SUMMER FESTIVALS

Held every summer in the picturesque riverside town of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture, Gujo Odori is one of Japan’s largest and most famous traditional folk dance festivals.

Located in Aichi, the Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival is one of Japan’s three largest and most famous Tanabata Festivals, celebrating the one day a year when the celestial lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi can meet.

Feel cool in the summer heat at this unassuming temple in Nara.

Held throughout the entire month of July, Kyoto's Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in all of Japan.

Spend your summer the Kyoto way by participating in two traditional summer events with great cultural significance!

Head north to see hundreds of riders in samurai armor recreate 1,000-year-old training techniques!

Head to northern Japan this summer for huge glowing floats, giant poles covered in lanterns and streets festooned with positive wishes for the future.

What's a 'yukata'? And more importantly, how do you put one on? Better find out before summer festival season arrives!