Japan’s Great Traditional Festivals of Early December 2025
While much of Japan turns its focus to shimmering winter illuminations and Christmas markets in December, the beginning of the month is anchored by deeply historical festivals. These events offer a high cultural density experience, providing a vital counterpoint to the commercial holiday rush and a chance to dive into ancient traditions before the widespread New Year closures begin.
To understand the larger context of the December travel window, be sure to read our planning guide: Japan in December 2025: Navigating the Commercial Peak and Year-End Closure
The Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Yomatsuri) – Saitama
Held annually in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture (near Tokyo), this festival is a spectacular and unique winter event.
- Dates & Location: The festival is scheduled for December 2nd and 3rd, 2025.
- Significance: It is counted as one of Japan’s three great hikiyama (float) festivals and is uniquely the only one held during winter; UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- The Spectacle: The main event features a procession of six massive, ornate floats that weigh between 10 and 20 tons each.
- The Climax: The most dramatic moment occurs on December 3rd, when locals pull these colossal floats up the steep Dango Hill (Dangozaka), intensified by an hours-long fireworks display.
- Visitor Tip: December 2nd (Yoimiya) is recommended for fewer crowds.
Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri – Nara
Moving to the Kansai region, this festival is a masterpiece of historical preservation that centers on ancient court traditions.
- Dates & Location: This festival runs annually from December 15th to 18th in Nara City, at the Wakamiya Shrine.
- Historical Weight: The 2025 celebration marks the 890th occurrence of this festival, which has preserved traditions established in 1136.
- The Main Event: The central public spectacle is the Owatari-shiki ceremony (historical costume procession) at noon on December 17th. Participants wear attire spanning the Heian through Edo periods.
- Added Benefit: Visitors on December 17th also receive free entry to the Nara National Museum.
Kyoto’s Mid-Month Year-End Preparations
Kyoto hosts several highly traditional markets and rituals that act as the final commercial-cultural events before the national shutdown begins later in the month.
- Geisha Year-End Ritual (Kotohajime): On December 13, 2025, Kyoto’s geisha visit their teachers to express thanks.
- Traditional Markets (The Final Markets): The final markets of the year include Shimai Kobo (To-ji Temple) on December 21st and Shimai Tenjin (Kitano Tenmangu) on December 25th.
- Temple Rituals: Chion-in Temple holds the O-minugui-shiki (Wiping Ceremony/purification ritual) on December 25th.
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