Summer is festival season in Japan, when towns across the country come alive with lanterns, floats, fireworks and dancing. Here are three of the biggest matsuri to count down to in 2026 — each with its own live countdown.
Tanabata — Tuesday, July 7
Tanabata, the Star Festival, celebrates the once-a-year meeting of the stars Orihime and Hikoboshi (Vega and Altair). People write wishes on colorful tanzaku paper and hang them from bamboo, while towns hold parades and fireworks. Most of Japan marks it on July 7; Sendai's famous version runs August 6–8.
Gion Matsuri — all July, grand parade July 17
Kyoto's Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's three great festivals, dating to the year 869. It spans the whole of July and peaks with the Yamaboko Junko float parade on July 17, when towering wooden floats are hauled through the streets. The lantern-lit Yoiyama evenings beforehand are a highlight in themselves.
Obon — August 13–16
Obon is a Buddhist festival honouring ancestral spirits, observed by most of Japan from August 13–16. Families return to their hometowns, visit graves and light lanterns, and communities gather for lively Bon Odori folk dances. It is one of the year's most important family occasions.
Count down to Japan's festivals
Pick a festival and watch the days tick down: Tanabata, Gion Matsuri or Obon. Planning a summer trip to Japan? Create your own countdown to your departure date, or browse more countdown tools.