Events & Festivals

Kansai Region Summer festivals & Events

Tenjin Festival (Tenjin Matsuri)

The ritual held at Osaka Tenmangu with more than 1000-year history, regarded as one of Japan’s Three Major Festivals.

Osaka / Summer festivals & Events

• 18 Sep 2022

  17 Best things to do in Osaka, Japan

  The metropolis, Osaka, is full of tourist / gourmet spots, it is hard to choose from. Here is our recommendation for first-time visitors to Osaka, a comprehensive list of appealing sight-seeing spots, gourmet eateries, inns, souvenir shops and events.

Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival

A summer tradition of Naniwa, coloring the Yodogawa, the symbol of the "Water Metropolis Osaka".

Osaka / Summer festivals & Events

• 6 May 2023

  The Hottest, Best Known Firework Festivals in Japan and How to Enjoy Them: a Complete Firework Festival Guide

  A summer visit to Japan isn’t complete without the addition of a fireworks festival. In this guide we’ll cover not only the Top Three Firework Festivals in Japan, but a few other popular fireworks held across the country, as well. There are also some pro tips and important reminders to help you enjoy these events to the fullest, so be sure to read to the end!

Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival)

One of Japan's most famous festivals held in Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto with more than 1150 years of history.

Kyoto / Summer festivals & Events

Tenpyo Tanabata Matsuri Heijokyo Tenpyosai Natsu

Tanabata Festival held fantastically around the Heijo Palace remains in the summer evening.

Nara / Summer festivals & Events

• 3 Jan 2023

  See the Ancient City of Nara via 19 Top Historic Sites

  Nara Prefecture, once the capital of Japan, is home to a full repertoire of World Heritage Sites, including treasured cultural properties and buildings, Buddha statues and other coveted tourist destinations. Set just next door to Kyoto, many travelers enjoy an itinerary that allows them to explore both Kyoto and Nara together. Here are a few hand-selected, must-visit spots in Nara, a city with an ancient history even older than Kyoto, along with unforgettable souvenirs to shop plus remarkable food and stays.

Kyoto Gozan Okuribi

Spiritual and ghastly fires illuminate the ancient city at night. A traditional event where spirits depart to the afterlife.

Kyoto / Summer festivals & Events

• 15 May 2023

  Unique Japanese Ways to Enjoy and Spend the Summer

  Japanese summers are notoriously hot and humid, which can make the days a bit harder to weather. Despite this, the locals of Japan have come up with a number of ways to enjoy the season since long ago. In Japan, the proverb “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” holds true here, meaning that adopting the same local customs may be the best way to enjoy the heat during your travels.

Nara Tokae Lantern Festival

A summer event in the historical town Nara where more than 10,000 candles add a mystic ambience to the town.

Nara / Summer festivals & Events