Exploring Japan’s Traditional Festivals for Expats

You’ve seen the lanterns glowing in Instagram posts. You’ve heard the distant beat of taiko drums from your apartment. Maybe you’ve even walked past a shrine during a festival and thought, “Should I be here? Am I allowed to join in?”

As an expat in Japan, it’s easy to feel like you’re on the outside looking in. You want to experience the real culture — not just what’s on offer in tourist guides — but you’re not sure where to begin, or what’s expected of you once you get there.

That’s exactly why this guide exists. You’re not just going to learn what festivals are happening — you’re going to understand why they matter, and how you can take part respectfully and confidently.

With insights into lesser-known matsuri, cultural tips, seasonal highlights, and practical advice, this is your entry point into the heart of Japanese tradition. Whether you’re in Japan for a year or a lifetime, these are the experiences that will help you feel connected — not just present.


(Source: Upsplash:Ma na)

What Makes Matsuri Special?

At first glance, matsuri might look like big public parties — food stalls, fireworks, music, colourful outfits. But beneath the surface, they carry centuries of meaning.

The word matsuri comes from the verb matsuru, meaning “to honour” or “to worship.” Most festivals are rooted in Shinto or Buddhist beliefs and serve a specific purpose: to thank the gods for a good harvest, pray for protection, or commemorate important events. Some are linked to seasons, others to local legends or deities. Each one reflects the values and history of its community.

But what makes matsuri truly special isn’t just the tradition — it’s the community spirit. These festivals are created by the people who live there. Locals spend weeks (sometimes months) preparing floats, costumes, and performances. Neighbours volunteer together. Generations gather. And for a few days, everyday life pauses so that people can come together — to celebrate, remember, and reconnect.

For expats, that’s what makes attending a matsuri so powerful. It’s not about being a spectator — it’s a chance to step into the rhythm of local life. Even if you don’t know all the customs or can’t speak perfect Japanese, your presence shows interest and respect — and in many cases, that’s more than enough to be welcomed in.

Top Traditional Festivals Worth Exploring (Beyond the Big Cities)

You’ve probably heard of the big-name festivals in Tokyo or Kyoto — and yes, they’re spectacular. But the heart of Japan’s festival culture often beats loudest in smaller towns and regional communities, where centuries-old traditions still take centre stage. These are the festivals that locals grow up with. The ones that don’t always make the guidebooks, but leave the deepest impressions.

Here are a few that offer something truly special — whether it’s jaw-dropping visuals, community warmth, or a unique story behind the celebration:

1. Oni Matsuri (Demon Festival) – Tochigi Prefecture

Every February, this dramatic festival sees locals dressed as demons parading through town to drive out evil spirits and invite good luck. It’s loud, chaotic, and unforgettable — and it’s been happening for over 1,000 years. Despite the intimidating costumes, this is a family-friendly event rooted in protection and purification.

Tip: Arrive early and stay late. Some of the best parts happen after dark, when the fire rituals begin.

2. Takayama Matsuri – Gifu Prefecture

Held in spring and autumn, this festival is famous for its elegant floats (yatai) — each one hand-crafted with astonishing detail and passed down through generations. These floats are paraded through the beautifully preserved streets of Takayama’s old town, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time.

Tip: The crowds are big, but still manageable compared to major city festivals. Book accommodation early and don’t miss the nighttime float processions.

3. Aoi Matsuri – Kyoto

Taking place on 15 May, Aoi Matsuri is all about tradition — think 6th-century rituals, ox-drawn carts, and over 500 participants in full Heian-era dress. It’s a calm, elegant festival that reflects Kyoto’s deep historical roots.

Tip: This festival is more reserved than others. Think quiet reverence over rowdy crowds. If you enjoy cultural depth and historical accuracy, it’s a must-see.

4. Kanto Matsuri – Akita

If you want to witness jaw-dropping skill, head to Akita in August. Performers balance towering bamboo poles with dozens of lanterns — sometimes on their foreheads or shoulders. The whole thing is hypnotic, full of tension and beauty. It’s rooted in a tradition of praying for a good harvest.

5. Nagoya Matsuri – Aichi Prefecture

This October festival blends history with showmanship. Expect parades featuring samurai, historical re-enactments, traditional dances, and local pride on full display. If you’ve got an interest in Japan’s feudal past, this one’s a treat.


(Photo by: Shahidah Uthman)

How to Participate as an Expat (Without Feeling Like a Tourist)

You want to experience a matsuri without sticking out like... well, a tourist. Good news — most local festivals want you there. They just want you to be present, curious, and respectful.

Here’s how to make the most of it — not just by watching, but by truly joining in:

1. Dress the Part (If You Want To)

Wearing a yukata — a casual summer kimono — isn’t required, but it can help you feel more connected. Rental shops are common during festival seasons, especially in cities and near popular shrines. Locals will often appreciate the effort, and it makes the whole experience feel more immersive.

Bonus Tip: Don’t stress about doing it perfectly. Many shops will help dress you correctly and explain how to wear the yukata comfortably.

2. Know What’s Happening and When

Festivals are usually packed with events — parades, rituals, performances, fireworks — but they don’t all happen at once. Some ceremonies start early in the morning, while others take place after dark. A bit of research goes a long way.

Look Up:

1) Parade routes

2) Shrine locations

3) Start times

4) Cultural highlights (like fire-walking, dances, or lantern displays)

Local tourism websites or city halls often post detailed schedules in English around festival time.

3. Try the Food — It’s Half the Fun

Festival food stalls (yatai) are iconic for a reason. Grabbing a stick of yakitori, a tray of takoyaki, or a sweet taiyaki while walking under lanterns is part of the experience. Each region also has local treats you might not find elsewhere.

Must-Try Favourites:

• Okonomiyaki – savoury pancakes with cabbage and sauce
• Kakigori – shaved ice with flavoured syrup (perfect for summer festivals)
• Ikayaki – grilled whole squid on a stick

4. Respect the Rituals

Many matsuri include Shinto or Buddhist rituals — purification rites, prayers, dances for deities. These moments might be quiet and serious, even during otherwise lively festivals.

If in doubt:

1) Watch what others are doing

2) Step aside during sacred ceremonies

3) Don’t take flash photos at shrines

4) Keep your phone on silent

 5) You don’t have to understand everything — you just need to show respect.

5. Join as a Volunteer

Want a deeper experience? Help out. Some festivals allow foreigners to volunteer — whether that’s carrying a float, handing out flyers, or helping with setup. You’ll meet locals, learn more, and feel less like a guest and more like a participant.

How to Find Opportunities:

• Check local community centres
• Ask your city hall’s international desk
• Join Facebook groups or expat forums in your area

Being part of a matsuri isn’t about blending in perfectly — it’s about showing you care. Locals notice when you’re genuinely interested, even if you don’t speak fluent Japanese. And often, that’s enough to turn strangers into friends.


(Source: Upsplash: bady abbas)

Festivals for Every Season

While most people think of summer when they hear the word matsuri — fireworks, yukata, lanterns — Japan’s festival calendar stretches across all four seasons. And each one brings its own atmosphere, from snow-covered shrines to cherry blossoms in full bloom.

If you’re an expat in Japan, this means there’s always something to look forward to — no matter what time of year you arrive.

Winter: Sapporo Snow Festival – Hokkaido

Held every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival transforms the city into a frozen art gallery. Expect massive snow and ice sculptures — from anime characters to temples — all lit up at night. It’s cold, yes, but the experience is magical.

Did you know?
In 2020, over 2 million people attended. But it’s not just for tourists — locals take great pride in their creations, many of which are made by schools and neighbourhood teams.

Early Spring: Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) – Nationwide

Hanami isn’t a “festival” in the traditional sense — but it might be Japan’s most beloved seasonal celebration. When cherry blossoms bloom (usually March–April), parks fill with people picnicking under the pink petals.

What to Expect:
Groups of friends and colleagues laying out tarps, drinking sake, eating seasonal snacks, and soaking up the beauty. It’s relaxed, joyful, and one of the best ways to connect with locals casually. Head out early in the day if you want a good spot — especially in popular parks like Ueno in Tokyo or Maruyama in Kyoto.

New Year: Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit) – Nationwide

In the first few days of January, millions across Japan head to shrines to pray for good health, success, and happiness in the year ahead. It’s called Hatsumode, and it’s both a religious ritual and a nationwide reset.

Top Spots:

• Meiji Shrine in Tokyo (about 3 million visitors annually)
• Fushimi Inari in Kyoto
• Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka

Expat Tip: If you go on January 1st, expect huge crowds. But don’t worry — the tradition lasts for several days, and early mornings are usually calmer.

Festivals in Japan aren’t tied to a single season. They shift with the rhythm of nature, the beliefs of the community, and the needs of the moment. That’s why, as an expat, you don’t have to wait for summer to join in — you just have to look around.

Pro Tips for a Meaningful Experience

Anyone can attend a matsuri — but having a meaningful experience takes a bit more intention. If you want to leave the festival feeling like you truly connected with the culture (not just grabbed a selfie and some snacks), these tips will help.


(Source: Upsplash: Hiroshige Fukuhara)

1. Don’t Just Take Photos — Talk to People

It’s tempting to spend the whole festival behind your phone, snapping lanterns and performances. But the real magic often happens in casual moments — chatting with a local food vendor, laughing with kids in yukata, or following the crowd to a hidden performance you didn’t know was happening.

Even basic Japanese phrases go a long way:

1) “Konnichiwa” (Hello)

2) “Oishii!” (Delicious!)

3) “Arigatou gozaimasu” (Thank you very much)

You don’t have to be fluent. Just be open.

2. Give Yourself Time — and Be Flexible

Festivals rarely run on exact schedules. Floats can be delayed. Ceremonies might take longer than expected. Crowds shift. And sometimes, the best things aren’t listed on any official map. Leave space to explore side streets, pop-up stages, or spontaneous moments. That’s where you’ll often find the soul of the festival.

3. Go with a Local (If You Can)

If a coworker, neighbour or Japanese friend invites you to a matsuri — go. Even if you’re not sure what to expect. Experiencing a festival with someone who grew up with it will unlock layers you’d never pick up on your own. They might explain the story behind a float or show you the best food stall no guidebook mentions.

4. Bring Cash, Not Just Cards

Most food stalls and small vendors don’t accept credit cards. Bring plenty of small bills and coins. You’ll avoid hassle and be able to enjoy more of what’s on offer.

5. Respect Personal Space — Even in Crowds

Japanese festivals can get very crowded, but people still respect each other’s space. No shouting to get through, no pushing to the front. If you’re tall, avoid standing directly in front of seated guests during performances.

Matsuri aren’t about doing everything perfectly — they’re about showing up with curiosity and care. The more you lean into the moment, the more memorable your experience will be.

Make the Most of Matsuri with Call Butler

Japan’s traditional festivals offer more than just entertainment — they’re your gateway to real cultural connection. But if you're unsure where to go, what’s happening, or how to join in respectfully, the experience can feel out of reach.

Call Butler makes it simple. We help you discover the best local matsuri based on your location and interests, give you real-time travel and schedule info, and provide cultural tips and live translation support when you need it most. Whether it’s finding your way through a remote village festival or understanding a sacred ritual at a shrine, we’ve got your back.