Experience Japan Like a Local: 7 Festivals Every Student Must See
If you’re studying in Japan (or dreaming about it), here’s a secret: the best way to truly feel the heartbeat of this beautiful country isn’t in the classroom—it’s at a festival.
From rivers of lanterns to streets bursting with dancers, Japan’s festivals are unforgettable adventures you won’t want to miss. Here are 7 Japanese festivals every student should experience at least once:
- Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) – March to April
Picture this: fluffy pink sakura petals swirling through the air, people lounging on picnic mats, sharing bento boxes, laughing, and living in the moment.
Hanami is the ultimate celebration of life’s fleeting beauty. Parks like Tokyo’s Ueno Park or Kyoto’s Maruyama Park transform into vibrant wonderlands—and the best part? Everyone’s invited to join the magic.
- Gion Matsuri – July
Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri isn’t just a festival; it’s a living museum. Towering floats called yamaboko roll through the streets like giant works of art, while locals in yukatas and traditional music fill the air.
It’s your chance to time-travel back into Japan’s rich past—and trust us, you’ll want your camera ready.
- Awa Odori – August
Ever heard thousands of people dance through the streets at once?
Welcome to Awa Odori in Tokushima, where the motto is simple: “The dancers are fools, and the watchers are fools, so you might as well dance!”
Don’t just watch—jump in, follow the moves, and dance your heart out. No judgment. Just pure joy.
- Tanabata (Star Festival) – July to August
Love a good fairy tale? Tanabata celebrates a romantic legend of star-crossed lovers meeting once a year.
In many regions, it’s celebrated around July 7, but cities like Sendai hold major festivities in early August. Streets shimmer with colorful streamers, and people hang handwritten wishes on bamboo trees, hoping for dreams to come true.
- Kanda Matsuri – May (Odd-Numbered Years)
Imagine Tokyo’s sleek skyscrapers as a backdrop for a centuries-old parade of portable shrines (mikoshi) carried by shouting, smiling locals.
Kanda Matsuri, held in mid-May, is celebrated in full during odd-numbered years (like 2025). It’s tradition and energy, Tokyo-style.
- Yuki Matsuri (Sapporo Snow Festival) – February
Winter blues? Not in Sapporo!
This snow festival turns the city into a frozen fairytale with mind-blowing snow sculptures and glittering lights.
Slide down giant snow slides, sip hot cocoa, and fall in love with Hokkaido’s snowy charm.
- Obon Festival – Mid-July or Mid-August
Obon isn’t just beautiful—it’s soul-stirring.
Celebrated in mid-August in most of Japan (and in mid-July in places like Tokyo), it honors the spirits of ancestors. Lanterns float down rivers, families dance Bon Odori in the streets, and fireworks paint the night sky.
It’s a moving reminder of connection, tradition, and honoring those who came before.
Studying in Japan is amazing—but living Japan through its festivals? Life-changing.
So grab your friends, a yukata, and an open heart. These are the moments you’ll remember long after the textbooks are closed.
