Best time to visit
99 things to do in Japan
Snow Season
Observe magical fairy tale lanscapes that you can only find in Japan during the winter
Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri
Definitely the wettest in Japan! This water-throwing festival brings both happiness and prosperity
Baby Deer at Nara Park
The deer may be not the only attraction of Nara Park, but they are definitely the most popular one, especially the little ones
Kumo-Gassen or Kajiki Spider Fighting Festival (加治木くも合戦)
This bloody battle between spiders is a regional highlight
Winter Magic of Biei Blue Pond
Just half an hour by bus from Biei, you can feel the magic of winter and see a different version of the Blue Pond
Zao Fox Village
Around 200 fluffy residents of this village enjoy its diverse infrastructure with fox hotels as an alternative to fox houses, also fox feeding area, and even fox shrine—everything to cater their needs
Nagaoka Fireworks Festival
This grand fireworks finale spans over two kilometers of the riverbank!
Kanamara Matsuri
An interesting festival that celebrates fertility and openness that welcomes everyone!
Sumo Grand Tournaments
Check out this famous and ancient Japanese sport in action!
Inago
This insect dish is available in jars or freshly boiled and prepared over rice during winter
Abare Festival
This fierce festival of "fire and violence" includes lots of smashing, dedicated to Yasaka Shrine in Ushitsu of Noto Peninsula
Sapporo Snow Festival
A bit commercialized but this beautiful festival of snow statues is a winter highlight in Sapporo parks
Omagari National Fireworks Competition
A top-tier show in Japan that attracts thousands of spectators
Tanabata Festival
Celebrated nationwide, this festival brings color and romance to daily life!
Whooper Swans at Lake Kussharo
Gorgeous proud birds spend the winter in the snow-covered lake
Okunoshima (Rabbit Island)
Get smothered by thousands of bunnies at a former secret military base
Pikachu Tairyou Hassei-Chu
A wonderful week full of bright yellow colours and hundreds of Pikachus dressed in cute costumes
Snow Monkeys
Visit one of Japan's 'hell valleys' to see snow monkeys playing and bathing in hot springs
Snowboarding and Skiing in Japan
Choose winter sports in Japan, the scenery is unforgettable!
Aoshima (Cat Island)
Mice are not allowed to the island, but guests bringing tuna cans are welcome
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
One of the oldest and most famous fireworks shows in Japan
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
A truly wild festival with giant floats and hundreds of participants
Teahouse "Tetsu"
Visit one of the world's most fantastic tree houses when it's bathing amidst the cherry blossoms
Onbashira
A deadly festival of log riding that attracts more than half a million people
Obon Matsuri
Feel the spirituality of the Japanese Buddhist festival of the Dead
Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition
One of the last major fireworks shows of the year
Autumn
Despite possible showers and typhoons, it's one of the most beautiful seasons to visit
Cormorant Fishing
One of the oldest fishing traditions in the world, Ukai fishing is a fascinating practice. Check out just how it's done!
Eight Hells of Beppu
Blood Pond Hell... For some it became the sheer blood hell—the Japanese used the pond to boil sinners in their own blood and dirt...
Ume Blossom
The beautiful though often underappreciated blossom of the Japanese plum is one of the first signs of spring
Daimonji or Gozan no Okuribi
Enormous characters set afire to guide ancestors to the other world
Aomori Nebuta
Enormous lantern-floats with human figures and intense dancing make this summer festival extraordinary
Summer
Hot and rainy weather, good for a beach vacation. But mind the possibility of typhoons
Naki-Zumo
This Baby Crying Festival that has been making children cry for over 300 years!
Wisteria Tunnels
Visit the hundred-year-old wisteria gardens during bloom and see their unbelievable beauty
Shinmei Fireworks Festival
With its beautiful colours and stunning displays, the Shinmei fireworks festival will not leave you disappointed!
Hydrangea Blossoms
Explore the temples of Kamakura with its stunning flower carpets
Synchronous Fireflies
Although thousands of firefly species live around the world, there are not that many places where you can observe such magic
Sea Cucumber
Though not too pleasing to the eye, these creatures are a true delicacy
Cherry Blossoms
The first week of April is the best chance to see Japanese cherry trees in full bloom!
Fuji Rock Festival
Japan's largest outdoor music festival provides a great opportunity to enjoy the best of indie, rock and world music! And maybe also win a year's supply of meat?
Eel Fishing
In order to attract eels, Japanese fishermen use an interesting technique. Check it out for yourself!
Zao Snow Monsters
If you suppose these are man-carved ice blocks, you underestimate the talents of nature—the snow monsters appear on their own
Ohinata no Hitoboshi or Fire Ring Festival
The beautiful mystic sight of spinning fire rings is an unforgettable experience
Beach Season
The official beach season starts with the end of school. But you can enjoy it any time
Geisha Dances in Kyoto
Don't miss the chance to meet prominent Japanese Geishas while in Kyoto
Samurai Kembu (Sword Dance)
Learn about the Samurai culture and traditions at Kembu Theater in Kyoto
Tokyo Marathon
Update: The Tokyo Marathon 2020 will be held only for the marathon elites and the wheelchair elites
Flowering in Hitachi Seaside Park
Discover the ravishing beauty of the blooming meadows
Sagano Bamboo Forest (Arashiyama)
Mind visiting this bamboo grove to relax from the noisy city streets
Yonaguni Monument
The possibly humanmade underwater structure could date back to the ice age
Nabana No Sato Winter Illumination
Discover the beauty and magic of Japanese gardens at night
Star Sand Beach (Hoshizuna-no-Hama)
The tiny beach on Takenomi island is really one of a kind
Toyosu Market
A successor of the legendary Tsukiji market is a new gourmet tourist mecca
Winter Illumination in Tokyo
Tokyo beats many European capitals as far as holiday lights are concerned
Halloween in Japan: Events & Parties
Even without trick-or-treating Halloween is an incredible holiday in Japan
Firefly Festivals (Hotaru Matsuri)
Watching fireflies is a summer obsession for the Japanese
Asahikawa Winter Festival
Feel the atmosphere of the Hokkaido's second largest winter event
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
Enjoy the spirit of event with tiny illuminated snow statues
Tokamachi Snow Festival
The oldest winter festival in Japan promises tons of fun
Lantern Festival in Japan (Toro Nagashi)
Japanese Lantern Festivals, where people commemorate the souls of the dead, is the second most essential event in the country after New Year's Eve.
Festival of the Light Osaka
The Festival of Lights of Osaka consists of two main events and welcomes everyone to rejoice in this extravaganza
Wara Art Festival
Giant straw sculptures mark the end of the harvest season in Japan
Saga International Balloon Fiesta
One of the largest ballooning events in Asia
Tokyo International Film Festival
The second largest film festival in Asia