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    Japan summer festivals (matsuri) with the JR Pass

    Japan's summer matsuri season is one of the most spectacular reasons to visit. With a JR Pass you can chain together the biggest festivals in different cities without paying for each long shinkansen leg.

    01

    The big summer matsuri

    • Kyoto Gion Matsuri: all July, parades on the 17th and 24th.
    • Osaka Tenjin Matsuri: 24 to 25 July, river boats and fireworks.
    • Aomori Nebuta Matsuri: 2 to 7 August, giant illuminated floats.
    • Sendai Tanabata Matsuri: 6 to 8 August, colourful paper streamers.
    • Akita Kanto Matsuri: 3 to 6 August, bamboo lantern poles.
    • Tokushima Awa Odori: 12 to 15 August, dance festival on Shikoku.
    02

    A 7 day Tohoku festival loop

    • Day 1: Tokyo to Sendai for Tanabata.
    • Day 2: shinkansen to Akita for Kanto Matsuri.
    • Day 3: Akita to Aomori for Nebuta.
    • Day 4: stay in Aomori for the final Nebuta evening.
    • Day 5 to 7: back to Tokyo via Morioka and Hiraizumi sightseeing.
    03

    Festival travel tips

    Book accommodation 3 to 6 months in advance for the major festivals. Trains stay open later on festival nights but standing room only is normal. Reserve your shinkansen seats early and pack a foldable fan and water.

    Frequently asked questions

    Quick answers to common questions.

    Which festival is best for first timers?

    Aomori Nebuta is the most photogenic and easy to reach by shinkansen direct from Tokyo.

    Are festivals free to attend?

    Most matsuri are free to watch from the street. Paid reserved seating is sometimes sold for parade routes.

    Is the JR Pass worth it for festival hopping?

    Yes. A single Tohoku loop usually pays back a 7 day pass and adds Tokyo travel on top.

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