The Most Popular Event in Japan, Ranked

Choose the event you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:37
Judging the popularity of events in Japan can often seem subjective, but with the right tools, an objective picture begins to emerge. From cultural festivals to technological expos, the diverse range of happenings attract different levels of attention and appreciation. By ranking these, not only do we see what is currently capturing the public's interest, but we also provide valuable insights into emerging trends. This live ranking is driven by your votes, casting light on which events resonate most with attendees and observers alike. Your participation shapes the leaderboard, offering a dynamic snapshot of what's trending. So cast your vote today and see how your favorites stack up against the rest.

What Is the Most Popular Event in Japan?

  1. 1
    78
    votes
    It is the most important holiday in Japan, and it is celebrated with traditional customs and rituals. People visit shrines and temples to pray for good fortune and health for the coming year.
    New Year's Day is the first day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. It is celebrated by people worldwide as the beginning of a new year and is typically accompanied by various customs, traditions, and festivities.
    • Date: January 1st
    • Calendar: Gregorian calendar
    • Global Celebration: Celebreated worldwide
    • Customs and Traditions: Varies across different cultures
    • Fireworks: Often accompanied by fireworks displays
    New Year's Day in other rankings
  2. 2
    47
    votes
    Cherry Blossom Festival
    victor estrada diaz · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Known as Hanami, it is a national pastime in Japan where people gather to admire the cherry blossoms, which signify the arrival of spring. The festival is held from late March to early May.
    The Cherry Blossom Festival, also known as Hanami in Japan, is an annual event that celebrates the blooming of cherry blossom trees. It is one of the most popular and cherished events in Japan, attracting locals and tourists from all over the world. The festival marks the beginning of spring and the beauty of nature's renewal.
    • Duration: The festival typically lasts for a few weeks, depending on the region and the blooming cycle of the trees.
    • Locations: Cherry Blossom Festivals are held throughout Japan, with some of the most famous locations being Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nara.
    • Activities: Visitors can enjoy various activities during the festival, including picnicking under the cherry trees, traditional performances such as tea ceremonies and music concerts, hanami parties, and fireworks displays.
    • Sakura Zensen: The cherry blossom front, known as Sakura Zensen, is carefully tracked and reported by meteorological agencies, informing the public about optimal viewing times in different regions.
    • Symbolism: Cherry blossoms symbolize the ephemeral nature of life and are often associated with the concept of mono no aware, a sadness or melancholy beauty.
  3. 3
    31
    votes
    It is a major international video game expo held annually in Tokyo. The event showcases the latest video game technologies, consoles, and games.
    The Tokyo Game Show is an annual trade show and expo dedicated to the video game industry held in Tokyo, Japan. It serves as a platform for video game developers, publishers, and console manufacturers to showcase their latest products and upcoming releases to the public and industry professionals. With its extensive exhibit space and various interactive activities, the Tokyo Game Show attracts a large number of attendees from all over the world who are interested in the latest gaming trends and innovations.
    • Location: Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan
    • Year of Inception: 1996
    • Duration: 4 days
    • Exhibit Space: Over 200,000 square meters
    • Attendance: Over 250,000 visitors
  4. 4
    23
    votes
    Japan has many summer festivals known as Matsuri, which are celebrated throughout the country. They are known for their lively atmosphere, fireworks, and street food.
    Summer Festivals, also known as Natsu Matsuri in Japanese, are traditional and vibrant events held throughout Japan during the summer season. These festivals are known for their lively atmosphere, colorful decorations, traditional music and dance performances, and delicious local street food stalls. They bring together communities and offer a glimpse into Japanese culture and traditions.
    • Duration: Typically held for one to several days throughout the summer season.
    • Locations: Held in both rural and urban areas across Japan.
    • Traditional Clothing: People often wear colorful yukatas (light cotton kimonos) during the festivals.
    • Decorations: Streets, temples, and shrines are adorned with lanterns, colorful flags, and ornate decoration.
    • Fireworks: Firework displays are common and add a touch of magic to the festivities.
  5. 5
    8
    votes
    It is the largest car show in Japan and showcases the latest and greatest in automotive technology, customization, and racing.
    The Tokyo Auto Salon is an annual automotive exhibition held in Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the most popular events in the country, attracting car enthusiasts, manufacturers, and industry professionals from all around the world. The event showcases the latest and most innovative automotive technologies, aftermarket parts, customizations, and trends in the automotive industry.
    • Event Type: Automotive Exhibition
    • Frequency: Annual
    • Location: Tokyo, Japan
    • Audience: Car enthusiasts, manufacturers, industry professionals
    • Scope: Showcasing automotive technologies, aftermarket parts, customizations, and industry trends
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    Anime Expo
    Kisuka at en.wikipedia · Public domain
    It is the largest anime and manga convention in Japan, and it attracts fans from around the world. The event features cosplay, workshops, and exclusive merchandise.
    Anime Expo is an annual event held in Japan that celebrates anime and manga, attracting otaku and fans from all over the world. It is a multi-day convention featuring various activities such as panels, screenings, concerts, cosplay contests, and merchandise exhibitions. Anime Expo provides a platform for fans to come together, share their passion, and experience the latest trends in the anime industry.
    • Year of Establishment: 1992
    • Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California
    • Duration: 4 days
    • Attendance: Over 100,000 visitors
    • Industry Guests: Renowned anime/manga creators, voice actors, and industry professionals
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Sapporo Snow Festival
    Materialscientist · CC BY-SA 3.0
    It is a winter festival held in Sapporo, Japan, and it is known for its impressive snow sculptures and ice carvings.
    The Sapporo Snow Festival is a highly popular annual event held in Sapporo, the capital city of Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido. The festival is famous for its magnificent snow and ice sculptures, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
    • Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
    • Duration: 7 days
    • Started in: 1950
    • Number of sculptures: Over 200
    • Size of sculptures: Varies from small to gigantic, sometimes reaching up to 25 meters in height
  8. 8
    10
    votes

    Japanese Grand Prix

    Formula One Management
    It is a Formula One race held annually at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan. The event attracts racing fans from around the world.
    The Japanese Grand Prix is a Formula 1 motor race held in Japan. It is considered one of the most popular and prestigious motorsport events in the country. The race takes place at the Suzuka Circuit, which is known for its challenging and unique figure-eight layout. The Japanese Grand Prix attracts thousands of passionate motorsport fans from around the world who come to witness the high-speed action firsthand.
    • Location: Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Japan
    • First held: 1976
    • Track length: 5.807 km
    • Number of laps: 53
    • Most successful driver: Michael Schumacher (6 wins)
    Japanese Grand Prix in other rankings
  9. 9
    11
    votes
    It is a popular activity in Japan, and the climbing season runs from July to early September. Climbing Mount Fuji is considered a spiritual experience and a symbol of Japan.
    The Mount Fuji Climbing Season is an annual event that attracts climbers from around the world to scale Mount Fuji, the highest peak in Japan. Known as Fujisan in Japanese, Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano and an iconic symbol of Japan's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The climbing season provides adventurers with a unique opportunity to experience the majestic and sacred mountain up close.
    • Location: Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Japan
    • Altitude: 3,776 meters (12,389 feet)
    • Duration: July to early September
    • Accessibility: Accessible by various trails from different starting points
    • Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    Tokyo International Film Festival
    Tyuvc · CC BY-SA 3.0
    It is a major film festival held annually in Tokyo, and it showcases the latest and greatest in cinema from around the world.
    The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) is an annual film festival held in Tokyo, Japan. It showcases a wide range of international films, including feature films, documentaries, and animations. The festival aims to promote the appreciation and understanding of cinema, as well as provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their works.
    • Location: Tokyo, Japan
    • Year of Inception: 1985
    • Duration: Approximately 10 days
    • Screening Venues: Various theaters across Tokyo
    • Competition Categories: International Competition, Asian Future, Japanese Cinema Splash

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Ranking factors for popular event

  1. Attendance
    The number of people attending an event can be a strong indicator of its popularity. The more people attend, the more popular an event is likely to be.
  2. Media coverage
    The amount of media coverage an event receives can also show how popular an event is, both in Japan and internationally. This includes print, television, online, and social media coverage.
  3. Cultural significance
    The event's importance in Japanese culture, history, and tradition can be a factor in its popularity. Events with deep-rooted cultural significance may be more popular and respected.
  4. Tourist appeal
    Events that attract a significant number of tourists and are part of popular tourist itineraries can be considered popular events. High tourist interest can also contribute to an event's overall success.
  5. Frequency and duration
    How often an event occurs and how long it lasts can also impact its popularity. Annual events with a long duration may be more popular than one-time or short events.
  6. Accessibility
    Events that are easily accessible to the majority of the population or those held in well-known venues can also be considered more popular.
  7. Economic impact
    Events that contribute to the local economy can also be popular, as they can generate additional revenue for businesses and governments.
  8. Participation
    Events that involve a large number of participants or allow wide participation from the public can be more popular as well.
  9. Reputation and history
    The history and reputation of an event, including the tradition associated with it, can also impact its popularity. Events with a long-standing reputation for excellence or excitement may be more popular.
  10. Entertainment value
    Events that offer high entertainment value, including performances, competitions, and exhibitions, can attract larger audiences and be considered more popular.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular event in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or event is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2580 views
  • 230 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each event once every 24 hours. The rank of each event is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular event in japan

Japan is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a plethora of events and festivals that attract visitors from all over the world. From traditional celebrations to modern pop culture events, there is something for everyone in Japan. The most popular event in Japan is undoubtedly the Cherry Blossom Festival, also known as Hanami. This event takes place every year in late March to early April, when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. People from all over the country gather under the trees to enjoy the beautiful scenery, have picnics, and celebrate the arrival of spring. Other popular events include the Gion Matsuri festival in Kyoto, the Sapporo Snow Festival, and the Tokyo International Film Festival. Whether you're interested in traditional culture, food, or modern entertainment, Japan offers a wide range of events and experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

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