Recent Posts
A Guide to the Sapporo Snow Festival 2017
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.
By John Asano on January 13, 2017
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.
By John Asano on July 12, 2016
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.
By Jessica Sayuri Boissy on February 25, 2016
Festivals of Japan: Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
Otaru is a port city steeped in a rich history located near Niseko on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.
By John Asano on February 9, 2016
Festivals of Japan: Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival in Nara
Originating in the 18th century, the burning of Mount Wakakusa is one of Japan’s most spectacular winter festivals.
By John Asano on January 20, 2016
Festivals of Japan: Santera Mairi Festival
The town is also famous for its spectacular festivals with one of the best and most famous being the Santera Mairi Festival.
By John Asano on January 12, 2016
Festivals of Japan: Nozawa Fire Festival
The event climaxes in a massive bonfire as the wooden shrine succumbs to the flames of the attackers and is offered to the gods.
By John Asano on January 7, 2016
Festivals of Japan: Dezome-shiki (New Year’s Parade of Firemen) in Tokyo
The highlight and main attraction of the event is the amazing ladder stunts, which have a long history behind them.
By John Asano on January 6, 2016
Festivals of Japan: Oga no Namahage Festival
The Oga no Namahage Festival features namahage, a strange deity resembling a demon, which is known as oni in Japanese.
By John Asano on December 27, 2015
Festivals of Japan: Gishi-sai Festival in Tokyo
The legend of the 47 ronin is the ultimate story of loyalty, sacrifice, persistence and honour.
By John Asano on December 11, 2015
Festivals of Japan: Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri in Nara Park
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.
By John Asano on December 9, 2015
Festivals of Japan: Chichibu Yomatsuri
The Chichibu Yomatsuri is one of the most spectacular winter festivals in Japan and is only a short trip away from Tokyo.