Festivals & Events in Eastern Area | Experience the Beauty of Nature and Culture in Kōshū, Yamanashi, and Beyond

Across Japan, each season brings its own charm—from cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant summer festivals, to autumn foliage and sparkling winter illuminations.

These events not only showcase the country’s natural beauty, but also allow visitors to experience the warmth and traditions of local culture throughout the year.

This time, we’re focusing on Eastern Yamanashi, a region rich in nature and history.
From the winery town of Kōshū to Yamanashi City, Fuefuki City, Ōtsuki City, Tsuru City, Uenohara City, Kosuge Village, Tabayama Village, Dōshi Village, and Nishikatsura Town, the area offers a variety of seasonal festivals and cultural events.

Surrounded by mountains, valleys, and clear rivers, the region is filled with hands-on outdoor experiences that let you feel one with nature—perfect for travelers seeking authentic memories and scenic adventures.

Be sure to read through to the end and discover your next must-visit seasonal event in Eastern Yamanashi!

Kōshū City

Enzan Peach Blossom & Hina Doll Festival

Held annually from February to April, the Enzan Peach Blossom & Hina Doll Festival celebrates Japan’s Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) while showcasing the beauty of spring in Kōshū.

Over ten venues throughout the city display elegant Hina doll arrangements, each with its own unique charm, symbolizing prayers for girls’ happiness and healthy growth.
Visitors can stroll through the peach blossom fields in traditional kimono and take memorable photos surrounded by this graceful spring scenery.

Shionoyama Wine Festival

The Shionoyama Wine Festival is a premium outdoor event where visitors can enjoy fine wines, local cuisine, and live music in an elegant, relaxed atmosphere.

Wineries from across Yamanashi and beyond gather for this one-day event, offering a rare opportunity to taste and compare a wide variety of wines.
Whether you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast or a first-time taster, this festival invites you to savor the rich winemaking culture of Kōshū, Japan’s premier wine region.

Katsunuma Grape Festival

The Katsunuma Grape Festival is Kōshū’s signature event celebrating the region’s renowned vineyards and winemaking heritage.
Visitors can enjoy local grapes, freshly pressed wines, and seasonal foods from various booths that fill the park with the flavors of autumn.

The lively atmosphere is enhanced by mikoshi (portable shrine) processions and evening fireworks, blending traditional Japanese culture with modern entertainment.
This event is not only a must for wine lovers but also a perfect outing for families and travelers seeking an authentic taste of Yamanashi’s harvest season.

READ MORE

Fuefuki City

Omiyuki-san Festival

The Omiyuki-san Festival is a unique traditional event in Yamanashi that has been passed down for centuries.
During the festival, men dressed in yukata (summer kimono) humorously cross-dress as women while carrying a portable shrine (mikoshi) through the streets—a joyful and entertaining sight that draws crowds every year.

Originally, this ritual began as a Shinto ceremony to pray for safety, bountiful harvests, and protection from the flooding of the Kamanashi River.
Today, it continues to be loved by locals as a lively tradition that blends humor, faith, and community spirit.

Kai Ichinomiya Daimonji Fire Festival

The Kai Ichinomiya Daimonji Fire Festival is one of the Four Great Fire Festivals of Kai, a summer tradition that has been celebrated since the Edo period.
This spectacular event combines the ancient custom of mountain fire writing (“Daimonji”) with modern fireworks, creating a dramatic and unforgettable night.

Food stalls line the streets, offering local delicacies and classic matsuri snacks, allowing visitors to experience the flavors and spirit of Japanese summer festivals.

What Is “Daimonji”?
“Daimonji” refers to a bonfire ritual held during the Obon season to send off ancestral spirits. Torches are used to form the character “大” (dai, meaning “great”) on the mountainside—a sacred symbol that lights up the night.
The most famous example is Kyoto’s Gozan Okuribi, held near the historic Ginkaku-ji Temple, where fire and nature harmonize in a serene and spiritual setting.
Want to learn more about Kyoto’s cultural heritage?
Visit our sister site JAPANOPIA KYOTO + for in-depth guides and inspiring travel ideas.

Isawa Onsen Fireworks Festival

The Isawa Onsen Fireworks Festival is one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks events in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Visitors staying in the hot spring town can enjoy the perfect combination of onsen relaxation and dazzling fireworks, right from their hotel or the riverside.

The show features synchronized “Music Starmine” fireworks, blending light and sound into an unforgettable spectacle.
With bursts blooming directly overhead, this event offers a powerful and immersive experience that captures the essence of summer in Japan.

Battle of Kawanakajima Sengoku Pageant

A must-see for history enthusiasts, this large-scale reenactment brings to life the legendary Battle of Kawanakajima—the fierce clash between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin, two of Japan’s greatest samurai generals.

More than 600 participants dressed as warriors recreate the dramatic battle, complete with matchlock gun demonstrations, taiko drumming, and sword duels, evoking the intense atmosphere of Japan’s Sengoku era.
The realism and energy make it feel like stepping back in time, offering a thrilling glimpse into samurai history.

READ MORE

Yamanashi City

New Year Festival HAPPY! Hatsuhinode (First Sunrise of the Year)

Celebrate the New Year with the first sunrise over Mt. Fuji—one of the “Top 100 Fuji Viewing Spots in the Kanto Region.”
This special event invites visitors to welcome the beginning of the year with a breathtaking view of the sun rising behind Japan’s most iconic mountain.

The venue also offers a Free foot bath service, so you can stay warm while enjoying the crisp morning air.
It’s an ideal way to start the year, whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or your partner.

Fuefukigawa Summer Fireworks Festival

This popular summer event lights up the Yamanashi night sky with around 3,000 fireworks in just one thrilling hour—creating an unforgettable rush of color and sound.

The highlight is the “Starmine” display, where fireworks are launched in rhythmic succession, filling the sky with dazzling bursts of light.
It’s a fast-paced, high-energy show that perfectly captures the excitement of summer in Japan.

READ MORE

Tsuru City

Michi-no-Eki Tsuru Anniversary Festival

This local celebration at Michi-no-Eki Tsuru (Tsuru Roadside Station) offers a variety of fun attractions, including food stalls featuring Tsuru City’s specialties and a lottery event where visitors can try their luck.

The festival also concludes with fireworks lighting up the winter sky, creating a cozy yet festive atmosphere.
As Tsuru remains a hidden gem among Yamanashi’s travel destinations, this event is perfect for those who want to enjoy a relaxed, crowd-free experience.

READ MORE

Uenohara City

Ushikura Shrine Annual Festival

One of the Three Great Festivals of the Gunnai region, this traditional event in Uenohara City has long been cherished by locals.
Visitors can enjoy street food stalls, souvenirs, and vibrant mikoshi (portable shrine) processions, all set in a welcoming small-town atmosphere.

It’s a wonderful chance to experience the community spirit and authentic culture of rural Yamanashi.

READ MORE

Ōtsuki City

Wellness Photogenic Day

A colorful event designed for friends, couples, and families to capture Instagram-worthy photos under dazzling illuminations.
The entire park transforms into a vibrant, photo-friendly space, perfect for creating memories that shine online and in your heart.

Local food trucks also line the area, offering warm dishes, sweets, and regional Yamanashi cuisine to enjoy while admiring the lights.

READ MORE

Kosuge Village

Tama Genryu Festival

Held during Golden Week, this festival celebrates the culinary and cultural heritage of Kosuge Village, surrounded by pristine mountains and rivers.
The venue is filled with local specialties, handmade goods, and regional foods unique to this peaceful mountain village.

A highlight is the char-grilled Yamame (mountain trout)—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and grilled to perfection over charcoal.
It’s a true taste of Japan’s mountain cuisine you won’t find anywhere else.

READ MORE

Tabayama Village

Maitake Mushroom Festival

A paradise for mushroom lovers! This autumn gourmet festival celebrates the rich flavor and aroma of maitake mushrooms, drawing foodies from across Yamanashi and beyond.

Visitors can sample exclusive maitake dishes, including maitake rice, tempura, and mushroom soup, all freshly prepared by local chefs and food trucks.
It’s a full day dedicated to the seasonal tastes of Yamanashi’s forests.

READ MORE

Dōshi Village

Seiryu Fireworks Festival

This beloved summer night event features around 2,500 fireworks launched over the clear waters of the Dōshi River, creating a spectacular display lasting about one hour.

Enjoy the fireworks while listening to the gentle flow of the river and feeling the cool mountain breeze—an experience you won’t find in the city.
Local food stalls also offer regional specialties and festival treats, making it a perfect romantic night out for couples or families alike.

READ MORE

Nishikatsura Town

Mitsutoge Furusato Summer Festival

A community-based local festival filled with warmth and charm, held on the school grounds of Nishikatsura Junior High School.
Visitors can enjoy traditional food stalls and beautiful fireworks, all in a relaxed, uncrowded setting.

Unlike large-scale fireworks shows, this festival offers an intimate, authentic matsuri experience, where the distance between performers and visitors feels refreshingly close.

READ MORE

Summary

In this article, we featured the most popular festivals and seasonal events across Eastern Yamanashi, from mountain villages to riverside towns.
Surrounded by lush nature and local hospitality, each event offers visitors unforgettable memories filled with beauty, flavor, and community warmth.

At JAPANOPIA FUJI +, you’ll find even more useful travel content, including real-time live cameras, roadside station updates, and guides to local attractions and accommodations—perfect for planning your next trip to Yamanashi!

Recommended for You! Featured Articles You May Also Like