Looking for different month?
Tokyo Events
Turkey Festival
Yoyogi Park, Tokyo
June 7-8, 2025
https://en.japantravel.com/tokyo/turkey-festival-at-yoyogi-park/68995
The Turkey Festival at Yoyogi Park is a vibrant celebration of Turkish culture, showcasing the rich traditions of Turkey through food, music, and art. This two-day event features a variety of Turkish delicacies, including kebabs and Turkish ice cream, alongside performances by traditional musicians and dancers. Attendees can also participate in hands-on workshops to learn about Turkish crafts and culinary techniques. The festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the cultural heritage of Turkey while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Yoyogi Park.
Tokyo Rainbow Pride is an annual event that celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and promotes diversity and inclusion. In June 2025, this vibrant festival will feature a colorful parade through the streets of Shibuya, along with various performances, workshops, and information booths. The event aims to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and foster a sense of community among participants. It's a lively celebration filled with music, dance, and a strong message of acceptance and love.
The Kichijoji Art Festival is a local event that showcases the creativity of artists from the Kichijoji area. This festival features art exhibitions, live performances, and interactive workshops for attendees to engage with various art forms. From traditional Japanese crafts to contemporary installations, the festival highlights the diverse artistic talent present in Tokyo. Visitors can explore the streets filled with art displays while enjoying food stalls offering local delicacies.
Nihonbashi Sakana Matsuri
Nihonbashi, Tokyo
June 21-22, 2025
https://www.nihonbashi-sakana-matsuri.com/
The Nihonbashi Sakana Matsuri (Fish Festival) celebrates Japan's rich seafood culture with an array of activities centered around fish and marine life. Held in the historic Nihonbashi district, this festival features fresh seafood tastings from local vendors, cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, and educational exhibits about sustainable fishing practices. Attendees can enjoy live music while sampling various fish dishes and learning about the importance of marine conservation.
Kyoto Events
Ajisai Matsuri (Hydrangea Festival)
Fujinomori Shrine, Kyoto
June 1-30, 2025
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/june/
The Ajisai Matsuri, or Hydrangea Festival, takes place at Fujinomori Shrine throughout June. This month-long event celebrates the blooming of hydrangeas with special garden openings featuring thousands of colorful flowers. Visitors can stroll through beautifully arranged gardens while participating in traditional tea ceremonies held on-site. The serene atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The festival also includes cultural performances that highlight local traditions.
Taue-sai (Rice Planting Festival)
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kyoto
June 10, 2025
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/june/
The Taue-sai is celebrated at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine on June 10th as a traditional rice planting festival. This event signifies the importance of rice cultivation in Japanese culture and involves rituals to pray for a good harvest. Participants can witness the ceremonial planting of rice seedlings while enjoying traditional music and dance performances that accompany the festivities. The event emphasizes community involvement and agricultural heritage in Japan.
Takekiri Eshiki (Bamboo Cutting Ritual)
Kurama-dera Temple, Kyoto
June 20, 2025
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/june/
Held on June 20th at Kurama-dera Temple, the Takekiri Eshiki is an ancient bamboo cutting ritual that honors local legends associated with the temple. Participants engage in bamboo cutting as part of a purification ceremony believed to ward off evil spirits. The event also includes prayers for good fortune regarding crops for the upcoming season. Attendees can enjoy a unique blend of spirituality and community spirit while experiencing this traditional practice.
Nagoshi no Harae (Summer Purification Ritual)
Various shrines in Kyoto
June 25-30, 2025
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/june/
The Nagoshi no Harae is celebrated at various shrines across Kyoto from June 25th to 30th as a purification ritual marking the halfway point of the year. Participants cleanse themselves from misdeeds committed during the first half of the year by passing through large shide (sacred paper streamers). This ritual symbolizes renewal and hope for better fortune in the latter half of the year. It’s a deeply spiritual experience that attracts both locals and visitors seeking purification.
Fukuoka Events
Wakamatsu Hydrangea Festival
Takatoyama Park, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
June 9 and June 16, 2025
https://en.japantravel.com/fukuoka/wakamatsu-hydrangea-festival/68864
The Wakamatsu Hydrangea Festival is a beloved annual event held at Takatoyama Park in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. This festival has been running for over two decades, showcasing the beauty of hydrangeas in full bloom. The event is divided into two parts: a sub-event focusing on mountain hydrangeas, and the main event featuring the peak blooming period. Visitors can enjoy various activities, including guided tours, local food stalls, and cultural performances. The park offers stunning views of approximately 10,000 hydrangea plants of 30 different varieties, creating a mesmerizing sea of colors. The festival not only celebrates the natural beauty of the area but also provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the local flora and enjoy the serene atmosphere
of Takatoyama Park.
Nijo Rice Field Art
Nijo, Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture
June 1 to June 30, 2025https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/event/archive/
In Nijo, Itoshima, a unique art form emerges in the rice fields as the harvest season approaches. Each year, a large-scale design is created using different varieties of rice plants, resulting in a stunning visual spectacle. This innovative approach to agriculture and art attracts visitors from all over, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of local farmers. The rice field art serves as a celebration of the area's agricultural heritage and demonstrates the harmonious relationship between nature and human creativity. Visitors can enjoy viewing the intricate designs from designated observation points, providing a perfect opportunity for photography enthusiasts. The event not only highlights the beauty of the rural landscape but also promotes awareness about sustainable farming practices and the importance of preserving traditional agricultural methods.
Hakata Gion Yamakasa Evening Parade
Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
June 10, 2025
https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/yamakasa/
The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Evening Parade is a spectacular prelude to one of Fukuoka’s most famous festivals, showcasing traditional floats and cultural heritage. As the sun sets, the streets of Hakata come alive with the vibrant colors and sounds of this historic celebration. Teams from various neighborhoods compete to display their intricately decorated floats, known as yamakasa, in a thrilling race through the streets. The evening parade includes live performances, traditional music, and energetic chants, creating an exhilarating atmosphere for spectators. Attendees can enjoy food stalls offering local specialties, making it a perfect family outing. This event not only highlights Fukuoka’s rich cultural history but also fosters community spirit as locals rally together to support their teams. The parade serves as a significant reminder of the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into creating the yamakasa, making it a captivating experience for both residents and visitors.
Fukuoka Craft Beer Festival
Ohori Park, 1-2 Ohorikoen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
June 25 - June 27, 2025
https://en.japantravel.com/fukuoka/beers-of-japan-festival/66733
The Fukuoka Craft Beer Festival celebrates the growing craft beer scene in Japan, showcasing a variety of local breweries and their unique creations. Set in the beautiful Ohori Park, the festival provides an idyllic backdrop for beer enthusiasts to sample a wide range of flavors, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Attendees can participate in tastings, brewery tours, and beer-pairing workshops that highlight the art of brewing and the importance of local ingredients. Live music performances add to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect gathering spot for friends and families. Food trucks featuring local cuisine complement the beer selections, ensuring a well-rounded culinary experience. The festival not only promotes craft beer culture but also fosters community engagement, allowing local breweries to connect with residents and visitors.
Kyushu Events
Kumamoto Castle Night Illuminations
Kumamoto Castle, 1-1 Honmaru, Kumamoto
June 1 - June 30, 2025
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20201118/p2a/00m/0na/028000c
The Kumamoto Castle Night Illuminations is a breathtaking event that enhances the beauty of one of Japan's most iconic castles under the night sky. Every evening throughout June, the castle and its surrounding gardens are illuminated with a stunning array of lights, creating a magical atmosphere that captivates visitors. Special guided night tours are offered, allowing attendees to learn about the castle's rich history and architectural significance while enjoying the enchanting views. The illuminations are complemented by traditional performances, including taiko drumming and cultural dances, which take place in the castle grounds. Local food vendors will be on site, offering a taste of Kumamoto's culinary delights. This event not only celebrates the beauty of Kumamoto Castle but also provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and community engagement, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Kokura Gion Festival
Kokura, Kitakyushu
June 1 to June 7, 2025
https://en.japantravel.com/events/fukuoka-kitakyushu
The Kokura Gion Festival is a vibrant mid-summer celebration held in northern Kyushu. This festival is renowned for its energetic community drumming, creating a frenzy of excitement throughout the city. Participants and spectators alike are drawn into the rhythmic beats of taiko drums, which resonate through the streets. The festival features colorful parades, traditional performances, and various cultural activities that showcase the rich heritage of the region. Local food stalls offer a variety of delicious treats, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of Kyushu cuisine. The Kokura Gion Festival not only serves as a platform for cultural expression but also strengthens community bonds and preserves local traditions, making it a must-see event for anyone visiting Kyushu in June.
