From major fireworks displays in Tokyo and traditional rituals in Kyoto to dance festivals and local celebrations beyond the usual travel routes, Next Matsuri helps you find events worth planning a trip around. Browse the full list of festivals or explore them on the interactive map.
Japan's festivals are tied to the seasons, local communities, history, food, faith, and celebration. But reliable information is not always easy to find, especially when you need to organise a trip in advance. Dates change, programmes are announced late, and useful details are often spread across local websites, social media, and Japanese-only sources.
Next Matsuri brings that information together in one practical place.
Plan with more confidence
Every festival page is designed to answer the questions that matter before you travel:
- —When and where is the festival held?
- —Are the dates confirmed or estimated?
- —What kind of festival is it?
- —What can you expect as a visitor?
- —Where can you find the official information?
- —When was the listing last checked?
The aim is to make it easier to plan around Japan's festivals, not simply hear about them at the last minute.
When an organiser confirms dates or event details, we show that clearly. When dates are expected, pending, or likely to change, we label them as such and link to the official source whenever possible.
Before making travel plans, always check the organiser's latest information.
Every season, every prefecture
The goal is to build the most useful guide to festivals across Japan.
Next Matsuri covers:
The guide is growing gradually. We start with verified festival listings, then add more events, regions, and practical details over time.
More than a calendar
A date alone does not tell you why a festival matters.
The NextMatsuri Journal covers festival traditions, regional guides, seasonal recommendations, and practical advice for visitors. It is for first-time travellers, returning visitors, residents in Japan, and anyone looking for a reason to explore a new place.
We will also share field notes, photographs, and videos from festivals we attend. These will focus on the details that are useful when planning: crowds, access, timing, atmosphere, and what to expect on the day.
Made for an international audience
Next Matsuri is for travellers and festival lovers from anywhere.
English is the main language at launch. Japanese and French content will be added progressively, followed by Spanish. Translation tools help us make the guide more accessible. Festival names, dates, cultural information, and practical details are reviewed and improved whenever possible.
Help us keep the guide current
Festival information can change quickly. A date may be announced later than usual. A route may change. An event may be cancelled because of weather or local conditions.
If you spot an error, have an update, or know an official source we should add, use the report option on the festival page. Your help makes Next Matsuri more useful for everyone.
Our promise
We are not here to call every event a must-see. We are here to help you find the festival that suits your trip, then give you the information you need to plan with confidence.
Browse all festivalsNext Matsuri. Your guide to the festivals of Japan, every prefecture, every season, all in one place.
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