Japanese festivals: 6 experiences between summer and autumn
In Japan, festivals – or matsuri – are much more than just popular celebrations. Deeply rooted in Buddhist and Shinto culture and local traditions, they punctuate the year with intensity, creativity and emotion. With dances, illuminated floats, fireworks and sacred rituals, here are six festivals not to be missed between summer and autumn 2025.
Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri: a carnival of light and legends
Held every year from August 2 to 7 in Aomori, northern Honshu, the Nebuta Matsuri is one of Japan’s most spectacular events. It celebrates summer with huge papier-mâché floats depicting historical heroes or Japanese mythological figures.
Every evening, these monumental works are illuminated in the streets, accompanied by musicians and dancers called haneto, whom visitors can join if they are wearing traditional costume. In the daytime, the Nebuta WA RASSE museum allows visitors to discover these creations all year round.
🛤 Access: from Tokyo, 3h by shinkansen train to Shin-Aomori station.
Awa Odori in Tokushima: the joyful dance of the island of Shikoku
From August 12 to 15, the city of Tokushima vibrates to the rhythm ofAwa Odori, Japan’s biggest dance festival. Its origins date back over 400 years. The streets fill with groups of costumed dancers, both amateur and professional, accompanied by lively, festive music.
Two styles of dance alternate: one dynamic and energetic, the other more graceful. The public is invited to join in. Street food stalls (yatai) complete the convivial atmosphere throughout the city.
🛬 Access: by plane from Tokyo (Haneda airport) or by bus from Osaka.
Suitoro in Matsue: thousands of lanterns in the feudal town
In autumn, between late September and October, the city of Matsue lights up for the Suitoro festival. Every evening, thousands of lanterns adorn the streets around the historic castle, creating a magical atmosphere.
A must? An evening boat trip on the castle moat, to admire the reflections of the lanterns on the water. Artistic lanterns, creative workshops, live entertainment and local gastronomy complete the experience.
🚆 Access: Sunrise Izumo night train from Tokyo or via Okayama from Osaka.
The Otsu festival: mechanical floats and live crafts
The Otsu festival, held every year in early October, features mechanical floats known as karakuri. These veritable masterpieces of handicraft parade through the streets with their animated dolls, a tribute to the folk culture of the Lake Biwa region.
This little-known jewel is listed as an intangible cultural heritage site. The event also features costume processions, musical performances and tastings typical of Shiga prefecture.
🚉 Access: 10 min by train from Kyoto + 5 min walk from Otsu station.
Tsuchiura Hanabi Taikai: Japan’s most spectacular fireworks display
On the 1st Saturday in November, the town of Tsuchiura (Ibaraki prefecture) hosts Japan’s most prestigious fireworks competition. The best fireworks masters compete against each other for 2h30: giant explosions, complex firing techniques and innovative special effects.
The show is intense, combining pyrotechnic tradition and visual innovation, with a lively party atmosphere throughout the city.
🚉 Access: train to Tsuchiura, then shuttle bus or 30-minute walk.
A living immersion in the Japanese soul
To take part in a festival in Japan is to experience a moment of communion between past and present, between sacred and popular. Each matsuri reveals a unique facet of Japanese culture. For travelers in search of vibrant traditions, collective emotion and visual beauty, summer and autumn 2025 will be the ideal opportunity to discover a festive, deeply human Japan.
For more cultural suggestions and travel inspiration, explore parisselectbook.com.
