Culture Geikosai at Yakuoin Mt Takao 2025-2026 Dec 31st - Jan 1st Despite its remote location, thousands make the pilgrimage to Yakuoin, the temple at the top of Mt Takao, for New Year's. The..
Activities Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden Hatsuhinode 2026 Early Jan Japan has a number of unique ways to celebrate the new year, and one of them is hatsuhinode, or watching the first sunrise. The..
Culture New Year's Sunrise at Beppu Ropeway 2026 Thursday - Jan 1st In Japan, the first sunrise of the year, known as hatsuhinode, holds profound cultural and spiritual significance. The cherished..
Festivals Hanamaki Souminsai 2026 Friday - Jan 2nd The Hanamaki Souminsai is held every year on January 2nd at the Koshio shrine on Mount Koshio.
Culture Karuta Hajime Ceremony 2026 Saturday - Jan 3rd At New Year in Japan's former capital of Kyoto, Karuta Hajime is an annual event where a popular traditional card game is played..
Culture Ushiku Daibutsu New Year Events 2025-2026 Dec 31st - Jan 3rd Overview of the New Year celebratory events held annually at the Ushiku Daibutsu (big buddha) in Ibaraki prefecture, close to Tokyo...
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 Kitain Temple Daruma Market 2026 Saturday - Jan 3rd Every year on January 3rd several temples around Japan have a Daruma Market. A Daruma Doll is a type of talisman. People come to..
