Tsugaru Neputa Festival (Summer)

A traditional folk performing arts festival held for three days in early September in Yatsuo, Toyama. The graceful and melancholic Etchu Owara dance spreads throughout the town, illuminated by lanterns creating a mystical atmosphere. With over 400 years of history, it beautifully expresses the essence of autumn.

A summer festival held at Namanido Shrine in Bungo-Ono, Oita. Young men carry portable shrines through town in a spirited celebration. Known for its grassroots, handmade atmosphere and resistance to over-commercialization, it represents authentic local summer festival culture and plays a vital role in community heritage preservation.

Japan's largest cherry blossom festival held in Hirosaki Park, Aomori. Approximately 2,600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees blanket the park. Held from late April to early May, attracting roughly 2 million visitors. Features food stalls, yukata-clad youth, and illuminated night cherry blossoms, symbolizing Japan's spring culture.

Approximately 2,600 cherry trees bloom around Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture. A celebrated viewing site since the Edo period with many ancient specimens. Famous especially for illuminated nighttime blossoms. The Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival is held from late April to early May, attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually.

A major summer festival held in early August in Aomori, Aomori Prefecture. Giant illuminated paper lantern figures made of bamboo and washi paper parade through the nighttime streets. With over 1,000 years of history and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status, it attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually as a defining summer tradition.

One of Japan's most representative fire festivals held annually in August in Aomori City. Giant illuminated floats called nebuta depicting warrior scenes parade through nighttime streets while haneto dancers leap to calls of 'rassera.' Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, it is designated a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

A summer festival held in August in Tsuyama, Okayama Prefecture. Vigorous portable shrines and lantern-lit festival floats illuminate the castle town's summer evenings over three days. Maintaining the atmosphere of a Sengoku-period castle town, it attracts about 200,000 visitors as a representative seasonal event.

A Tokyo summer tradition with about 20,000 fireworks. Dating back to 1733, it is among Japan's oldest, drawing about 1 million spectators. Yukata-clad visitors add shitamachi charm.