Japan’s July–August Festivals Attract Thousands in Saitama and Shizuoka

The 43rd Asaka City Citizen Festival “Saika Matsuri” will be held from July 31 to August 2, 2026 in Asaka and neighboring Asaka City, Saitama. The three‑day event expects around 700,000 visitors and features a nighttime fireworks display of roughly 9,000 shells, the nation’s oldest yosakoi nari‑ko dance, and performances by the Japan Ground Self‑Defence Force stationed at the local base.

From July 24 to 26, 2026, Shizuoka’s Sunpu Castle Park will host the Ice Fest & Asian Night Market’s “Lantern Night” finale. Attendees can submit wishes or stories of fulfilled dreams, which will be read aloud by host Kana Torikoshi during the lantern‑release. The evening includes a lantern‑lighting experience, food stalls, and a nighttime market, with tickets available for advance purchase.