Gaido Japan

Beppu Fire Sea Festival
2022-06-17
We are yet to confirm the dates and details of this event.
The Beppu Fire Sea Festival (Beppu hi no umi matsuri) runs over three days at the end of July culminating in one of Kyushu’s biggest fireworks displays on the final day. The festival features a yatai (open-air food stand) village, art markets, dancing, and music. The fireworks happen from 8 pm to 9 pm on the final day.

Marine Festa in Kuchinotsu
2022-06-17 00:00 UTC
We are yet to confirm the dates and details of this event.
As a port, Kuchinotsu began to flourish upon the arrival of the European traders. The town owes much to the sea so each year a Marine Festival is held. A festival is now a one-day event with stalls and entertainment during the day plus fireworks in the evening.

Hydrangea Season at Yatadera Temple
2022-06-01 - 2022-07-10 | Yamatokoriyama, Nara, 3506 Yatacho, Yamatokoriyama, Nara 639-1058, Nara, 639-1058, Japan
From June 1st until July 10th each year, Nara’s Yatadera Temple opens its sprawling hydrangea garden for the public to enjoy. The hydrangeas here were originally planted back in 1965 in a space of 25,000 square meters, and they now number in excess of 10,000 plants covering 60 different varieties. As a result, it has become a favorite local rainy season flower spot! Admission to the temple grounds is priced at 500 yen for adults, and 200 yen for elementary school students.

Osaka Comic Con 2022
2022-06-01 - 2022-06-30
The enormously popular Tokyo Comic-Con (at least when it was last held in person at the end of 2019) has now sprouted a version for all the comic and celebrity fans of West Japan.
While Japan has manga and anime festivals, the emphasis is on the authors and artists. The western-style Comic Cons have a bigger emphasis on movie stars and of course western franchises—like Star Wars and the Marvel Universe. Nonetheless, one thing they have in common is a love of cosplay, so expect lots of dress-up—likely with a focus on western movie characters rather than Japanese ones.
While the Tokyo event happens in early Winter, the Osaka version is penciled in for early Summer at Intex Osaka.

Kawaii Flea Market
2022-05-29 09:30 - 15:30 UTC | Kawaii Flea Market, Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, Japan
Taking place either in Nakano or Ikebukuro, this small flea market is punted at the ladies, though, in our experience, can be a good time for all genders. Check it out for previously-loved clothing, crafts, antiques, and all sorts of other “cute” stuff.
Note: These markets, especially the Nakano-Sakaue version, can be really quiet and underwhelming. As this one doesn’t always get much traffic, things might wrap up early.
On its better days, the market features stalls by independent artists and craftspeople, or live performances.
Please note, markets are sometimes cancelled due to weather or other circumstances. Markets may also be cancelled on short notice due to the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.
May 29: Sunshine City, Ikebukuro
July 3: Sunshine City, Ikebukuro
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, many events have been canceled. Always check official sites before heading to an event.

Chiyoda Sakura Festival
2025-12-17 16:18 (Asia/Tokyo)
The Chiyoda Sakura Festival is an annual springtime event that takes place from late March to early April. Held around the beautiful Chidorigafuchi moat, the festival attracts approximately one million visitors each year to admire the stunning pastel-pink scenery. In addition to viewing the cherry blossoms during the daytime, the trees and the 700-meter promenade surrounding the moat are illuminated after dark, providing a perfect setting for a scenic evening walk.
If you want to enjoy the blooms from the water, boat rides are available for 800 yen for 30 minutes or 1,600 yen per hour. You can make reservations at the boat dock (details provided on the festival’s website).
