When summer arrives in Japan, something magical begins to happen. Streets burst into color as people wearing yukata flood the streets. Get ready to enjoy Japan's summer festivals and fireworks! Here are some essential tips for Muslim travelers.
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Summer in Japan: A Prime Time for Traditional Festivals
These festivals originated as rituals dedicated to the gods, seeking protection for crops from pests and typhoons in ancient times.
While many of these events hold significant religious meaning, they've also evolved into vital community gatherings where local people come together to deepen their bonds and celebrate their shared heritage.
Main Highlights of Summer Festivals:
Mikoshi (Portable Shrines) & Dashi (Festival Floats): Watch ornate portable shrines and large floats paraded through the streets, symbolizing the festival's vibrancy and tradition.
O-hayashi (Festival Music) & Traditional Dances: Enjoy the sounds of flutes and drums, accompanied by traditional music and dances that fill the air with festive cheer.
Yatai (Festival Stalls) & Games: Indulge in classic festival foods like yakisoba, takoyaki, taiyaki, and kakigori (shaved ice) from the numerous food stalls. You'll also find popular carnival-style games like goldfish scooping and ring toss.
Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Displays): When it comes to fireworks, Japan's are truly special. They burst into perfect spheres, unlike the varied shapes seen elsewhere. There's also a unique appreciation for controlled timing and graceful fading, allowing for a more reflective experience. Every firework is hand-made by skilled artisans, reflecting their artistry and precise craftsmanship.
Featured Hanabi Events in 2025 (Dates Subject to Change):
A spectacular fireworks display that is part of a festival with over 1000 years of history. Enjoy the enchanting scene where the bonfires of approximately 100 large boats intersect with the fireworks.
- When: July 25, 2025 (Friday) from around 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Number of Fireworks: [Number of fireworks not specified]
- Official Website & Map
This is one of Osaka's iconic summer traditions.
- When: October 18, 2025 (Saturday) from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Number of Fireworks: Over 20,000
- Official Website | View on Google Maps
Held near Kyoto; the reflections on Japan’s largest lake make for stunning photos.
- When: August 8, 2025 (Friday) from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Number of Fireworks: Approx. 10,000
- Official Website (Japanese Only) | View on Google Maps
Famous fireworks displays from all over Japan gather at Yumeshima.
- When: July 21 (Mon), July 23 (Wed), August 23 (Sat), September 27 (Sat), October 8 (Wed), 2025. Fireworks from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
- Official Website (English Blog) | View on Google Maps
One of Japan’s oldest displays, held near Asakusa.
- When: July 26, 2025 (Saturday) from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Number of Fireworks: Approx. 20,000
- Official Website | View on Google Maps (Venue 1) | View on Google Maps (Venue 2)
Featured Summer Festivals in 2025:
Japan’s most iconic summer festival, with the famous Yamahoko Float Processions on July 17 and 24. A festival with over 1,100 years of history, originally held to pray for protection from epidemics.
- When: July 1–31, 2025
- Official Website (English)
- Map: Saki Matsuri Map | Ato Matsuri Map
Thousands of floating lanterns adorn the Dotonbori River, creating a magical summer evening atmosphere.
- When: July 1 - August 31, 2025
- Official Website | View on Google Maps
A traditional event where giant bonfires are lit on five mountains surrounding Kyoto, forming kanji characters and shapes to send off ancestral spirits.
- When: August 16, 2025
- Official Website & Map
Snow slides in the middle of summer!? This quirky festival at Imamiya Ebisu Shrine lets kids sled down snow slopes in the temple grounds.
- When: July 22–23, 2025
- Closest stations: Imamiya Ebisu / Daikokucho / Ebisucho
- Official Website (Japanese) | View on Google Maps
A fun, urban festival where people dance in yukata, enjoy food stalls, and get a feel of traditional summer vibes — right in the middle of Osaka!
- When: July 19–20, 2025
- Official Website & Map (Japanese, map includes some English)
Includes game booths, yatai food stalls, and stage performances. Check last year’s scenes here: @expo70park Instagram
- When: July 25–Aug 12, Aug 22–31, 2025 (5 PM – 10 PM)
- Official Website (English)
- View on Instagram
🌙 Halal Travel Tips for Muslims Enjoying Festivals & Fireworks
While Japanese summer festivals and fireworks are exciting, they can pose challenges for Muslim travelers. Here are practical tips to ensure you enjoy them safely and comfortably:
Halal Food Options: Festival street food is enticing, but many dishes are cooked with alcohol or pork-based ingredients, use non-halal meat, or are prepared on shared grills. It’s safest to eat beforehand or pack your own halal snacks.
Finding Prayer Space: Popular events get extremely crowded, making it difficult to find a private spot for prayer or access a toilet for Wudhu. Plan your prayer times in advance, bring a portable prayer mat, and a small water bottle for Wudhu. Look for a quiet area like a corner of a park or a backstreet. If with friends, take turns watching over your spot.
Restroom Availability: Toilets will likely have long queues, and many convenience stores near venues may close their restrooms to non-customers during festivals. Be prepared by locating toilets beforehand using apps like ToiletMap or Google Maps.
Wearing a Yukata (Muslim-Friendly): Thinking of trying a yukata to get into the festival spirit? Here are some tips for Muslim travelers: Yukata rentals are popular. Some shops may offer modest options like inner sleeves to cover arms, long gloves, or hijab-friendly dressing services (with optional _wagara_ hijabs!). If not, you can DIY a hijab-friendly look by wearing a long-sleeve inner shirt or summer arm sleeves, and using your own hijab to match.
⚠️ A Note on Religion ⚠️
Some festivals include rituals or parades dedicated to local Shinto gods. While it's okay to attend as a cultural experience, be mindful of your comfort level when observing or participating.
🎁 Bring Festival & Firework Vibes Home with JAPANeid (Nishi-ku, Osaka)!
Kimono-style hijabs: Embrace Japanese traditional beauty.
Summer Wagara Accessories: Perfect for remembering your festival and firework experiences.
Halal Sweets & Seasonings: Great for gifts or personal keepsakes. You can even taste most of the sweets before buying!
Plus, enjoy convenient services like gender-separated prayer rooms (with Wudhu & Qibla), multi-lingual Muslim staff (English, Malay, Indonesian, Arabic), and free Wi-Fi during your visit.
JAPANeid Access Guide | View on Google Maps
Enjoy Your Japan Trip with JAPANeid!
Japan's summer festivals and fireworks offer wonderful cultural experiences for all senses. JAPANeid not only provides Muslim-friendly Japanese souvenirs but also shares various information to support your trip to Japan. Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our emails to get more Muslim-friendly travel tips and updates!
✅ Universal Studio Japan Muslim Tips
✅ Halal Restaurant Guide
✅ Muslim Hospital Guide
✅ Muslim Guide: Expo 2025 Osaka
