Culture Noto’s Kiriko Festivals Alena Eckelmann The Noto Peninsula is famous for its Kiriko Festivals. Kiriko are large lanterns that are carried around during summer festivals..
9 Temples & Shrines Otaji Nenbutsu-ji Sophia Warren Built in the late 8th century and relocated in the early 20th century, Otaji Nenbutsu-ji in Kyoto stands out from other Buddhist..
9 Temples & Shrines Zojo-ji Brian Wood-Koiwa Zojo-ji was once the family temple of the Tokugawa Shoguns during the Edo period (1603-1868). Today, Tokyo Tower rises majestically..
Culture New Year at Kanasana Shrine 2026 Jan 1st - Jan 3rd Kanasana Shrine in Kamikawa Town, Saitama Prefecture, is one of the most locally famous places for 'hatsumode'. The otherwise..
Culture Toyohama Sea Bream Festival 2026 Late Jul It's like a Godzilla flick! Giant Sea Bream 18m long attacking & being chased by naked men! Before you call the army, this is..
Street & Urban Hanami at Nishi Park Tristan Scholze As spring comes to the largest city in Kyushu, the crowds head for the biggest downtown parks, Maizuru and Nishi, to enjoy the cherry..
Culture Suginami Cedar Avenue in Nikko Cathy Cawood 400 year old Suginami Cedar Avenue in Nikkō holds the Guinness World Record for the longest tree-lined avenue in the world.