Festivals & Events
January Festivals & Events
Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine)・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
The head shrine of all Inari shrines nationwide. One of the most visited New Year's shrine visits in western Japan.
Todaiji (Todaiji Temple)・Joja-no-kane (New Year's Eve Bell) and Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit)
The New Year's Eve bell ringing and the first visit of the year to the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall).
Kasuga Taisha (Kasuga Grand Shrine)・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
A New Year's visit to a World Heritage site famous for its vermilion-painted shrine buildings and stone lanterns.
Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
Known as 'Sumiyossan,' this is one of the most popular New Year visits in the Kansai region, attracting over 2 million people during the three-day period.
Kotohoku-gu (Ise Jingu Naiku)・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
The center of the Grand Shrine enshrining Amaterasu Omikami. One of the top Hatsumode sites in the country.
Toji (Toji Temple)・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
New Year's visit to a World Heritage site famous for Japan's tallest five-story pagoda.
Kitano Tenmangu・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
First shrine visit to the deity of scholarship. Crowded with examinees, with Tenjin calligraphy dedicated during the New Year.
Heian Jingu (Heian Grand Shrine)・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
A popular New Year's visit in Kyoto, highlighted by the vermilion-painted Daidai-den Hall.
Toyouke Daijingu (Ise Jingu Outer Shrine)・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
The Outer Shrine enshrines the guardian deity of food, clothing, shelter, and industry. Traditional Ise pilgrimages begin here.
Higashi Hongan-ji (East Hongan-ji Temple)・Shuse-e (New Year's Service)
New Year's Buddhist service held at the beginning of the year.
Ikuta Shrine・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
Hatsumode at Ikuta-san, the chief guardian shrine of Kobe, renowned for its power to bring couples together.
Kifune Shrine・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
First shrine visit to the head shrine of water deities, known for prayers for matchmaking and rising luck.
Osaka Tenmangu・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
The 'Tenjin-sama of Tenman.' A first shrine visit of the year to the deity of scholarship.
Yamato Kuni Ichinomiya Miwa Myojin Omiwa Shrine・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) / Nendo-sai (Circumambulation Festival)
One of the oldest shrines in Japan, with Mount Miwa as its sacred object. A fire festival is held in the pre-dawn hours of New Year's Day.
Kamigamo Jinja (Upper Kamo Shrine)・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
One of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and a World Heritage site. Diverse New Year rites are held.
Seimei Shrine・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
A shrine dedicated to the onmyoji Abe no Seimei, renowned for warding off evil and misfortune.
Kashima Jingu (Kashima Grand Shrine)・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
Enshrines Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor. One of the most popular New Year visits in the country.
Chion-in・Hatsumode (New Year's First Visit) and Joya no Kane (New Year's Eve Bell)
The head temple of the Jodo sect. Renowned for its 'Joya no Kane', one of the largest bronze bells in Japan.
Nishinomiya Jinja (Nishinomiya Shrine)・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
Ebisu-sama, the head shrine of all Ebisu shrines nationwide.
Ishiyama-temmangu (Ishiyama Hachiman Grand Shrine)・Hatsumode (First shrine visit of the year)
One of Japan's three great Hachiman shrines located on Mt. Otoko in Kyoto, renowned for its National Treasure shrine buildings.
Kongobu-ji・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
The head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect. A World Heritage site and sacred ground of Kobo Daishi.
Izanagi Jingu (Head Shrine of Awaji Province)・Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
Awaji Kuni Ichinomiya, considered the oldest shrine in Japan. A shrine dedicated to the myth of the creation of the land.
Tsubaki-Otaisha (Tsubaki-O Grand Shrine)・Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year)
The head shrine of all Sarutahiko shrines in Japan, enshrining the 'Kami of Guidance'.
Nishi Hongan-ji (Ryogoku-san Hongan-ji)・Hatsumode and Shuuse (New Year's Rite)
The head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha sect and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Shuuse rite is held in the New Year.
Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine)・Kemari Hajime (First Kemari of the Year)
An elegant New Year event featuring a dedicatory performance of kemari (traditional Japanese ball game) by performers in Heian-period attire.
Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)・Shirao-uma Shinji (White Horse Rite)
A New Year rite where seeing a white horse is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Toji (Toji Temple)・Gonijitsu Gohou (Rite of the Seventh Day After)
The most important esoteric rite in Shingon Buddhism, praying for national peace and stability.
Nishinomiya Jinja (Nishinomiya Shrine)・Tenka Ebisu (Tenka Ebisu Festival)
Nationally famous for the 'Opening Gate Rite and Selection of the Lucky Man' in the early morning of the 10th.
Nishi Hongan-ji (Ryogoku-san Hongan-ji)・Go-seiki Houonkou (Annual Memorial Lecture for the Founding Patriarch)
The most important annual Buddhist rite held in remembrance of the founding patriarch, Shonin Shonin.
Shitennoji・Doyadoya
A vigorous naked festival where young men in loincloths compete to seize amulets.
Sanjusendō (Hall of Thirty-Three Bays)・Tsukinoya (National Archery Tournament)
A New Year archery tournament where new adults shoot arrows. The colorful formal attire is a highlight.
Sanjusendō (Hall of Thirty-Three Bays)・Yanagi-bashi Blessing (Willow Twig Blessing)
A Buddhist rite praying for health and freedom from illness, especially the cure of headaches, using sacred water. The main hall is open to the public for free.
February Festivals & Events
Todaiji (Todaiji Temple)・Setsubun (Bean-Throwing Rite) and Hoshi-matsuri (Star Festival)
Setsubun events featuring the myriad lanterns and star offerings at Nigatsu-do.
Yasaka Shrine・Setsubun-sai (bean-throwing rite)
A Kyoto-style Setsubun festival featuring dedicatory dance performances by Maiko and bean-throwing.
Shitennoji・Setsubun-e (Bean-Throwing Rite)
A Setsubun Buddhist service to ward off evil and invite good fortune.
Kofuku-ji Temple・Tsui-na-e (Oni-oi-shiki / Demon-Driving Rite)
A Setsubun demon-driving rite in which Bishamonten (Vaisravana) defeats demons.
Kashima Jingu (Kashima Grand Shrine)・Kigen-sai (Foundation Day Festival)
The most important festival commemorating the enthronement of Emperor Jimmu on Foundation Day.
Daigo-ji・Godairyoku-san (Godairyoku-son Niou-e)
A prayer festival for strength, famous for the dedication of lifting large rice cakes.
Kitano Tenmangu・Baika-sai (Plum Blossom Festival)
The death anniversary of Dozen Kō. Plum blossoms are offered, and a field tea ceremony is performed by geiko and maiko from the Kamishichiken district.
Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine)・Hatsuuma Dai-sai (Grand Festival of the First Horse Day)
The busiest festival of the year, celebrating the enshrinement of the Great Inari Deity.
Kasuga Taisha (Kasuga Grand Shrine)・Setsubun Man-toro and Chuugen Man-toro (Ten Thousand Lanterns Festival)
A hauntingly beautiful annual rite (held twice a year) where lights are lit in 3,000 lanterns throughout the grounds.
March Festivals & Events
Todaiji (Todaiji Temple)・Ugatsu-e (Water Taking Rite)
The 'Water Taking' rite at Nigatsu-do, an unbroken practice that heralds spring in Nara.
April Festivals & Events
Kashima Jingu (Kashima Grand Shrine)・Jimmu-tenno-sai (Emperor Jimmu Memorial Festival)
A festival to mourn the passing of Emperor Jimmu.
Yamato Kuni Ichinomiya Miwa Myojin Omiwa Shrine・Haru no Oogami-sai (Spring Grand Festival of Oogami)
A grand spring festival originating from the legend of Emperor Suinin.
Heian Jingu (Heian Grand Shrine)・Reisai (Annual Grand Festival)
The most important annual rite honoring the enshrined deities.
Ikuta Shrine・Ikuta-sai (Reisai / Annual Grand Festival)
Ikuta Shrine's largest festival. A Shinko-shiki (divine procession) called 'Miwatari' parades through the streets.
Ishikirimaru Jinja・Haru-sai (spring festival)
五穀豊穣を願う春の大祭。
Chion-in・Goki Taikai (Memorial Service for the Founder)
The most important memorial service honoring the legacy of the founder, Honen Shonin.
Omi Jingu (Omi Grand Shrine)・Reisai (Omi Matsuri / Annual Grand Festival)
The most important festival at Omi Jingu, which enshrines Emperor Tenji.
Shitennoji・Seireikai Bugaku Daihogyo (Grand Dance and Music Rite for the Sacred Spirit)
A grand rite where Bugaku (sacred dance and music) is dedicated in memory of Prince Shotoku at the Ishidai (Stone Stage).
Izanagi Jingu (Head Shrine of Awaji Province)・Rei-tai-sai (Annual Grand Festival)
The most important festival at Izanagi Jingu.
May Festivals & Events
Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine)・Yabusame Shingi (Horseback Archery Rite)
A preliminary rite to the Aoi Matsuri, featuring a vigorous Shinto rite of shooting targets from horseback in the Susuki-no-mori forest.
Futami Okitama Jinja (Futami Okitama Shrine)・Oshimenawa-hari Kami-goto (Ritual of Replacing the Great Sacred Rope)
A Shinto rite performed three times a year to replace the great sacred rope connecting the Meoto Iwa (Married Couple Rocks).
Kamigamo Jinja (Upper Kamo Shrine)・Kamo-keiba (Horse Racing Rite)
A vigorous horse racing Shinto rite (Kurabe-uma) continuing since the Heian period.
Kotohoku-gu (Ise Jingu Naiku)・Shinmei-sai (Rite of Offering Divine Robes)
An ancient-style festival offering robes to the deities. Held twice a year (May and October).
Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine)・Aoi Matsuri (Kamo Festival)
One of the three great festivals of Kyoto. The elegant procession in Heian-era court dress, known as the Michito no Gi.
Kamigamo Jinja (Upper Kamo Shrine)・Aoi Matsuri (Kamo Festival)
One of the Three Great Festivals of Kyoto. An elegant procession in Heian-period attire.
Futami Okitama Jinja (Futami Okitama Shrine)・Mokiri Kami-goto (Ritual of Harvesting Seaweed)
A Shinto rite to harvest pure salt grass (seaweed) used to prepare items for purification rites.
June Festivals & Events
Kifune Shrine・Kifune-sai (Annual Grand Festival)
The annual grand festival of Kifune Shrine, praying for national abundance and people's peace.
Omi Jingu (Omi Grand Shrine)・Roukoku-sai (Water Clock Festival)
Held on 'Time Memorial Day' to honor Emperor Tenji, who established Japan's first water clock.
Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)・Otaue Shinji (Rice Planting Rite)
A designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property featuring elegant rice planting performances.
Kongobu-ji・Aoba Matsuri (Green Leaf Festival)
The largest festival on Mount Koya, celebrating the birth of Kobo Daishi.
July Festivals & Events
Yasaka Shrine・Gion-sai (Gion Festival)
One of Japan's three great festivals. Famous for the Yamaboko Junko (float procession) (Front Festival on the 17th, Back Festival on the 24th).
Kifune Shrine・Tanabata Bamboo Decoration Light-Up
A fantastical summer light-up featuring bamboo decorations for wishes.
Namba-Yasaka Shrine・Summer Festival (Gion Fun)
A lively summer festival featuring the boat procession known as Gion Fun.
Ikuta Shrine・Sento-sai (Thousand Lantern Festival)
A summer festival where countless lanterns are lit to pray for health and longevity.
Osaka Tenmangu・Tenjin-sai (Tenjin Festival)
One of Japan's Three Great Festivals. The boat procession and dedicatory fireworks are spectacular.
Todaiji (Todaiji Temple)・Kaisho-e (Passing Through a Reed Ring)
Passing through the large reed ring at the Daibutsuden to pray for protection from epidemics.
Sumiyoshi Taisha (Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine)・Sumiyoshi Matsuri (Sumiyoshi Festival)
The 'Oharai' that concludes Osaka's summer festivals. The mikoshi crosses the Yamato River.
Yamato Kuni Ichinomiya Miwa Myojin Omiwa Shrine・Onpara-sai (Summer Purification Festival)
Nagoshi no Oharai (summer purification rite). Dedication fireworks are also held.
Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine)・Hon-gu-sai (Main Shrine Festival)
A major summer festival visited by worshippers from all over Japan. The grounds are illuminated by the Man-to Shingi (Ten Thousand Lanterns Rite).
August Festivals & Events
Todaiji (Todaiji Temple)・Great Buddha's Body Wiping (Mizuyo)
A traditional event to clean the dust accumulated on the Great Buddha over the year.
Kongobu-ji・Rousoku Matsuri (Candle Festival) / Mandou Kyouyou-e (Ten Thousand Lights Memorial Service)
A fantastical summer event where approximately 100,000 candles light up the approach to Okunoin.
September Festivals & Events
Ishiyama-temmangu (Ishiyama Hachiman Grand Shrine)・Ishizumi Matsuri (Ishizumi Festival)
One of the three great imperial festivals of Japan, alongside the Aoi Matsuri and Kasuga Matsuri.
October Festivals & Events
Kitano Tenmangu・Zuikei-sai (Zuikei Festival)
An autumn annual grand festival where mikoshi decorated with vegetables and grains are paraded.
Tsubaki-Otaisha (Tsubaki-O Grand Shrine)・Reidaisai (annual grand festival)
The most important festival at Tsubaki Daijinja.
Toyouke Daijingu (Ise Jingu Outer Shrine)・Niinamesai (Harvest Thanksgiving Festival)
The most historically significant festival at the Grand Shrine, offering new rice to Toyuke-Ooyakami.
November Festivals & Events
Kifune Shrine・Go-honbi-sai (Fire-Burning Festival)
An ancient Shinto rite involving fire.
December Festivals & Events
We're gradually expanding coverage starting with major shrines and temples. Dates may vary slightly from year to year, so please check official information before visiting.