August 6
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Ceremony
The 2015 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony will mark the 70th anniversary of the explosion of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. At
8:15am, the exact time when the bomb was dropped, the Peace Bell is rung and a one minute silence is observed by the citizens in memory of the atomic bomb victims.
AuGust 2 – 7
Aomori Nebuta Festival
A parade of lanterns shaped like samurai warriors is carried throughout the streets of the city of Aomori. Some can measure up to 8 metres high and 15 metres wide! This is the largest nebuta (float) festival in Japan, attracting a large number of tourists each year.
Since 1980, this festival has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
July 1 – 31
Gion Festival
Lasting for an entire month, Kyoto’s Gion Festival is one of the three biggest festivals in Japan. The festival showcases many traditional events, foods, clothing and activities, but the centrepiece of this religious festival is a large float parade taking place on July 17.