Best Matsuri (traditional festivals) – Japan, July 2025
| 🗓️ Dates | 🏮 Festival & Location | 📝 Description |
|---|---|---|
| First Fri–Sat of July |
Abare Matsuri (あばれ祭り) Ushitsu, Noto Peninsula |
Known as the “fire & violence festival”, this wild event features over 40 kiriko lanterns and mikoshi carried through fire and water in chaotic parades. Floats are often smashed and doused with sake.  More info: abarematsuri.jp |
| July 1–15 |
Hakata Gion Yamakasa |
A 770-year-old tradition where men in loincloths race through the streets at dawn on July 15 carrying 1-ton kakiyama floats. Decorative kazariyama floats are displayed from July 1. More info: hakata-yamakasa.net |
| July 1–31 |
Gion Matsuri (祇園祭) |
One of Japan’s most iconic festivals with parades of massive floats (yamahoko) on July 17 and 24. Night events (yoiyama) fill the streets with music, food, and tradition. More info: gionfestival.org |
| July 13–16 |
Mitama Matsuri (みたままつり) Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo |
Held at Yasukuni Shrine, this spiritual lantern festival honors the dead with over 30,000 glowing lanterns, traditional dances, mikoshi, and music. More info: yasukuni.or.jp |
| July 20–21 |
Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha Festival Akita City, Akita |
Around 20 giant warrior-decorated floats parade through the streets of this port district with taiko drums and shouting. Designated as intangible folk heritage. More info: tutizaki-hikiyama.com |
| July 24–25 |
Tenjin Matsuri (天神祭) Tenmangu Shrine, Osaka |
One of Japan’s three major festivals, with a land and river procession, traditional performances on boats, and a huge fireworks show over the Okawa River. More info: japan.travel |
| ~July 25–26 |
Ebisu Bon Odori (恵比寿盆踊り) Ebisu Station, Tokyo |
Local summer dance festival held in the Ebisu district of Tokyo, where people gather to dance around a central tower to traditional music. Free and festive. More info: ebisubondance.jp |
| 4th weekend of July |
Tobata Gion Yamagasa (戸畑祇園大山笠) |
Known for its four giant floats lit with 309 lanterns, carried upright by day and flipped upside-down at night. Recognized by UNESCO. More info: unesco.org |
| Last Sat of July |
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival Sumida River, Tokyo |
Tokyo’s oldest fireworks event with around 20,000 shots lighting up the Sumida River. A summer classic with massive crowds. More info: gotokyo.org |