On the 3rd of January, Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto will host the first New Year's 'Karuta' card game. Women dressed in Juni-hitoe (Heian period costume) will play this old card game. Karuta was introduced to Japan by Portuguese merchants in […]
Hashigo-nori is a traditional performance that attempts to pass on the techniques and methods of firemen in the Edo period. The performance is held every year on a coming-of-age day (the second Monday of January) in front of the main […]
Gongendo Park is renowned for its picturesque cherry blossom and rapeseed landscapes. However, the park also boasts an array of seasonal flowers that bloom throughout the year. During January and early February, you can witness over half a million daffodils […]
Kanasana Shrine is a 1900-year-old shrine in Saitama. It is a unique shrine in that it venerates the mountain rather than a religious artifact like most other shrines. The shrine is located in the mountain town of Kamikawa in Saitama […]
The Hanamaki Souminsai is held every year on January 2nd at the Koshio shrine on Mount Koshio. It's a purification festival for the new year, it starts by making mochi (rice cake) and getting blessings from the local Shinto priest. […]
A daruma doll is a hollow wooden round-shaped face with a beard. Most commonly they are red in color. When bought new, they have no eyes painted in. You paint one eye on receiving or buying the doll while making […]
Looking for a fun winter activity that the whole family can enjoy? Consider checking out the Hitsujigaoka Snow Park event! This event has been held annually since 2004 and offers a variety of ways to play in the snow. There's […]
The Atami Plum Garden in Shizuoka is famous for its early-blooming plum trees, and visitors can enjoy the sight of close to 500 trees in 59 different varieties during the annual plum festival. With early, mid, and late-blooming trees, there […]
The KYOTO STEAM festival offers a one-of-a-kind blend of art and cultural events that delve into the interplay between art and science. Held annually in March in Okazaki, Kyoto, the festival showcases a diverse range of exhibitions suitable for all […]
The Odawara Flower Garden, established in 1995, is a must-visit destination for floral enthusiasts. With a variety of seasonal blooms, the garden is particularly popular during the plum tree blossoming season. An annual festival is held during this time, offering […]
Nanrakuen Garden in Ehime hosts a plum festival annually from late January to early March. This event celebrates the beauty of around 160 plum trees in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy free plum tea, amazake, and zenzai during the festival, […]
Experience the stunning beauty of Japanese plum blossoms at Kishu Ishigami Tanabe Ume Orchards in Wakayama Prefecture. With over 300,000 ume trees in full bloom, the orchards offer a breathtaking view that stretches all the way to the Pacific Ocean. […]