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Gion Matsuri: a Kyoto July explainer

Gion Matsuri is Kyoto's major summer festival, held in July. Learn what the parades are, how the festival works and how to watch it without getting lost.

Updated Oct 10, 2026 · Festivals · KyotoRead the post

Filter postsFestivals · All

TypeAll Guides Festivals Seasons Practical

PlaceAll Tokyo Kyoto Osaka Fukuoka Sapporo

Festivals5 min readKanda Matsuri: a festival near AkihabaraKanda Matsuri is one of Tokyo's big shrine festivals, a short walk from Akihabara. Learn what happens, where to stand and what to check first.

Festivals5 min readKyushu Grand Sumo in Fukuoka: a November visitThe Kyushu sumo tournament is held in Fukuoka in November. Learn how the day works, how tickets are sold and what to check first.

Festivals5 min readNagasaki Lantern Festival: a late winter explainerThe Nagasaki Lantern Festival lights the city's streets in late winter. Learn how it works, what to check and how to plan a visit.

Festivals5 min readObon: why Japan is busy in mid-AugustObon brings many people home in mid-August. Learn how it affects trains, sights and hotels, and how to plan your trip around it.

Festivals5 min readSanja Matsuri in Asakusa: the spring paradeSanja Matsuri is a spring festival at Asakusa in Tokyo, held in May with portable shrines carried through the streets. Learn how to watch it and plan your day.

Festivals5 min readSapporo Snow Festival: how it worksThe Sapporo Snow Festival is held in February with large snow sculptures. Learn how the festival is laid out, how to plan your visit and what to check before you go.

Festivals5 min readSummer fireworks: how to watch themSummer fireworks draw large crowds in Tokyo and Osaka. Learn how to choose a viewing spot, arrive early and get back to your hotel safely.

Festivals5 min readTenjin Matsuri in Osaka: boats and drumsTenjin Matsuri is one of Japan's great summer festivals, held in Osaka in July. Learn how the boat procession works, where to watch and how to plan a night out.

Festivals5 min readWinter illuminations in Fukuoka and KyushuWinter light shows brighten Fukuoka's stations, canals and parks from autumn into early spring. Learn where to walk and what to check first.