NiigataArtEchigo-Tsumari Art Field 2026Apr 25 – Nov 8, 2026Runs todayThe world's largest outdoor art festival — 200+ permanent artworks integrated into rice paddies, abandoned schools, and mountain villages across 760 square…
Hokkaido · FreeFireworksLake Toya Long-Run Fireworks FestivalApr 28 – Oct 31Projected datesA nightly fireworks show over Lake Toya running for half the year, launched from the lakeshore each evening — the 45th edition in 2026.
GifuOtherNagara River Cormorant Fishing (Ukai)May 11 – Oct 15Projected datesA 1,300-year-old imperial tradition of cormorant fishing on the Nagara River (fish were historically sent to the capital) — boats with trained cormorants and…
EhimeFestivals · MatsuriOzu Cormorant Fishing (Ozu no Ukai)Jun 1 – Sep 20Projected datesOne of Japan's three great cormorant-fishing traditions, held on the Hijikawa River below Ozu Castle. Guests board roofed pleasure boats to watch fishermen and their…
HokkaidoOtherTaiyo no Oka Engaru Cosmos FieldAug 20 – Sep 30Projected datesThe largest cosmos garden in Japan with ten million flowers in numerous varieties and colours. Due to Hokkaido's cooler climate, the bloom occurs earlier than the…
Hokkaido · FreeFood festivalsSapporo Autumn FestSep 11 – Oct 3Projected datesHokkaido's legendary autumn harvest festival turns Odori Park into a 10-block showcase of the island's finest food — Jingiskan lamb, fresh sea urchin, corn, pumpkin…
Kumamoto · FreeFestivals · MatsuriFujisaki Hachimangu Reitaisai (Boshita Matsuri)Sep 13–21Projected datesKumamoto Prefecture's largest festival (1,000+ year history) at Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine — a sacred palanquin procession with lion dances and dozens of elaborately…
HokkaidoAutumn leaves · KoyoDaisetsuzan First Autumn ColorsSep 13–25Projected datesJapan's first autumn colors appear at Japan's highest point — Asahidake summit turns scarlet and gold in mid-September while the lowlands remain green. Gondola ride…
TokyoSportSeptember Sumo TournamentSep 13–27Projected datesThe September Grand Sumo Tournament held in Tokyo, where wrestlers compete using 82 authorized techniques to expel opponents from the 4.55-meter diameter dohyo ring…
TokyoOtherHama Rikyu Garden Cosmos ViewingSep 15 – Oct 31Projected datesThe historic Hama Rikyu gardens in Tokyo feature cosmos flowers in bloom during October, offering a scenic viewing spot in the heart of the city.
KagawaOtherAki Irodori Festa (Sanuki Mannou Park Autumn Flower Festival)Sep 15 – Oct 31Projected datesAnnual autumn flower festival at Sanuki Mannou Park featuring roughly 300,000 cosmos flowers (8 varieties) and 6,000 kochia bushes that turn vivid red by mid-October.…
Toyama · FreeOtherTateyama Kurobe Autumn Susuki ViewingSep 15 – Nov 30Projected datesAutumn pampas grass (susuki) viewing in the Tateyama Kurobe alpine region of Toyama Prefecture, offering dramatic mountain and highland scenery.
