Japan’s 3 Biggest Festivals in June

Best Japanese festivals in June!

Let’s beat the gloomy rain season with energetic festivals!! Here are 3 biggest festivals held in Japan in June, which you can’t miss!


-Yosakoi Soran Festival, Hokkaido

Date: early June

Yosakoi Soran Festival (YOSAKOIソーラン祭り) is an annual festival held in early June in Sapporo City, Hokkaido.

The festival was held in 1992 for the first time and the scale gets bigger and bigger every year, inviting over 2 million visitors. The festival features Yosakoi Dance (originally from Kochi prefecture) and Soran Bushi (traditional music in Hokkaido). There are about 300 teams participate the festival, performing on several stages and parade through the city.

Access: Odori Park- Odori Station or 10 mins walk from Sapporo Station

Website: https://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/

-Sanno Festival, Tokyo

Date: mid June

Sanno Festival (山王まつり) is one of major Shinto festivals in Tokyo, which is held in even-numbered years in June at Hie Shrine.

The whole festival is actually 10 days long from early to mid June, and during the festival, there are events and food stalls at the shrine. The main event of the festival “Shinkosai” is held in mid June. The main event features a large parade of 300m long procession of priests, geisha in Edo Period costumes with Mikoshi (portable shrine) through the neighbourhood.

Access: Hie Shrine- 3 mins walk from Akasaka Station or Tameikesanno Station

Website: https://www.hiejinja.net/

-Otaue Rice Planting Festival, Osaka

Date: mid June

Otaue Rice Planting Festival (御田植神事) is held at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka in mid June, which is one of the most historical and important shrines in Japan.

It’s an ancient event praying for a rich rice harvest, considerably started 3rd century. The festival features rice planting on paddies with a traditional dance performance.

Access: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine- 3 mins walk from Sumiyoshi Taisha Station

Website: https://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/


If you plan to travel Japan in June, you shouldn’t miss the 3 biggest festivals. For more info about Japan in June, check these articles below!!

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"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have spend almost a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈