Matsuri are local shrine festivals, and almost every town has one: portable shrines carried through the streets, drums, floats, food stalls and people in yukata.
The big ones draw a million people and are worth planning a trip around. Summer is the peak, with fireworks nearly every weekend.
When to goEvery month, but most and biggest in July and August.
Where to go
-
Gion MatsuriKyoto · 京都July: huge wooden floats through central Kyoto. -
NebutaAomori · 青森Early August: giant lit-up paper warriors paraded at night. -
Awa OdoriTokushima · 徳島Mid-August: the whole city dances in the streets. -
Sapporo Snow FestivalHokkaido · 北海道February: snow and ice sculptures in the city centre. -
Takayama MatsuriGifu · 岐阜April and October: ornate floats in the old town. -
Tenjin MatsuriOsaka · 大阪July: a river procession of boats and fireworks.
Good to know
- Book hotels months ahead for the big festivals; rooms sell out.
- Food stalls are cash only; carry coins and small notes.
- Many festivals are free; paid seats along the route are worth it for the big parades.