Festivals in Japan are rich and vibrant occasions. Girls put on their best 'yukatta' (a light kimono) and often the men wear traditional dress as well. The streets are lined with food and drink stands selling grilled meat on sticks, 'yakisoba' fried noodles and all manner of food delights. And of course, the Japanese love a drink at these occasions so beer and sake are never in short supply.
In this section we will be collecting together some of our favourite festivals that we think you may like to consider attending whilst in Japan. Some are really famous, other less so, but what we can guarantee is that you will have a lot of fun. Accommodation for major festivals can get booked up as far as a year in advance so if you are looking to attend a big event then let is know as soon as possible so we can get planning. Often though, it is just a matter of seeing what coincides with your visit and heading along for some festival fun and a chance to meet the Japanese at their most laid back.
- Nebuta Matsuri (Aug)
- Yabusame Horseback Archery (Sep)
- Saijo Sake Festival (Oct)
- Shirakawago Doburoku Matsuri (Oct)
- Toyota Oiden Matsuri (Jul)
- Sapporo Beer Festival (Jul & Aug)
- Sapporo Snow Festival (Feb)
- Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Jul)
- Daimonji Bonfire Festival (Aug)
- Tokyo Anime Fairs (Mar & Apr)
- Kyoto Hanatoro (Dec & March)
- Okayama Naked Festival (Feb)
Tokyo Anime Fairs (Mar & Apr)
The Tokyo International Anime Fair is a must visit event for all anime and manga fans. Big studio support and numerous things to see and do make this a great fun event. There are some fantastic shopping opportunities too!
The event has been held since 2002 and is supported by Tokyo governor Shintaro Ishihara - a big gun in the city meaning the show has real impact.
If you cannot make it for this show then you might also want to consider visiting the rival Anime Contents Expo held a few weeks later.
We can include tickets for both events - please ask us for details.
Tokyo International Anime Fair: March 24th and 25th 2012
Anime Contents Expo: March 31st and April 1st 2012
Where:
Tokyo International Anime Fair: Tokyo Big Sight exhibition centre
Anime Contents Expo: Makuhari Messe exhibition centre
Plan your trip
Many thanks for taking the time to browse our web-site. We very much hope you are enjoying the site we have put together and that it has inspired you to contact us and take the first steps towards your holiday in Japan!
There are many things to consider when planning your Japan trip: time of year you wish to travel; how long you have available; where in Japan you want to go; the things you wish to experience; what budget you have available to name but a few.
Our Tailored Trip Enquiry Form is designed so we can get as clear an idea as possible as to what will make the perfect Japan trip for you.
After we have received your enquiry, one of our Japan-expert travel consultants will get in touch to discuss your trip in more detail so as we can out together a proposal for you. We don’t ask for any money upfront to put together a quote and most importantly, every quote we do is 100% tailored for you.
Click for the Tailored Trip Enquiry Form
Don’t have time to fill in our Fully Tailored Trip form? Submit a quick Email Enquiry instead.


E-mail to a Friend


-2010.jpg)
.jpg)
© InsideAsia Tours Ltd. 2013