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2020 February Best Events in Japan
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- While the temperatures are still quite cold, February is an appealing season in Japan as the winter chill slowly releases with the onset of spring’s warmth. To help you plan a travel itinerary during February, we’ve put together a short guide to the unique events that will be taking place across the country. Setsubun and Ehomaki (節分と恵方巻) Setsubun and Ehomaki The day before spring arrives is marked throughout Japan by Setsubun, which translates as “seasonal division”. This festival originated as a time to cleanse from the previous year and drive away evil spirits for the year ahead. A highlight of the festival is a ritual known as mamemaki or “bean scattering” when roasted soybeans are thrown out the door of a house or temple while saying “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Demons out! Luck in!”) If you want to participate in this purification practice, head to Sensoji (Asakusa), Zojoji (Tokyo) or Naritasan Shinshoji (Chiba). Setsubun is also marked by the eating of Ehomaki sushi rolls, which are sold at convenience and department stores across the country. These long sushi rolls are filled with seven different ingredients to represent the seven gods of happiness (Shichifukujin) and should be eaten facing the year’s lucky direction. Zojoji Temple Ehomaki Hokkaido: Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり) Sapporo Snow Festival Held every year in February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is the largest of its kind in Japan and attracts more than two million visitors. The heart of all the action is Odori Park, which extends through the heart of Sapporo, with live music and gi-gantic ice sculptures that are beautifully illuminated at night. If you want to see the stunning ice and snow sculptures that have been entered into the festival’s official contest, head to the Susukino area, or enjoy the family-friendly snow slides and attractions set up in Tsudome. In 2020, the Sapporo Snow Festival will take place from February 4-11. Sapporo Snow Festival Sapporo Snow Festival Akita and Tochigi: Kamakura Festival (かまくら祭り) Yokote Kamakura Festival Famed for its igloo-like snow houses (known as “kamakura”), the Kamakura Festival dates back more than 400 years and in 2020 will be held in two locations. The Yokote Kamakura Festival (横手かまくら祭り) will be held in the southeast of Akita Prefecture while the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival (湯西川温泉かまくら祭り) will ignite this charming onsen town in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture. Countless small and large kamakura will be set up and illuminated by candles at night, transforming both locations into a magical winter wonderland. Aside from the kamakura, the event features a range of other activities, including snow rafting, kamakura making experiences and delicious local foods. The Yokote Kamakura Festival 2020 will take place on February 15 and 16 in the city of Yokote while the Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Festival 2020 will take place from 31 January to 1 March 2020. Yokote Kamakura Festival Yunishikawa Kamakura Festival Niigata: Echigo-Tsumari Art Field 2020 Winter SNOW ART (「大地の芸術祭」の里 越後妻有2020冬 SNOWART) Kyota Takahashi 「Gift for Frozen Village2018」Photo by Osamu Nakamura As the heavy snows descend in Niigata prefecture during winter, the Echigo-Tsumari region celebrates with their Snow Art festival. The main event is the Snow Fireworks / Gift for Frozen Village, which will illuminate the skies on February 29. Don’t miss a visit to the Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Museum of Contemporary Art where a collection of snow-themed works will be displayed. The opportunity to try the unique festival meal of yukimigozen in village. Image of Snow Art Image of EXPO's Snow Play Plum season (梅の季節) Mito Plum Blossom Festival As Japan’s plum trees break out in blossoms, gardens across the country celebrate this explosion of color. But the most famous celebration is the Mito Plum Blossom Festival (水戸の梅まつり) of Kairaku-en in the city of Ibaraki Prefecture, Mito. Considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kairaku-en was created during the Edo period and features around 100 different varieties of plum blossoms. During the festival, you can see around 3,000 trees in various hues of light pink while enjoying the fragrant perfumes. Aside from enjoying the plum blossoms and drinking powdered green tea, the festival will hold outdoor koto performances, guided nighttime walks and fireworks shows. The Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2020 will take place from late February to March 31.Read more:Mito Plum Blossom Festival 2020 Mito Plum Blossom Festival Rape Flower Blossoms Season Rape Flower Blossoms Season February is also marked by the blossoming of bright yellow rape flowers, which occur in various locations across Japan. One of the most famous spots is along the Isumi Railway in Chiba, forested landscapes and fields of rape flowers. Soak up the rural landscapes of the Boso Peninsula on a 26-kilometer-long journey between Ohara Station and Kazusa-Nakano, passing historic stations that date back to 1912. The scenery is a stark contrast to the high-tech streets and bustle of Tokyo and made only more beautiful by the yellow blanket of the season’s rape flower blossoms. Rape Flower Blossoms Season ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 23. January. 2020
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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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2019 Snow Resort Guide in Japan: Asia’s Winter Wonderland
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- The Japan ski season typically begins from December and lasts to April. If you're aiming to see those beautiful white covered landscapes, or just looking for a thrilling slide down the mountain, this is the best time to travel Japan. Japow abbreviated from Japanese Powder, means powder skiing in Japan. Having low water content, the snow becomes dry and very powdery. Since the country is covered with an average of 10-20 meters of snow per year, there is an abundance of ski areas for beginners all the way up to experts; and but of course, for those Japow lovers out there. Most of these sites are only 2 to 3 hours away from Tokyo. With wide varieties of Ski Resorts ranging from elegant 5-Star Resort Hotels to affordable backpacker inns, you’ll definitely find a place to call home for your vacation whatever your budget is. ― Hokkaido: Japan’s Winter Sports Capital Located in the Northernmost part of Japan is the country’s largest prefecture and coldest region, Hokkaido, and it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to fresh seafood, spectacular scenery and snow resorts. Tourists from all over the world flock the area during winter time, especially snow sports enthusiasts, because of its numerous snowy mountains perfect for skiing and snowboarding.Hokkaido is famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival, usually held around the 31st of January to 11th of February, during this time over hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures are built around the area for people to see.▼ Related Articles in the Hokkaido AreaWhat to Eat / What to Do / Other articles for the Hokkaido area Sapporo Snow Festival Niseko Mountains Derived from the Ainu language, Niseko means a cliff jutting over a riverbank deep in the mountains. Here you’ll find everything you need for a perfect winter vacation from budget to high end amenities, farm to table restaurants, drink all you can bars and clubs, traditional Onsen, to 47 kilometers of powdery snow-filled terrain – plus, the place is tourist-friendly too with its English-speaking townsfolk, you’ll find more English signboards than Japanese ones. Heavily snowed Niseko is a powder bum’s dream come true: it has powdery snow that has just the right amount of water content - making it perfect for skiing and other winter sports.▼ Related Articles in NisekoWhere to Eat / Nightlife / Adventure Activities Niseko Mountains Tomamu Ski Area Right in the center of Hokkaido is the family friendly upscale ski resort,Tomamu by Hoshino Resorts. Its 145-hectare ski area boasts of a 699-meter vertical drop, 28 trails and 4200 meters of skiing distance perfect for long runs, is covered with light powdery snow that you can get a kick out of. For thrill seekers, they are introducing half-pipe skiing and there is an area called “Freedom of Winter Mountain” where you can enjoy back country skiing.There is 70% chance of fine weather rate in the area so the kids and kids at heart can enjoy various activities like the snow playground and snow boat rides or visit the Ice Village. Tomamu by Hoshino Resorts Tomamu by Hoshino Resorts Furano Ski Area If you are looking for a more authentic Japanese Snow Resort experience, Furano is your best bet. Exquisitely blessed with Central Hokkaido’s fluffy, powdery snow, it has 25 kilometer-long of excellently groomed ski slopes with best inclination angles it’s perfect for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. It even has awesome backcountry areas such as Furano Dake and Tokachidake. Furano is also family and tourist-friendly, they have English-speaking child care centers and ski schools, a Family Snowland which offers ice hole fishing, snow shoeing and even dog sledding!After a day of thrilling activities, experience warm Japanese hospitality and culture at the Tokachidake Onsen which has four hot spring “Ryokans” 1280 meters above sea level. Furano Ski Area Rusutsu Ski Area Rusutsu is Hokkaido’s biggest ski area measuring 1,700 hectares has 37 courses, all covered by the finest dry powder snow with very little moisture, so it’s no surprise that the Rusutsu Resort has won World Ski Award – also known as the “Academy Award” of the Ski Industry – for two consecutive years. The resort is so spacious that it has all sorts of accommodations like hotels, lodges and even log houses that lets you appreciate the rich nature of the area. You won’t run out of fun stuff to do here since Rusutsu offers a lot of family-friendly activities such as tubing, dog sledding and snowmobiling. Rusutsu Ski Area Kiroro Resort Just a little off of Sapporo is the upscale Kiroro Resort. It is the part of Hokkaido that receives an overwhelming amount of snowfall, it has 21 courses mostly suited for beginners and intermediates, the longest being 4 kilometers long, has stunning views of the North Japan scenery, it also has off-piste tracks where you can run on untouched powdery snow, or you can join Kiroro Mountain Club giving you the opportunity to enjoy official backcountry skiing or snowboarding.Go out with the family to a snow cat sightseeing tour, snow tubing or dog sledding. One big plus is that the place feels less crowded than the other resorts in Hokkaido, even during the peak season. Kiroro Resort Sahoro Resort Only a two-hour bus trip to Shinchitose Airport is the Sahoro Resort. Being the biggest Ski Area in Eastern Hokkaido, it has 21 courses for all levels of skiers or snowboarders though the ski slopes are reserved for middle to high level skiers and boarders.The Club Med Sahoro offers an upscale, international level of convenience, attracting more foreign visitors.Fine weather rate is high here and the temperature is always low, so the Japow’s powdery snow quality is well preserved. Lifts are also a little pricier than in smaller ski areas, thus there’s less skiers and snowboarders allowing for a smoother and more pleasant cruising. In Sahoro, you can take your partner to a romantic evening with the majestic Tokachi Plane and experience a place full of a sense of openness by joining the snow-covered car tour. Sahoro Resort Sapporo Teine Just a thirty-minute drive away from the popular Sapporo City, you can ski like a local in the easily accessible Sapporo Teine. A beginner’s favorite, it has wide, gentle slopes with the breathtaking views of Sapporo so it is great for just chill cruising or night skiing. Go to downtown Sapporo after skiing for a fun night of sightseeing and have a bottle or two of the famous Sapporo beer. Sapporo Teine ― Nagano: A Dip into Japanese History Nagano has hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and it’s easy to see why.The modern Japanese city has several world class ski resorts and lots of traditional Onsens that gives you the picturesque silver winter view of the mountains.This is also home to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park where you can watch endangered Japanese Macaques or “snow monkeys” go about their daily lives, chasing and playing with each other in the Jigokudani hot springs.▼ Related Articles in the Nagano Area What to Eat / Getting Around / Other articles for the Nagano area Jigokudani Monkey Park Nozawa Onsen Ski Area Powderhounds love the area for the vast terrains of 100% natural snow, where about 40% is reserved for beginners. The longest slope is about 10 kilometers and is a gateway to see some surreal mountain views. However, Nozawa is not only known as one of the best Ski locations, but it is actually more popular as an Onsen village known for its traditional Japanese onsens and ryokans, like the Nozawa Onsen Sparena and “Gensen-kakegashi” or natural hot springs. Have the best winter party of your life by coming to the Dosojin Fire Festival that is held here every year on the 15th of January.▼ Related Articles in Nozawa Onsen Get to Know / A Day of Skiing / Where to Eat / Nightlife / Public Onsen Experience Nozawa Onsen Ski Area ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Japan
- 18. October. 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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Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (長岡まつり大花火大会), Niigata
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- While Nagaoka is a relatively quiet city for much of the year, it comes alive during its annual fireworks festival at the start of August. It’s considered one of the top three fireworks displays in Japan and was originally created to buoy the spirits of local residents following World War II bombing. Thousands of people now head to the banks of the Shinano River to watch the breathtaking displays, with the fireworks recreating flowers, volcanoes and even waterfalls.
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- Niigata
- 6. July. 2019
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Takada Castle Park (Niigata)
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- Built in 1614 by Matsudaira Tadateru, Takada Castle is surrounded by more than 4,000 cherry trees and a 300-meter-long pedestrian walkway that’s known as “Sakura Road”. It’s renowned for its nighttime scene when the trees are magically illuminated by lanterns and hundreds of stalls selling food and drinks set up in the surrounds. The park is a 15-minute walk from Takada Station. Best time to visit: early to mid-AprilAnnual turnout: approximately 880,000 people
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- Niigata
- 27. February. 2019
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Unusual Local Art Festivals To Visit
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- In recent years art festivals have been popping up in more ‘local’ Japanese areas, allowing visitors to experience the cultures and peoples of regions outside of the well trodden major tourist spots such as Tokyo, Yokohama and Kyoto. Here is a trio of triennale to get your creative juices flowing. Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale “Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale Art field” has been held every three years since 2000 in Echigo-Tsumari, Niigata, and is one of the largest art festivals in the world. The theme of next year’s festival, slated to run from July 26 through September 13, is ‘ Art is how people engage with nature and civilization’. The best way to see the artworks is by car as they are dotted about a very wide area. However, a special shuttle bus and taxi service (basutaku) has been organized to make sure the exhibits can be viewed by as many visitors as possible. For the latest installment, around 100 new artworks will be on display. These will complement the 200+ legacy works that have been curated and maintained from previous festivals. The local community plays a very big role, turning over buildings, museums and even schools closed for the summer, to make it a very distinctive triennale that will no doubt leave a lasting impression on those who are able to get along. Setouchi Triennale The festival of modern art “Setouchi Triennale” is held once every three years on 12 islands and 2 harbors in the Seto Inland Sea, including Naoshima, the home of the renowned Tada Ando museum. The festival features works from modern artists and architects, both international and domestic, and is created with the close corporation of the people living on each island. This cooperation is vital to the festival’s success as it takes place in three stints – about a month each in the spring and autumn, and two months over the summer. Many of the pieces will remain in place throughout the year and indeed beyond the festival’s closing. In addition to the art pieces, the festival is packed full of music, drama, and dance performances. Though the next one is not taking place until 2016, it is incredibly popular so it’s wise to plan if you are intending to visit. Early accommodation booking is particularly important if you are thinking of staying on Naoshima, which is where many of the events will take place. Aichi Triennale The 3rd Aichi Triennale will also take place in 2016, running from August 11 to October 23. Exhibitions will be held in multiple venues spread across three cities located in Aichi prefecture, Nagoya, Toyohashi and Okazaki. Previous editions have attracted strong international participation as well as bringing many overseas visitors to see the culture of the region firsthand. A variety of performing arts including opera, dance and music will be represented in addition to the more traditional art pieces. 2016’s theme is titled Homo Faber: A Rainbow Caravan, described by the creative director as ‘humankind’s creative journey into the unknown’, which will no doubt encourage all manner of cutting edge installations. ©NAVITIME JAPAN. Travel Info Check out our travel tips to make your trip better!
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- Niigata
- 21. March. 2017
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Recommended spots
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Niigata Main Areas
Found along the northwestern coast of Japan, Niigata prefecture is celebrated for its high-quality rice and breathtaking nature, most notably its spectacular mountains, whose white peaks draw in snow sports lovers from far and wide over the winter months. Hit the slopes at Yuzawa, pick out your favourite modern artist at Echigo Tsumari, or take a ferry over to Sado Island for an extra adventure.
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