The annual 47 Rōnin Winter Festival, also known as the Akō Gishi Sai Festival, takes place in Tokyo, Japan. This event, held in mid-December at the Sengakuji Temple, commemorates the 47 rōnin, legendary figures in Japanese history. These samurai avenged…
The Meiji Jingu Gaien Ice Skating Rink in Tokyo is a year-round facility that caters to both novice and experienced skaters. Situated in the heart of the city, it offers a picturesque setting with the Shinjuku Gyoen gardens as a…
The Kachiya Festival, held in Tokyo every May, is a beloved event that commemorates an ancient victory and pays tribute to Fujiwara no Hidesato’s prayer for victory. With over a thousand years of history, this festival is a testament to…
The Kyokusui-no-utage ceremony in Kyoto is experiencing a revival, bringing back an ancient tradition that dates back to the Nara era. Held at the Jōnangū Shrine, the ceremony reflects the lifestyle of Heian period nobles. Poets dressed in silk robes…
The Setsubun Festival at Yasaka Shrine is a dynamic event that combines tradition and spectacle. Held on the first day of spring, this Japanese custom aims to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. The festival features a fascinating…
Kyoto’s Kasagake Shinji is a thrilling equestrian tradition that captures the attention of tourists worldwide. Held at the Kamigamo Shrine, this event showcases Japan’s rich cultural heritage and simulates military maneuvers on the battlefield. With strategically placed targets of varying…
The annual Hydrangea Festival in Akiruno is a must-visit for nature lovers. With thousands of vibrant hydrangeas blooming and scenic trails to explore, it offers a beautiful escape from the bustling city life of Tokyo. The festival, running for over…
The Ōmato National Archery Competition, also known as the Ōmato Taikai ritual, is a mesmerizing event that brings centuries-old traditions to life. Held at the historic Sanjūsangen-dō Temple in Kyoto, Japan, this coming-of-age ceremony showcases the skill and precision of…
Mizudome-no-mai, a 700-year-old rain-stopping dance tradition in Tokyo, continues to captivate locals and travelers alike with its cultural and historical significance. This mesmerizing dance, held at Gonshoji Temple on July 10th, is believed to possess the power to halt rain.…
Every year in June, Shinto shrines across Japan come alive with the sacred tradition of Nagoshi no Harae. This ancient ritual, established during the Nara Period, offers a chance for atonement and renewal. Legend tells of the protective power of…
The Motomiya Festival at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto is an annual celebration that honors Inari Okami, the deity of rice and agriculture. This festival, held in July, combines the beauty of lanterns with traditional performances to create a magical…
The Shinjuku Eisa Festival, held annually in Tokyo’s vibrant Shinjuku district, showcases the captivating dance and tradition of Okinawa. On July 29th, thousands of spectators gather to witness the mesmerizing Eisa dance performances, a unique folk dance that originated during…
The Iriya Asagao Festival in Japan is an annual event that celebrates the country’s love for morning glories. It takes place in the Shitamachi district from July 6 to July 8, attracting around 400,000 visitors each year. Showcasing over 1,000…
Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri is a must-see summer festival in Tokyo’s historic Shitamachi area. With its origins rooted in a captivating legend about star-crossed lovers, Tanabata has become a beloved Japanese holiday. This vibrant festival draws in around 400,000 visitors annually,…
The Fussa Tanabata Festival is an annual celebration in Fussa, Japan, that combines the cultural traditions of the Tanabata Festival and the Ikebukuro Hula Festival. It’s a long-standing tradition, now in its 70th year, and is known for its vibrant…
Japan’s enchanting hydrangea festival is a vibrant celebration of color and culture. With over 100 varieties of hydrangeas adding a burst of hues to public parks and private gardens, these flowers hold a special place in Japan’s history. Despite the…
The Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo is known for its annual Wisteria Festival, where over 100 blooming wisteria plants take center stage. This enchanting event combines cultural traditions with the beauty of nature, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse…
The Kyō-ryōri Exhibition, held annually at Miyako Messe convention center, mesmerizes visitors with the irresistible tastes of Kyoto’s culinary culture. This captivating showcase celebrates the soul of Japanese cuisine, featuring five distinct elements that reflect Kyoto’s rich history and traditions.…
The Setagaya Plum Blossom Festival in Tokyo is an eagerly anticipated event that takes place in February, showcasing the mesmerizing display of blooming plum blossoms. Held at Setagaya’s Hanegi Park, the festival welcomes both locals and travelers to celebrate the…
The Edogawa Goldfish Festival, happening on the third weekend of July 2023, is a vibrant celebration of the centuries-old tradition of goldfish breeding in Edogawa City, Tokyo. Known as one of Japan’s top three goldfish producers, Edogawa takes pride in…
Shimai Kōbō, Kyoto’s beloved flea market, is a must-visit for bargain hunters and culture enthusiasts alike. Taking place on the 21st of every month, this lively event pays homage to Kōbō Daishi, a revered Buddhist monk. With rows of shops…
The Seimei Festival, held at Seimei Jinja Shrine near Kyoto Subway Imadegawa Station, is an essential cultural experience that honors the legendary astronomer and Onmyoji, Abe no Seimei. Established in 1007, the shrine’s pentagram prayer charm is dedicated to Seimei…
The highly anticipated Mitarashi Festival at Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto is a must-visit event, attracting thousands of eager visitors. This ancient Japanese cultural extravaganza, held in late July, marks a turning point in Japan’s seasonal calendar. Participants wade into the…
The Kiyomizuyaki Pottery Festival is an annual celebration that honors Kyoto’s rich craftsmanship. It takes place over three days in October in the Yamashina-ku district of Kyoto and attracts tens of thousands of visitors. This festival offers a unique opportunity…
Are you ready to embark on a journey through Japan’s stunning landscape and vibrant culture? If so, the Japan Rail Pass is your ticket to an unrestricted adventure. What Is the Japan Rail Pass? The Japan Rail Pass is a…
Here’s what you need to know about the Kansai Area Pass: What is the Kansai Area Pass? The Kansai Area Pass is a discounted train pass that allows you to travel unlimitedly on local and rapid JR trains within the…