14 January

Dondo-sai

Osaka Hachiman Temple, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture

Shogatsu decorations are burnt in this ritualistic festival.  This festival features a small naked festival.

6 February

Matsushima Oyster Festival

Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture

Celebrates the local oysters (kaki), which are a specialty of the area. This festival features Buddhist ceremonies and a 100m long grill in the park for visitors to cook fish and seafood that can be purchased at the market.

10 March

Shiogama Temple Hote Festival

Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture

A lively parade that features Shinto music and dance.

17-18 May

Aoba Festival

Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture

This festival features parades, markets, taiko drumming and street dancing.

4 August

Oshika Whale Festival

Oshika, Miyagi Prefecture

This festival celebrates the whaling history of Oshika and features demonstrations of traditional whaling techniques, with visitors having the opportunity to sample the whale cuisine and watch the fireworks display.

4-5 August

Shiogama Port Festival

Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture

This is one of Japan’s top three port festivals, and features floats and fireworks displays.

6-8 August

Tanabata Festival

Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture

This is the most famous of Japan’s Tanabata Festivals and features bamboo poles decorated with colorful paper streamers being paraded along the main streets, accompanied with traditional dance and music.

15 August

Toro Nagashi Hanabi Taikai

Matsushima Bay, Miyagi Prefecture

This is one of Matsushima’s most popular festivals and features over 8,000 glowing lanterns floating on the bay, as well as a spectacular fireworks display.  This festival is held on the eve of a service for the dead who have no surviving relatives at Zuigan-ji.

15 November

Shichi-Go-San Festival

Nationwide