John Asano is a blogger and travel writer living in Gifu, Japan. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, he writes about must-see sights and attractions at Japan Travel Advice, as well as about Japanese travel and culture on his blog, Japan Australia.
The Oga no Namahage Festival features namahage, a strange deity resembling a demon, which is known as oni in Japanese.
The legend of the 47 ronin is the ultimate story of loyalty, sacrifice, persistence and honour.
The Grand Festival of Kasuga Wakamiya Shrine was first held in the 12th century to pray for the end of an epidemic plague and for a rich harvest.
The Chichibu Yomatsuri is one of the most spectacular winter festivals in Japan and is only a short trip away from Tokyo.
The Arashiyama Momiji Festival is a beautiful and colourful autumn festival that takes place in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto.
The Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu commemorates the journey of Japan’s daimyo from the capital Edo to the provinces during the Edo Period.
The Karatsu Kunchi Matsuri features daily parades, spectacular historical floats and powerful performances.
The Jidai Matsuri is held every October 22, which is the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto.
The Takayama Autumn Festival is one of Japan’s biggest and most famous festivals attracting a large number of spectators every year
The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival is one of Japan’s most colourful and vibrant festivals.
The highlight of the festival is the warrior procession featuring several of Japan’s most famous historic figures and warriors.
Inuyama Castle’s main tower is the oldest in existence in Japan and has been designated a National Treasure of Japan