In December, events in Japan come alive with vibrant traditions, colourful parades, and unique winter rituals that celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage. From thrilling fire festivals to solemn shrine ceremonies, Japan’s December festivities hold a special magic. Visitors and locals alike will find these seasonal events an inspiring way to embrace the holiday spirit and connect with centuries-old customs.
If you’re planning a trip or looking to make new memories, mark your calendar for these unmissable December events in Japan. Join the celebrations, soak in the atmosphere, and let Japan’s winter wonders warm your heart this December!
Unmissable Japanese Events in December
Hyuga Province Ichinomiya Tohno Shrine Winter Festival
Tsuno Shrine, 都農神社, 13294 Kawakita, Tsuno, Koyu District, Miyazaki 889-1201
This winter festival at Tsuno Shrine offers a night kagura performance on the first day and an archery competition on the second. Worshippers can enjoy free zenzai (sweet bean soup), amazake (sweet sake), shochu (distilled spirit), and pork miso soup.
Find out more: Tsuno Shrine Winter Festival Website
Ikenoue Misogi Festival
Katsuragake Shrine, 葛懸神社, 3-47 Ikenoue-cho, Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture
In this festival, men don traditional hachimaki and loincloths and enter the icy waters of the Nagara River to perform the Misogi, a ritual to cleanse sins and pray for fulfilled wishes.
Find out more: Ikenoue Misogi Festival Website
Yamashina Yoshishi Festival
Bishamon-dō, Iwaya-ji, Oishi Shrine, 毘沙門堂, 岩屋寺, 大石神社, 116 Nishinoyama Sakuranobaba-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto
Held annually on 14th December, this festival in Yamashina honours Oishi Kuranosuke and the other 47 loyal samurai. The Gikyoudaisai ceremony takes place at Oishi Shrine, where warriors march in full costume to pay tribute.
Find out more: Yamashina Yoshishi Festival Website
Ako Yoshishi Festival
Ako Castle Ruins, Castle Street, around Ikitsugi Square, Ako, Hyogo
The festival’s main event is the Chushingura Parade, a procession of daimyo (feudal lords) reminiscent of historical visits to Ako. Warriors in traditional attire march towards Sengakuji Temple in honour of their lord.
Find out more: Ako Yoshishi Festival Website
Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri
Kasuga-taisha Shrine, 春日大社, Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
This festival’s highlight is the ‘Owatari Ceremony,’ featuring people in period costumes from the Heian to Edo periods parading through the streets. Don’t miss the ‘Otabisho Matsuri,’ where Shinto rituals and performing arts are dedicated.
Find out more: Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri Website
Akiha Fire Festival
Akihasan, 秋葉山, 841 Ryoke, Haruno-cho, Tenryu-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Honouring Akiba Sanshakubo Daigongen, a fire prevention deity, this festival includes a torchlight procession, fire-walking, and a sacred 75-zen offering ceremony.
Find out more: Akiha Fire Festival Website
Nomefuda Oyake Shibaoto Grand Gomaku Ceremony
As monks chant sutras, 50,000 votive tablets burn in the flames of Fudo Myoo’s wisdom in this solemn ceremony, lighting up the winter sky with prayers of gratitude.
Find out more: Nomefuda Ceremony Website
Atami Marine Fireworks Display
Nagisa-cho, Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture
Dating back to 1952, this iconic fireworks display in Atami Bay surrounds visitors with sound and light thanks to its unique ‘mortar’ shape, which enhances the acoustic effect. The finale, the ‘Great Aerial Niagara,’ is especially breathtaking.
Find out more: Atami Marine Fireworks Display Website
Chichibu Night Festival
1-3 Banba-cho, Chichibu, Saitama
The festival features yatai and kasaboko floats accompanied by rhythmic Chichibu music, weaving through the streets in glittering attire.
Find out more: Chichibu Night Festival Website
Festival of Kanto: Koga Lantern Pole Fir Festival
Nogi Shrine, 野木神社, Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture
In this fierce competition, participants with lantern-topped bamboo poles attempt to extinguish each other’s flames, creating a thrilling display.
Find out more: Koga Lantern Pole Festival Website
Morote-bune ritual
Miho Shrine, 美保神社, Mihonoseki, Shimane Prefecture
In this water-splashing ritual, shrine clergy row across the harbour, racing and splashing each other along the way in a lively ceremony.
Find out more: Morote-bune Ritual Website
Make Winter Memories at These December Festivities
December in Japan is a time of celebration, tradition, and unforgettable experiences. From dynamic parades and fire-lit ceremonies to serene shrine gatherings, these events offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural spirit.
Exploring Japan’s December festivities is more than sightseeing—it’s an opportunity to step into age-old customs and enjoy the warmth of the season. Make the most of your December in Japan by joining in on these unique events, capturing the joy of the holidays, and creating memories that will last well beyond winter.
