Kyushu & Okinawa, Japan
The great matsuri of Kyushu and Okinawa, through the year — when they happen and where.
NagasakiOctober 7–9
OkinawaMid October
Okinawa doesn't do small tug-of-war ropes. The Naha Ōtsunahiki is Guinness-certified as the larg
MiyazakiLate October
Known locally as "Jimmu-sama," this is Miyazaki's biggest festival by a mile — over 140 years ru
Lantern & Fire
Nagasaki
Mid February (Lunar New Year) · In 143 days
Free
Seasonal
Oita
Early April · In 198 days
Festivals & Parades
Fukuoka
May 3–4 · In 230 days
Free to watch
Early–mid July · In 303 days
Late July · In 313 days
Kumamoto
Mid August · In 334 days
Free to watch (paid Sensuiji seats available)
Dance
Okinawa
Late August / early September · In 354 days
Free; grandstand seats ¥1,500–¥4,500
Saga
Late October – early November · In 47 days
Kagoshima
Early November · In 48 days
November 2–4 · In 49 days
