Discover the exciting Calendar of Events in Japan for 2024! Explore vibrant festivals, sports competitions, cultural celebrations, and seasonal highlights throughout the year. Plan your visit to experience the best of Japanese culture and traditions!
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 2024:
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**: Scheduled for March 3, 2024.
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!
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