Activities Tanabe’s Martial Traditions Alena Eckelmann Benkei has its own matsuri (“festival”) named after him-the Benkei Matsuri
8 Autumn at Kyoto's Shisendo Takako Sakamoto was also a talented garden designer, who contributed to repair works of Katsura
Culture Sendai's Pageant of Starlight 2026 Early - Late Dec Keep a lookout for Santa Clauses on motorcycles!
20 Culture Yamadera Colours in Autumn Amber Mezbourian In 1689, the prolific poet Matsuo Basho visited Yamadera, writing about
Activities Iejima Muneerah Bee The Lily Festival (Yuri Matsuri) happens on the island from late April
10 Culture Okinawa Zoo Christmas Fantasy 2013 Naomi Flemming park in Okinawa City becomes a Christmas festival complete with lights, Santa
Culture Exploring Yamagata the Basho Way Alena Eckelmann Matsuo Basho, an Edo Era Japanese haiku poet (1644-1694) undertook a five-month journey, mainly on foot, to the north of Japan.
Accommodation Katoya Ryokan Obanazawa Hannah Warren After spending the day at Hanagasa Matsuri, Katoya was the perfect place