Best Summer Festivals in Eastern Japan 2025: Shinkansen Access to Tohoku

Japan's summer brings magical festivals featuring traditional matsuri, spectacular fireworks displays, and modern music events. From late July through August, cities across Japan come alive with vibrant celebrations - all easily accessible by Shinkansen and express trains.

This guide shows you how to reach some of Japan's most exciting summer festivals in 2025, specifically focusing on events in the Kanto, Tohoku, and Koshin'etsu regions accessible from Tokyo using the Shinkansen and express train network.

Overview of Summer Festivals in 2025

Summer in Japan means festival season. From late July through August, cities across eastern and northern Japan come alive with traditional matsuri, world-class fireworks displays, and modern music festivals. The best part? Most of these incredible events are easily accessible by Shinkansen, making your summer festival adventure both comfortable and convenient.

List of 2025 Summer Festivals and How to Get There

Here are the must-see summer festivals accessible by Shinkansen in 2025:

Why Travel by Shinkansen and Express Trains to Summer Festivals?

Japan’s high-speed Shinkansen and comfortable limited express trains offer unmatched convenience for festival travelers. Here’s why rail travel is perfect for your summer festival adventure:

• Speed and Comfort: Reach festival destinations quickly while enjoying air conditioning and spacious seats during hot summer weather.
• Easy Access: Most festival locations are within walking distance or a short bus ride from Shinkansen stations.
• Luggage Space: Plenty of room for festival supplies, souvenirs, and travel gear.
• Extra Services: JR East adds special Shinkansen and limited express train services during summer festivals, connecting Tokyo and other major cities to festival areas with increased frequency.

Major Events and Fireworks Accessible by Shinkansen

FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL '25

One of Japan's largest outdoor music festivals takes place in the beautiful mountains of Niigata. International and Japanese artists perform across multiple stages in a stunning natural setting. The festival combines world-class music with Japan's natural beauty, creating an unforgettable experience.

Dates: July 25-27, 2025
Location: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Prefecture
Access: Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then shuttle bus (40-60 minutes)

Fukushima Waraji Festival

Watch giant straw sandals (waraji) being carried through the streets in this unique traditional festival. The massive 12-meter, 2-ton sandals represent prayers for health and safe travels. The festival creates a lively atmosphere in downtown Fukushima.

Dates: August 1-3, 2025
Location: Fukushima City center
Access: Tohoku Shinkansen to Fukushima Station, then 5-minute walk

Morioka Sansa Odori

Experience the world's largest taiko drum parade, officially recognized by Guinness World Records. Thousands of drummers and dancers fill the streets with thunderous rhythms and colorful performances. The energy and sound of this festival will stay with you forever.

Dates: August 1-4, 2025
Location: Morioka city center
Access: Tohoku Shinkansen to Morioka Station, then 10-20 minute walk

Aomori Nebuta Matsuri

Marvel at giant illuminated floats called "nebuta" as they parade through the streets. These massive lantern floats depict historical and mythical figures in brilliant colors. The festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

Dates: August 2-7, 2025
Location: Aomori City
Access: Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station, then 5-10 minute train transfer to Aomori Station, then 5-10 minute walk

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

One of Japan's three greatest fireworks festivals lights up the night sky along the Shinano River. The spectacular display honors World War II victims and celebrates peace. The scale and artistry of the fireworks make this a truly moving experience.

Dates: August 2-3, 2025
Location: Shinano River, Nagaoka City
Access: Joetsu Shinkansen to Nagaoka Station, then 30-minute walk

Akita Kanto Festival

Watch skilled performers balance tall bamboo poles decorated with dozens of lanterns. This ancient festival prays for a good harvest and demonstrates incredible balance and strength. The glowing lanterns create a magical atmosphere in the evening.

Dates: August 3-6, 2025
Location: Akita City center
Access: Akita Shinkansen to Akita Station, then short walk

Yamagata Hanagasa Festival

Join thousands of dancers wearing flower hats as they parade through downtown Yamagata. The rhythmic chant of "Yassho, Makasho!" fills the air as colorfully dressed performers dance with decorated straw hats.

Dates: August 5-7, 2025
Location: Yamagata City center
Access: Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station, then 10-minute walk

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Japan's largest Tanabata festival transforms downtown Sendai into a tunnel of colorful streamers and decorations. The beautiful paper decorations hang from shopping arcades, creating a dreamlike atmosphere throughout the city center.

Dates: August 6-8, 2025
Location: Downtown Sendai
Access: Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai Station, then 10-minute walk

Ito Anjin Fireworks

This coastal fireworks display honors William Adams (Anjin-san), the English navigator who served the Tokugawa shogunate. The fireworks reflect beautifully off the ocean, creating a stunning seaside spectacle.

Dates: August 10, 2025
Location: Ito coastal area
Access: Odoriko limited express to Ito Station, then short walk

Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival

Experience fireworks launched over a beautiful mountain lake. The reflection of the colorful displays on the water surface doubles the visual impact, making this one of Japan's most photogenic fireworks festivals.

Dates: August 15, 2025
Location: Lake Suwa, Nagano Prefecture
Access: Azusa limited express to Kamisuwa Station, then 10-20 minute walk

Omagari Fireworks Festival

Japan's most prestigious fireworks competition brings together the country's top pyrotechnic artists. The technical skill and artistic creativity on display represent the highest level of Japanese fireworks craftsmanship.

Dates: August 30, 2025
Location: Omagari, Akita Prefecture
Access: Akita Shinkansen to Omagari Station, then 10-15 minute walk

What to Pack and Prepare for Summer Festivals

Japan's summer festivals take place during the hottest and most humid time of year, often in crowded outdoor settings. Proper preparation will help you enjoy these amazing events comfortably:

• Cash for food and souvenirs
• Portable fan or hand fan for cooling
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Small towel for wiping sweat
• Portable phone charger
• Small umbrella for sudden summer rain
• Insect repellent for outdoor events

Stay connected during your festival travels with reliable internet. Consider Japan Wireless for Pocket WiFi rental or Japan Wireless eSIM for convenient mobile data access throughout your trip.

Tips for Booking Trains and Accommodations Early

Summer festival season is peak travel time in Japan. Follow these tips for smooth travel:

Train Reservations:

• Book Shinkansen tickets well in advance, especially for popular festival dates
• Reserved seats fill up quickly during festival weekends
• Consider flexible travel dates if possible

Accommodation Planning:

• Hotels near festival locations book months ahead
• Look for accommodations along Shinkansen lines for easy access
• Consider day-tripping to nearby festivals

Festival Logistics:

• Check festival websites for event schedules and special transportation
• Some festivals offer special train services during peak times
• Arrive early for popular events like fireworks displays

For details on additional Shinkansen and express train services during the summer season, please refer to the official JR East news release (PDF in Japanese only).

Make It Easy with Japan Bullet Train

Make your summer festival adventure seamless with Japan Bullet Train, the premier booking service for international visitors:

Why Choose Japan Bullet Train:

• Online reservation system designed for foreign travelers
• QR code ticketing system - simply exchange at the station
• Multilingual customer support available
• Extensive route coverage including festival destinations
• Support for both Shinkansen and express train connections

Booking Process:

1. Select your festival destinations and travel dates
2. Reserve tickets online through Japan Bullet Train’s user-friendly system
3. Receive QR codes via email
4. Exchange QR codes for physical tickets at the station
5. Board your train and enjoy the journey

The service covers all major Shinkansen lines serving festival destinations, including Tohoku, Joetsu, Akita, and Yamagata Shinkansen routes. Express trains like Odoriko and Azusa are also available for festivals not directly accessible by Shinkansen.

Take Me There

Japan's summer festivals offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences that combine ancient traditions, vibrant celebrations, and modern entertainment. Traveling by Shinkansen makes it possible to experience multiple festivals across the country in comfort and style.

Whether you're drawn to the giant illuminated floats of Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, the mountain music scene of FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL, or the artistic fireworks of Omagari National Fireworks Competition, the Shinkansen network puts these incredible experiences within easy reach.

Start planning your summer festival adventure today with Japan Bullet Train. Book your tickets online, pack your festival gear, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through Japan's most exciting summer celebrations. The festivals are waiting – all you need to do is board the Shinkansen and let the adventure begin!