Festivals Hatsumode in Asakusa 2026 Jan 1st - Jan 7th The first visit to the shrine in the new year is called Hatsumode, and it attracts quite some crowds every year, and I think it..
Festivals Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri 2026 Mid Sep The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is the largest, if not greatest, danjiri matsuri (float festival) in Japan. Celebrating 300 year..
Gardens & Parks Autumn in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide Joanna Ligon Autumn in Japan is a time of golden beauty and crisp transformation. This guide brings together all the essentials for planning..
Festivals Aoi Matsuri Festival 2026 Friday - May 15th The Aoi Matsuri is one of the oldest and most celebrated festivals in Japan. So much so, the word “Matsuri” originally referre..
Festivals Namahage Sedo Festival 2026 Early Feb The Namahage Festival is held each year on the second Friday, Saturday and Sunday of February, around the time of the old or lunar..
Festivals Hakata Gion Yamakasa 2026 Jul 1st - Jul 15th Fukuoka's most exciting festival: it's 5 am, the streets are packed, and the men are running.
Festivals Setsubun Mantoro 2026 Early Feb At the Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, more than 3,000 lanterns in the precincts are lit up.
Festivals Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 Late Mar - Early Apr The annual Nagoya Castle Cherry Blossom Festival encourages visitors to make the most out of the blooming season, and as well as..