Festivals
A Trip to Niigata’s Phallic Shoki Festival
Every year between February and March, groups of local citizens head deep into the forests of Niigata for a festival that involves copious amounts of straw and a large phallus.
By Michael Gakuran 7 min read
What the Heck is Setsubun?
A deep dive into this delightfully devilish Japanese holiday signaling the coming of spring.
9 Great Snow Festivals to See in Japan
There’s snow place like Japan when it comes to winter festivals.
Useful Japanese Halloween Vocabulary
Learn these words to help you identify some of the costumed characters you might encounter this Halloween.
5 Craft Beer Festivals to Attend in Japan this Spring
Lovers of craft brew unite! As spring approaches celebrations of beer blossom!
Fuji Rock Festival 2019 Lineup Announced
Netizens cannot contain their excitement.
Japan Summer Music Festival Guide: Oh No, Let’s Go!
Fuji Rock, Summer Sonic and the whole shebang offer up your choice of rock, pop, jazz, EDM and more in the great outdoors.
22 of Japan’s Most Famous Matsuri: A Travel Calendar
From this summer through next spring, here’s your ultimate Japan festival guide.
Festivals of Japan: Sanja Matsuri
See one of Tokyo’s biggest, best and wildest festivals close up at the Sanja Matsuri.
A Guide to the Sapporo Snow Festival
Headed to Japan's most popular winter festival this year? Or thinking to book a last-minute trip? Here's a guide for what you need to know before you go.
Osaka Tenjin Matsuri
The Tenjin Matsuri, which literally means “festival of the gods,” first started in the 10th century and is held every year in Osaka on July 24th and July 25th.
Get Dolled Up at Toride’s 12th Annual Hina Matsuri Festival
Toride City will be hosting its annual Hina Matsuri Festival with over 90 hina dolls on display.
