Japan is famous for seasonal celebrations and cultural traditions. Japan festivals in May and June are some of the most exciting cultural events in the country. Visitors can enjoy traditional parades, flower festivals, and local celebrations across Japan during this season.
Many travelers know about cherry blossoms. However, very few know that Japan festivals in May and June are equally exciting. During this period, cities across the country host traditional parades, flower festivals, fireworks, and historic rituals.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, Japan hosts thousands of local festivals each year, many of which take place in late spring and early summer.
In this guide, we will explore 15 amazing Japan festivals in May and June that tourists love. These festivals highlight Japan’s culture, food, music, and local traditions.
If you are planning a trip, these events can make your Japan journey unforgettable.
Why Visit Japan in May and June?
May and June are wonderful months to travel in Japan.
The weather is comfortable, parks are green, and flowers are blooming across the country. Many traditional festivals also take place during this time.
Reasons to visit Japan during this season:
• Pleasant weather
• Fewer crowds compared to cherry blossom season
• Many cultural festivals
• Beautiful gardens and nature
• Unique cultural experiences
Because of these reasons, Japan festivals in May and June attract visitors from around the world.
Travelers can also check official festival updates on the Japan National Tourism Organization website when planning their trip.
15 Best Japan Festivals in May and June
1. Kanda Matsuri – Tokyo
One of the most famous Japan festivals in May is Kanda Matsuri.
It takes place near the historic Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo. The festival includes large processions with portable shrines called mikoshi. People wear traditional clothing and march through the streets.
This festival happens every two years and attracts thousands of visitors.
Highlights
• Traditional parade
• Mikoshi shrine procession
• Street food and performances
2. Aoi Matsuri – Kyoto
Aoi Matsuri is one of Kyoto’s oldest festivals and has been celebrated for more than 1,400 years.
Participants wear traditional court costumes from the Heian period. The procession travels from the Imperial Palace to important shrines.
This is one of the most elegant Japan festivals in May.
Highlights
• Historic costumes
• Traditional parade
• Kyoto cultural heritage
3. Hakata Dontaku Festival – Fukuoka
This is one of the largest festivals in Japan, attracting millions of visitors each year.
The event includes street dancing, music performances, and colorful parades.
Highlights
• Dance performances
• Street parades
• Local food stalls
4. Hamamatsu Festival – Shizuoka
The Hamamatsu Festival is famous for its giant kite battles.
Large kites are flown in the sky while teams compete against each other. At night, lantern parades and music performances fill the streets.
Highlights
• Giant kite battles
• Night lantern parades
• Traditional celebrations
5. Fuji Shibazakura Festival – Mount Fuji Area
This is one of the most beautiful flower festivals in Japan.
Pink moss flowers cover the ground with stunning views of Mount Fuji in the background.
Highlights
• Flower fields
• Mount Fuji scenery
• Local food stalls
6. Sanja Matsuri – Tokyo
Sanja Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals.
Thousands of people carry portable shrines through the streets of the historic Asakusa district.
Highlights
• Mikoshi parade
• Traditional music
• Festival food
7. Takayama Spring Festival – Takayama
Takayama is known for its historic streets and traditional floats.
Although the main festival is in April, cultural events and celebrations continue in May.
Highlights
• Historic atmosphere
• Festival floats
• Traditional performances
8. Otaue Rice Planting Festival – Osaka
This festival celebrates the start of the rice planting season.
Women dressed in traditional clothing plant rice while musicians perform ceremonial music.
Highlights
• Agricultural traditions
• Cultural ceremony
• Traditional music
9. Yosakoi Soran Festival – Sapporo
This energetic dance festival attracts thousands of performers from across Japan.
Dance teams perform with colorful costumes and music.
Highlights
• Dance competitions
• Modern and traditional performances
• Large street shows
10. Atsuta Festival – Nagoya
This festival takes place at Atsuta Shrine and includes cultural performances and fireworks.
It is one of the largest Japan festivals in June.
Highlights
• Fireworks
• Shrine ceremonies
• Cultural performances
11. Sanno Festival – Tokyo
The Sanno Festival is one of Tokyo’s most historic events.
A grand procession travels through central Tokyo with traditional costumes and portable shrines.
Highlights
• Historic parade
• Cultural rituals
• Tokyo celebrations
12. Chagu Chagu Umakko – Iwate
This unique festival features beautifully decorated horses parading through the streets.
Highlights
• Decorated horses
• Cultural parade
• Rural traditions
13. Himeji Yukata Festival – Himeji
During this festival, people wear colorful summer kimono known as yukata.
Streets are filled with lanterns, food stalls, and entertainment.
Highlights
• Yukata fashion
• Street food
• Night celebrations
14. Sapporo Flower Festival – Hokkaido
Beautiful flower displays decorate parks and public spaces across the city.
Highlights
• Flower exhibitions
• Garden displays
• Cultural performances
15. Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival – Tokyo
This is one of the most beautiful Japan festivals in June.
Thousands of hydrangea flowers bloom around temples and gardens.
Highlights
• Hydrangea flowers
• Garden walks
• Photography spots
Travel Tips for Japan Festivals
If you plan to visit Japan festivals in May and June, here are some useful travel tips.
Book hotels early because festival seasons attract many visitors.
Arrive early to enjoy parades and activities comfortably.
Try local festival food from street stalls, which often offer traditional snacks and sweets.
Respect local customs when visiting temples and shrines.
Plan Your Japan Festival Tour
If you want to experience the best Japan festivals in May and June, careful planning is important.
Many festivals happen in different cities, so a well-designed itinerary helps you experience multiple festivals during one trip.
Our team at KNI Japan specializes in travel services including:
• Customized itineraries
• Group tours
• Festival tours
• Hotel bookings
• Transportation
• English-speaking guides
For Japan tour inquiries, contact us:
Website: www.kn-tours.net
Email: info@kn-tours.net
FAQs – Japan Festivals in May and June
What are the best Japan festivals in May and June?
Some of the best Japan festivals in May and June include Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo, Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto, Hakata Dontaku Festival in Fukuoka, Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa, and Atsuta Festival in Nagoya.
Is May a good time to visit Japan festivals?
Yes. May is one of the best months to visit Japan. The weather is comfortable and many famous festivals take place during this period.
Are Japan festivals crowded?
Some popular Japan festivals in May and June can be crowded, especially in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
Do tourists need tickets for Japan festivals?
Most Japan festivals in May and June are free public events. However, special viewing areas may require tickets.
Which cities have the best Japan festivals in May and June?
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo host many famous festivals during this season.
Interesting Facts About Japan Festivals
Japan has more than 300,000 festivals celebrated across the country every year. These festivals are known as matsuri and many of them are connected to local shrines and seasonal traditions.
Many Japan festivals in May and June celebrate nature, agriculture, and historical events. Visitors can see colorful parades, traditional clothing, dance performances, and unique street foods.
Some festivals date back over 1,000 years, making them an important part of Japan’s cultural heritage.
For travelers, attending Japan festivals in May and June is one of the best ways to experience authentic Japanese culture beyond famous tourist attractions.
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