Tohoku Summer Festivals 2025: Hidden Gems in North-Eastern Japan
- TOMOGO! Team
- Jun 18
- 10 min read
Updated: Jun 24
Looking for unforgettable things to do in Japan this summer? Escape the heat and tourist crowds by heading north to Tohoku (which means North-East in Japanese), one of Japan’s most underrated regions.
Known for its cooler climate, lush landscapes, and deep cultural roots, Tohoku is a hidden gem packed with vibrant summer festivals that offer some of the most authentic local experiences in the country.
These celebrations are not just spectacles; they’re invitations to join in, dance, cheer, and connect with local communities.
If you're searching for some authentic festivals to join in Japan in summer beyond Tokyo or Kyoto, Tohoku is your answer.
Here are some of the best summer festivals in Tohoku, Japan, which is perfect for your next seasonal getaway.
Summer Festival in Tohoku, Japan Calendar
Use this quick navigation menu to find the best summer festivals in Japan and nearby areas, sorted by month. Click on them for more information about the event.
August 2025
September 2025
Nishimonai Bon Odori 2025: Japan’s Most Elegant Summer Festival in Akita Prefecture, Tohoku
Dance through the twilight in Ugo Town with haunting flutes, straw hats, and a 700-year-old tradition.
🗓 Schedule
August 16 (Sat) – August 18 (Mon), 2025
7:30 PM – 10:30 PM (until 11:00 PM on August 18)
Note:
Children perform in the early evening and Adult dancers appear mainly after 21:00.
In case of rain, the venue shifts to Ugo Town General Gymnasium. Announcements will be made by 14:00 on the day.
🧦 Note: Shoes must be removed inside the indoor venue.
✨ Event Highlights
One of Japan’s top three traditional Bon dances, Nishimonai Bon Odori blends history, artistry, and regional spirit to clear the summer heat and connect with the local neighborhoods. The dance features mysterious straw hats, colorful yukata (summer bathrobe kimono), and elegant choreography passed down over centuries.
Enjoy mesmerizing processions of dancers swaying to live ohayashi (festival music)
The early part of the evening features children’s performances, while adult dancers in hand-dyed indigo costumes and black hoods appear after 9 PM.
The historic shopping street is transformed into a lantern-lit performance stage, enveloping visitors in a unique summer night atmosphere.
📍 Location & Access
JR Ugo-Honjō Station (Uetsu Main Line), then transfer by local bus or taxi (approx. 30–40 min)
Bus Info: Local community buses run from major access points in Ugo Town
💴 Admission
Free admission is held at the Ugo Town Community Center. Visit the site for gaining access to this one of the largest summer festivals in Tohoku Japan, 2025!
🔗 Official Info & Links
Ōmagari Fireworks 2025: One of Japan’s Top 3 Premier Fireworks Competition in Akita Prefecture
The Ōmagari Fireworks, officially known as the National Fireworks Competition, is one of Japan’s most prestigious and historic fireworks events. Alongside Nagaoka and Tsuchiura, it is part of the revered "Three Great Fireworks Festivals of Japan."
🗓 Schedule
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Daytime Fireworks: From 17:00
Nighttime Fireworks: 18:50 - 21:30 (approx.)
Note: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowd congestion. The most spectacular segments are during the evening competition and finale!
✨ Event Highlights
Daytime Fireworks: A unique feature of this event, these displays use colorful smoke to paint the sky, visible only in daylight.
Night-time Fireworks: Traditional fireworks light up the night with choreographed musical displays, artistic competitions, and a grand finale that rivals any in the world.
Original design fireworks judged for creativity and technical difficulty
Massive “Starmines” and coordinated musical displays
Special presentations by award-winning artisans
📍 Location & Access
Ōmagari Station (JR Akita Shinkansen / Ou Main Line) – approx. 30–40 minutes on foot to the riverside viewing area
Shuttle buses available from the station area during the event.
💴 Admission
Paid:
Reserved Viewing Seats (Advance Purchase Required)
Platinum Pair Seat (2 people) – ¥60,000 (with elevated stage, exclusive restrooms)
Deluxe Table Seat (4 people) – ¥47,000
Standard Table Seat (4 people) – ¥34,000
Embankment Box Seat (4 people) – ¥30,000
Leisure Sheet Area (4 people) – ¥11,000
Pair Bench Seat (2 people) – ¥12,000
Single Chair Seat (1 person) – ¥7,000
Camera Zone A–C (Photographers Only) – ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 (online sale only via Lawson Ticket)
🎟 Tickets required for elementary school age and up. Children under school age may enter free with a guardian but need a ticket if occupying a seat.
🔗 Official Info & Links
Ōmagari Fireworks Official Website (in Japanese)
Sakata Fireworks 2025: “Launch a Smile, Connect Hearts” in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan
A powerful fireworks display with a 1.2km Niagara Waterfall fireworks and 10,000 bursts lighting up the Yamagata night sky.
🗓 Schedule
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Fireworks Start: 19:00
End Time: 20:00 (scheduled)
Note: Arrive early for a good viewing spot, especially for the spectacular finale.
✨ Event Highlights
Over 10,000 Fireworks Bursts in One Hour
Expect a high-energy show featuring dynamic collaborations by top pyrotechnic artists from across Japan. The show is packed with highlights including:
1.2km Aerial Niagara Waterfall Fireworks: A stunning light curtain stretching across the Mogami River at the show’s finale.
Triple Launch of Size-20 Shells: Three massive two-shaku fireworks launched simultaneously in a powerful, thunderous display.
Student-Initiated Community Fireworks: High school organizers will debut fireworks designed by local elementary school children—an emotional and inspiring local touch.
📍 Location & Access
Sakata Station (JR Uetsu Main Line) – approx. 45-minute walk to the venue
💴 Admission
Paid Seating Available
Types include box seats, pair bench seats, and individual seats
Prices range from ¥2,000 to ¥21,000 (planned)
🎟 Check the official website for updates on ticket reservations, pricing, and availability.
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (in Japanese)
Morioka Sansa Odori Festival 2025: Join the World’s Largest Taiko Parade in Japan’s Summer
Celebrate summer at the Morioka Sansa Odori Festival from August 1–4, 2025. Enjoy Japan’s largest taiko drum parade, traditional dances, and the chance to join in!
🗓 Schedule
August 1 (Fri) - August 4 (Mon), 2025
Main Parade: Daily from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM along Chuodori Street
Traditional Dance Performances: August 1–4, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Morioka Civic Cultural Hall
Wa-odori (Circle Dance): Begins around 8:30 PM at multiple locations along the parade route; open to public participation
✨ Event Highlights
Experience the vibrant energy of Morioka's signature summer festival, blending tradition with community spirit.
Sansa Odori Parade: Witness over 20,000 performers, including taiko drummers, flutists, and dancers in colorful yukata, moving rhythmically through the city streets
Miss Sansa Odori: Five women selected annually lead the parade, showcasing elegant dance performances
Traditional Dance Performances: Enjoy afternoon showcases of regional Sansa Odori dances, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the area
📍 Location & Access
Nearest Station: JR Morioka Station (Tohoku Shinkansen) – Approximately 15–20 minutes on foot
💴 Admission
Main Parade & Wa-odori: Free of charge
Traditional Dance Performances at Morioka Civic Cultural Hall: ¥2,000 per person per day; tickets available at the Sansa Odori Festival Organizing Committee, Morioka City Hall, and Morioka Tourism & Convention Association
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in English)
Aomori Nebuta Matsuri 2025: Dance with Lantern Giants at One of Japan’s Most Iconic Summer Festivals
The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is known worldwide for its giant illuminated floats, energetic haneto dancers, and vibrant parades that fill the streets each night. This Tohoku highlight is a must-see for anyone wondering what to do in Japan in summer—and a true hidden gem beyond the big cities.
🗓 Schedule
August 2 (Sat)–August 7 (Thu), 2025
August 2–3 (Evening): Children’s Nebuta and large Nebuta float parade
August 4–6 (Evening): Large Nebuta float parade
August 7 (Day): Final daytime float parade
August 7 (Evening): Aomori Fireworks Festival & Nebuta Marine Parade (floats paraded on boats in Aomori Bay)
Note: The evening parades are the most popular, with the fireworks finale on August 7 drawing the largest crowds.
✨ Event Highlights
Giant Lantern Floats (Nebuta)
At the heart of the festival are massive handcrafted floats made from painted washi paper and lit from within. Many are based on kabuki or mythical themes and reach up to 9 meters wide. These floats are pulled through the streets nightly alongside taiko drums and hayashi flutes.
Join the Parade!
Visitors can join the haneto dancers—just rent the traditional costume locally and jump in! The cry of "Rassera, Rassera!" will echo through the streets.
Fireworks & Floating Nebuta (August 7)
The final night features a stunning fireworks display over Aomori Bay, with floats paraded by boat in a glowing marine procession. For many, this is the highlight of the entire festival.
📍 Location & Access
Aomori Nebuta Route
Nearest Station: JR Aomori Station (Ōu Main Line, Tsugaru Line) – short walk to main festival areas
Note: Street closures are common during the festival. Parking is limited; public transport is highly recommended.
💴 Admission
General admission is free (street-side viewing)
Reserved seating available (recommended for best views)
August 2–6 Evening Parades
Lottery Presale: June 2 (Mon) 11:00 – June 8 (Sun) 23:59
General Sale: June 28 (Sat) from 10:00
August 7 Day Parade & Fireworks Set Ticket: On sale June 27 (Fri) from 9:00
August 7 Day Parade Only: On sale June 30 (Mon) from 9:00
Wheelchair Seating (Aug 2–6, 7 Day Parade): From June 24 (Tue) 9:00
Overseas Visitors (Aug 2–6): From June 28 (Sat) 10:00 JST
Group bookings (10+ people) available via separate process.
Note: Tickets for fireworks only are sold separately on the Aomori Fireworks Festival website.
🔗 Official Info & Links
Akita Kanto Festival 2025: Witness the Balancing Art of 50kg Lantern Poles in Japan’s Northeast
Recognized as one of the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku and a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, this event is a must-see for those searching for what to do in Japan in summer or looking to explore hidden gems in Japan.
🗓 Schedule
August 3 (Sun) – August 6 (Wed), 2025
🕔 18:15: Traffic restrictions begin
🕕 18:50: Kanto performers enter
🌾 19:15–20:30: Kanto performances
🔚 21:00: Event ends (traffic resumes at 21:30)
Daytime Kanto Performances (Kanto Myogi Tournament)
Nigiwai Hiroba (Area Nakaichi Plaza)
August 4–5: 9:00–15:40
August 6: 9:20–15:00
✨ Event Highlights
🎐 Kanto Performance: The Art of Balance
Each kanto consists of 46 paper lanterns arranged on a long bamboo pole weighing up to 50 kg and stretching 12 meters high. Performers—called sashite—balance the poles with astonishing precision on their palms, foreheads, shoulders, and hips, while the chant “Dokkoisho, dokkoisho” echoes through the streets. It's a powerful display of rhythm, balance, and strength that lights up the Akita night.
🌾 A Forest of Light
At the peak of the festival, the city skyline becomes a glowing forest as around 280 kanto poles sway in the breeze, creating a golden scene reminiscent of ripening rice fields—an iconic symbol of gratitude and good harvest in Akita.
📍 Location & Access
JR Akita Station (West Exit) – approx. 15 min walk
💴 Admission
Reserved seating areas available for spectators
Volunteer guides and multilingual pamphlets provided on-site
Nearby daytime venue (Nigiwai Hiroba) for close-up skill demonstrations
🔗 Official Info & Links
Akita Kanto Festival Official Website (In Japanese)
Yamagata Hanagasa Festival 2025: A Dazzling Summer Parade of Flowers and Dance in Japan
Over 10,000 dancers fill the streets in colorful costume, waving flower-decorated hats to traditional rhythms in one of Tohoku's top summer festivals.
🗓 Schedule
August 5 (Tue) – August 7 (Thu), 2025
Parade starts: 18:10
Parade ends: 21:45 (approx.)
Daily Highlights (same for all 3 days):
18:00: Opening remarks by the organizing committee
18:10: Parade begins, including a special Opening Hanagasa Circle Dance in front of Yamagata City Hall (~20 minutes)
21:45: Parade ends
✨ Event Highlights
One of Tohoku’s Big Summer Festivals
With the rhythmic chant of “Yassho! Makasho!” echoing through the streets, over 10,000 dancers in traditional attire perform the dynamic Hanagasa Odori. The spinning red safflower hats (hanagasa) create waves of color along the illuminated summer route.
Main Parade Route The parade runs straight through central Yamagata City from Tokamachi to the historic Bunsokan (Old Prefectural Hall). Spectators can enjoy choreographed performances from local dance teams, schools, businesses, and creative troupes over three vibrant nights.
📍 Location & Access
JR Yamagata Station (Ou Main Line) – ~10 min walk to the parade area
💴 Admission
Free for all spectators
Participation in daytime workshops is also free, no reservation required
Food and drinks at the Food Festa are pay-as-you-go
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in English)
Sendai Tanabata Festival 2025: Japan’s Most Spectacular Summer Star Festival
Admire thousands of vibrant streamers fluttering from tall bamboo poles as Sendai transforms into a dreamy display of traditional craftsmanship and colorful wishes.
🗓 Schedule
August 6 (Tue) – August 8 (Thu), 2025
Decorations viewable all day (best in daylight hours: 10:00–18:00)
✨ Event Highlights
Dating back to the era of Date Masamune, this is Japan’s most famous Tanabata celebration and one of the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku. Streets throughout Sendai are covered in intricate kazari (decorations) made from colorful washi paper, bamboo, and creative structures—some simple, others incredibly elaborate.
Main Decoration Areas
Ichibancho Arcade
Chuo-dori Arcade
Aramachi Shopping Street
Haramachi Shopping Street
These areas are transformed with giant streamers, hanging ornaments, and traditional Tanabata crafts. Many decorations remain a secret until the early morning of August 6, when they’re assembled starting around 8:00 a.m.
📍 Location & Access
JR Sendai Station (Tohoku Shinkansen, Senseki Line, etc.) – All venues within 5–15 min walk
💴 Admission
Fireworks, decoration viewing, and most night events are free
Some special performances or food stalls may charge separately
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page ( in Japanese)
Navigate Japan’s Festivals with Local Insight
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the many traditions and wondering about the deeper meanings behind each summer festivals in Tohoku 2025, TOMOGO! is here to help. Our local guides bring cultural context, personal stories, and insider knowledge to each celebration.
Whether you're curious about the symbolism of a dance or want to find lesser-known festivals that truly reflect Japan’s regional charm, TOMOGO! offers guided experiences that go beyond the surface.
Let us help you explore Japan’s vibrant festival culture with authenticity and insight.
Comments