Miyako Odori

A dance festival that began in 1954 in Kochi Prefecture. Characterized by dancing with naruko clappers, it later spawned the YOSAKOI Soran Festival in Sapporo and spread nationwide. As a modern festival allowing creative choreography and costumes, it has gained worldwide popularity, especially among young people.

One of Japan's three major festivals, held in July at Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. Originating in 876 during the Heian period, it boasts over 1,000 years of history. Its highlight is the Yama-Hoko Junko (parade of elaborate floats), and it is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A premier summer festival of the Tohoku region held every August in Aomori City. Enormous illuminated warrior-themed floats called nebuta parade through the streets while dancers known as haneto leap to the chant of 'Rassera.' It is designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

Japan's largest Bon dance festival with over 400 years of history in Tokushima Prefecture. Known for the chant 'It's a fool who dances and a fool who watches—if both are fools, you might as well dance,' it is held annually during the Obon period in August. Groups called 'ren' dance through the streets to distinctive rhythms.

A Japanese summer event based on the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, observed on July 7th (or August in some regions). The custom of hanging paper strips inscribed with wishes on bamboo branches is widely practiced. The Sendai Tanabata Festival is one of Japan's largest, attracting over two million visitors annually.

A traditional Japanese Buddhist event to welcome and honor ancestral spirits. Observed around August 13-16, it features regional events such as bon dances and toro nagashi lantern floating. One of Japan's largest annual observances that triggers a major homecoming rush, it serves as an important occasion for reaffirming family bonds.