All festivals

Festivals in Japan in April

Dates are computed from each festival’s rule, so future years work too

5

• 2–4 April 2027Yamanashi

  Shingen-ko Festival

  信玄公祭り

  Over a thousand armoured samurai move through Kōfu — three days of reconstructed war.

• 3–4 April 2027Aichi

  Inuyama Festival

  犬山祭

  The festival of Haritsuna Shrine in the castle town below Inuyama Castle. Thirteen yama floats, each carrying mechanical karakuri puppets, roll through streets lined with cherry blossoms, and at night parade lit with paper lanterns. A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Held every year on the first Saturday of April and the Sunday after.

• 9–17 April 2027Shiga

  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri

  長浜曳山まつり

  On the stages of Edo-period floats, young boys perform kabuki.

• 14–15 April 2027Gifu

  Takayama Spring Festival

  春の高山祭(山王祭)

  Hie Shrine's rite, with mechanical-puppet floats moving through the old Hida town.

• 1–3 April 2028Nagano

  Onbashira

  御柱祭

  Once every six years, giant firs are dragged from the mountain and raised at the corners of Suwa Taisha.