Frequently asked questions
Next Matsuri is an independent guide to festivals across Japan. We help travellers, residents, and festival lovers find events by date, location, and festival type, with practical information to plan ahead. Read more on our About page.
We cover traditional matsuri, shrine festivals, fireworks displays, Obon events, dance festivals, food festivals, cultural celebrations, and other public events connected to Japanese festival culture. Browse by category on the All Festivals page.
That is our goal. The guide is growing progressively, beginning with a curated collection of festivals and expanding to every prefecture, every season, and more local events over time. Explore current coverage on our interactive map.
Yes. Browsing festival listings and guides is free.
Each listing clearly shows its date status: Confirmed, Estimated, Pending announcement, or Cancelled. Always check the official organiser's latest information before making final travel arrangements.
An estimated date is based on a festival's usual annual schedule, such as a fixed calendar date or recurring weekend. It has not yet been confirmed by the organiser for that year.
Many organisers release detailed programmes, ticket information, routes, and timetables closer to the event date. We update listings when official information becomes available.
We review listings regularly and update them when organisers, municipalities, or official tourism sources publish new information. Each listing includes a "last verified" date.
We use official festival organisers, municipalities, tourism boards, shrine or temple sources, and other reliable local sources whenever possible. Links to official sources are provided on festival pages.
Use Next Matsuri as a planning guide, but confirm dates, ticket requirements, weather policies, transport, and access arrangements directly with the official organiser before booking non-refundable travel.
It depends on the event. Many festivals are free to attend, but fireworks festivals may offer or require reserved viewing seats. Some ceremonies, performances, tours, or special viewing areas may also need advance booking.
For major fireworks festivals, Kyoto events during peak seasons, and nationally known festivals, start planning several months ahead. Accommodation, transport, and reserved tickets can sell out quickly.
Policies vary. Some events continue in light rain, while others are postponed or cancelled because of heavy rain, strong winds, typhoons, or unsafe conditions. Check the official event source on the day.
Usually, yes. However, English information may be limited at smaller local events. Next Matsuri aims to make essential planning information easier to access, but it is useful to save the official Japanese event page and your accommodation details before travelling.
Comfortable clothing and shoes are usually best, especially for events involving long walks, heat, queues, or crowded streets. A yukata is optional—not required. For summer events, bring water, sun protection, and a portable fan; for evening events, consider insect repellent.
Photography is generally welcome in public areas, but always respect barriers, staff instructions, performers, worshippers, and other visitors. Do not block routes or viewing spaces, and avoid using flash during ceremonies or performances unless clearly permitted.
Some are closely connected to Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, Obon traditions, or local spiritual practices; others are mainly cultural, seasonal, or community celebrations. Read the festival description and behave respectfully, particularly during ceremonies.
Follow signs and staff guidance, keep pathways clear, avoid entering restricted areas, and observe quietly during rituals. If you visit a shrine, you may see visitors bowing at the gate, washing hands at the water pavilion, or offering a short prayer—participation is optional.
Many festivals are family-friendly, but crowd levels, heat, noise, late timings, and long travel days may not suit all children. Check the event format and plan your arrival and departure carefully.
Use the Report an error button on the relevant festival page. Including an official link, screenshot, or source helps us review and update the listing faster.
Yes. Use the Submit a festival page. Please include the festival name, Japanese name if known, location, usual date or date range, and an official website or source where possible.
Yes. Festival organisers, municipalities, tourism offices, and authorised representatives can contact us with official updates, corrected information, images, or event links.
Potentially, yes. We welcome useful first-hand information, photos, and corrections. Please contact us first, and only submit material you have the right to share.
You'll receive seasonal festival ideas, newly confirmed dates, practical planning tips, and selected events worth planning ahead for. Newsletter content is tailored to the language version through which you subscribe.
We aim for a useful monthly newsletter, with occasional additional emails when important seasonal information or major festival updates are announced.
Yes. We plan to work with relevant organisers, destinations, and travel partners. Sponsored content will always be clearly labelled and will not change our date-status or source-transparency standards. Learn more on our Sponsor a festival page.
We're happy to help with anything not covered here.