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6.July.2026

In Japan, summer is the season of local festivals called matsuri: these events bring the community together to celebrate their culture, as well as offering delicious food and drink to fight off the heat. Live music, activities, and fireworks are key features, and make for incredible experiences for both locals and travelers alike.

If you’re game to brave the warm Amami sun this year, the locals are waiting for you at four incredible festivals through July and August.
To help you make the most out of Amami’s events this summer, let’s take a look at the dates and highlights of each one:

Tatsugo Furusato Matsuri - July 19

First is the town of Tatsugo on Amami’s sunny northern coast, holding their Furusato Matsuri (Hometown Festival) on Sunday, July 19th. The schedule includes a Funakogi (rowing) tournament from 08:30, performances and dancing from 17:30, and a fireworks show beginning at 20:30.

Amami Matsuri – July 30~August 2

Next, July closes with the multi-day Amami Matsuri, the largest on the island. The Amami Matsuri will take place across the Naze area of Amami City, and unfold over four days. These include sumo and rowing tournaments, dancing, fireworks, and a parade featuring a massive Habu snake!

Schedule:

July 30
18:30-21:00: Traditional dances and musical performances
July 31
17:00-22:00: Fireworks Pregame - song; dance performances
20:30-21:00: Fireworks Show
August 1
08:00-14:30 : Funakogi Rowing Tournament
20:00-22:00: Hachigatsu-Odori Dance
August 2
09:00-14:00 : Sumo Wrestling Tournament
16:00-17:20: Parade (Part 1 - Musical Performances)
17:30-18:40: Parade (Part 2 -Dancing Performances)

Ayamaru Matsuri – August 8~9

The Ayamaru Festival takes place in Kasari, Amami’s northernmost area, along the famously beautiful shores of Cape Ayamaru. The first day kicks off with with a Nanko tournament: a game of clever psychology where players try to guess the amount of small ‘nanko balls’ the other player is holding in their hand.
The following day is filled with rowing tournaments, musical performances, and a fireworks show from 20:00. There may be no better opportunity to see Ayamaru’s beautiful ocean views and rich culture!

Schedule:
August 8
10:00-17:00: Nanko Tournament
August 9
10:00-14:00: Funakogi Rowing Tournament
18:00-20:00: Performances (music, dance, etc.)
20:00-20:30: Fireworks
21:00: Vendors close

Setouchi Minato Matsuri (Harbour Festival) – August 15~16

In the island’s far south, the town of Setouchi celebrates its rich maritime history with the Setouchi Minsato Matsuri (Harbour Festival) this August. Specific details are yet to be revealed, so check back soon for a deeper look at what’s on offer!

Hiratomi Matsuri – August 30

Finally, Yamato Village hosts its Hiratomi Matsuri annually on the final Sunday of August. The festival will see August off with heated rowing races, traditional music, and a large fireworks display over Yamato’s beautiful coast.
Specifics on this year’s event are also forthcoming, so be sure to check back soon for the details!

For more information on locations and event timing, check out the links below (keep in mind the websites are Japanese-only), or get in touch with us regarding any questions. We hope to see you out there this summer!