Japan Matsuri Calendar
A comprehensive, rule-based interactive guide parsing national shrine parades, floats, and historic events. Filter by month or see what is active right now.
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February Festivals3 events found
Sapporo Snow Festival
Snow & IceLocation: Sapporo, Hokkaido
Dates: February 1 – 10
One of Japan's most popular winter events, featuring hundreds of massive, detailed snow and ice sculptures lit up beautifully at night at Odori Park.
Yokote Kamakura Festival
Snow & IceLocation: Yokote, Akita
Dates: February 15 – 16
A 400-year-old winter tradition where candlelit snow domes (kamakura) are built across the city. Children invite visitors inside to drink warm sweet sake (amazake) and eat rice cakes.
Okayama Naked Man Festival (Saidaiji Eyo)
Purification RitualLocation: Saidaiji Temple, Okayama
Dates: Third Saturday of February
A wild winter purification ritual where thousands of men wearing only loincloths (fundoshi) compete to grab sacred wooden talismans thrown by the temple priests.
Procession Etiquette
- Check the active list above to identify parades occurring near you today.
- Navigate directly to the shrine's street address. The main procession routes are typically lined with lanterns and spectators.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before the peak procession hours to secure a viewing spot on the street.
- Show respect during sacred moments: bow when mikoshi pass by, avoid blocking pathways, and never touch floats without invitation.
Yatai Cash Rules
Food stalls (Yatai) set up around festival perimeters do not accept IC-cards or credit cards. You must carry physical cash (coins and ¥1,000 bills) to purchase items (typically ¥500 to ¥1,000 per food portion).