Yokohama’s event calendar reflects its dual identity as a historic port and a modern entertainment hub. The fireworks festivals in summer draw half a million spectators, the jazz festival in autumn runs across 30 venues, and the Christmas Market transforms the Red Brick Warehouse into a European-style winter village. Here’s the full annual calendar with specific dates, locations, and what to expect. See our weather by month breakdown for more details.
Yokohama Events and Festivals: Spring (March to May)
Yokohama Cherry Blossom Festival (Late March to Early April)
Sankeien Garden and Mitsuike Park turn pink as roughly 1,000 cherry trees bloom simultaneously. The garden extends hours during peak bloom and hosts evening illuminations (typically 18:00-21:00) with the blossoms lit against the historic pagoda. Yamashita Park and the Osanbashi Pier area offer waterfront sakura views without the garden entry fee. Specific dates vary by year; the Japan Meteorological Corporation releases the official forecast in late January. The 2026 forecast predicts first bloom on March 24 and full bloom on April 1. See our best time to visit guide for more details.
Yokohama Dragon Boat Race (Late May/Early June)
Teams from across Japan compete in 12-meter dragon boats in the waters of Yamashita Park. The event originated in 1994 to celebrate Yokohama’s sister city relationship with Shanghai. Races run from roughly 9:00 to 16:00 over two days on a weekend in late May or early June. Spectating is free from Yamashita Park and Osanbashi Pier. Food stalls line the park selling yakitori, takoyaki, and beer. See our things to do guide for more details.
Yokohama Events and Festivals: Summer (June to August)
Yokohama Sparkling Twilight (July 17-18)
A two-day fireworks festival launched from barges in Yokohama Bay with the Minato Mirai skyline as backdrop. Each night features roughly 3,000 shells over 30 minutes. Best viewing spots are Yamashita Park, Osanbashi Pier, and the Red Brick Warehouse plaza. Arrive by 17:00 for a good spot; the park fills by 18:30. Free admission. Yokohama Station and Sakuragicho Station are extremely crowded after the show; consider walking 20-30 minutes toward Kannai or Hinodecho for a less congested route. See our neighborhoods guide for more details.
Kanagawa Shimbun Fireworks Festival (August 1)
One of Yokohama’s largest fireworks displays with 15,000 shells launched from boats in Yokohama Bay over 60 minutes, ending with a 5-minute grand finale. An estimated 200,000 spectators line the waterfront from Minato Mirai to Yamashita Park. The Red Brick Warehouse plaza and Rinko Park offer the best unobstructed views. Bring a picnic mat and arrive by 16:00 to secure a spot. Free admission. Note: trains and stations are packed for 90 minutes after the finale; pre-book a nearby hotel or eat dinner in Minato Mirai to wait out the crowds. See our where to stay guide for more details.
Pikachu Outbreak (Early August)
A Pokemon-themed event where hundreds of costumed Pikachu characters parade, dance, and perform night shows throughout the Minato Mirai area. Events in recent years have included Pikachu marching bands, water cannon shows, LED-clad night parades, and photo zones. Specific dates for 2026 typically fall on a 5-day window in the first half of August. All outdoor events are free. Arrive at least 30 minutes before scheduled performances to get a decent view. The event draws 2+ million visitors over its run, so expect large crowds especially on weekends. See our travel tips guide for more details.
Yokohama Events and Festivals: Autumn (September to November)
Yokohama Oktoberfest (Late September to Early October)
Held at the Red Brick Warehouse plaza, this is one of Japan’s largest Oktoberfest celebrations running for 12-14 days. German beers (Paulaner, Hofbrau, and local craft breweries) are served in 500 ml steins (1,200-1,500 yen). German food stalls sell pretzels, sausages, and schnitzel. Open weekdays 12:00-21:30, weekends 11:00-21:30. Entry is free; food and drinks are pay-as-you-go. The outdoor seating area fills up by 18:00 on weekends. The 2026 dates are expected to run from September 25 to October 12.
Yokohama Jazz Promenade (Second Weekend of October)
Japan’s largest jazz festival, running across 30+ venues throughout Yokohama from street corners and bars to concert halls. Over 2,000 musicians perform over two days, spanning traditional jazz, fusion, big band, and Latin jazz. A single wristband (4,500 yen in advance, 5,500 yen day-of) gives access to all participating venues. Free street performances happen throughout the Kannai and Bashamichi areas. The 2026 festival is expected on October 10-11. Book accommodation early as hotels near Kannai and Minato Mirai sell out by mid-September.
Yokohama Events and Festivals: Winter (December to February)
Yokohama Christmas Market (Late November to December 25)
Held at the Red Brick Warehouse, this German-style Christmas market features wooden huts selling mulled wine (Gluhwein, 800-1,000 yen), hot chocolate, bratwurst, Christmas ornaments, and seasonal gifts. A 12-meter Christmas tree and nightly illuminations make it a popular date spot. Open daily 11:00-22:00. Entry is free. Weekends from December 15-25 are extremely crowded; go on a weekday evening for a more relaxed experience. The 2026 market is expected to run from November 27 to December 25.
Chinese New Year in Yokohama Chinatown (Late January/Early February)
Yokohama Chinatown hosts Japan’s largest Chinese New Year celebration spanning 15 days. The highlight is the New Year’s Day countdown and lion dance (shishimai) parades on weekends. Red lanterns fill the streets, and restaurants offer special New Year menus. The parade route runs through the main streets of Chinatown with firecrackers, drumming, and the lion dance stopping at shops to bring luck. Free to watch. The 2027 Chinese New Year falls on January 29. Go on the first Saturday or Sunday for the biggest parade.
