Tag: events
Tohoku’s Kizuna Festival Raucously Blends Six Great Traditions
Tanabata Festival in Sendai
Japanese festivals are raucous and joyful events, filled with noise and songs. For a unique opportunity to see the customs of six communities in one special event, the Tohoku Kizuna Festival can be ideal....
The Famed Oto Fire Festival of Wakayama Prefecture
Men of all ages – dressed in white with a thick rope tied around their waist – congregate at the shrine carrying wooden torches.
At Kamikura Shrine in Shingu city, every year on February 6, the Wakayama Oto...
Lanterns Over the Dark Sea Create Dreamlike Kiriko Festival on Noto Peninsula
A glow from festival lights fills the air with excitement. As the warm days of summer arrive, the Noto Peninsula begins celebrating the Kiriko Matsuri, which continues until the early days of autumn. Colorful hanging lantern floats called kiriko are...
Enjoy the Summer Cheer at the Multicoloured Nebuta Matsuri
'Tis the season to be jolly! In Japan’s case, that means the season of summer festivals. One of the most striking festivals in the whole of Japan is the Aomori Nebuta Festival. Kicking off in early August, it takes place in Aomori...
Umi No Hi Festival A Different Way to Experience Tokyo in the Summer
The Umi No Hi festival is celebrated by decorating the beach of Odaiba Bay with paper lanterns. The event name itself is interesting as it plays on the same sound of hi, which means both lantern, as in “Lantern of the Sea,” and day,...
Floats, Zodiacs and a Fountain of Youth: Kushida Shrine
A gentle breeze flaps the tall flags at the entrance to Kushida Shrine as I wait for a chance to cross the street. At first glance it appears like any other jinja but, in fact, it’s one of the oldest and most...
Kanazawa Carries On Edo-Era Kaga Tobi Firefighter Festival
For a truly surprising event packed with Edo-era charm, head to Kanazawa for the annual Kaga tobi firefighter festival.
Kanazawa Carries On Edo-Era Kaga Tobi Firefighter Festival
Sometimes, traditions have hidden...
Yes, Book and Beer Cafes Exist: Here are Two of Tokyo’s Best
After a long, hard week, who doesn’t love to kick back and relax? Some of us might curl up and sink into a good book. Others might crack open a cold one and sink into their favourite comfy chair. I’ll even come...
A Solid Hour Of Fireworks At The Tamagawa Fireworks Festival
Yes, you read that correctly—one whole hour. To be honest, I didn’t quite believe it could be true; I assumed there would be liberal breaks and a lot of MC banter to fill the gaps. But Futakotamagawa's Tamagawa Fireworks Festival is no...
