Top 10 Cultural Festivals in Japan You’ve Never Heard Of

Introduction

Top 10 Cultural Festivals in Japan You’ve Never Heard Of: Discover Hidden Gems in 2025

Japan is home to some of the world’s most famous cultural festivals, but beyond the big names like Gion Matsuri and Sapporo Snow Festival, there are hidden gems waiting to be explored. These lesser-known festivals offer a more intimate and authentic glimpse into Japan’s rich traditions, history, and local communities. Below are 10 festivals in 2025 that you probably haven’t heard of, but will want to add to your itinerary. Plus, we’ve included information on where to stay for a hassle-free experience, complete with hotel booking links through Trip.com!

1. Oniyo Fire Festival (おによう祭)

• When: January 7, 2025
• Where: Kurume, Fukuoka
• What: Held at Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine, this 1,600-year-old festival involves carrying flaming torches to ward off evil spirits.
• Stay Nearby: Kurume Washington Hotel Plaza
• SEO Keywords: Oniyo Fire Festival, Fukuoka festivals 2025, Japanese fire rituals

Click here to book your stay at Kurume Washington Hotel Plaza!

2. Shingen-ko Festival (信玄公祭り)

• When: April 12-14, 2025
• Where: Kofu, Yamanashi
• What: One of Japan’s largest reenactments of a samurai battle, celebrating the life of warlord Takeda Shingen.
• Stay Nearby: Dormy Inn Kofu
• SEO Keywords: Shingen-ko Festival, Takeda Shingen, Yamanashi samurai festival

Click here to book your stay at Dormy Inn Kofu!

3. Owara Kaze no Bon (おわら風の盆)

• When: September 1-3, 2025
• Where: Toyama City, Toyama
• What: A graceful dance festival welcoming the autumn winds, with haunting music played on shamisen and kokyu.
• Stay Nearby: Toyama Excel Hotel Tokyu
• SEO Keywords: Owara Kaze no Bon, Toyama dance festival, autumn festivals Japan

Click here to book your stay at Toyama Excel Hotel Tokyu!

4. Awa Odori (阿波踊り)

• When: August 12-15, 2025
• Where: Tokushima City, Tokushima
• What: This vibrant festival is Japan’s largest dance festival, attracting over 1.3 million people annually.
• Stay Nearby: Hotel Sunroute Tokushima
• SEO Keywords: Awa Odori 2025, Tokushima dance festivals, Japanese summer festivals

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Sunroute Tokushima!

5. Kumano Nachi Fire Festival (熊野那智大社火祭)

• When: July 14, 2025
• Where: Nachi, Wakayama
• What: Sacred torches weighing 50kg are carried by priests down a 600-step staircase in honor of the deity of Nachi Falls.
• Stay Nearby: Hotel Urashima
• SEO Keywords: Kumano Nachi Fire Festival, Wakayama cultural festivals, sacred torches Japan

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Urashima!

6. Akita Kanto Festival (秋田竿燈まつり)

• When: August 3-6, 2025
• Where: Akita City, Akita
• What: Participants balance large poles decorated with lanterns on their shoulders, foreheads, and hips for good harvests.
• Stay Nearby: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Akita
• SEO Keywords: Akita Kanto Festival, Akita lantern festival, Japanese summer festivals

Click here to book your stay at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Akita!

7. Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival (横手の雪まつり)

• When: February 15-16, 2025
• Where: Yokote, Akita
• What: Experience traditional igloo-like snow huts called “kamakura,” where locals offer warm hospitality with rice cakes and sweet sake.
• Stay Nearby: Yokote Central Hotel
• SEO Keywords: Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival, Akita winter festivals, Japanese snow festivals

Click here to book your stay at Yokote Central Hotel!

8. Takayama Spring Festival (高山祭)

• When: April 14-15, 2025
• Where: Takayama, Gifu
• What: Known for its intricate floats and traditional puppet performances, this festival celebrates the arrival of spring.
• Stay Nearby: Takayama Green Hotel
• SEO Keywords: Takayama Spring Festival, Gifu spring festivals, traditional Japanese floats

Click here to book your stay at Takayama Green Hotel!

9. Nagasaki Kunchi Festival (長崎くんち)

• When: October 7-9, 2025
• Where: Nagasaki City, Nagasaki
• What: This 400-year-old festival features dragon dances, processions, and floats that represent Nagasaki’s multicultural heritage.
• Stay Nearby: Hotel New Nagasaki
• SEO Keywords: Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, Nagasaki dragon dance, multicultural festivals Japan

Click here to book your stay at Hotel New Nagasaki!

10. Karatsu Kunchi (唐津くんち)

• When: November 2-4, 2025
• Where: Karatsu, Saga
• What: Giant, hand-painted floats in the shape of samurai helmets, lions, and dragons are paraded through the streets in this UNESCO-recognized festival.
• Stay Nearby: Karatsu Seaside Hotel
• SEO Keywords: Karatsu Kunchi, Saga cultural festivals, UNESCO festivals Japan

Click here to book your stay at Karatsu Seaside Hotel!

Explore Japan’s Hidden Festivals Now! Ready to explore the hidden cultural gems of Japan? Whether you’re captivated by ancient samurai battles or mesmerized by lantern-lit dances, these unique festivals are sure to offer unforgettable memories. Book your hotel now on Trip.com and make sure you have the best stay possible to enjoy these festivals up close.

Click here to book your stay now!

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With these unique festivals and convenient hotel options, your next trip to Japan will be an extraordinary cultural experience. Be sure to plan ahead, secure your bookings, and enjoy the unforgettable celebrations!