Japan festival checklist: what to bring and know

Before you head out

Cash, including coinsMany food stalls only take cash. Bring ¥1,000 notes and ¥100/¥500 coins so you aren't breaking a ¥10,000 note at every stall.
Top up your IC cardCharge your Suica, PASMO or ICOCA (or the phone version) before you go — ticket machines near festival stations get long queues, especially on the way home.
Check the last train homeLook it up in a route app and set an alarm 30 minutes before. Trains are packed after fireworks and parades, and stations sometimes limit entry to control crowds.
Save an offline mapMobile data often slows to a crawl in big crowds. Download the area in your map app and screenshot the official venue map.
Agree on a meeting pointPick a landmark that's easy to find (not just "the station exit") and a time to regroup, in case you lose each other and phones stop working.

A charged power bankPhotos, maps and translation apps drain your battery fast. Bring a power bank and a short cable.
A small bag for your trashPublic bins are rare in Japan, and festival bins fill up quickly. Keep your trash with you until you find a sorted bin, or take it back to where you're staying.
Fan in summer, hand warmers in winterSummer festivals stay hot and humid after dark — a handheld fan, a hat and water help. Autumn and winter evenings get cold fast: wear layers and grab disposable hand warmers (kairo) from a convenience store.
Tissues, wet wipes and a small towelUseful for sticky festival food and for restrooms that may run out of paper or have no hand towels.

Use the restroom earlyTemporary toilets get long queues just before the main event. Go early; restrooms in stations, department stores or convenience stores are often quicker.
Arrive early or stay lateThe hour before the main event is usually the most crowded. Arriving early, or waiting until the crowd heads home, is far more relaxed.

Yukata: left side over rightWrap the left panel over the right (as you look down at yourself) — right over left is how the deceased are dressed. Break in your geta sandals or bring plasters.
Photo etiquetteDon't stop in the middle of the flow to film, keep selfie sticks down in crowds, and ask before photographing people up close. Many events ban drones, so follow staff instructions.
Respect the shrine or templeMany festivals are religious events. Bow at the gate, walk to the side of the main path, don't climb on stone walls or lanterns, and keep food and drinks away from the worship halls.

Cash, including coinsMany food stalls only take cash. Bring ¥1,000 notes and ¥100/¥500 coins so you aren't breaking a ¥10,000 note at every stall.
Top up your IC cardCharge your Suica, PASMO or ICOCA (or the phone version) before you go — ticket machines near festival stations get long queues, especially on the way home.
Check the last train homeLook it up in a route app and set an alarm 30 minutes before. Trains are packed after fireworks and parades, and stations sometimes limit entry to control crowds.
Save an offline mapMobile data often slows to a crawl in big crowds. Download the area in your map app and screenshot the official venue map.
Agree on a meeting pointPick a landmark that's easy to find (not just "the station exit") and a time to regroup, in case you lose each other and phones stop working.

A charged power bankPhotos, maps and translation apps drain your battery fast. Bring a power bank and a short cable.
A small bag for your trashPublic bins are rare in Japan, and festival bins fill up quickly. Keep your trash with you until you find a sorted bin, or take it back to where you're staying.
Fan in summer, hand warmers in winterSummer festivals stay hot and humid after dark — a handheld fan, a hat and water help. Autumn and winter evenings get cold fast: wear layers and grab disposable hand warmers (kairo) from a convenience store.
Tissues, wet wipes and a small towelUseful for sticky festival food and for restrooms that may run out of paper or have no hand towels.

Use the restroom earlyTemporary toilets get long queues just before the main event. Go early; restrooms in stations, department stores or convenience stores are often quicker.
Arrive early or stay lateThe hour before the main event is usually the most crowded. Arriving early, or waiting until the crowd heads home, is far more relaxed.

Yukata: left side over rightWrap the left panel over the right (as you look down at yourself) — right over left is how the deceased are dressed. Break in your geta sandals or bring plasters.
Photo etiquetteDon't stop in the middle of the flow to film, keep selfie sticks down in crowds, and ask before photographing people up close. Many events ban drones, so follow staff instructions.
Respect the shrine or templeMany festivals are religious events. Bow at the gate, walk to the side of the main path, don't climb on stone walls or lanterns, and keep food and drinks away from the worship halls.