Best Festivals in Japan for Families: Seasonal Guide 2025

Introduction
Spring Festivals (March–May)
Summer Festivals (June–August)
Autumn Festivals (September–November)
Winter Festivals (December–February)
Tips for Families
FAQ
Useful Links

Introduction

Japan’s festivals (matsuri) are colorful, family-friendly, and unforgettable. From cherry blossoms to snow sculptures, each season offers unique cultural experiences that kids and parents can enjoy together. This guide highlights the best festivals across spring, summer, autumn, and winter—plus practical tips for attending with little ones.

Illuminated Nebuta float at night festival in Aomori — Photo: Fisherman / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

👉 First-time visitors planning family travel should also read our starter guide: Japan Travel Basics for Families: 7 Essential Tips Before You Fly. And for moving around Tokyo, check this: Tokyo Subway with a Stroller.

Spring Festivals (March–May)

Cherry Blossom Festivals (Hanami): Families picnic under blooming sakura trees, enjoy seasonal food, and join locals in parks until evening illuminations.

Chidorigafuchi moat lined with cherry blossoms at night in Tokyo — Photo: Oren Rozen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo): Held in May in odd-numbered years, one of Tokyo’s three great festivals. Colorful mikoshi parades, music, and street food create a lively but safe environment for families.

Summer Festivals (June–August)

Gion Matsuri (Kyoto): July’s famous festival with enormous floats (yamaboko) and night street fairs. Lantern-lit parades are magical for kids.

Gion Matsuri float parade on Shijo Street in Kyoto — Photo: Corpse Reviver / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori): Giant illuminated warrior floats, drummers, and dancers. Families can even rent costumes to join the fun.

👉 Traveling Tokyo by subway with a stroller? Don’t miss our full guide: Tokyo Subway with a Stroller: Elevators, Wide Gates & Off-Peak Tips.

Autumn Festivals (September–November)

Takayama Autumn Festival (Gifu): Floats with mechanical puppets and evening lanterns create a small-town atmosphere perfect for families.

Takayama Matsuri float in Gifu Prefecture — Photo: Chme82 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto): A parade of costumes spanning 1,000 years of Japanese history—samurai, nobles, and townsfolk march through Kyoto.

Winter Festivals (December–February)

Sapporo Snow Festival: Snow and ice sculptures, night illuminations, and snow slides for children. Bundle up—it’s freezing but magical.

Illuminated snow sculpture of a classical building at Sapporo Snow Festival — Photo: t-konno / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

👉 Planning a family day in Tokyo? Check out our one-day itinerary: Family-Friendly Day in Tokyo: One-Day Itinerary with Kids.

Tips for Families

Arrive early to claim space, especially for parades and fireworks.
Bring a compact stroller or carrier—streets can be crowded.
Cash is essential for stalls and games.
Use nearby stations one stop away from the festival site to avoid crowds.

FAQ

Are Japanese festivals safe for kids? Yes—security and staff are present, and many zones are stroller-friendly.

Do festivals cost money? Most are free, though food stalls and games charge small fees.

Which season is best? All—spring for cherry blossoms, summer for floats and fireworks, autumn for history, winter for snow festivals.