Japan in July hums with life. The rainy season fades, the heat kicks in, and the country erupts into a colorful spectacle of parades, fireworks, and night dances. Japanese summer festivals bring together centuries-old rituals, street food culture, and high-energy performances, turning even the quietest towns into vibrant hubs of celebration.
Imagine yourself immersed in the grandeur of Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri, where ancient floats parade through historic streets. Feel the exhilarating power of Fukuoka’s Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a breathtaking display of strength and speed. Beyond the festivals, the iconic Mount Fuji climbing season officially opens, inviting adventurers to conquer its majestic peak. As dusk falls, prepare to be dazzled by the brilliant bursts of color at the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo.
In this guide, we highlight the top festivals in Japan during July and essential travel tips to make your summer trip a breeze!
Planning Ahead: Weather, Packing, Crowds
July signals the start of full summer, and with it comes serious humidity—especially in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Expect temperatures to hover between 28–35°C.
Bring breathable clothing (linen and cotton are best), a foldable umbrella, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Pack a cooling towel, portable fan, and sunscreen—you’ll need them if you plan to attend any outdoor Japanese summer festivals.
Train stations and hotels book up fast, especially around Kyoto and Tokyo. For major Japan festivals in July, it’s best to book shinkansen seats and hotels at least 4–6 weeks in advance. Arrive at venues early to claim good viewing spots, especially for fireworks nights.
10 Things to See and Do
Mt. Fuji Climbing Season Opens – July 1
Image Credit: Full Mountain guides
Location: Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures
Entrance Fee: ¥4,000
Opening Times: Trails open 24/7 (huts require booking)
Website for further details.
The Mt. Fuji climbing season officially opens in early July, attracting hikers from around the world. The most popular route—Yoshida Trail (opening on July 1) —starts from the Yamanashi side. Most people begin climbing at night to reach the summit by sunrise, a phenomenon called goraikō.
Check out all important information (from booking to FAQs) for the trails you plan to hike on:
Yoshida Trail: Please read before proceeding.
More information on the Fujinomiya, Gotemba and Subashiri Trails here.
Hakata Gion Yamakasa (Fukuoka) – July 1–15
Location: Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Times: Main race on July 15 at 4:30 AM
Website: For news and event schedules.
In Fukuoka, speed meets tradition. At dawn on July 15, local men race through the city carrying 1-ton wooden floats called kakiyama. This high-intensity event has been held for over 770 years and originated as a ritual to ward off disease. It’s one of the most exhilarating Japanese summer festivals and a thrilling way to see local community spirit in action.
Gion Matsuri (Kyoto) – July 1–31
Location: Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine and Shijō-Karasuma area
Entrance Fee: For seating prices during the Early and Latter Festival procession, check out here.
Opening Times: Daily events; main parades on July 17 & 24
Website here.
Gion Matsuri stands as a month-long tribute to purification and protection from disease. What began in 869 CE during a plague has evolved into Kyoto’s largest and most iconic summer celebration.
Don’t miss the towering yamaboko floats, some weighing 12 tons, pulled through Kyoto’s narrow streets. During yoiyama evenings, streets turn pedestrian-only, and locals in yukata flood the area for food, music, and lantern-lit photography.
Tanabata Festival (Tokyo) – July 4-6
Image Credit: ajpscs
Location: Hiratsuka, Asagaya (Tokyo)
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Times: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
For event information refer to the website here.
Based on the romantic legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi—two stars separated by the Milky Way—Tanabata Festival encourages people to write wishes on colorful strips of paper and hang them on bamboo trees.
Hiratsuka hosts one of the biggest Tanabata festivals in early July. You’ll see elaborate streamers, street stalls, and live music lining the shopping streets—a whimsical break from Japan’s typically structured festivals.
Gujo Odori (Gifu) – Starts July 13
Location: Gujo Hachiman, Gifu
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Times: 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM nightly (varies by day)
For more information refer to website here.
For over 400 years, Gujo Odori has brought together residents and travelers in a nightly open-air dance. The choreography is simple, and participation is encouraged. The rhythm of the kane (bell) and taiko (drum) echo through the narrow streets of this riverside town.
This festival continues into early September, but July marks the opening—and the quietest time to enjoy it before Obon crowds arrive.
Marine Day (National Holiday) – July 21
Image Credit: Footprints Around the World
Location: Nationwide (coastal towns and beaches)
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Times: All day
Marine Day Japan travel is your gateway to summer at the beach. From Enoshima and Chiba to Okinawa and Izu, locals and tourists alike flock to the shore. Some towns hold fireworks and ocean blessings; others just make the most of a national holiday by enjoying barbecues and water sports.
If you’re seeking things to do in Japan in July that revolve around sea and sun, this is your day.
Kagurazaka Matsuri (Tokyo) – July 24–27
Location: Kagurazaka-dori, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Times: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
For more information, refer to website here.
Held in one of Tokyo’s most charming old neighborhoods, Kagurazaka Matsuri blends Edo-era elegance with vibrant street culture. The highlight is the Awa Odori dance performances on the final two nights, where teams of dancers in yukata parade down the cobbled streets to shamisen and taiko beats. Food stalls line the alleyways, offering a relaxed, nostalgic atmosphere.
Tobata Gion Yamagasa (Kitakyushu) – July 26–28
Image Credit: Fukuoka Now
Location: Tobata Ward, Kitakyushu
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Times: 5:00 PM onward
Official Website: https://tobatagion.jp/
By day, the floats are impressive; by night, they’re mesmerizing. This UNESCO-recognized celebration transforms as the sun sets and 309 paper lanterns illuminate each towering float. They parade through Tobata’s streets in a display that balances beauty with neighborhood pride.
Owari Tsushima Tenno Festival (Nagoya) – July 26–27
Image Credit: Aichi Now
Location: Tsushima City (near Nagoya)
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Times: 6:00 PM onward
For more information refer to website
Held on the Tenno River, this 600-year-old festival sees lantern-lit boats glide silently through the dark water. The floating procession, led by priests and musicians, is a rare moment of stillness in a busy month. A perfect event if you want something quieter and more spiritual.
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (Tokyo) – July 27
Sumida River fireworks resume with over 1 million spectators
Location: Sumida River, Asakusa
Entrance Fee: Free
Schedule of Competition: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Website: For event details and seating information, check their FAQ page
The most iconic fireworks display in Tokyo, if not Japan. Over 20,000 fireworks light up the sky in a competition of craftsmanship. The tradition dates back to 1732 and now draws almost a million spectators. Arrive by 3:00 PM to stake out a good spot.
