A ten-day event taking place in Nara, the Tokae sees thousands of candles placed in varying displays and patterns. The shapes include rivers, deer, and hearts and some lanterns are used to illuminate the structures of the area. They have […]
The Hinokuni Matsuri is a festival that takes place in early August predominantly in and around Sunroad Shinshigai (a covered arcade) in Kumamoto City. The festival will feature various dance troupes and competitions as well as a “Natsu Machi Yokocho” […]
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 […]
Each year, on August 6th, candle-lit lanterns are set afloat on the Motoyasu River next to Hiroshima’s A-Bomb Dome in remembrance of deceased ancestors and as a wish for world peace. The lanterns are on sale from 6 am with […]
Tanabata – literally meaning the ‘7th evening’ is a festival celebrated on different dates throughout Japan. The Sendai version, touted as one of the three major summer festivals in the Tohoku region, is the most famous of them all. It’s […]
August 6th is a significant day for anyone in Hiroshima. Although most businesses run, as usual, school children are called into school for "peace education" and many locals and tourists gather in the central Peace Park to reflect on lives […]
Every year, in Honmoku, Yokohama, the Ouma Nagashi event is held during summer. Ouma is a figure with the head of a horse and a turtle-like body made of straw. Every year six pieces of Ouma are made for the […]
This is a horse race that takes place in Shiojiri City on the grassy Takabocchi Plateau. With around 80 competitors from throughout Japan, organizers claim that it is the highest altitude horse race to take place in Japan. Apart from […]
When it comes to big names in the fashion world, Louis Vuitton is right up there at the top. An exhibition running in Tokyo celebrates LV's 160-year history, and it has already delighted visitors in Wuhan (2020), Hangzhou (2021), and […]
Summer is prime time for big festivals in Japan, and Kochi City is no exception. The highlight of the local year is a three-day dance/parade extravaganza in August, called ‘Yosakoi’. What the word means exactly is open to interpretation, but […]
Part of the annual peace festival, this display is as famous for its fireworks as it is for the beautiful food stalls that are illuminated at night. The event takes place on the Hozu river banks and has paid seats […]
Tokushima Awa Odori is rated by many as Japan’s top summer festival. It takes place in Tokushima – a prefecture on the island of Shikoku. The dance festival (Odori means dance) has its origins as a summer Obon festival. ‘Awa’ […]