, attendees often dress in yukatas (summer cotton kimonos) and indulge in the diverse culinary offerings from the yatai stores (food stalls) along the riverbanks. This combination of stunning fireworks displays, traditional attire, and delicious street food makes the Edogawa Hanabi Taikai a memorable and festive occasion.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony (広島平和記念式典)
Time: Early August
Prefecture: Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

August 6th holds great significance for the people of Hiroshima. While most businesses operate normally, school children are called into school for "peace education." Many locals and tourists alike gather in the central Peace Park on this day to reflect on lives lost and to express hope for a peaceful future. It's a solemn occasion that honors the memory of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II.

Nebuta Matsuri (ねぶた祭)
Time: August 2-7
Prefecture: Aomori
Location: The streets of Aomori City (Shinmachi-dori Street, Heiwa Koen-dori Street, National Route 4 and 7, Hakko-dori Street)

Nebuta and Neputa festivals are summer celebrations tied to Tanabata and are held in various towns across Aomori Prefecture. The most prominent among them is Aomori City's
The festival's main attraction is the daily procession of gigantic lantern floats, accompanied by sizable taiko drums, musicians, and dancers. The Nebuta Matsuri is one of the Tohoku Region's three major festivals, alongside Akita's Kanto Matsuri and Sendai's Tanabata.

Kanto Matsuri (竿燈まつり・ "pole lantern festival") - a Tanabata-related event
Time: August 3-6
Prefecture: Akita
Location: Kanto Odori

The festival's main attraction showcases remarkable feats of skill, as performers balance kanto, long bamboo poles adorned with arrays of paper lanterns attached to the ends. Alongside Aomori's Nebuta Festival and Sendai's Tanabata, the Kanto Matsuri is one of the three major festivals of the Tohoku Region.

Numata Tengu Festival (沼田まつり)
Time: August 3 - 5
Prefecture: Gunma
Location: Streets of Numata

The Numata Tengu Festival (沼田まつり, Numata Matsuri) is a renowned celebration in Gunma Prefecture. Spanning three days, the festival features a lively procession of various portable shrines and floats, showcasing diverse shapes and sizes as they traverse the streets of Numata. What sets this festival apart is the Tengu Mikoshi—two shrines shaped like giant goblins, each weighing over 400 kilograms and exclusively pulled by women.

Yamagata Hanagasa Festival (花笠まつり)
Time: August 5-7
Prefecture: Yamagata
Location: Yamagata

Commencing in 1963, the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival has evolved into a prominent event in Tohoku, drawing over a million visitors over its three-day duration. Central to the festival is the hanagasa, a hat adorned with red safflowers worn by performers engaging in traditional dances. The lively parade, featuring brightly decorated floats, comprises 100 groups, each approximately 100 members strong. As they traverse the main street of Yamagata City, echoes of "Yassho! Makasho!" fill the air—an homage to the calls of laborers during irrigation work on the outskirts of Yamagata Prefecture.

Sendai Tanabata Festival (仙台七夕まつり)
Time: August 6 - 8
Prefecture: Sendai
Location: Chichibu Shrine

Tanabata, translating to the '7th evening,' is a festival observed on various dates across Japan. Among these celebrations, the Sendai version holds particular prominence, hailed as one of the three major summer festivals in the Tōhoku region. In fact, the Sendai Tanabata Festival is so renowned that it has become synonymous with the city of Sendai itself, standing out as the most famous iteration of this traditional event.

Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri (富岡八幡宮 例大祭)
Time: Mid Aug
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Tomioka Hachimangū Shrine

The Fukagawa Festival holds a distinguished status as one of Tokyo's three prominent Shintō festivals, alongside the Sanno Matsuri and the Kanda Matsuri.

Sanuki Takamatsu Festival (さぬき高松まつり)
Time: August 12-14
Prefecture: Kagawa
Location: Takamatsu Central Park, Sunport Takamatsu, and other locations

As one of Shikoku's renowned quartet of festivals, this event has become a summertime tradition cherished by both residents and visitors. The central venue for stage performances is Takamatsu Central Park, offering a focal point for the festivities. Additionally, the main street comes alive with vibrant so-odori dances, contributing to the lively and exhilarating summer nights in Takamatsu.

Awa Odori (阿波おどり)
Time: August 12-15
Prefecture: Tokushima
Location: Tokushima Station Area

The festival is the most renowned among Japan's numerous dance festivals held during the mid-August Obon season. Awa was the previous name for Tokushima Prefecture, and Odori means dance. Thousands of spectators and dancers converge on Tokushima to witness this centuries-old "Fool's Dance." The nickname originates from the lyrics of a popular dance song: "Fools dance and fools watch, if both are fools, you might as well dance."

Sado Earth Celebration (アース・セレブレーション)
Time: Aug 16-18
Prefecture: Niigata
Location: Ogi town

Since 1988, the breathtaking natural beauty of Sado has provided the backdrop for Earth Celebration (EC), an international arts festival promoting an alternative global culture through collaborative musical and cultural endeavors with artists from across the globe. Developed by Kodo in collaboration with the inhabitants of Sado Island, EC holds the distinction of being Japan's longest-running music festival and has been recognized by the New York Times as "Japan's leading music event."

Summer Sonic (サマーソニック)
Time: Mid Aug
Prefecture: Osaka
Location: Ookini Arena Maishima

The Summer Sonic Festival is a yearly music event that takes place over a single weekend in August, concurrently in Chiba and Osaka, Japan. The festival showcases a unified lineup performing on one day in Osaka, followed by a performance the next day in Chiba, and vice versa.

Hibiya Park Marunouchi Ondo Bon Odori Festival (日比谷公園丸の内音頭大盆踊り大会)
Time: Late August
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Hibiya Park

The Marunouchi Ondo Bon Odori Festival takes place at the central Hibiya Park and is one of Tokyo's most accessible and largest Bon Odori festivals.

During the event, a diverse array of participants, including employees from businesses in the Marunouchi area, local residents, and tourists (with an expected 40,000 participants), join in dancing circles around the central fountain to the rhythm of the "Marunouchi Ondo." This iconic dance, composed in 1932 by Yaso Saijo and Shinpei Nakayama, forms the basis of the renowned Bon Odori song, "Tokyo Ondo." The festival not only offers a lively and inclusive celebration but also pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Tokyo.

Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi (原宿表参道元氣祭スーパーよさこい)
Time: Late August
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Yoyogi Park

This colossal dance festival features an impressive scale, with 6,000 performers from dance groups across Japan vying for the top spot. The festivities include a vibrant parade in front of NHK, taking place along the avenue within Yoyogi Park that connects the park to Shibuya on both days.

Domannaka Festival (にっぽんど真ん中祭り)
Time: Late August
Prefecture: Nagoya
Location: Hisaya Odori Park

The Nippon Domannaka Festival, commonly known as Domatsuri, reigns as the largest team dance festival in the Chūbu region of central Japan and stands as one of Nagoya's most renowned events.

Kōenji Awa Odori (高円寺阿波踊り)
Time: Late August
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Kōenji

Spanning two lively days, the Kōenji Awa Odori Festival immerses participants in an abundance of spirited dancing. In contrast to many events during this season that endure the sweltering daytime temperatures, this festival opts for a more sensible approach by commencing its festivities in the refreshing cool of the evening. Organizers proudly showcase a lineup of 10,000 dancers and musicians, anticipating an impressive turnout of approximately 1 million spectators.

Fujisaki Hachimangu Festival (藤崎八旛宮秋季例大祭)
Time: Every year on the first Sunday or national holiday after September 16
Prefecture: Kumamoto
Location: Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine

The Grand Festival of Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine takes place in Chūō-ku, Kumamoto, every September. Marked by a procession of Shinto priests, it is notable for the tradition of followers chasing horses while shouting phrases like "Boshita, Boshita" in earlier times, and now, "Dookai Dookai" and other expressions. In recent years, the festival has seen the participation of around 17,000 people.

Tokyo Game Show (東京ゲームショウ)
Time: Late September
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Makuhari Messe

The Tokyo Game Show continues to stand out as one of the premier gaming exhibitions globally. The initial two days cater exclusively to industry professionals, influencers, and press, while the following two days welcome a broader audience, providing an inclusive experience for gaming enthusiasts.

Fukuro Matsuri (ふくろ祭り)
Time: Late September
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Ikebukuro

Originating in 1968 as a promotional initiative for four nearby shopping districts on the western outskirts of Ikebukuro Station, the Fukuro Festival has evolved into a monumental event, firmly establishing itself as one of the premier gatherings in the region. The festivities are divided into two main segments: the inaugural part features a lively mikoshi (portable shrine) parade, while the latter part is dedicated to the exuberant celebration of Yosakoi dancing.

Naha Great Tug-of-War (那覇大綱挽)
Time: Early October
Prefecture: Okinawa
Location: Kumoji Crossing, Naha

Annually on the Sunday before National Sports Day in Naha, Okinawa, a Tug-of-War event draws in thousands of participants and even larger crowds of spectators. This event holds a remarkable place in the Guinness Book of World Records since 1997, acknowledged as the largest tug-of-war event globally, featuring a 40-metric-ton, 200-meter long rope. Each side of the tug-of-war can accommodate up to 15,000 participants, making it a monumental and highly celebrated gathering.

Sawara Matsuri (佐原の大祭)
Time: October 11-13
Prefecture: Chiba
Location: Katori

The Sawara Grand Festival (Sawara no Taisai) collectively refers to both the Honjuku Gion Festival in July and the Shinjuku Autumn Festival in October, held in the heart of Sawara, situated in the city of Katori, Chiba Prefecture. Alongside the Kawagoe Hikawa Festival and the Hitachi Kuni Sousha Shrine Grand Festival (Ishioka Festival), it holds prestigious status as one of the three major festivals in the Kanto region. This festival earned its place on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2016.

Niihama Drum Festival (新居浜太鼓祭り)
Time: Mid October
Prefecture: Ehime
Location: Various Areas in Niihama City

The Niihama Drum Festival stands proudly among the top three festivals in Ehime Prefecture, Shikoku. This autumn taiko festival is a vibrant celebration of the annual harvest, with roots tracing back a thousand years. Rooted in sacred traditions, it holds an indispensable place in the rich history of Niihama City.

Sasebo Yosakoi Festival (YOSAKOIさせぼ祭り)
Time: End of October
Prefecture: Nagasaki
Location: Sasebo / Huis Ten Bosch

As the most extensive Yosakoi dance festival in Kyushu, its primary goal is to leave a lasting impression, enticing both spectators and participants to return to Sasebo for future festivities. Teams converge from various parts of Japan, showcasing their dynamic dances at multiple venues throughout the city.

Machida Jidai Matsuri (町田時代祭り)
Time: Late October
Prefecture: Tokyo
Location: Serigaya Park

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of traditional Japanese culture at our event, featuring the Jidai Matsuri, a celebration known as the "Period Festival." Witness a historical reenactment portraying the lives of warriors from the Satoyama region in Machida during Japan's feudal period, complete with authentic costumes.

Jidai Matsuri (時代祭)
Time: Late October
Prefecture: Kyoto
Location: Heian-jingū Shrine, Kyoto Imperial Palace

The Jidai Matsuri is a historical celebration marking the establishment of Kyoto as the Imperial capital in 794 by Emperor Kammu, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts. This grand procession involves over 2000 participants donning costumes representing various eras of Japanese history. The march commences from the Kyoto Imperial Palace in the morning, spanning several kilometers to reach Heian Jingu Shrine.

Notably, geisha take part in the Jidai Matsuri, adorned in junhitoe kimono, known for their elegance and intricate design. Established in 1895, the festival prioritizes authenticity, ensuring that costumes, music, and symbolism remain historically accurate.

Daidogei Street Performance World Cup (大道芸ワールドカップin静岡)
Time: Early November
Prefecture: Shizuoka
Location: Shizuoka City Sunpu Castle Park, Shizuoka Cultural Center, Suruga Ward Satellite (Apita Shizuoka Store), Shimizu Ward Satellite (Espals Dream Plaza)

Since 1992, the Daidogei World Cup has been an annual event held every November in the city of Shizuoka. Over the course of four days, Shizuoka transforms into a vibrant living theater, becoming one of Asia’s premier street theater festivals.

The festival attracts top-notch domestic and international artists from around the world who compete against each other to win the favor of millions of visitors attending the event each year. The Daidogei World Cup has become a highlight, showcasing a diverse range of street performances and talents, contributing to the cultural richness of the region.

Kagoshima Ohara Festival (鹿児島おはらまつり)
Time: Early November
Prefecture: Kagoshima
Location: Tenmonkan

Kagoshima's largest annual festival makes its comeback every November, offering vibrant traditional dance parades, taiko performances, and a host of other cultural attractions.

Taking place along the tram line route in the downtown Tenmonkan area, this festival traces its origins back to 1949. It was initiated to commemorate Kagoshima's municipalization, marking 60 years since its establishment. Since then, thousands of attendees gather each year to partake in the festivities, celebrating with traditional music, including the renowned 'Ohara-bushi', which lends its name to the festival.

Himeji Castle Festival (姫路お城まつり)
Time: Mid November
Prefecture: Hyogo
Location: Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle stands as one of Japan's meticulously preserved castles, earning its UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1993. An optimal time to experience the grandeur of this historic site is during the Himeji Castle Festival, a venerable tradition spanning over 70 years. This annual event unfolds over three days in November, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural and historical richness surrounding Himeji Castle.