Kanagawa Event Calendar 2026 — Festivals & Seasonal Events
Overview
I explored Kanagawa’s event calendar throughout the year and attended festivals across every season. This month-by-month guide reflects the events I personally recommend based on crowd levels, accessibility, and overall experience. — Festivals & Seasonal Highlights? This guide covers the best things to do in and around Kanagawa, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or with friends, this guide offers something for everyone throughout the year.
January — New Year & Winter Lights
Top Events:
- Hatsumode (New Year Visit) at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (Kamakura): Jan 1-7. Millions visit for New Year prayers.
- Hakone Ekiden: Tokyo to Hakone, Jan 2-3. Famous university relay race, 217 km over 2 days.
- Winter Lights at Enoshima Sea Candle, Yokohama: Through Jan. “Gems of Shonan” winter lights.
- New Year at Odawara Castle: Jan 1-7. Samurai shows. Tip: Tsurugaoka Hachimangu gets 3+ million visitors in the first week of January. Visit Jan 4-7 for fewer crowds. Related: Kamakura New Year Guide · Hakone Area Guide
February — Plum Blossoms & Winter Events
Top Events:
- Odawara Plum Festival at Odawara Castle: Early Feb to early Mar. 300+ plum trees in bloom, tea.
- Yokohama Port Opening Anniversary: Feb 11. Marks the 1859 port opening.
- Kamakura Winter Special at temples: Feb weekends. Special open times, limited stamps.
- Kawasaki Daishi Setsubun: Feb 3. Bean-throwing for good luck. Tip: The Odawara Plum Festival is less busy than Tokyo’s same-season festival.
March — Cherry Blossoms Begin
Top Events:
- Sakura Season at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Sankeien Garden: Late Mar to early Apr. Cherry blossoms.
- Yokohama International Women’s Marathon: Early Mar.
- Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) at Kamakura Museum: Mar 1-31. Old doll displays. Tip: Cherry blossoms at Sankeien Garden are pretty and less busy than Kamakura’s main spots. Arrive by 8 AM. Related: Kanagawa Sakura Spots · Sankeien Garden
April — Peak Cherry Blossoms
Top Events:
- Sakura Peak across Kanagawa: Early to mid-Apr. Best cherry blossom week.
- Yokohama Port Opening Festival: Late Apr. Parade, music, fireworks.
- Kamakura Festival: Mid to late Apr. Horseback archery, tea.
- Hakone Open-Air Museum Cherry Blossoms: Mid Apr. Sakura plus outdoor art. Tip: The horseback archery at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is a must-see. Arrive 1 hour early for a good spot.
May — Green Season & Festivals
Top Events:
- Yokohama Port Festival at Minato Mirai, Chinatown: Early May. Parade, music, fireworks.
- Odawara Castle Festival: Early May. Samurai walks, history shows, food stalls.
- Shonan Beach Opening Prep: Late May. Beach houses go up, surf season starts.
Tip: Golden Week (Apr 29 – May 5) is Japan’s busiest travel time. Go early (before 9 AM) or visit quiet areas.
June — Hydrangeas & Rainy Season
Top Events:
- Hydrangea Season at Meigetsu-in, Hasedera, Kamakura: Mid Jun to mid Jul, Famous blue flowers.
- Hakone Hydrangea Train on Hakone Tozan Railway: Jun-Jul. Night lights on flowers along the tracks.
- Shonan Beach Opening: Late Jun. Beach season begins.
Tip: Hydrangea season is KAMAKURA’S BUSIEST TIME. Visit on weekdays only. Meigetsu-in needs timed tickets. The Hakone night train is a magical choice.
July — Summer Beaches & Fireworks Begin
Top Events:
- Kamakura Fireworks Festival at Yuigahama Beach: Mid Jul. 7,000 fireworks over the bay.
- Enoshima Beach Season: Jul 1. Beach houses, swimming, water sports.
- Miura Fireworks Festival on Miura Coast: Late Jul. Small, cozy fireworks. Tip: The Kamakura Fireworks Festival draws 200,000+ people. Arrive by 4 PM, Bring a blanket and snacks.
August — Peak Summer
Top Events:
- Shonan Beach Peak Season: All Aug. Busiest beach month.
- Yokohama Pikachu Outbreak at Minato Mirai: Early to mid Aug. 2,000+ Pikachu parade.
- Odawara Summer Festival: Early Aug. Fireworks over Odawara Castle.
- Kamakura Bon Odori at temples: Mid Aug. Summer dance. Tip: Pikachu Outbreak is huge. Book rooms months ahead. Weekdays are less busy.
September — Autumn Begins
Top Events:
- Yokohama Oktoberfest at Minato Mirai: Late Sep to early Oct. Beer, food, music.
- Hakone Autumn Color Preview at high places: Late Sep. First fall colors.
- Miura Tuna Festival at Misaki Port: Sep. Tuna cutting shows, fresh market. Tip: September is a good month to visit. Summer crowds thin out. Weather is still warm.
October — Autumn Colors
Top Events:
- Yokohama Autumn Leaves at Sankeien Garden: Late Oct to late Nov. Peak fall colors.
- Hakone Autumn Peak at Open-Air Museum, ropeway: Late Oct to mid Nov. Great fall colors.
- Halloween Events in Yokohama, Kawasaki: Oct 31. Costume parades. Tip: For Hakone fall colors without crowds, go on a weekday when the ropeway opens (9 AM).
November — Peak Autumn & Lights Begin
Top Events:
- Yokohama Red Brick Winter Market: Late Nov to Dec. Christmas market, mulled wine.
- Kamakura Autumn Peak at Engaku-ji, Kencho-ji: Mid Nov. Fall colors at Zen temples.
- Enoshima Gems of Shonan lights: Late Nov to Feb. Winter lights on the island. Tip: Visit both the Red Brick Market and Enoshima lights on the same day for a great evening.
December — Winter Magic
Top Events:
- Yokohama Christmas Market at Minato Mirai, Red Brick: Dec. European-style market, lights.
- Enoshima Gems of Shonan: Through Feb. Peak winter lights.
- Yokohama New Year Countdown at Minato Mirai: Dec 31. Fireworks. Tip: Dec 30 to Jan 3 is quiet for attractions (many close) but busy for temples and shops.
Year-Round Events
- Misaki Morning Market at Misaki Port: Daily (7 AM – 1 PM)
- Kamakura Antique Market near Kamakura Station: 1st & 3rd Sunday
- Yokohama Chinatown Events: Seasonal (Chinese New Year, Moon Festival)
Tips
Practical notes from my trips to exploring Kanagawa: confirm the latest hours on the official website, buy tickets in advance when you can, and leave extra time for trains and walking between stops. Keeping your first day lighter also helps you enjoy the second day without feeling rushed.
Conclusion
The details in this guide come from real visits, and the biggest lesson I took away was that the best experiences in Kanagawa rarely fit neatly into a checklist. During my visit I went with a rough plan and found that leaving room to wander made the trip far more memorable. Plan the essentials, keep your schedule flexible, and you will leave Kanagawa wanting to return.