Discover Japan’s Best Summer Festivals by Campervan

Summer in Japan is the season of vibrant and traditional “Natsu Matsuri” (summer festivals) held across the country. These long-standing festivals are a culmination of regional cultures and offer visitors a perfect opportunity to experience the spirit and aesthetic sense of Japan.

This article introduces representative summer festivals, regional attractions, and ideal routes and experiences for a camper van journey.

Why Are Summer Festivals Special?

Japanese summer festivals have the following features:

• Spectacular Fireworks Displays (Hanabi)

•  Bon Odori and Traditional Performances

•  Enjoying Local Cuisine in Yukata

•  Shrine Rituals and Historical Ceremonies

•  Flexible Itinerary with a Camper Van

Recommended Summer Festivals by Region with Festival Schedule (2025 Edition)

Note: Dates may vary each year. Always check official websites for the latest information.

Tokyo Area

• Sumida River Fireworks Festival  (26 July )
  Tokyo’s iconic summer event. Over 20,000 fireworks light up the night sky and river surface. Viewing from traditional houseboats is also popular.

• Awa Odori in Koenji  (23 – 24 August)
  Originating from Tokushima, the Awa Odori comes to Tokyo! The chant “Odoru aho ni miru aho” brings both dancers and spectators together.

Tohoku Region

• Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (2–7 August )
  Giant illuminated lanterns (“Nebuta”) parade through the city. Visitors can join as “Haneto” dancers.

• Akita Kanto Matsuri (3 – 6 August)
  Participants balance over 10-meter tall bamboo poles with lanterns, showcasing incredible skill.

• Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (6–8 August )
  Colorful paper streamers decorate shopping streets in one of Tohoku’s largest Tanabata events.

Hokkaido

• Sapporo Summer Festival (18 July – 16 August)
  Beer gardens, Bon Odori, and people in yukata gather at Odori Park to enjoy Hokkaido’s short summer.

• Hakodate Port Festival (1 – 5 August)
  Traditional mikoshi parades and fireworks light up Hakodate Bay.

Kansai Region

• Gion Matsuri (Kyoto, July)
  Kyoto’s largest festival lasting a month. The Yamaboko Junko features magnificent floats parading through the city.

• Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka, 24–25 July)
  A summer festival unique to “water city” Osaka, combining boat processions and fireworks.

• Gozan no Okuribi (Kyoto, 16 August)
  A traditional event sending off ancestral spirits during Obon. The character “大” appears on Kyoto’s mountains.

Chugoku Region

• Hiroshima Minato Yume Hanabi Festival (26 July)
  Colorful fireworks launched over Hiroshima Bay light up the summer night.

• Okayama Momotaro Matsuri (23 – 24 August)
  A festival inspired by the Momotaro legend, featuring group dances and parades energizing the city.

Shikoku Region

• Tokushima Awa Odori Festival (11 – 15 August)
  Traditional street dance festival where thousands of dancers parade through the city with energetic moves and music.

• Niihama Taiko Matsuri (16 – 18 October)
  A powerful event featuring massive taiko drum floats carried by teams of men through the city streets.

Kyushu Region

• Hakata Gion Yamakasa (Fukuoka, 1–15 July)
  Men carry over one-ton floats through the streets in this dynamic event.

• Nagasaki Kunchi (7 – 9 October)
  Exotic dances and floats characterize this festival, reflecting Nagasaki’s history and culture since 1634.

How to Enjoy Summer Festivals

 The Charm of Touring Summer Festivals by Camper Van

With a camper van, you can enjoy the following benefits:

•  No worries about hotel bookings (especially on fireworks nights)

•  Stay near the festival venues

•  Flexible schedule for early morning spot reservations or sightseeing

•  Easy access to regional festivals

 Conclusion: Experience Summer in Japan Through Festivals!

Japanese summer festivals are more than just seasonal events — they are living cultural experiences where local spirit and tradition come to life. Fireworks, dancing, street food, history, and meaningful encounters with people make each festival uniquely unforgettable.

Why not explore these vibrant events in a camper van and discover your perfect Japanese summer?