Every October, the ancient capital of Kyoto comes alive with one of Japan’s most spectacular parades: the Jidai Matsuri (時代祭), or Festival of the Ages. With thousands of participants dressed in historical costumes, the festival is a living timeline of Japanese history, making it one of the most fascinating cultural events for travelers.

Japan’s tourism boom continues—2025 is projected to welcome over 40 million inbound travelers, surpassing pre-pandemic records. Yet this success brings challenges. Many famous spots are increasingly overtouristed, prompting a shift toward sustainable travel and deeper cultural experiences.