Kanamara Matsuri

A traditional festival held annually in April at Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. Characterized by large-scale festival floats designed to represent male genitalia, it is known for unique humor and freedom of expression. Continuing from the Edo period, the evening Yomiya Festival features mystical scenes surrounded by lanterns. Internationally recognized as a cultural phenomenon showcasing local culture and open attitudes toward sexuality.

One of Japan's three greatest festivals, held at Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine with over 1,100 years of history. Spanning the entire month of July, its highlight is the grand procession of ornate yamaboko floats. Inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it draws vast numbers of visitors from Japan and abroad each year.

A traditional Japanese spring custom of appreciating cherry blossoms during their blooming season. Originating among aristocrats in the Nara period, it spread to the general public during the Edo period. As the cherry blossom front moves northward, the entire Japanese archipelago enjoys hanami season, making it an iconic cultural tradition.

A festival of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, one of Japan's Three Great Festivals. Held throughout July, the spectacular Yamahoko Junko parade of ornate floats through the city streets is the main highlight. Begun in 869 as prayers to ward off plague, it was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, with over 1,150 years of history.

A summer festival representing the Tohoku region, held annually August 2-7 in Aomori City. Giant illuminated floats called 'nebuta' parade through the night streets, and the overwhelming energy of haneto dancers chanting 'Rassera' is unforgettable. Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, it is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Japan's largest Bon dance festival with over 400 years of history in Tokushima Prefecture. Known for its chant 'It's a fool who dances and a fool who watches—if both are fools, you might as well dance,' it attracts over 1.2 million visitors every August. The lively rhythms of dancing groups called 'ren' are irresistibly inviting.