Japan Festivals

If you’re looking for an unforgettable cultural experience in Japan, the Aoi Matsuri and Sanja Matsuri should be at the top of your list. These two festivals are among the most famous and oldest festivals in Japan, dating back over 1,000 years.

The Aoi Matsuri, also known as the Hollyhock Festival, is held annually on May 15 in Kyoto. The festival features a grand procession of around 500 people in traditional costumes, including imperial messengers, shrine maidens, and other dignitaries. The procession starts from the Imperial Palace and makes its way through the streets of Kyoto to the Shimogamo Shrine and the Kamigamo Shrine. Along the way, participants carry a sacred palanquin and offer prayers for a bountiful harvest and the prosperity of the city.

The Sanja Matsuri, on the other hand, is a three-day festival held in Tokyo’s Asakusa district on the third weekend of May. This festival is dedicated to the three founders of the Sensoji Temple, and it attracts over 1.5 million visitors every year. The highlight of the festival is the portable shrines (mikoshi) that are carried around the streets by local residents dressed in traditional clothing. There are also street performances, food stalls, and other festivities throughout the weekend.

Both festivals offer a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage, and they are a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese history and traditions. As a tour operator, you can offer your clients a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these spectacular festivals up close and personal. Plan ahead to ensure that your clients can secure the best spots for viewing the procession and experiencing the festivities. With your expertise and attention to detail, your clients are sure to have an unforgettable experience that they’ll cherish for years to come.

12 Day Tour of Japan

Day 1 - 5: Tokyo

Tokyo

Enjoy Tokyo including the Sanja Matsuri & Kanda Matsuri Festivals.
Hotel: Centrally located boutique hotel, Top 15 hotel on Tripadvisor.
Meals Included:
Day 1: Breakfast
Day 2: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4: Breakfast
Day 5: Breakfast

Day 6 - 9: Kyoto

Kyoto

Enjoy the famous bullet train (about 2hrs.) to Kyoto and while in Kyoto take part in the Aoi Matsuri Festival.
Hotel: Centrally located boutique hotel, Top 15 hotel on Tripadvisor.
Meals Included:
Day 6: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - 11: Hiroshima

Hiroshima

Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park takes up over 120,000 square meters with trees, lawns, and walking paths. Before the bomb, the area of what is now the Peace Park was the political and commercial heart of the city. For this reason, it was chosen as the pilot's target. It was decided that the area not be redeveloped but instead devoted to peace memorial facilities. The park's main attraction is the Peace Memorial Museum. Consisting of two buildings, the museum surveys the history of Hiroshima and the advent of the nuclear bomb. Its main focus though is on the events of August 6; the dropping of the bomb and its outcome in human suffering. Stroll through the park and discover many memorials, monuments, and statues, before heading into the Museum itself.
Hotel: Centrally located boutique hotel, Top 15 hotel on Tripadvisor.
Meals Included:
Day 10: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - 12: Osaka

Osaka

Miyajima Island. A small sacred island located in the Inland Sea, it has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. Here you will find perhaps the most photographed site in Japan - The Floating Torii Gate. Designated as one of Japan's '3 Most Beautiful Views', the shrine it belongs to dates back to the 6th century with the present structure dating back to the 12th century. The harmoniously arranged buildings reveal the great artistic and technical skills and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mere 'commoners' were not allowed to set foot in this holy place, and even now it is forbidden to give birth or die on the island! You will have time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples, sample local goodies like maple leaf-shaped cakes before heading back to Hiroshima station. In the afternoon, you will catch a flight back to Tokyo for your return trip home.
Meals Included:
Day 11: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 12: Breakfast

PACKAGE EXCLUDES:
All international & one (1) domestic flights
Tipping (Please note, Knutson Travels pays a portion of your tour cost in tips to each guide. It is at your discretion if you would like to give an additional tip.)
Miscellaneous charges
Beverages during meal
Optional Tours

Price and details valid for tour date: May 14 – May 26, 2026.

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