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2020 March Best Events in Japan
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- March heralds in the start of spring, with peach blossoms igniting towns and cities across Japan. This is marked by Hinamatsuri (Girls Day), which is also called the Momo no Sekku (Peach festival) and is held throughout the country. But Japan also hosts a number of other festivals and celebrations to look forward to. In this guide, we’ve selected some of the most popular events that take place in Japan during March and the scenic landscapes that you can only see at this time of the year. Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day / ひな祭り) Hanging Hina Doll in Inatori Onsen of Izu Celebrated every year on March 3, Hinamatsuri (which is also known as Girls’ Day or Doll’s Day) marks the start of spring and has long been associated with the flowering of peach trees. It sees ornamental dolls representing the Emperor and Empress dressed in Heian period outfits being displayed on platforms covered by red carpets. ― Ibaraki: Makabe’s Hinamatsuri Makabe’s Hinamatsuri While the festival is held across Japan, the celebrations in the Makabe District of Ibaraki Prefecture (真壁のひなまつり) have become particularly popular. People come from across the country to wander through the historic streets and see precious dolls displayed by locals while enjoying the local hospitality and cuisine. Also popular are the celebrations in Yuki City where old stores and sake breweries are transformed into doll exhibition spaces. Read more: Makabe’s Hina MatsuriDate: 4 February to 3 March, 2020Website: https://www.ibarakiguide.jp/seasons/hina.html ― Izu: Hanging Hina Doll Festival in Inatori Onsen Hanging Hina Doll Festival in Inatori Onsen In the hot spring town of Inatori Onsen, the rare and expensive handmade dolls known as Hina are displayed during the Hanging Hina Doll Decoration Festival (伊豆稲取温泉 雛のつるし飾りまつり). The tradition of hanging these beautifully designed dolls is said to bring good health to young girls, with flowering cherry blossoms only adding to the stunning scene. Date: 20 January to 31 March, 2020Website: http://www.inatorionsen.or.jp/hina_sp/index.html ― Tokyo: Meguro Gajoen Hyakudan Hinamatsuri Hyakudan Hinamatsuri Every year, historic ornamental dolls from various Japanese prefectures are showcased as part of the Hyakudan Hinamatsuri (百段雛まつり) exhibit at the Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. “Hina dolls stories of Izumo, Inaba, Hagi” as the main theme, this year will see dolls from Shimane, Tottori and Yamaguchi prefectures. Date: 24 January - 15 March, 2020Website:https://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/en/hyakudankaidan/ ― Sakuramochi Sakuramochi The traditional food of Hinamatsuri is the sakuramochi, a sweet, pink-colored rice cake that’s stuffed with red bean paste and wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf. You can find sakuramochi at department stores and Japanese-style confectionary shops throughout the spring season and they’re an essential treat to eat during hanami (cherry blossom-viewing parties). Niigata: Tsunan Snow Festival (つなん雪まつり) Tsunan Snow Festival Niigata Prefecture’s town of Tsunan experiences some of the heaviest snowfalls in Japan. The resilience of local people to coexist with the snow is celebrated each year during the Tsunan Snow Festival. Among the events that take place are a snowboard straight-jumping competition known as Snow Wave, which sees skilled snowboarders show off their skills, and the Sky Lantern launch when hundreds of illuminated lanterns are released into the sky. Aside from being a magical sight, it’s an opportunity for people to deliver prayers or send messages for the health and happiness of their family and friends before letting the lanterns float towards the heavens. Tsunan Snow Festival Tsunan Snow Festival Nara: Todaiji TempleOmizutori (東大寺 お水取り) Todaiji Temple Omizutori Shunie is the name for a series of Buddhist repentance rituals that have been taking place at the Todaiji Temple in Nara prefecture for more than 1,250 years. The most famous and spectacular event is Omizutori, which begins just after sunset each night and sees giant torches being carried to the balcony of Nigatsudo Hall (a sub-complex of Todaiji Temple). Here their burning embers shower down and bestow onlookers with a safe year ahead. On the night of March 12, the torches are larger and more numerous, attracting the biggest crowds. Between 1:30 and 2:30 am, priests descend repeatedly to draw water from the well at the base of the temple hall in a ritual known as Omizutori (“water drawing”). It’s believed that the well’s water only flows once a year and has restorative properties. This is followed by the Dattan ceremony that’s performed inside Nigatsudo Hall and features the ringing of bells, blowing of horns and swinging of burning torches. Date: 1 - 14 March, 2020Website: http://www.todaiji.or.jp/contents/function/02-03syunie1.html Shiga: Omihachiman Sagicho Fire Festival (近江八幡 左義長祭り) Omihachiman Sagicho Fire Festival One of Japan’s most colorful historic festivals is the Omihachiman Sagicho Fire Festival, which takes place on the third weekend in March each year in Shiga prefecture. The origins of the festival are unclear, with some believing it was started in the 16th century by the warlord Oda Nobunaga and others saying it celebrated his death and the burning down of the castle. Omihachiman Sagicho Fire Festival Today, the neighborhoods that surround the old castle spend months building impressive floats featuring the year’s lunar calendar animals and a tall pine torch decorated with strips of red paper. Men dressed up as women carry the floats through the street and play “fight” with one another before burning the floats to the ground amidst much dancing in the firelight. Date: 14 - 15 March, 2020Website: https://www.sagicho.net/ Tokyo: AnimeJapan 2020 The state of Anime Japan 2019 If you’re a fan of anime, then you won’t want to miss one of the world’s biggest and most exciting anime conventions. AnimeJapan will be taking place from 21 - 22 March in 2020 and centered around the theme of JAPAN. It’s being held at the Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center), with anime-themed exhibitions and a range of manga and anime goods for sale, as well as stage performances from some of the industry’s biggest names. It’s a fantastic opportunity to dress up in cosplay and meet like-minded anime fans, with a Cosplayer’s World where you can have your photo taken against various manga and anime backdrops. Date: 21 - 22 March, 2020Website: https://www.anime-japan.jp/en/ Cherry blossoms Nakameguro Sakura in Tokyo While you can view cherry blossoms at numerous locations across Japan, one that you must see is the famous Nakameguro Sakura in Tokyo. The Meguro River becomes a cherry blossom wonderland during spring when trees draped in pink blossoms hang over the canal. Shops and stalls created especially for the occasion line the waterway selling everything from spring-themed foods to pink champagne. Along the Meguro River Nakameguro is the best place in Tokyo to view the cherry blossoms, which tend to flower around late March to early April. Aside from picnicking beneath the trees with the locals and strolling along the river walk, you shouldn’t miss a visit at night when the cherry blossoms are beautifully illuminated.Click here to see more information about conditions.Read more:From earliest to latest, follow the blooming flowers of cherry blossom 2020Date: late March - early April (depending on the cherry blossoms) ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 14. January. 2020
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Unmissable Autumn Leaf-viewing spots in Japan
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- Spring is one of the most popular sightseeing seasons in Japan, with the blooming of the cherry blossoms. But autumn is another attractive season in which colorful leaves attract tourists from near and far. Generally, the green leaves transform into reddish hues from late September to early December, but it all depends on where you go in Japan. We’ve outlined a list of the best spots around the country and their peak seasons so you can start planning your autumn Japan trip. Kyoto:The most unmissable city There are many reasons why Kyoto's autumn leaves are among Japan’s most beautiful. The mountains and rivers that surround the city create wide temperature variations between the morning and night, as well as providing adequate moisture. As there aren't many tall buildings in the city, the trees also receive a significant amount of sunlight to help them grow. Together with the blessing of abundant temples and shrines, the ancient city's autumn season is particularly alluring for visitors.Read moreThe best autumn color spots in Kyoto for 2019 ・Tenryuji Temple A 15-minute walk from Arashiyama Station takes you to the Tenryuji Temple, where the dynamic landscape of Mount Arashiyama and its spacious garden will steal your breath. The temple grounds open at 7:30 am between November 10 and December 2, so early-risers should seize the opportunity if they wish to capture this tranquil garden view. Tenryuji Temple ・Enkoji Temple Originally chosen as the site of a school to nurture priests, artists and writers, the Enkoji Temple was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1601. It’s renowned for its moss garden, Jyu-gyu no Niwa, which contrasts dramatically with the deep-red fallen leaves. Enkoji Temple ・Tofukuji Temple Founded in 1236 by Kujo Michiie, the great statesman of the Kamakura period, the Tofukuji Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in Kyoto. The temple grounds are planted with around 2,000 maple trees, which are best viewed from the Tsutenkyo Bridge. Tofukuji Temple Kamakura:A beautiful combination of changing leaves and traditional temples ・Meigetsuin Temple The Meigetsuin Temple is famed for the mystical view of its garden from the circular window of the main hall. It’s particularly attractive during the fall foliage season, as well as during June when tourists flock to see its colorful collection of hydrangeas. Meigetsuin Temple ・Zuisenji Temple Slightly off the beaten track, the Zuisenji Temple is nestled in a valley near Kamakura. Owing to its mountainous setting, visitors can see the autumn leaves from early to late December. The temple grounds are planted with various trees and shrubs, such as plum, winter cherry, and wisteria, which entertain visitors throughout the year. Zuisenji Temple ・Hase Temple Nighttime illumination events aren’t as common in Kyoto as in Kamakura, but at the Hase Temple, you can enjoy the radiant maple trees illuminated after dark. If you’re visiting during the day, the spacious temple grounds feature an observatory offering panoramic views of Yuigahama Beach, as well as a 9.18-meter-tall wooden Kannon statue and a Kannon Museum. Hase Temple Hiroshima:Maple is the signature tree ・Sandankyo Gorge Sandankyo Gorge is around 16-kilometers long and boasts a number of breathtaking attractions, such as waterfalls, boulders, and deep pools, which can be explored on boat tours and along the hiking trails. The gorge is one of the most popular maple leaf spots in Hiroshima, and visitors can refresh themselves in this abundant natural setting. Sandankyo Gorge ©NAVITIME JAPAN. 旅行ガイド 楽しい旅をサポートする、便利なお役立ち情報をお届けします。
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- Japan
- 23. October. 2019
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Top 10 of the Best Matsuri in Japan
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- Fireworks, food, dancing, music and the quirky attraction here and there, there’s nothing quite like Japan’s matsuri festivals. Throughout the year different cities across the nation hold their own unique celebrations of good luck, gratitude, traditional culture and community. If you’re just visiting Japan for a short time, heading along to a matsuri is one of the best ways to experience authentic Japanese culture, here are some suggestions. Chichibu Yomatsuri Chichibu Yomatsuri Chichibu in western Saitama Prefecture, roughly two hours from central Tokyo is a town that’s humble in size but really loves to party. Many festivals take place here throughout the year, but the most famous is the Chichibu Yomatsuri (night festival). Held on annually between December 2nd and 3rd, celebrations, see massive illuminated floats make their way down the main street, and up an elevated slope overlooking the city hall. The event finishes with huge fireworks for more than two hours display on the last night. Shujo Onie Shujo Onie For those not afraid to detour off the well-trodden path, the unique Shujo Onie in Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita is well worth the effort. Held every February at Tennen-ji Shrine, it’s said this celebration has a history that goes back over 1,000 years. A way to pray for a good harvest in the new year, the event’s rituals feature freezing river swimming and a giant bonfire. The final part of the celebration is the most thrilling; two demons make their way around the city's main shrine, banging fire and spreading the burning ashes. A little more dangerous than most other festivals, if you survive, you’re bound to have a good year. Kawagoe Matsuri Kawagoe Matsuri Kawagoe, also known as 'Koedo' (little Edo, Tokyo’s former name), is only a 30-minute train ride from Ikebukuro in Tokyo, but it feels centuries away from the neon lights and towering skyscrapers of the city. It’s known for being the home of many traditional Japanese sweets and historical warehouses, but it’s also home to one of the country’s best autumn celebrations. Held every year on the third Saturday and Sunday of October, the Kawagoe Matsuri dates back to the mid-1600s. Today, it’s an extravagant affair with traffic-stopping floats, live drumming shows and endless rows of food stalls. Narita Gionsai Narita Gionsai An area known mainly just for its airport, Narita City also hosts one of the nation’s most impressive celebrations, the Narita-san Gion Matsuri. Held in annually on the three days nearest to the 7th, 8th, and the 9th of July, heading into the weekend, the event signals the beginning of summer and features endless dancing, mikoshi floats and plenty of incredible street food. The 300-year old event draws an estimated 450,000 visitors and is an excellent way to really appreciate another side of the often overlooked Narita City. Fukushima Waraji Matsuri Fukushima Waraji Matsuri One of the more interesting celebrations held in Japan is the Fukushima Waraji Matsuri also known as Straw Sandal Festival. Waraji is the Japanese name for the traditional straw sandals that were once an everyday outfit staple. Held over the first Friday and Saturday of every August in Fukushima City, since 1970, the celebration is split in two. The first half is a traditional style festival where a giant sandal is carried through the main street. The second half of the night is dedicated to the Dancing Soda Night show, where dozens of dressed up teams perform different modern style dances to the same song, think hip-hop, belly dancing, breakdancing and everything in between. Aomori Nebuta Festival Aomori Nebuta Festival Taking over the Aomori city from August 2nd to 7th is the most colorful of all festivals, the Aomori Nebuta Festival a massive parade that attracts roughly three million visitors every year. The centerpieces of this 300-year old summer celebration are the towering paper floats that make their way through the town.Looking like gigantic paintings come to life the floats are handmade by local artisans and volunteers, some of whom dedicate months to creating these behemoth paper sculptures known as Nebuta. It looks incredible in photos, but seeing these pieces in the flesh is an entirely different experience altogether. Gujo Odori Gujo Odori An odori matsuri is a common traditional bon dance festival held throughout the country, but one of the best is the Gujo Odori held in Gujo, Gifu. During the rest of the year Gujo is a sleepy town, but between August 13th to 16th it transforms into a dance extravaganza, featuring teams in colorful costumes who dance throughout the day and night in celebration of summer, social cohesion, and to pay respect to those who have passed. Mid-August is the main event, but technically the party lasts thirty-three nights, running from the middle of July to early September, so there’s no excuse not to go and see it. Asakusa Sanja Matsuri Asakusa Sanja Matsuri Sensoji, Tokyo’s most famous temple is home to an inner-city festival quite unlike any other. Known as one of the ‘3 great Shinto festivals in Tokyo’ alongside the Kanda and Sanno festivals, it takes place during the third weekend of May. The celebrations feature around one hundred mikoshi (portable shrines) and attract roughly one and a half million visitors between Friday to Sunday. The festival climax is on the last night when the temple’s own mikoshi is taken around the neighborhood before being welcomed back home, guided by a wave of glowing orange lanterns and live dancing, music, and singing. Akita Kanto Matsuri Akita Kanto Matsuri Held over four days in early August every year, the Akita Kanto Matsuri is without a doubt one of the most spectacular summer events in northern Japan. Part of the nation's Tanabata celebrations, the festival’s main drawcards are the giant bamboo poles that are decorated with dozens of candle-lit paper lanterns and balanced precariously on the bodies of masterful local performers. While the gravity-defying acts of the performers are the main show, there’s plenty to be seen around the festival grounds too, with countless food stalls selling delicious local festival snacks. Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri Known as the crown jewel of Nagahama City, the Hikiyama Matsuri is an annual mid-April celebration of spring, theatre, and traditional Japanese culture. During the festival, meticulously decorated floats known as hikiyama, become portable moving theaters, adorned with lanterns, animal sculptures, and tapestries unique to each group performing on the stage. The feature of the celebration is the child-actors who take part kabuki plays traditionally reserved for adults. These prodigies dedicate months of their young lives to practicing and perfecting their shows before performing to the adoring crowds. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 2. August. 2019
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Japan’s Best Matsuri Festivals and Fireworks during Summer 2019 July-August
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- Despite the hot temperatures, summer in Japan is a time to celebrate, with a variety of unique cultural festivals and incredible fireworks displays. To help plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of some of the best matsuri (“festivals”) not to miss, whether you want to dance, be entertained or see the night sky illuminated in dazzling colors! Gion Matsuri (祇園際), Kyoto Gion Matsuri The Gion Matsuri takes place over one month each July and has gained a reputation as one of Japan’s most famous festivals. In fact, this year marks the 1150th year since its foundation! Parades of yamaboko floats, mikoshi shrines and lanterns are held throughout the month, with the festival culminating in the Yamaboko Junkō. In the days leading up to this event, the streets are lined with food stalls while people dressed in yukata (summer kimonos) stroll the streets. Gion Matsuri Event dates: July 1 - 31 2019URL:http://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/event/gion.html Nachi no Ogi Matsuri (Nachi Fire Festival: 那智の火祭り), Wakayama Nachi no Ogi Matsuri Held each year at Kumano Nachi Taisha, the Nachi no Ogi Matsuri is one of Japan’s three big fire festivals and has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The shrine is located adjacent to the 133-meter-high Nachi Falls, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Deities enshrined at Kumano Nachi Taisha are carried down the stone steps that lead to Nachi Falls on portable shrines, followed by devotees dressed in white and carrying flaming torches. Nachi no Ogi Matsuri Event date: July 14 2019URL:http://kumanonachitaisha.or.jp/ougimaturi/ougi.html Yasukuni Shrine Mitama Matsuri (靖国神社みたままつり), Tokyo Yasukuni Shrine Mitama Matsuri The Yasukuni Shrine’s annual Mitama Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s biggest obon (a Japanese Buddhist custom honoring ancestral spirits). It sees more than 30,000 lanterns of all sizes scattered throughout the shrine grounds, making for an incredibly photogenic scene. Aside from the lanterns, there are also mikoshi (portable shrine) parades and concerts of traditional music and dance, not to mention plenty of food and drink stalls lining the approach to the shrine. Yasukuni Shrine Mitama Matsuri Event dates: July 13-16 2019URL:https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/schedule/saiji.htmlRead MoreMatsuri in Tokyo - Three of the BestMatsuri means “festival” in Japanese, but it’s also synonymous with brightly glowing lanterns, … Adachi Fireworks (足立の花火), Tokyo Adachi Fireworks Taking place along the Arakawa River (just a short walk from Kita-Senju Station), the Adachi Fireworks have become one of the most popular fireworks events in Tokyo. The wide river banks mean that it’s easy to find a spot to enjoy a picnic and watch the display from numerous vantage points. This exceptional fireworks spectacle goes for around an hour, so you can really settle in and enjoy the experience.xEvent date: July 20 2019 Tenjin Matsuri (天神祭), Osaka Tenjin Matsuri Taking place in Osaka for more than 1,000 years at the Tenmangu Shrine, the Tenjin Matsuri honors the shrine’s principal deity, Sugawara Michizane. It includes a ritual throwing of the sacred sword at the Hokonagashi Bridge, followed by the parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) around the main shrine. A highlight of the festival is the parade of red-hatted drummers and costumed characters, together with boats illuminated by torches cruising along the river. Event dates: The schedule for this year has not yet been announced yet.URL:http://www.tenjinmatsuri.com/ Sumida River Fireworks Festival (隅田川花火大会), Tokyo Sumida River Fireworks Festival Perhaps the most famous event in Tokyo each summer is the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, which is held on the last Saturday in July. It began in the Edo period as a rivalry between different pyrotechnic groups, with fireworks being launched during a period of economic crisis, famine and disease. This celebration of life now attracts around one million people to the river banks to enjoy the latest in fireworks technology. Sumida River Fireworks Festival Event date: July 27 2019URL:https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/ The Tohoku Region's Summer Festivals The Tohoku Region's Summer Festivals We couldn’t talk about summer festivals in Japan without mentioning the Tohoku Region, which is particularly famed for its celebrations. The six prefectures of Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate and Yamagata put on a variety of matsuri that feature paper lanterns, parades and firework displays. If you want to coincide your trip with these summer festivals, they can easily be visited with a JR Pass. Read MoreHow to Experience Seven of Tohoku's Festivals in One WeekSummer is a time of celebration in Japan, with matsuri (festivals) taking place across the country. … Aomori Nebuta Festival (青森ねぶた祭), Aomori Aomori Nebuta Festival Featuring magnificent floats, the Aomori Nebuta Festival attracts the most tourists of any of Japan’s nebuta festivals. Its origins are believed to date to the 9th century when General Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro’s army created fearsome creatures to scare their enemy away. Floats based on famous historical and mythological Japanese characters are carried through the streets by costumed dancers known as haneto and taiko drummers who invite onlookers to join the parade. Event dates: August 2-7 2019URL:https://www.nebuta.or.jp/Read MoreThe Aomori Nebuta MatsuriOne of the most impressive festivals in Japan takes place in the northern city of Aomori … Hirosaki Neputa Festival (弘前ねぷた祭), Aomori Hirosaki Neputa Festival Situated in the old castle town of Hirosaki, this festival features fan-shaped floats that depict fantastical images of warriors being paraded through the streets. They’re accompanied by traditional flutes and taiko drummers, with the festival having been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. A highlight of the festival is the odaikos (very large traditional drums) whose sound is so profound that you can feel the vibrations through your entire body. Event dates: August 1-7 2019URL:https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/web/edit.html?id=cat02_summer_neputaRead MoreThe Hirosaki Neputa FestivalThe Hirosaki Neputa Festival is another eye-catching summer festival in northern Japan … Sansa Odori Festival (さんさ踊り), Morioka With more than 10,000 taiko drummers and dancers parading through the streets, the Sansa Odori Festival has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest taiko drum festival in the world. It’s said to have originated when a wicked demon was punished by the god of Mitsuishi Shrine, with the locals rejoicing in response. Aside from the main parade, you can also see traditional dance performances at venues across the city. Event dates: August 1-4 2019URL:http://www.sansaodori.jp/Read MoreThe Morioka Sansa FestivalIf you are into dancing and drumming, you’d better add the Morioka Sansa Festival to your itinerary … ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 6. July. 2019
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Lake Biwa Great Fireworks Festival (びわ湖大花火大会), Shiga
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- Situated to the northeast of Kyoto, Lake Biwa provides the setting for an incredible fireworks display every August. More than 10,000 pyrotechnics are launched into the air and reflected in this body of water, with the best views on offer in the ticketed seating area. Each year has a different theme, with the fireworks designed to reflect it in what is a stunning visual spectacle.
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- Shiga
- 6. July. 2019
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Hikone Castle (Shiga)
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- Spring is the most beautiful time to visit Hikone Castle in Shiga when around 1,200 cherry trees ignite the grounds and a festival takes place to mark the occasion. Held from 30 April to 18 May, it draws people from near and far to wander through the castle grounds by both day and night when the trees are magnificently illuminated. Hikone Castle is around 15 minutes on foot from Hikone Station. Best time to visit: early March to mid-April
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- Shiga
- 27. February. 2019
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Hikiyama Matsuri
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- Hikiyama Matsuri, Nagahama’s Intangible Cultural Asset to the World. Hikiyama Matsuri (Festival) is the crown jewel of Nagahama City and as of December 2016 part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity. It is held once a year in mid- April, attracting massive crowds of all ages and from all corners of Japan. During the festival, beautiful hikiyama floats are paraded around town by various town groups. A total of twelve hikiyamas exist today but only four of them are brought out each year. Each float becomes a moving theater adorn with lanterns, animal sculptures, and elegant tapestry unique to each performing group. What truly sets Hikiyama Matsuri apart are the child-actors performing kabuki plays traditionally reserved for grownups. These child prodigies train for a month prior to the festivities, turning momentarily into superstars and being praised by audiences on the street. The events making up the festival commence on the first Saturday of April, when the four participating floats are brought out of the yamaguras (storehouses), and taken to the Hikiyama Museum where they are swapped with the previous year's floats. From then, several rituals and blessings set the stage for the major parades which take place from April 14th to the 15th. Hikiyama Matsuri In the early afternoon of April 14th, a “noboriyama” event is carried out and the participatingfloats are pulled to Hachimangu Shrine. While the townspeople are gathering at the shrine to get a closer look at the mobile theatres, the kabuki groups are spread out around the town; the children are presented to the crowds, and the final preparations are set for the weekend performances. The festival atmosphere takes over Nagahama and you can feel the energy and the significance of a tradition that began in the 16th century and has been preserved passionately to this present day. Noboriyama On April 15th, the child-actors board the hikiyama floats and begin the parade at Hachimangu Shrine. The floats are pulled down the central Otemon Street, the audiencesget to see the kabuki plays intermittently, and the show makes its way to “Otabisho”, atemporary shrine set up for the duration of the festival. To liven up the experience, you can follow the floats up close, getting a peak of the backstage preparations, and a detailed look at the fascinating art. Otabisho ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Shiga
- 1. June. 2017
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Recommended spots
8 results
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- Shoedo Hikone Noshiromaturi
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- Sueto Shigarakisandaimaturi
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- Toriningen Contest Senshukentaikai
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- Biwako Otsu Natumaturi
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- Biwakobiraki
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- Shiga Pref. Otsushi Hamaotsu 5-chome
Shiga Main Areas
Visitors to Shiga prefecture are almost always hopping east across the prefectural border from Kyoto, and they are almost certainly Lake Biwa-bound. Covering an area of 670 square kilometers, Lake Biwa makes up the bulk of Shiga prefecture, with beautiful lakeside paths that offer myriad walking and cycling opportunities, connecting a string of museums, shrines, and picturesque views that finally lead you to Hikone Castle on the eastern side of the lake.
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