The Best Summer Festivals in Japan

Summer in Japan isn't just about heat and cicadas. It's also the season for Natsu Matsuri , traditional Japanese festivals that light up towns and villages with a unique glow. Music, dances, lanterns, colorful kimonos, food stalls, and fireworks: an experience worth living at least once in your life .

Why attend a Natsu Matsuri?

• Immersion in living Japanese culture
• Wear a yukata and live like a local
• Enjoy summer specialties (takoyaki, kakigōri, yakisoba, etc.)
• Admire fireworks displays that are unique in the world

If you're planning a trip to Japan in the summer of 2025, here's a selection of the must-see festivals you shouldn't miss, along with tips on how to make the most of them!

1. Gion Matsuri – Kyoto (July 1-31, 2025)

The Gion Matsuri is Japan's most famous festival , held for over 1,000 years in Kyoto. Throughout the month of July, the city comes alive with processions of gigantic floats called yamaboko , traditional parades, and entire neighborhoods transformed into festive scenes.

Not to be missed:

• The float parades ( Yamaboko Junko ) on July 17 and 24
• Yoiyama evenings with pedestrian streets and street stalls
• Lanterns and summer kimonos (yukata) all over the city

Travel tip : Book your accommodation early, it's a very touristy time!

2. Tenjin Matsuri – Osaka (July 24 & 25, 2025)

One of Japan's oldest festivals, the Tenjin Matsuri offers a unique blend of culture and aquatic spectacle . On July 25, more than 3,000 people in period costumes parade through the streets before boarding illuminated boats. The day ends with a magnificent fireworks display.

Atmosphere: festive, popular, lively
Ideal for: those who want to experience a festival near the water

3. Aomori Nebuta Matsuri – Tohoku (August 2-7, 2025)

This spectacular festival is known for its huge floating lanterns in the shape of Japanese warriors, which are pulled through the streets to the sound of drums, flutes and festive shouts ( Rassera! ). It is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site .

Special feature:

• You can participate in the parade by renting a traditional costume called a haneto !
• Bring a fan and a bento to wait

4. Sumida Fireworks – Tokyo (end of July 2025)

Every summer, the banks of the Sumida River in Tokyo host a huge fireworks display ( hanabi taikai ), with over 20,000 colorful explosions in the sky. It is one of the biggest summer events in Tokyo.

Photo tip:

• Arrive very early to get a good spot on the banks
• Bring a fan and a bento to wait

Ready to experience an unforgettable summer in Japan?

Our agency offers tailor-made tours , including:

• The best festivals according to your dates
• Accommodation close to event venues
• English, French and German speaking guides to accompany you