About Japanese festivals
Japanese festivals, or matsuri (Japanese: 祭り), are traditional festive occasions often celebrated with dance and music in Japan. The origin of the word matsuri is related to the kami (神, Shinto deities); there are theories that the word matsuri is derived from matsu (待つ) meaning "to wait (for the kami to descend)", tatematsuru (献る) meaning "to make offerings to the kami", and matsurau (奉う) meaning "to obey the kami". The theory that it is derived from matsurau is the most popular.
When
Duration
Location, Japan
CategoryMusic
Editor’s rating
Editor’s verdict
“”
— The Editor, Find a Festival
Plan your trip
🏨
Where to stay
Hotels & stays near
🎭
Tours & experiences
Things to do around
🎫
Tickets & official info
Japanese festivals official site
✈
Getting there
Flights to Japan
Some of these are partner links — if you book through them you help keep Find a Festival free, at no extra cost to you. Sponsored partners are clearly labelled.
Are you a hotel, tour or venue near ? Get featured here →Traveller reviews
Write a review⭐ No traveller reviews yet — be the first, and earn your reviewer badge.
Become a Find a Festival reviewer
Share the festivals you have been to and earn your place in the community. Every review earns points and badges — and helps travellers around the world.
New Reviewer→Festival Regular→Local Expert→Top Reviewer
- 🏅 Points & badges for every review
- 👤 A public reviewer profile with your review history
- 👍 See how many travellers found you helpful
- 🌍 Become a trusted voice for the festivals you love