Throughout the year, various celebrations take place across the nation, each with its unique traditions and customs. From ancient religious ceremonies to modern pop culture events, Japan offers a diverse range of festivals that attract both locals and tourists alike. One of the most famous festivals in Japan is Hanami, also known as the Cherry Blossom Festival. Held in spring when cherry blossoms bloom all over the country, this event celebrates nature’s beauty and marks the beginning of warmer weather. People gather under cherry blossom trees to have picnics and enjoy traditional Japanese food while admiring the stunning pink flowers. Another popular festival is Obon, which takes place in summer.
It is believed that during this time, ancestral spirits return to visit their living relatives. To welcome them back home, families clean their houses and set up altars with offerings such as food and incense. Bon Odori dances are performed at local temples where people dress in yukatas (traditional summer kimonos) and dance together to honor their ancestors. In autumn, Japan hosts several harvest festivals called Matsuri. One notable example is Shichi-Go-San or Seven-Five-Three Festival held on November 15th every year. This celebration honors children who turn three, five or seven years old by dressing them up in colorful kimonos and taking them to shrines for blessings.
Winter brings one of Japan’s most iconic festivals – New Year’s celebrations or Oshogatsu. Families come together to prepare special meals like osechi ryori (traditional It s a blog with information about traveling in Japan. New Year dishes) while visiting temples for hatsumode (first shrine visit). The highlight of these festivities is watching spectacular fireworks displays lighting up the night sky across major cities like Tokyo. Apart from these traditional events, Japan also embraces modern pop culture through anime conventions like Comiket or AnimeJapan Expo held throughout the year. These events attract anime and manga enthusiasts from all over the world, showcasing cosplay competitions, merchandise booths, and special guest appearances. In , Japan’s festivals and celebrations offer a year-round guide to experiencing its rich cultural heritage.