Japan is a country steeped in rich traditions and vibrant cultural celebrations. Even in the chilly month of January, there are numerous festivals that showcase Japan’s unique heritage and provide an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the top 10 festivals in Japan that take place in January, offering a glimpse into the country’s festive spirit during the winter season.
Hatsumōde (初詣)
WHERE: Shrine and Temple throughout Japan
WHEN: Jan 1~ 10
Hatsumōde is the first shrine or temple visit of the year and holds great significance in Japanese culture. It’s a time for people to pray for health, happiness, and success in the coming year. Shrines and temples across Japan are adorned with festive decorations, and you can join in the rituals and festivities.
Usually there are many food stalls along the approach to the shrine/temple, so it’s a very lively and festive atmosphere 🙂
Tōka Ebisu Festival (十日えびす)
WHERE: Nishinomiya Shrine in Hyogo, Imamiya Ebisu Shrine in Osaka
WHEN: Jan 9 – 11
This nationwide festival, held for several days in early January, is the first major festival of the new year and is dedicated to Ebisu, the god of commerce and prosperity in Japanese mythology. Known as the Toka Ebisu Festival, it is celebrated all over Japan, with the largest events taking place in the Kansai region at Kyoto Ebisu Shrine (京都ゑびす神社), Hyogo’s Nishinomiya Shrine (西宮神社), and Osaka’s Imamiya Ebisu Shrine (今宮戎神社) – these three shrines being the largest Ebisu Shrines in Japan. Nishinomiya Shrine is the headquarters of all Ebisu Shrines in Japan.
During the festival, visitors have the opportunity to purchase lucky bamboo branches and immerse themselves in lively street performances. The festive atmosphere and reverence for Ebisu make this celebration not only a time for enjoyment but also a spiritual and cultural experience.
Website: Nishinomiya Ebisu Shrine
Oni Hashiri (陀々堂の鬼はしり)
WHERE: Nenbutsuji Temple, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture
WHEN: Jan 14th
This is a unique festival of fire boasting a tradition of 500 years. Father demons, mother demons, and even children demons in masks carry large flaming barrels around the hall in a hellish scene that is meant to protect the residents from disaster. Designated as an important intangible folk cultural property of the country, it is held on the evening of January 14 every year.
Website: https://www.city.gojo.lg.jp/soshiki/bunka/9/2201.html
Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival (野沢温泉の道祖神祭り)
WHERE: Nozawa Onsen Village, Nagano Prefecture
WHEN: Jan 13 – 15
Photo: https://s.webry.info/sp/nozawaonsen.at.webry.info
The Nozawa Fire Festival is one of the three biggest fire festivals in Japan. It is held at Baba-no-hara, Nozawa Onsen Village on the 13-15th of January every year. There are festivities on all 3 days of the festival, with the biggest event occurring the final night on January 15th from 7 to 10pm. Massive crowds gather around the large, burning torch, as tall banners are carried and set afire as well.
Website: https://nozawakanko.jp/record/dosojin/
Wakakusa Yamayaki (若草山焼き)
WHERE: Tobikino in the precincts of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara
WHEN: 4th Saturday of January
This “mountain burning” festival is held every year on the fourth Saturday of January. It features a traditional event that originated in order to announce the coming of early spring to the ancient city of Nara. The entire mountain is set afire, and the spectacle of the burning in the night sky is quite an incredible sight. Just after 6pm, the large fireworks set off at the base of the mountain paint the clear winter night sky with vivid light and color.
Website: https://www3.pref.nara.jp/yamayaki/
Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (千歳・支笏湖氷濤まつり)
WHERE: Shikotsuko Onsen, Chitose, Hokkaido
WHEN: Jan 27 – February 25, 2024
This is a winter festival representing Hokkaido where large and small ice objects are frozen and sprinkled with a sprinkler at the Lake Shikotsu. During the day, the festival shines in a natural blue called Shikotsuko Blue, and in the evening, it is illuminated with colorful lights and creates a romantic atmosphere.
※Illumination: 16:30～22:00
Website: https://hyoutou-special.asia/
Yusnishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival (湯西川温泉かまくら祭)
WHERE: Heike-no-sato, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
WHEN: Jan 26 – Feb 25th 2024
This festival of Yunishigawa Onsen kicks off in late January, and lasts until early March every year. The highlight of the festival is the handmade snowmen that have been built by the local residents of the area. During the day, visitors can enjoy a sleigh ride or eat barbecue inside real snow huts. The festival grounds turn magical in the evening, when seemingly endless rows of small huts that line the river are lit by hundreds of candles. The combination of candlelight and fresh snowfall in this charming little town is a true must-see!
Website: Yunishigawa Kamakura Festival
Osaka Castle Illuminage (大阪城イルミナージュ)
WHERE: Osaka Castle’s Nishinomaru Garden
WHEN: Nov.22 2023 – Feb 25 2024, 5:00pm – 9:30pm
Osaka Castle glistens again! The dazzling Illuminage returns, weaving light and history into a magical winter experience. From ancient castle towns to playful interactive zones, it’s an enchanting journey through Osaka’s soul. Witness the iconic castle transformed, bask in Dotombori’s luminous charm, and create memories that shine. Don’t miss this dazzling spectacle!
Website: https://illuminagegroup.com/
Takasaki Daruma Market （高崎だるま市）
WHERE: Takasaki City, Tochigi Prefecture
WHEN: Jan 1 – 2
The Takasaki Daruma Fair is a two-day event held on January 1st and 2nd in Takasaki, Japan. It is the earliest daruma fair in Japan. Darumas are traditional Japanese dolls that are believed to bring good luck. The fair features a variety of darumas, in all sizes and colors. There is also a drive-thru lane for people who want to purchase darumas without getting out of their cars.
In addition to the daruma sales, there is also a food court, stage events, and a prize drawing. There is also a special event where people can write their wishes on a giant daruma.
The Takasaki Daruma Fair is a great way to start the new year. If you are in the area, be sure to check it out!
Website: http://takasaki-darumaichi.com/
Kitano Tenjinja Brush Festival （北野天神社筆祭り）
WHERE: Kitano Tenjinja shrine, Konan city, Aichi Prefecture
WHEN: Jan 20 – 21
Aichi’s Kitano Tenjinja Brush Festival in January is a vibrant celebration of calligraphy and good luck! Witness a 4-meter, 50-kg brush lead a colorful parade, dive into workshops, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Students seeking exam blessings join the throngs, making it a cultural immersion for all. Experience tradition, art, and perhaps even a touch of luck at this unique event!
Website: https://www.aichi-now.jp/spots/detail/1927/
Japan’s January festivals offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s culture, traditions, and warm hospitality, even during the winter chill. Whether you’re interested in spiritual rituals, lively parades, or breathtaking light displays, these festivals provide a diverse range of experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories of your trip to Japan. In addition to the festivals featured in this blog article, there are many other festivals that take place throughout the year in Japan. Find your perfect festival in Japan here!
Start the year with Hatsumode and don’t miss the chance to partake in these celebrations and connect with the heart of Japan’s cultural heritage.