In summer, Japan becomes one of the best summer destinations in the world, highlighting its mind-blowing traditional festivals and events, fun outdoor activities, and beautiful flower fields and gardens.
Summer is a great time to take a stroll in the streets, wearing summer yukata, viewing fireworks (hanabi), dancing in the parade, and tasting delicious local food. In general, Japan’s official period of summer season begins in early June and ends in late August with three to four week of rainy season.
Except the rainy days, the country offers you a lovely sunny weather to experience the popular summertime festivals, and sightseeing attractions including the beautiful beaches.
Most of the sightseeing spots throughout Japan are not crowded as they are like in the spring and autumn. Knowing this simple, yet very important Japan’s summer travel tip, you can make good use of it by visiting the country around this time of the year.
You can celebrate the exciting summer festivals and events in Japan along with the locals. People wear their traditional attires, such as Yukata before they go out to experience summer fireworks at night. That’s a Japanese tradition!
On the other hand, many people think of visiting Hokkaido’s incredible flower fields and gardens. In fact, that’s where they can explore variety of flowers especially lavender, sunflowers, poppy, lupines, and marigolds.
Are you well inspired to embark on a trip to Japan this summer? Then get ready to celebrate the best and most popular super fun summer festivals and events like Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, Sumida River Fireworks Festival, Gion Festival in Kyoto, and Akita Kanto Festival.
Here is a list of must-attend 2024 Japan’s summer festivals with opening and closing dates.
Event & Festival
Place
Date
Hakata Dontaku Festival
Fukuoka
May 3-4 every year during the Golden Week
Kanda Matsuri
Kanda Shrine, Tokyo
Will be held in mid-May 2024
Suigo Itako Ayame Festival
Suigo Itako Ayame Garden, Ibaraki
Late-May to Late-June
Ajisai (Hydrangea) Festival in Shimoda Park
Shimoda Park, Shizuoka
Early June, 2024
YOSAKOI Soran Festival
Odori Park, Sapporo in Hokkaido
June 5-9, 2024
Katsushika Shobu Matsuri (Iris Festival)
Mizumoto Park, Tokyo
Late May - Mid June, 2024
Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri (Hydrangea Festival)
Hakusan Jinja Shrine, Tokyo
Mid June, 2024
Sanno Matsuri
Hie Shrine, Tokyo
Will be celebrated in June 2024
Hokkaido Shrine Festival
Hokkaido Shirine, Sapporo, Hokkaido
June 14-16 every year
Hakata Gion Yamakasa
Hakata district, Fukuoka
July 1-15, 2024
Sumo Nagoya Basho
Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, Nagoya
Early - Late July, 2024
Mount Fuji Climbing Season
Mount Fuji
Early July to Mid September, 2024
Mitama Matsuri (Obon festival)
Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo
July 13-16, 2024
Nakafurano Lavender Festival
Miyamachi, Nakafurano, Hokkaido
Mid July, 2024
Hokuryu Sunflower Festival
Hokuryu, Hokkaido
July-August, 2024
Gion Matsuri
Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto
July 1-31, 2024
Sapporo Summer Festival
Sapporo city, Hokkaido
Mid July - Mid August, 2024
Koganei Awaodori
Koganei city, Tokyo
Mid-August, 2024
Tenjin Matsuri
Tenmangu Shrine, Osaka
July 24-25, 2024
Akeno Sunflower Festival
Hokuto, Yamanashi
Late July to Late August, 2024
Furano Bellybutton Festival/Hokkai Heso Matsuri
Furano, Hokkaido
Late July, 2024
Fuji Rock Festival
Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata
July 26-28, 2024
Sumida River Fireworks
Sumida River, Tokyo
July 27, 2024
Soma-Nomaoi Festival
Minamisoma, Fukushima
July 27-29, 2024
Shinjuku Eisa Festival
Shinjuku, Tokyo
Late July, 2024
Morioka Sansa Odori Festival
Morioka, Iwate
August 1-4, 2024
Nagaoka Fireworks
Shinano River, Niigata
August 2-3, 2024
Aomori Nebuta Matsuri
Aomori City, Tohoku
August 2-7, 2024
Akita Kanto Matsuri
Akita City
August 3-6, 2024
World Music And Dance Festival
Hakodate, Hokkaido
Early August, 2024
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony
Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima
August 6, 2024
Sendai Tanabata Matsuri
Sendai, Miyagi
August 6-8, 2024
Kochi Yosakoi Festival
Kochi
Mid-August 2024
Awa Odori
Tokushima
Mid-August, 2024
Sanuki Takamatsu Festival
Takamatsu
August 12-14, 2024
Fukagawa Hachiman Festival
Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, Tokyo
Mid-August
Miyajima Fireworks
Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island
Late August
Summer Sonic (Tokyo & Osaka)
Tokyo and Osaka
August 17-18, 2024
Omagari National Fireworks Competition
Marukogawa River, Akita
Late August, 2024
Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori
Koenji, Tokyo
Late August, 2024
Asagaya Tanabata Festival
Asagaya Pearl Center, Tokyo
Early August, 2024
Asakusa Samba Carnival
Asakusa, Tokyo
Mid-September, 2024
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Hokkaido is a fantastic destination, offering stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, wildlife, onsen, and delicious food. Have you ever considered visiting ...