Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
In Japan, there are many festivals and seasonal celebrations throughout the year, from January all the way to the end of the year. Below is a list of lesson links for each and also our complete collection of activity packs!
January
New Year is the most important holiday in the Japanese calendar and celebrations are very different to those in the UK.
Oshogatsu - Japanese New Year's Celebration Lesson
Japanese New Year Activity Pack
February
The Setsubun festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring and is celebrated annually in Japan on 3 February.
Setsubun - Marking the Arrival of Spring Lesson
Setsubun Activity Pack
March
Hina-matsuri is a festival to celebrate the health and happiness of girls and is celebrated every March.
Hina-matsuri - The Doll's Festival Lesson
Hina Matsuri Activity Pack
April
Cherry blossoms are a symbol of spring and people gather together for picnics when the trees are covered in the beautiful pink blossoms.
O Hanami - Cherry Blossom Viewing Lesson
O Hanami Activity Pack
May
The Children’s Festival is a time when families pray for the health and happiness of their children.
Kodomo No Hi - Children's Day Lesson
Children's Day Activity Pack
June
June is known as the rainy season in Japan, which brings heavy rainfall across much of the country.
Tsuyu - The Rainy Season Lesson
The Rainy Season Activity Pack
July
Tanabata is a summer festival based on an old story which tells of the annual reunion of two lovers in the Milky Way.
Tanabata - The Star Festival Lesson
Tanabata Activity Pack
August
Obon is one of the most important festivals based on the Buddhist belief that the spirits of ancestors return to their family home at this time.
Obon Festival Lesson
Obon Activity Pack
September/October
Otsukimi or Tsukimi literally means “Moon Viewing” and is an autumn festival celebrating the Harvest Moon.
Otsukimi - Moon Viewing Lesson
Otsukimi Activity Pack
November
The 7-5-3 Festival is held on November 15 to celebrate children aged 3, 5, and 7 (important milestones for Japanese children in the past).
Shichi-Go-San - The 7-5-3 Festival Lesson
7-5-3 Festival Activity Pack
Download our Summer Holiday Activity Pack with a recipe, kanji writing, and craft and kite making activities!
Download our Winter Holiday Activity Pack with Christmas origami, kanji writing, and New Year's postcard activities!