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October 10, 2026
New Autumn-Leaf Destinations — Gorges, Old Temples, and Highland Drives
We've greatly expanded our guide to Japan's autumn foliage. From river gorges and waterfalls to historic temples and mountain drives, here are the new koyo spots now coming into their prime.
September 26, 2026
Autumn Leaves by Night 2026 — Illuminated Landmarks and the Valleys Left Dark
Autumn foliage that glows brighter after dusk. We introduce the illuminated maple landmarks of 2026, and the valleys that guard their beauty by leaving the lights off.
September 13, 2026
Autumn Comes Early: Japan's Northern Foliage and Highland Pampas Grass
From Daisetsuzan in Hokkaido — home to Japan's earliest autumn color — to the silver pampas meadows of Soni Kogen, discover the spectacular landscapes that welcome fall first, from September into October.
August 23, 2026
Majestic Fuji Views — A Late Summer Journey Around Mount Fuji
From the mirror-like lakes of Yamanakako and Tanuki-ko to the panoramic heights of Nihondaira, and from the iconic pagoda framing of Arakurayama Sengen Park to the vibrant flower fields of Hananomiyako Park — late summer and early autumn offer some of the most stunning views of Mount Fuji.
August 2, 2026
Dancing Through Summer — Awa Odori, Yosakoi and Japan's Great Festival of Dance
From the hypnotic pulse of Awa Odori in Tokushima to the thunderous taiko drums of Morioka Sansa, Japan's summer dance festivals transform entire cities into living stages.
July 26, 2026
Gion Matsuri and Beyond — Japan's Greatest Summer Festivals
July in Japan is alive with the thunder of taiko, the glow of lanterns, and centuries of living tradition. From Kyoto's legendary Gion Matsuri to the ferocious fire rites of Nachi, here is your guide to the country's most spectacular summer festivals.
July 19, 2026
Summer skies and seas of clouds — high-altitude wonders of Japan
Stars fill the sky overnight, then a sea of clouds rolls in at dawn — Japan's summer highlands deliver two spectacular shows in a single trip.
July 11, 2026
Tohoku's Six Great Summer Festivals 2026
Every August, the Tohoku region of northern Japan erupts in colour and sound as six legendary festivals take over the streets of Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, and Miyagi. From blazing lantern floats to thundering taiko drums, this is Japan's summer at its most electrifying.
July 11, 2026
Japan's Summer of Dance: Bon Odori Festivals 2026
From Awa Odori in Tokushima to the ethereal Owara Kaze no Bon in Toyama, Japan's summer festival season pulses with centuries-old dances that invite everyone to join.
July 10, 2026
Purple and Gold: Japan's Best Lavender and Sunflower Fields This Summer
From Hokkaido's vast lavender carpets to millions of sunflowers blooming across the country, Japan's summer flower fields are in peak season. Here's where to go.
July 10, 2026
Japan's Greatest Fireworks: Competitions, Lakes & the Sea in 2026
From the legendary trio of Omagari, Nagaoka, and Tsuchiura to lakeside spectacles at Suwa and Biwako, Japan's summer skies ignite with world-class fireworks in 2026. Here's your guide to the most unforgettable displays.
July 9, 2026
Kansai Summer Festivals 2026 — Floats, Fire, and River Pageants
From Kyoto's legendary Gion Matsuri to Osaka's dazzling Tenjin Matsuri, Kansai's summer festival calendar is a bucket-list experience for any Japan traveler.