Thousands of Japanese festivals (matsuri) can be found all over Japan. Japan holds various matsuri that annually celebrate seasonal occurrences, historical events, or to honor a shrine's deity.
Japanese festivals (matsuri) are an integral part of Japanese culture. Some matsuri even date back to over a thousand years ago. One of the most significant characteristics in a Japanese festival is when a local shrine's kami (Shinto god) is carried out on mikoshi (palanquins) to parade the town. Many Japanese festivals highlight decorative floats, accompanied with musicians who play traditional instruments and performers in special costumes. There are also matsuri that revolve around a particular season, such as a cherry blossom festival or snow festival, some lasting for several days.
Cherry Blossoms Festivals
We have tours available to see the best cherry blossom festivals of Japan, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival at Tokyo Ueno Park, one of Tokyo's most popular sites to witness sakura. Additionally, travelers can visit the Cherry Blossom Festival at Matsumae Park, where you can view over 250 varieties of the 10,000 cherry trees planted around the grounds. Visitors can also enjoy a hanami (flower-viewing) party underneath a weeping cherry blossom tree at Maruyama Park.
Cherry Blossom Tours
Takayama Spring Festival
Known for its 12 lavishly-decorated antique floats (yatai), the Takayama Spring Festival is included on a list of our Japan tour packages. Held on April 14th and 15th, the festival showcases several main attractions. This includes the display of festival floats during the day, a karakuri (mechanical puppets) performance, a mikoshi (portable shrine) procession, and an evening showcase of the floats.
Tours including Takayama Spring Festival
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
See thousands of shibazakura during a tour to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, just 3km away from Lake Motosuko. Shibazakura are pink flowers known as "moss phlox", which bloom from April to May. The month and a half long celebration highlights 6 stunning varieties of these "ground cherry blossoms". Observe McDaniel's Cushion, Mont-Blanc, Autumn Rose, Tama-no-Nagre, Little Dot, and Oakington Blue-Eyes at the Fuji Shibazakura Festival.
Tours including Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Kyoto Aoi Festival
Tour to the Aoi Festival, one of Kyoto's most elegant and famous festivals. The Aoi Festival comprises of 500 people wearing Heian Era styled clothing and traditional makeup while parading through the main streets of Kyoto. Its gracious procession illustrates the event where officials deliver the Emperor's message and offerings to the deities of the Kamo Shrines, along with other cultural highlights.
Tours including Kyoto Aoi Festival
The Shibazakura Festivals of Hokkaido
Celebrate pink shibazakura at the Shibazakura Festivals in Hokkaido, renowned for its beautiful fields of blooming flowers. The Takinoue Shibazakura Festival showcases millions of pink moss phloxes, creating a shibazakura paradise. Our tours also give you the opportunity to visit the garden of Kazuo Mishima's home. Mishima planted the tiny shibazakura flowers himself, claiming the garden will never have an entrance fee and all are welcome to relish in its beauty.
Tours including The Shibazakura Festivals of Hokkaido
Gion Summer Festival
Tour to Japan's biggest annual event of the year, the Gion Matsuri, a huge summer festival in celebration of Kyoto culture. It centers on a grand procession of two types of festival floats, 23 yama and 10 hoko. The main event is held on July 17th, while the fewer, remaining floats are displayed on July 24th. Here you will discover people dressed in colorful yukata robes, elaborately decorated floats, and numerous food vendor stands.
Tours including Gion Summer Festival
Aomori Nebuta Festival
The Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori is a highly recommended summer festival that highlights colorful, three-dimensional lantern floats. It is the biggest event out of Tohoku's Three Great Summer Festivals, and is held annually from August 2 to 7. Experience a lively parade of taiko drummers, flute and cymbal players, hundreds of dancers, and huge warrior floats that resemble Kabuki characters and mythological figures.
Tours including Aomori Nebuta Festival
Akita Kanto Festival
The Kanto Matsuri, also known as "pole lantern festival", is held in Akita and is part of the Three Great Summer Festivals of Tohoku. The festival is noteworthy for the impressive skills displayed by the kanto performers, where they balance long bamboo poles with beautifully-lit paper lanterns attached to the ends of them. The Night Parades are the main event of the festival, a magnificent site of kanto poles hoisted into the air, where all the lanterns are lit with real candles.
Tours including Akita Kanto Festival
Sendai Tanabata Festival
Witness elegant decorations made from paper and bamboo at the Sendai Tanabata Matsuri. Visited by more than 2 million tourists annually, colorful decorations fill the streets of Downtown Sendai every year from August 6 to 8. The main highlight of the festival are giant, vibrant streamers that parade the shopping district. Stage performances, live music, food vendors, and other festivities are also enjoyed at the festival.
Tours including Sendai Tanabata Festival
Awa Odori Dance Festival
See one of the best dance festivals in Japan by visiting the Awa Odori Festival. Thousands of dancers are distinguished into various groups, known as "ren", and parade through blocked off streets. It is commonly referred as the "Fool's Dance" because of lyrics to a traditional song, which translates to, "Fools dance and fools watch, if both are fools, you might as well dance!". Spectators can expect high energy, colorful uniforms, and traditional instrument players.
Tours including Awa Odori Dance Festival
Takayama Autumn Festival
Ranked as one of Japan's most beautiful festivals, the Takayama Autumn Matsuri is renowned for its procession of 11 lavishly decorated floats. It is held every year on October 9th and 10th, in addition to its spring counterpart held in April. Thousands of spectators come to see the elegant festival floats, karakuri (mechanical doll) performances, and the mikoshi (portable shrine) procession. The Evening Festival is arguably the most popular attraction of the event.
Tours including Takayama Autumn Festival
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Tour through an ice playground spectacularly lit with colorful lights at the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. Using water from the beautiful Lake Shikotstu to create ice structures and pillars, this unique fairground takes 2 months to create. The festival features an ice-made slide, a moss draped cave, pony rides, ice forts, local treats, and more. Although this festival is lesser known compared to other winter festivals, the evening light up is one not to miss.
Tours including Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan's most popular winter attractions, showcasing spectacular snow sculptures that are impressive in size and detail. Held annually during a week in February, the festival draws more than 2 million visitors every year. The main site at Odori Park exhibits the most significant snow sculptures, modeled after famous buildings and characters. Each are colorfully lit up, creating a dream-land atmosphere.
Tours including Sapporo Snow Festival
Otaru Snow Light Path
Enjoy a serene experience at the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival. For ten days, visitors can admire the glow of candlelight along the Otaru Canal. The fundamental idea of the festival is a more of a spiritual event than a commercial one, encouraging a leisurely space for visitors to reflect on themselves. Stroll through a romantic atmosphere along the canal in the Unga Kaijo area, and a snow tunnel with gliterring lanterns and sculptures in the Temiyasen Kaijo area.
Tours including Otaru Snow Light Path
Asahikawa Winter Festival
The Asahikawa Winter Festival showcases the biggest snow sculptures in Hokkaido. Every year, a massive snow sculpture is built, one of them even making it into the Guinness World Records in 1994 as the largest snow structure ever built. The theme of the giant sculpture changes every year, serving as a stage for live performances. Other festivities include ice slides, a make-your-own snowman area, food vendors, an ice sculpture competition, and more.
Tours including Asahikawa Winter Festival
Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival
The Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival features multi-story snow buildings with maze-like pathways and icicle-hanging ceilings. Snow domes, tunnels, ice pillars, snow sculptures, and various events can also be found at this fantastical snow-lit event. Additionally, the festival also reserves special fireworks displays during the weekends. This area is known to be among the coldest in Hokkaido, so dress warmly because some nights experience negative degree weather.
Tours including Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Catch an early sight of Japan's cherry blossoms at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Held from February to early March, the event attracts more than 2 million visitors per year for a chance to see the early blooming Kawazu Cherry Trees. The festival takes place along the Kawazu River, where visitors can enjoy gorgeous rows of cherry blossom trees that continue endlessly. There are numerous festival stalls serving food and souvenirs, as well as a night time illumination.
Tours including Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Experience an intergral part of Japanese culture by visiting Japan's most renowned festivals on one of our tour packages. Some significant festivals include the Takayama Spring Festival, the Kyoto Aoi Festival, and the Fuji Shibazakura Festival. Whether it's a time of celebration for a season, or to show respect for a momentous event in history, a tour to Japan should include exposure to the magnificent matsuri the country has to offer. Select a Japan Festival Tour from one of our itineraries for a festive, enlightened trip to Japan.
At All Japan Tours, we offer a variety of tour packages that include experiencing Japanese festivals. Our Festival Tours feature the best matsuri, as well as the major highlights of Japan.
These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.
These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.
Enjoy more than just sightseeing. These tours will allow you to eat in small local restaurants, visit hidden gems, stay at hotels with limited occupancy, take part in activities available only to small groups, and enjoy more interaction with your tour guides. Ultra-Deluxe small group tours are the ultimate way to visit Japan with hand-picked, top hotels and ryokans (traditional inns) to relax in. Select from a unique range of luxurious cultural experiences that are limited to smaller groups, which is why the maximum group size is 6 guests.
These tours are ideal for travelers who want more free time to explore their own interests in Japan with the balance of having an escorted tour guide. Go without private coach transportation and opt for using public trains and local buses. Travelers usually stay for at least 2 nights at a destination on a Japan Walking Tour, allowing for a more relaxed and in-depth visit. Your tour guide will give you local advice and tips for things to see and do in your spare time. Experience Japanese culture firsthand with a more flexible itinerary.
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Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
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22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8198.00
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8198.00
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Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8198.00
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8198.00
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Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8198.00
22 Days 21 Nights | from US $8198.00
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Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
Group Tour | Deluxe Book Now & Save $100
21 Days 20 Nights | from US $8198.00
21 Days 20 Nights | from US $8198.00
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Group Tour | Deluxe-Plus Book Now & Save $200
Group Tour | Deluxe-Plus Book Now & Save $200
14 Days 13 Nights | from US $8298.00
14 Days 13 Nights | from US $8298.00
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| Japan Tour Packages 2019, 2020 & 2021 |  The Golden Route Japan Tour |
 The Golden Triangle of Japan |
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| Price | From US$2598.00 | From US$2898.00 | From US$3698.00 | From US$2898.00 | From US$6298.00 | From US$14998.00 |
| Description | 7 days & 8 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 8 days to 11 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 10 days to 15 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 8 days & 9 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 11 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 10 days & 14 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka |
| Advantage | Visit the must see sites of Tokyo & Kyoto, perfect for first time visitors with limited time | Visit sites that have persevered the history, traditions, and culture of Japan | Perfect for those who want to visit the most popular sites in Japan | We will go to some of the popular anime spots while learning about Japan’s culture | See Japan's top attractions and indulge in cultural experiences to make your trip truly memorable | Travel luxuriously to Japan while enjoying top tier accommodations, and the most exclusive cultural activities |
| Style | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe-Plus | Ultra-Deluxe |
| Fully Escorted | ||||||
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| Tour Language | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour |
| Transportation | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach |
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| Hiroshima | ||||||
| Naoshima | ||||||
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| Kyushu |
| Japan Tour Packages 2019, 2020 & 2021 |  Japan In Depth Tour |
 Spirit of Japan Tour |
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| Price | From US$4998.00 | From US$5698.00 | From US$5598.00 | From US$7998.00 | From US$8198.00 | From US$7998.00 | From US$8198.00 |
| Description | 13 days to 14 days in Japan from Tokyo to Fukuoka | 15 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 15 days Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 14 days in Japan from Tokyo to Osaka | 22 days in Japan from Sapporo to Fukuoka | 14 days in Japan from Osaka to Tokyo | 21 days in Japan from Sapporo to Osaka |
| Advantage | Visit the undiscovered regions, as well as the most popular sites in Japan | Travelling to many scenic, spiritual, and historical places in Japan | Visit the must see and hidden gems of Japan | Experience the culture of Japan at a slower pace with groups of maximum 18 people | Perfect for those who want to discover the whole country in one time and see all Japan has to offer | Visit the very best gardens of Japan with a garden specialist guide and have the exclusive opportunity to visit a private garden | Must-see sights of Japan and a few unique-to-the-season activities you cannot miss |
| Style | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe-Plus | Deluxe | Deluxe-Plus | Deluxe |
| Fully Escorted | |||||||
| Local Cuisine | |||||||
| Tour Language | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour |
| Transportation | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach |
| Guaranteed Departure |
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| Hokkaido | |||||||
| Tohoku | |||||||
| Nikko | |||||||
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| Hakone | |||||||
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| Hiroshima | |||||||
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| Kyushu |
| Japan Tour Packages 2019, 2020 & 2021 |  Charms of Southern Japan |
 Charms of Northern Japan |
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 The Pilgrimage Route of Japan |
 Samurai, Gardens & Arts |
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| Price | From US$2998.00 | From US$3398.00 | From US$3398.00 | From US$3398.00 | From US$3598.00 | From US$6998.00 |
| Description | 8 days & 9 days in Japan from Osaka to Fukuoka | 9 days & 12 days in Japan from Sapporo to Tokyo | 9 days in Hokkaido | 9 days in Japan from Osaka to Osaka | 10 days in Japan from Osaka to Osaka | 14 days in Japan from Osaka to Osaka |
| Advantage | Discover the culture, countryside and “must see” sights of Southern Japan | For travelers wishing to go beyond the typical Japan itinerary | Designed for people who wish to discover the beauty and nature of Japan | Experience and learn about the spiritual side of Japan | Be immerses in the samurai, garden and art culture of Japan | Excellent introduction to the art and craftsmanship behind the famous Japanese garden |
| Style | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Walking |
| Fully Escorted | ||||||
| Local Cuisine | ||||||
| Tour Language | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour |
| Transportation | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Public Transportation |
| Guaranteed Departure |
| South Korea | ||||||
| Hokkaido | ||||||
| Tohoku | ||||||
| Nikko | ||||||
| Tokyo | ||||||
| Hakone | ||||||
| Mt Fuji | ||||||
| Takayama | ||||||
| Shirakawago | ||||||
| Kanazawa | ||||||
| Kyoto | ||||||
| Nara | ||||||
| Osaka | ||||||
| Koyasan | ||||||
| Kumano | ||||||
| Ise | ||||||
| Himeji | ||||||
| Kurashiki | ||||||
| Matsue | ||||||
| Yamaguchi | ||||||
| Hiroshima | ||||||
| Naoshima | ||||||
| Shikoku | ||||||
| Kyushu |
| Japan Tour Packages 2019, 2020 & 2021 |  Highlights of Korea and Japan |
 Highlights of China and Japan |
 Highlights of Hong Kong and Japan |
 Hokkaido, Tohoku & Central Japan |
 Best of Hokkaido & Honshu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Departing | Mar, Apr & Oct 2019, 2020 & 2021 | Mar, Apr, Jun, Oct & Nov 2020 & 2021 | Mar 2020 & 2021 | Apr, May, Oct & Nov 2019, 2020 & 2021 | Jan & Jul 2019, 2020 & 2021 |
| Price | From US$3698.00 | From US$4198.00 | From US$3998.00 | From US$5798.00 | From US$5398.00 |
| Description | 6 days in Korea and 7 days or 10 days in Japan | 8 days in China and 7 days in Japan | 5 days in Hong Kong and 7 days in Japan | 16 days in Japan from Sapporo to Osaka | 15 days & 16 days in Japan |
| Advantage | Explore two beautiful countries in one tour - Korea & Japan | Route of history and cultural imagination through the lands of China and Japan. | Route of history and cultural imagination through the lands of Hong Kong and Japan. | Visit Hokkaido, Tohoku and Central Japan (Tokyo & Kyoto) | Visit 2 main islands of Japan - Hokkaido and Honshu |
| Style | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe | Deluxe |
| Fully Escorted | |||||
| Local Cuisine | |||||
| Tour Language | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour | English Tour |
| Transportation | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach | Private Coach |
| Guaranteed Departure |
| South Korea | |||||
| Hokkaido | |||||
| Tohoku | |||||
| Nikko | |||||
| Tokyo | |||||
| Hakone | |||||
| Mt Fuji | |||||
| Takayama | |||||
| Shirakawago | |||||
| Kanazawa | |||||
| Kyoto | |||||
| Nara | |||||
| Osaka | |||||
| Koyasan | |||||
| Kumano | |||||
| Ise | |||||
| Himeji | |||||
| Kurashiki | |||||
| Matsue | |||||
| Yamaguchi | |||||
| Hiroshima | |||||
| Naoshima | |||||
| Shikoku | |||||
| Kyushu |
