Timely updates on festivals, openings, and seasonal inspiration for your clients.
Apr 14-15
One of Japan's best-known spring festivals, held in Takayama, Gifu every April 14-15. Lavishly carved floats parade through the old town by day, and the lantern-lit evening procession adds a distinctive atmospheric finish.
Early-Mid Apr
A practical Tokyo spring stop for visitors who want a classic floral scene without leaving the city. More than 50 wisteria vines bloom from early to mid April, reflected in the shrine pond and filling the grounds with a light fragrance.
Apr 29-May 5
Japan's largest pottery and porcelain market, held in Arita, Saga during Golden Week. Hundreds of stalls line roughly four kilometers of streets, making it easy to combine shopping, local history, and regional food in one visit.
May 3-5, 2026
Held at Oribe Hills in Izumi-Kitayama-cho, Toki, Gifu, one of Japan's largest ceramic production centers and home to one of the country's three major pottery festivals. Browse everything from signature Shino and Oribe ware to porcelain, with opening hours from 9:00 to 17:00 and closing at 16:00 on May 5.
May 5-6, 2026
A seaside resort-style event at Tokyo Yumenoshima Marina in Koto, Tokyo, near Shinkiba Station. Enjoy hula and Tahitian dance on a special stage set against yachts and cruisers, Hawaiian shops, food trucks serving dishes such as loco moco, Tokyo Bay cruising experiences, and tropical games for children. Hours are 10:00 to 17:30, with May 6 scheduled to close at 17:00.
May 1-6, 2026
A free family event held at Okazaki Park in front of Heian Shrine in Sakyo, Kyoto, running from 10:00 to 20:00. Follow a map through the venue to search for hidden treasure, clear hands-on challenges with family and friends, and dig through mystery stones to uncover small prizes.
Late Jul 2026
One of Otaru's signature summer festivals, held for three days in late July at Otaru Port's No. 3 Pier. First held in 1967, this local favorite offers a lively way to experience the character of Hokkaido and Otaru. The venue is in Minatomachi, Otaru, about a 10-minute walk from JR Otaru Station.
Jul 2026
A July festival in the Furano area, about 2 hours and 10 minutes from Sapporo by expressway, where lavender colors the hillsides purple and fills the town with a perfume-like scent. Fireworks are launched above the lavender fields, with the venue in Miyamachi, Nakafurano, about a 10-minute walk from JR Nakafurano Station.
Mar 28-Jun 14, 2026
A major retrospective at the National Museum of Western Art, returning to Japan after a 34-year gap. The exhibition highlights a dreamlike world where symbolic visual language and musical sensibility are closely intertwined.
Apr 8-10, 2026
Japan's largest fashion trade fair, held at Tokyo Big Sight. The spring edition brings together apparel, lifestyle goods, sourcing, and OEM business opportunities in a single event window.
Apr 7-8, 2026
One of Japan's largest AI-focused trade shows, offering free admission, live demos, case studies, and pre-booked business meetings. More than 100 companies and 200 products will cover AI agents, generative AI, physical AI, and robotics.
May 20-22, 2026
A large-scale industry exhibition for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and regenerative medicine, with exhibitors from 25 countries and regions. It is a strong option for teams tracking research, manufacturing, and supplier trends in one place.
Monitor current regulations for travelers entering Japan.
Japan adds additional nationalities eligible for streamlined eVisa applications for group tours.
Updated health declaration process removes on-arrival testing for fully vaccinated travelers.
Corporate visitors can now pre-clear documentation for priority immigration lanes at Haneda and Kansai.