Summer

Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Tokyo

Usually held on: The last Saturday of July

The origin dates back to 1733 during the Edo period. In order to comfort the souls of the many victims of a severe famine and cholera epidemic, and to pray for the eradication of the disease, the 8th Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, held a water deity festival on the Sumida River and launched fireworks. This event was originally known as “Ryogoku Kawabiraki.”

Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival

Kanagawa Prefecture

Usually held on: Early July

In 1945, during World War II, the city of Hiratsuka was devastated by massive air raids. This Tanabata festival was started in 1951 as a way to pray for post-war reconstruction and commercial development. Today, it stands as a vibrant symbol of the city’s recovery, coloring the entire downtown area.

Mitama Matsuri

Tokyo

Usually held on: 13 July to 16 July

This festival began in 1947, coinciding with the traditional Japanese Obon season, to comfort the souls of those who sacrificed their lives for their country. The 30,000 large and small paper lanterns illuminating the shrine grounds carry profound prayers for world peace.

Gion Matsuri

Kyoto Prefecture

Usually held on: 1 July to 31 July

The festival originated in 869 during the Heian period when a deadly epidemic swept across Japan. To pray for the eradication of the plague, 66 halberds (representing the number of provinces at the time) were erected in a garden of the capital (present-day Shinsen-en) in a ritual called “Gion Goryoe.” It is a festival of prayer with a history spanning over 1,100 years.

Tenjin Matsuri

Osaka

Usually held on: 24 July and 25 July

The origins date back to 951, two years after the founding of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, which enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning. A sacred halberd was floated down the river, and a purification ritual was held at the spot where it washed ashore. Welcoming the deity by boat during this ritual became the origin of today’s spectacular “Funatogyo” (river procession).

Biwako Great Fireworks Festival

Minakami, Gunma Prefecture

Usually held on: early August

Unlike ancient traditional festivals, this event is relatively new, having started in 1984. It was launched with the aim of promoting tourism, revitalizing the local economy, and fostering a sense of unity among the residents of Shiga Prefecture. It is characterized by its grand scale, taking full advantage of the beautiful natural environment of “Mother Lake” Biwa.

Mount Takao Beer Mount

Tokyo

Usually held on: Mid-June to mid-October

Mount Takao is a sacred mountain known for its long history of mountain asceticism (Shugendo). Operating at an elevation of nearly 500 meters, this mountaintop beer garden offers a unique way to escape the intense city heat. It provides hikers and visitors with a place to enjoy endless food and drinks while overlooking the spectacular night view of the Tokyo metropolis.

Summer Sonic Tokyo

Tokyo

Usually held on: Mid-August

Started in 2000, Summer Sonic is one of Japan’s largest urban music festivals. Unlike camping-style outdoor festivals in the mountains, it offers easy access from the city center. Featuring a diverse lineup of top-tier international and domestic artists across various genres like rock, pop, and hip-hop, it has become a modern staple of Japanese summer youth culture.

Tokyo Bay Summer Night Cruise

Minakami, Gunma Prefecture

Usually held on: Early July to mid-September

The “Noryosen” (meaning “cool breeze ship”) is a popular summer leisure activity that began operating in 1950. Cruising around Tokyo Bay, the large passenger ship serves as a floating entertainment space. It offers passengers a refreshing way to escape the city heat by enjoying the sea breeze, spectacular night views of landmarks like the Rainbow Bridge, unlimited drinks, and lively onboard music events.

Biwako Terrace

Shiga

Opened in 2016 atop Mount Horai, it transformed a winter ski resort into a premier year-round leisure destination. Accessible by a ropeway, the stylish terrace features water basins reflecting the sky and offers a luxurious, resort-like atmosphere to cool down while overlooking the magnificent Lake Biwa from an elevation of 1,100 meters.

Night Pools

Tokyo, Osaka

“Night Pools” have become a massive summer trend in Japan, especially among young adults. Luxury hotels transform their outdoor pools into vibrant night entertainment spaces with DJ music, colorful LED lighting, and photogenic drinks. It offers a chic, exciting, and sunburn-free way to enjoy the summer resort vibe right in the middle of the city.

NAKED Summer Festival at Nijo-jo Castle

Kyoto

Produced by the creative digital art company NAKED, this modern summer event combines a UNESCO World Heritage site with cutting-edge technology. It features spectacular projection mapping on historic architectures, interactive light displays, and digital fireworks. It creates a completely new, immersive, and photogenic way to experience Kyoto’s traditional summer nights.