Translated by Shinji Takaramura
Japanese Festivals And Events Canceled Due To COVID-19 In 2020
Written by Mayu
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many festivals and fireworks displays are called off or postponed in Japan. Read to learn more about canceled, postponed, and rescheduled events in 2020.
Festivals and Fireworks Displays Canceled in 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has caused the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to be postponed, and other events, including traditional Japanese festivals to fireworks displays, to be canceled or postponed amid the global outbreaks.
The following list of festivities were originally scheduled for 2020 that have been canceled or changed in some way.
Japanese Festivals and Traditional Events in 2020
Photo by Pixta
As of early May 2020, most festivals that were originally scheduled from May to August have been canceled.
| Festival, Area | Original Schedule | Canceled/Postponed Status |
| Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo | Mid-May | Postponed to October 16 to 18 |
| Aoi Matsuri, Kyoto | May 15 | Canceled |
| Gion Festival, Kyoto | From July 1 to 31 | Canceled |
| Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, Fukuoka | From July 1 to 15 | Canceled |
| Tenjin Matsuri, Osaka | From July 24 to 25 | Canceled (Religious services will be conducted) |
| Nebuta Festival, Aomori | From August 2 to 7 | Canceled |
| Kanto Festival, Akita | From August 3 to 6 | Canceled |
| Sendai Tanabata Festival, Miyagi | From August 6 to 8 | Canceled |
| Yosakoi Festival, Kochi | From August 9 to 12 | Canceled |
| Awa Odori, Tokushima | From August 12 to 15 | Canceled |
| Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki | From October 7 to 9 | Canceled |
| Takayama Fall Festival, Gifu | From October 9 to 10 | To be determined |
| Chichibu Night Festival, Saitama | From December 1 to 6 | To be determined |
Postponed events are subject to cancellation or may be moved to an alternative date. Be sure to check the official sites of the festivals for the most up-to-date schedule.
Japanese Fireworks Displays in 2020
Nagahama Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks Festival. Photo by Pixta
Fireworks displays are an annual summer tradition typically held in July and August. However, many fireworks events have been canceled in 2020 as a result of COVID-19.
| Festival, Area | Original Schedule | Canceled/Postponed Status |
| Edogawa Fireworks Festival, Tokyo | Early May | Postponed: October 24 |
| Sumida River Fireworks Festival, Tokyo | End of July | Canceled |
| Katsushika Fireworks Festival, Tokyo | End of July | Postponed to October 10 |
| Adachi Fireworks Festival, Tokyo | End of July | Canceled |
| Tenjin Matsuri Fireworks Festival, Osaka | End of July | Canceled |
| Kumagaya Fireworks Festival, Saitama | Early August | Canceled |
| Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival, Osaka | Early August | Canceled |
| Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, Niigata | Early August | Canceled |
| Nagahama Kita-Biwako Great Fireworks Festival, Shiga | Early August | Postponed to September 18 |
| Minato Kobe Marine Fireworks Festival, Hyogo | Early August | Postponed to October 31 |
| Kisarazu Port Fireworks Festival, Chiba | August 15 | Canceled |
| Miyazu Toro Nagashi Fireworks Festival, Kyoto | Mid-August | Canceled |
| All Japan Fireworks Competition, Akita | Last Saturday of August | To be determined |
| Tsuchiura All Japan Fireworks Competition, Ibaraki | November 7 | To be determined |
Although it's unfortunate that summer attractions from festivals to fireworks are being canceled, Ready For Japan!—a special ongoing series by MATCHA—offers fun and helpful information about Japanese sightseeing spots and culture to enjoy in the meantime.
When planning your next trip to Japan, please check MATCHA for reference on your future travels.
Read also
Main image by Pixta
