Japan is a country rich in traditions and festivities, where each season is marked by iconic celebrations. These festivals, called " matsuri ," are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and reflect both Shinto and Buddhist beliefs as well as the country's history .
In this article, we introduce you to the biggest Japanese festivals, their meaning and their specific characteristics.
Shōgatsu (新年) - Japanese New Year
The Japanese New Year, called " Shōgatsu ", is the most important holiday in Japan . Celebrated from January 1st to 3rd , it marks a moment of renewal and reflection.
Families clean their homes to welcome the new year in purity , prepare traditional dishes like osechi ryōri , and visit temples and shrines to pray for a prosperous year. The tradition of hatsuhinode , which involves observing the first sunrise of the year, is very widespread.
Photo source: roppongi.fr
Setsubun (節分) - The end of winter
Celebrated on February 3 or 4 , Setsubun marks the transition between winter and spring according to the lunar calendar.
One of the most popular customs is " mamemaki ": families throw roasted bean or soybean seeds to chase away evil spirits and attract good luck while shouting " Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! " meaning "Out with the demons! In with happiness!".
In some regions, people also eat " ehōmaki ", a maki roll believed to bring good luck when eaten in silence while looking in a specific direction.
Photo source: kanpai.fr
Hina Matsuri (嫁祭) - The Girls' Festival
The Hina Matsuri , or Doll Festival , is a Japanese celebration held every March 3rd to wish happiness and prosperity to young girls. This tradition dates back to the Heian period (794-1185) and is based on the belief that dolls can ward off evil spirits .
On this occasion, families display " Hina Ningyō" , dolls representing the imperial court, arranged on a tiered altar covered in red. The emperor and empress sit enthroned at the top, accompanied by ladies-in-waiting, musicians and various miniature accessories.
The festivities include traditional foods such as hishimochi (tricolored rice cakes), hina-arare (puffed cookies), and shirozake (a sweet fermented rice drink). According to superstition, the dolls must be put away after March 3rd to prevent the girls from marrying late.
Although celebrated with family, the Hina Matsuri also gives rise to spectacular displays in some cities and temples, attracting many visitors.
Photo source: ichiban-japan.com
Hanami (花見) - Cherry Blossom Viewing
Hanami (花見), meaning "flower viewing," is a Japanese tradition celebrating the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms ( sakura ). Every spring, between March and April depending on the region, the Japanese gather in parks and gardens to admire these flowers, which symbolize the fragility and transient nature of life .
Families, friends, and colleagues organize picnics under the cherry trees, sharing traditional dishes and sake in a festive atmosphere. At night, the Yozakura (nighttime hanami) illuminates the trees with lanterns, adding a magical touch to the event.
Hanami is much more than just a flower display: it reflects a Japanese philosophy, inspired by Buddhism, about the ephemeral beauty and renewal of nature . This event also marks the beginning of a new season and often symbolizes a fresh start, especially for students and workers.
Photo source: nippon.com
Kodomo no Hi (子供の日) - Children's Day
Children's Day ( Kodomo no Hi ) is celebrated every May 5th in Japan to wish happiness and success to children . Originally dedicated to boys under the name Tango no Sekku , it became a holiday for all children in 1948 and is part of "Golden Week" (a series of public holidays in Japan, from April 29th to May 5th, when many Japanese travel and celebrate national holidays).
Families decorate their homes with koinobori , carp-shaped streamers symbolizing strength and perseverance . Inside, samurai helmets ( kabuto ), symbols of courage and protection, are also displayed.
On that day, specialties such as kashiwa mochi (rice cake filled with red bean paste) and chimaki (sticky rice in bamboo leaves) are enjoyed, celebrating the growth and prosperity of children.
Photo source: workinjapan
Tanabata (七夕) - The Star Festival
Tanabata , or "Star Festival," is celebrated on July 7 in Japan and is inspired by a legend where two lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi , can only meet one night a year.
The Japanese write their wishes on tanzaku , small colored slips of paper hung from bamboo branches, and festivals with decorations and fireworks enliven the celebration. Tanabata symbolizes hope and the importance of the bonds between people .
Photo source: japonaix.com
Obon (お盆) - The Festival of the Dead
Obon is a Japanese Buddhist festival, usually celebrated in August , during which families honor the spirits of their ancestors . It is said that the souls return temporarily to Earth, and to welcome them, the Japanese clean graves, light lanterns ( chōchin ), and perform traditional dances called Bon Odori.
At the end of the festival, floating lanterns ( tōrō nagashi ) are released onto the water to guide the spirits back to the afterlife. Obon is a time for reflection and family gatherings, blending Buddhist traditions with local festivities.
Photo source: japon-secreto.com
Major Japanese festivals illustrate the country's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Whether it is to pay homage to ancestors, celebrate the seasons or pray for prosperity, these festivities are moments of sharing and deeply rooted traditions.
When visiting Japan, attending a matsuri is an unforgettable experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the heart of Japanese culture.