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There are so many wonderful places to travel and explore in this world, and it can be hard to decide where to go next. That's why we've compiled a list of our top travel advices, to help you narrow down your choices and plan the perfect trip. If you're looking for breathtaking scenery, try a journey through Patagonia or the Canadian Rockies. For an amazing cultural experience, visit Japan or India. And if you're simply looking for somewhere to relax and unwind, consider a beach vacation in Thailand or the Maldives. Wherever you decide to go, make sure to do your research beforehand and be prepared for anything. And most importantly, don't forget to have fun!

Japan’s Best Summer Festivals | Arigato Travel

Japan’s summer festivals, or natsu matsuri, are vibrant celebrations filled with tradition, lively performances, and stunning fireworks displays. These summer festivals are typically held throughout the country from June to August. From illuminated decorations and dancing, to festival games and delicious street snacks, Japan’s summer festivals are perfect for a fun outing with friends, family, and loved ones! What to Expect at Summer Festivals The food served at summer festivals is a feast of flavors, featuring classics like yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus-filled dough balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and so much more. These foods are usually served at yatai, or street stalls. The sizzling sounds and rich aroma of these foods create an immersive festival experience that excites all the senses! For a traditional experience, many people will wear yukatas (light cotton kimono), geta (wooden sandals), and a kinchaku (drawstring bag) for carrying essentials. People also like to bring decorative fans to stay cool from the summer heat, as well as some cash since many yatai don’t accept credit cards. If you’re planning to watch some fireworks, it might also be a good idea to bring a picnic mat! Summer Festivals Mitama Matsuri Mitama Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s largest Obon festivals. It’s a day of celebrating and honoring the spirits of ancestors. Lanterns are displayed throughout the shrine, along with musical performances and dancing. Date: July 13, 2025 - July 16, 2025 Time: 6:00 pm Admission: Free Location: Yasukuni-jinja Shrine - 3 Chome-1-1 Kudankita, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0073 Website: https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/ Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri During the Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri, streets are filled with bright lanterns and decorations. This festival celebrates the meeting of two deities, Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are star crossed lovers that are only allowed to meet once a year. For this festival, the streets are closed off allowing people to enjoy the festive atmosphere and food stalls fully! Date: Early July 2025 Admission: Free Location: 3-chōme-18-2 Matsugaya, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0036 Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/event/kanko/shitamathitanabata.html Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri The Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri is one of the largest Edo festivals in Tokyo. The festival is known for people throwing water on the mikoshi, or portable shrines, parading through the district. The event is five days long with a variety of street food, dancing, and performances to enjoy. Date: Mid-August 2025 Admission: Free Location: Tomioka Hachiman Shrine - 1 Chome-20-3 Tomioka, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0047 Website: https://fukagawa-web.com/wpfuka02/2023/06/29/2023fukagawa-hachiman_matsuri272-1-2 Gion Matsuri Gion Matsuri is Kyoto’s most famous festival. The highlights of this festival are the lit lanterns, food stalls, and traditional music. With over a thousand years of history, Gion Matsuri is a spectacular celebration of Kyoto’s cultural heritage and Shinto traditions. Date: July 1, 2025 - July 31, 2025 Admission: Free Location: Yasaka Shrine - 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073 Website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/gion_fes/ Tenjin Matsuri Tenjin Matsuri, dedicated to celebrating the deity Sugawara Michizane, is one of Osaka’s biggest festivals. Featuring dazzling fireworks and boats sailing along the Okawa River, it’s a must see this summer!. Date: July 24, 2025 - July 25, 2025 Admission: Free Location: ​​Osaka Tenmangu Shrine - 2 Chome-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041 Website: https://osakatemmangu.or.jp/saijireki/tjm Nebuta Matsuri Showcasing numerous impressive lantern floats, Nebuta Matsuri is known for its energetic dancers and traditional taiko drumming creating a lively festival scene! Date: August 2, 2025 - August 7, 2025 Admission: Free Location: Kyodosha - 2-chōme-2 Shinmachi, Aomori, 030-0801 *(Starting Point) Check website for full map and details Website: http://www.nebuta.jp/foreign/english.html Nagaoka Fireworks Festival Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is one of Japan’s most spectacular firework displays. Held at the Shinano River, the fireworks and synchronized music shows create the most breathtaking night sky! Date: August 2, 2025 - August 3, 2025 Time: 7:20pm - 9:10pm Admission: Check the website Location: Shinanogawa Kasen Park - 2102-2 Okamuramachi, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-0000 Website: https://enjoyniigata.com/en/event/2441 Gujo Odori Gujo Odori is one of Japan’s longest-running Bon Odori dance festivals. During this time, people will gather around and dance all night. They even provide dance classes to those wanting to join in the traditional dances! Date: July 12, 2025 - September 6, 2025 Admission: Free Location: Check the website Website: http://www.gujohachiman.com/kanko/odori_e.html Summer festivals in Japan are a lively mix of tradition, food, and fun! From fireworks to dance parades, each festival has its own unique charm. Whether enjoying street food, wearing a colorful yukata, or joining in a traditional dance, the festive energy is unforgettable. The warm nights, glowing lanterns, and cheerful crowds make for a magical summer experience. Featured Photo Credit: akiyoko If you'll be in Japan enjoying these amazing summer festivals, come join one of our summer food tours guided by a local!