Experience Gion Matsuri, Fireworks, and Timeless Traditions
When July arrives in Japan, so does the vibrant energy of summer. Streets come alive with lanterns, traditional garments, fireworks, and the sounds of taiko drums echoing through the air. Whether you’re traveling through Kyoto, Tokyo, Fukuoka, or near Mount Fuji, July is one of the most festive months in Japan, and 2025 is no exception.
Here’s your guide to the best festivals happening in Japan this July from centuries-old traditions to breathtaking fireworks displays.
🎎 Gion Matsuri – Kyoto’s Grand Festival (All of July)
Perhaps the most famous of all Japanese summer festivals, Gion Matsuri dates back over 1,000 years and continues to mesmerize locals and tourists alike. Taking place throughout the entire month of July in Kyoto, this festival is known for its elaborate yamaboko floats, which are massive, wooden structures pulled through the streets during the grand parades on July 17 (Saki Matsuri) and July 24 (Ato Matsuri).
The city is transformed with lively food stalls, traditional music performances, and people dressed in yukata strolling through festively lit streets. The atmosphere is both spiritual and celebratory.
Don’t Miss: The Yoiyama evenings before each parade, where floats are lit up and displayed in the streets, creating an almost magical scene.
🌌 Tanabata Festival – Star-Crossed Wishes (July 7)
Also known as the Star Festival, Tanabata is based on the legend of two separated lovers the stars Vega and Altair who are allowed to reunite once a year. On this day, people across Japan write wishes on colorful tanzaku (paper strips) and hang them on bamboo branches.
Celebrations vary by region, but you’ll find vibrant decorations in public spaces, malls, and train stations. Some cities, like Sendai and Hiratsuka, hold elaborate Tanabata festivals later in the summer, but July 7 remains the heart of the tradition.
Best experienced in: Neighborhoods and temples with community events, or major city centers like Tokyo’s Asagaya or Shonan Hiratsuka.
🎇 Sumida River Fireworks Festival – Tokyo’s Summer Spectacle (July 26, 2025)
Held along the iconic Sumida River near Asakusa, this is Tokyo’s biggest and most famous fireworks event. Over 20,000 fireworks will illuminate the night sky in a stunning display of artistry and precision.
Locals gather along the riverbanks hours before the show, dressed in yukata and enjoying street food from pop-up stalls. The fireworks begin after sunset and last nearly two hours a tradition dating back to the Edo Period.
Pro Tip: Arrive early or reserve a riverside hotel/viewing spot for the best views.
🏃♂️ Hakata Gion Yamakasa – High-Speed Tradition in Fukuoka (Until July 15)
In Fukuoka, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa is as thrilling as it is historic. This 700-year-old festival features teams of men racing through the city streets while carrying massive, intricately decorated floats some weighing over a ton.
The event builds up over the first two weeks of July and culminates in a high-adrenaline timed race on July 15. It’s a powerful display of teamwork, strength, and tradition.
Must-see moment: The final Oiyama race at 5 AM on July 15 pure energy, precision, and spectacle.
🗻 Mt. Fuji Opening Fireworks Festival – Lake Kawaguchiko (Date TBA, early July)
To mark the opening of the Mt. Fuji climbing season, Lake Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture hosts a beautiful fireworks display near the base of the mountain. As climbers gear up to hike Japan’s tallest peak, the skies burst into color over the lake reflecting on the water with Mt. Fuji in the backdrop.
Why go: It’s a quieter, more scenic fireworks experience, perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.
July in Japan is a sensory journey from the rhythmic chants of Gion Matsuri to the colorful sparks above Tokyo’s skyline. Whether you’re in search of deep tradition, festival food, starlit wishes, or fireworks against iconic landscapes, this month is a perfect time to explore the beauty and spirit of Japanese culture.
So grab a yukata, bring a folding fan, and get ready to dive into the festive soul of Japan this summer.
