Major Events & Festivals in Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan

1. Fujisawa Beach Summer Festival

Celebration of music, food, and culture on Fujisawa's beautiful beach.

Beach Location: Unique setting for a summer festival, right on the beach.
Local Culture: Showcasing traditional Japanese music and dance alongside modern performances.
Community Involvement: Opportunities for visitors to participate in various activities and workshops.

Annual star festival with thousands of colorful streamers hung in the city.

Colorful Decorations: Vibrant and unique decorations that create a magical atmosphere.
Star Festival Legend: Celebration of the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, according to Japanese legend.
Street Performances: Various performances and activities throughout the festival.

An annual Shinto event honoring the deity Sama.

Shinto Tradition: Preservation and celebration of ancient Japanese traditions.
Local Community: Opportunities for visitors to learn about Shinto practices and beliefs.
Procession and Dance: A traditional procession followed by lively dancing and music.

Summer event featuring stunning fireworks displays over the ocean.

Ocean Setting: Fireworks reflecting off the water create a breathtaking sight.
Community Collaboration: Local groups compete to put on the best fireworks show.
Food and Entertainment: Plenty of food vendors and live music for visitors to enjoy.

Annual event showcasing contemporary art installations throughout the city.

Contemporary Art: Features innovative and thought-provoking artwork.
Urban Settings: Art installations located in unexpected and unique urban spaces.
Community Engagement: Opportunities for visitors to interact with the artwork and artists.

Celebration of the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.

Natural Beauty: Beautiful cherry blossoms trees creating a pink sea of flowers.
Traditional Activities: Participation in traditional Japanese activities like hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties).
Community Foods: Food vendors serving local specialties, such as sakura mochi (cherry blossom rice cakes).

Annual event featuring a variety of colorful and creative kites.

Colorful Kites: A diverse range of creative and beautifully designed kites.
Competitions: Kite-flying competitions for both professionals and amateurs.
Community Spirit: A joyful and lively atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie.

Celebration of the stunning autumn foliage in Fujisawa's parks.

Natural Beauty: Gorgeous fall colors, particularly vibrant around the city's rivers and parks.
Local Delicacies: Food vendors selling seasonal foods like kuri imo (chestnuts) and momiji manju (maple leaf shaped sweet buns).
Photography Opportunities: Plenty of picturesque spots for capturing stunning autumn photos.

A grand event featuring food stalls, performances, and traditional activities.

Cultural Experiences: Opportunities to learn about and experience Japanese culture firsthand.
Local Cuisine: Tasting delicious local foods like yakitori (grilled skewered chicken), okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), and takoyaki (octopus balls).
Entertainment: Plenty of entertainment options, including traditional music and dance performances.

Event featuring thousands of floating lanterns illuminating the night sky.

Nighttime Beauty: Thousands of lanterns creating a mesmerizing and peaceful atmosphere.
Community Participation: Visitors can write their wishes on a lantern and release it into the sky.
Food and Drink: Various food vendors serving warm drinks and snacks to keep visitors cozy during the event.

Event showcasing a variety of wind instruments from around the world.

Cultural Exchange: Opportunities to learn about different cultures through their music.
Performances: Live performances showcasing the unique sounds of various wind instruments.
Instrument Workshops: Workshops where visitors can try playing different instruments.

Event dedicated to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Cultural Preservation: Preservation and promotion of this important Japanese cultural practice.
Tea Tasting: Tasting high-quality matcha (green tea) and learning about its preparation.
Experience the Culture: Visitors can participate in a traditional tea ceremony, wearing kimono if desired.

Event showcasing beautiful and intricate bonsai trees.

Artistic Expression: Beautifully sculpted and maintained bonsai trees as works of art.
Learning Opportunities: Workshops where visitors can learn about bonsai care and maintenance.
Natural Beauty: Gorgeous display of miniature trees, often representing natural landscapes.

Event celebrating glass art and the techniques used to create it.

Artistic Inspiration: Inspiring display of innovative and beautiful glass artworks.
Demonstrations: Live demonstrations showing the techniques used to create glass art.
Interactive Experiences: Opportunities for visitors to try their hand at glassblowing or other glassworking techniques.

Event showcasing the art of pottery and the potters' creative processes.

Artistic Expression: Beautifully crafted pots showcasing the potters' unique styles.
Live Demonstrations: Opportunities to watch potters work, demonstrating their techniques and skills.
Hands-On Workshops: Visitors can try their hand at pottery, with guidance from skilled potters.