Each year on the last weekend in July the city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture, the "city of music", already renowned for its historic castle, adds to its fame by hosting the raw and elegant sound and fury that is […]
The Beppu Hanabi Taikai (Beppu Fireworks Festival) is a must-see summer event. The festival is held annually on either the last weekend of July or the first weekend of August. Beppu Hanabi Taikai is held at Spa Beach, which overlooks […]
In the summer months, local fireworks events are held all over rural Japan. Organized by sundry Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and Chambers of Commerce, they are typically quite spectacular, reflecting the pride of the local area, and they draw crowds […]
The home of Mikawa fireworks, this is one of the biggest displays in Aichi, with spots by the river reserved a day in advance by many. With a history dating back to the Edo period, the festival uses 70% locally […]
The Nagaoka Festival is held from August 1st to August 3rd around the Shinano River in Nagaoka City. Its main attractions are the portable shrine float parades and folk dance processions during the day with large-scale fireworks displays in the […]
During the annual Zama Mikoshi Festival (July 31-August 1st), residents and Mikoshi regulars from neighboring communities carry a portable shrine through the streets of Zama chanting "Say ya, Soi ya, Sah, Sorya" and "Dokkoi, Dokkoi, Dokkoi Sorya". They are asking […]
The festival is one of the top five festivals of the Tohoku (northeastern Japan) region--and it is easy to see why. The main event is the massive parade of over three thousand drummers, representing taiko groups created by schools, companies, […]
The Japanese word for firework is Hanabi. Hana means 'flower' and bi means 'fire'. On the 1st of August, I went to see flowers of fire blooming in the firework festival at Lake Yamanaka. Before the fireworks, I saw a […]
Hirakawa city in Aomori Prefecture hosts a Nebuta Festival at the beginning of August each year. While the Aomori City has the crowds, Hirosaki has the refined tradition and Goshogawara has towering floats, Hirakawa’s claim to fame is having Aomori’s […]
What makes Japanese fireworks different from all the others around the world? For one, they reflect Japan’s culture. All have themes and the crowds really get into the mood. You see blue mats everywhere and special food tents wherever the […]
There is an island, a shrine, and a station that is only open for a short festival each year. For two days this shrine, and the tiny Tsu island on which it sits, see around 10,000 people come and go. […]
The Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Display is a popular tradition with local residents and tourists alike. Approximately 16,000 fireworks are set off from the shores of the Hirose River which flows through central Sendai. The area is easily accessed via Hirosedori […]