Discover the exciting Calendar of Events in Japan for 2025! Explore the country and experience the vibrant festivals, sports competitions, cultural celebrations, and seasonal highlights throughout the year. Plan your visit to experience the best of Japanese culture and traditions!
Highly recommended to explore in Japan: Public Events at the Imperial Palace.
January
New Year (Shōgatsu): January 1-3
Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi): January 8
February
Sapporo Snow Festival: February 5-11, Sapporo
Setsubun: February 3
March
Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival): March 3
Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami): Late March to early April (varies by location)
April
Shunki Shinto-sai (Spring Festival): Various dates
Showa Day: April 29
May
Golden Week: April 29 – May 5, includes:
Showa Day (April 29)
Constitution Memorial Day (May 3)
Greenery Day (May 4)
Children’s Day (May 5)
June
Aoi Matsuri: May 15 (Kyoto, but festivities may continue into June)
July
Gion Matsuri: July 1-31, Kyoto
Tanabata (Star Festival): July 7
August
Obon: Mid-August (dates vary, typically August 13-15)
Awa Odori Dance Festival: August 12-15, Tokushima
September
Moon Viewing (Tsukimi): September (varies)
Respect for the Aged Day: September 16
October
Jidai Matsuri: October 22, Kyoto
Culture Day: November 3
November
Shichi-Go-San: November 15
Labor Thanksgiving Day: November 23
December
Christmas Celebrations: December 25
New Year’s Eve (Omisoka): December 31
These events showcase Japan’s rich culture and traditions. Dates may vary slightly based on local customs and lunar calendars, so it’s always good to check closer to the date!
MATSURI (Traditional Festivals)
Japan hosts a variety of traditional festivals (matsuri) throughout the year, each with unique cultural significance. Here are some popular ones:
January
Oni Matsuri: Celebrated in various regions to ward off evil spirits.
February
Sapporo Snow Festival: Features impressive ice sculptures and winter activities in Sapporo.
March
Hinamatsuri (Doll Festival): A celebration for girls, displaying ornamental dolls.
April
Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing): Festivals held in parks to celebrate the blooming of cherry blossoms.
May
Kintaikyo Bridge Festival: Celebrated in Iwakuni, featuring traditional performances and parades.
June
Aoi Matsuri: A historical festival in Kyoto featuring a procession in traditional Heian period costumes.
July
Gion Matsuri: One of the most famous festivals in Kyoto, known for its grand floats and processions.
August
Obon: A Buddhist festival honoring deceased ancestors, featuring dances (Bon Odori) and lanterns.
September
Kanto Matsuri: Held in Akita, showcasing acrobatics with long poles balanced with lanterns.
October
Jidai Matsuri: A historical festival in Kyoto with a parade showcasing different eras of Japanese history.
November
Shichi-Go-San: A rite of passage for children aged three, five, and seven, celebrated at shrines.
December
Tōji (Winter Solstice): Celebrated with yuzu baths and special foods.
These festivals reflect Japan’s rich cultural heritage, seasonal changes, and community spirit. Each festival often includes traditional music, dance, food, and rituals, making them vibrant and memorable experiences.
SPORTS EVENTS IN JAPAN
Here are some notable sports events scheduled in Japan for 2025:
January
New Year’s Jump (Nengajo): Ski jumping events across various locations.
February
Winter Sports Competitions: Various events leading up to the Winter Olympics, including skiing and snowboarding.
March
Tokyo Marathon
April
Professional Baseball Season Begins: Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) opens its season in early April.
May
Sumo Wrestling Tournaments: The first tournament of the year, typically held in May.
June
1. J-League Matches
The J-League, Japan’s professional football league, has regular matches throughout June, featuring clubs from across the country.
2. Sumo Tournaments
Nagoya Basho: Although this tournament primarily occurs in July, preparations and related events often begin in June. Sumo fans can enjoy various activities leading up to the tournament.
3. Baseball Games
The Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) season is in full swing, with numerous games scheduled throughout June, as teams compete for positioning in the standings.
4. Tokyo Rainbow Pride Run
This event, usually held in early June, combines sports and advocacy, promoting inclusivity and diversity through running and other activities.
5. Marathons and Running Events
Various local marathons and running events take place in June, encouraging community participation and fitness.
6. Golf Tournaments
Several professional and amateur golf tournaments are held across the country during June, attracting enthusiasts and spectators.
July
Summer Olympics: While the main events are in Paris, Japan will host various qualifying events and local competitions.
August
J-League Matches: Ongoing matches in the Japan Professional Football League.
September
Rugby Championship Matches: Various international matches, including friendlies and qualifiers.
October
Marathons and Running Events: Various marathons, including the Osaka Marathon.
November
Sumo Wrestling Tournament: Another major tournament typically held in November.
December
Year-End Sports Events: Various competitions and championships in multiple sports.
Are there any major street festivals that happen in the summer months in Japan?
Yes, summer in Japan is vibrant with numerous major street festivals! Here are some of the most notable ones:
June
Sanja Matsuri (Asakusa, Tokyo) – One of Tokyo’s largest festivals, held on the third weekend of May, it often spills into early June with lively parades and traditional performances.
July
Gion Matsuri (Kyoto) – One of Japan’s most famous festivals, celebrated throughout July, with the grand processions of floats on July 17 and 24.
Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka) – Held on July 24-25, this festival features a land procession and a river procession with fireworks.
Kanto Matsuri (Akita) – From August 3-6, this festival showcases large, illuminated floats and traditional dances.
August
Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori) – Running from August 2-7, this festival features large, colorful floats made of washi paper, accompanied by music and dance.
O Bon Festivals – Celebrated nationwide in mid-August, these festivals honor the spirits of ancestors with traditional dances and ceremonies.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Tokyo) – Typically held on the last Saturday of July, this spectacular fireworks display attracts huge crowds.
These festivals are characterized by vibrant parades, traditional performances, food stalls, and a lively atmosphere, making summer an exciting time to experience Japanese culture!
SPORTS EVENTS IN AUTUMN, WINTER & SPRING IN JAPAN
Autumn (September to November)
September
J-League Matches: The professional football league continues with regular matches.
Baseball Playoffs: The Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) season approaches its climax with playoff games.
October
J-League Matches: Ongoing matches as teams compete for the championship.
Sumo Tournament: The Aki Basho (Autumn Tournament) takes place in Tokyo, featuring top sumo wrestlers.
Tokyo Marathon: Although typically in March, preparations and related events may begin in October.
November
Judo Grand Slam: International judo competitions are often held, showcasing top athletes.
Baseball Japan Series: The championship series of the NPB occurs in late October to early November.
Winter (December to February)
December
High School Football Championship: The All Japan High School Soccer Tournament takes place, showcasing young talent.
Sumo Tournament: The Kyushu Basho (Kyushu Tournament) is held in Fukuoka.
January
New Year’s Ekiden: A long-distance relay race held on January 1, featuring university teams.
Winter Sports Competitions: Various skiing and snowboarding events are held in winter sports resorts.
February
Sapporo Snow Festival: While primarily a cultural event, it includes winter sports demonstrations and competitions.
Sumo Tournament: The Hatsu Basho (New Year Tournament) takes place in Tokyo.
Spring (March to May)
March
Tokyo Marathon: One of the major marathons, typically held in early March.
J-League Matches: The football season kicks off with matches throughout the month.
April
Takayama Spring Festival: While primarily cultural, it includes traditional sports and activities.
Sumo Tournament: The Haru Basho (Spring Tournament) is held in Osaka.
May
Kanda Matsuri: Features traditional sports and events alongside cultural festivities.
Baseball Season: The NPB season is in full swing, with numerous games scheduled.
These events highlight Japan’s rich sports culture throughout the year, offering opportunities for both participation and spectating!
These events reflect a mix of traditional Japanese sports, international competitions, and local leagues. Specific dates and events may vary, so it’s advisable to check local schedules closer to the dates!
