Japan Events
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Displaying 1 to 20 of 200 results.
The small town of Chichibu, near Tokyo, is the annual venue for fireworks, traditional performing arts and a gorgeous action-packed parade of huge, illuminated floats in one of Japan's most…
Huge glittering ice sculptures transform Sapporo into a magical winter wonderland during the annual Snow Festival. Teams of professional artists from around the globe create the frosty…
During Hadaka Matsuri bare-bottomed men ensure their good luck by crowding the streets of Inazawa City in the hope of touching a naked man! Since 767 BC the Naked Man, aka Shin-otokoa, has…
Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)
No flower has a greater place in the hearts of the Japanese than the cherry blossom - the national flower of Japan. During hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season there's an impressive display…
Nagoya's July Basho is held at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium. From the beating of the yagura-daiko drum announcing the event to the thunderous clash of wrestlers, immerse yourself in the…
The ritual Wakakusa Yamayaki burning of the grass on Wakakusa Hill, Nara, during which the whole 342-metre hill is set ablaze, is surely one of the most stunning sights of Japan's festival year.
The greatest Sumo wrestlers in Japan, and therefore the world, meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall for The January Basho, one of the year's six Grand Tournaments. Crowds cheer as meaty men…
Hana Matsuri (Buddha's Birthday)
Temples throughout Japan are packed during Hana Matsuri, as people gather to celebrate the birth of Buddha. It's a time to admire the flowers in the flower hall and pour sweet tea on the…
Kanda Matsuri is a vibrant religious festival in Tokyo's downtown Shitamachi area, held in honour of Kanda Myojin Shrine's deities (kami). Locals in traditional "happi coats" parade through…
The greatest Sumo wrestlers in Japan, and therefore the world, meet at Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall for The May Basho, one of the year's six Grand Tournaments. Crowds cheer as meaty men fight…
This traditional fire festival demonstrates the rich nature-oriented symbolism of Shinto. Twelve mikoshi, or portable shrines, are purified by fire under the spectacular Nachi waterfall, near…
Giant floats carried by teams of scantily-clad men race through the streets of Fukuoka City at the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. Each float is elaborately decorated to represent elements of…
O-Bon (The Festival of The Dead)
The great Buddhist festival of O-Bon, celebrated all over Japan (either in July or August), is often referred to as The Feast of Lanterns. According to tradition, the souls of the dead visit…
Osaka Boat Festival: Tenjin Matsuri
During Osaka's Tenjin Matsuri boat festival, the dark river glows with the torches of one million spectators as hundreds of boats carry beautiful mikoshi shrines. The climax of the celebration…
Amid the pine-forest scenery of the Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata, the Fuji Rock Festival presents international bands and the best of the Japanese scene. Performances take place on large…
The annual Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, considered one of Japan's three most important festivals, is a truly awesome sight to behold. The highlight is the Yamaboko Junko float procession, attracting…
Sumida River Fireworks Display
Tokyo's dazzling fireworks display, Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai, sees thousands of rockets spouting skywards along the Sumida River. The show includes a competition between rival firework…
Demons, spirits and mythical warriors on spectacular floats fill the streets of Aomori every August for Japan's answer to the Rio carnival - Aomori Nebuta Matsuri. More than three million…
A romantic legend inspires fabulous fireworks and gorgeous street decorations at Sendai City's biggest event of the year, the Tanabata Star Festival. Carnival parades of floats, marching bands…
O-Bon (The Festival of The Dead)
The great Buddhist festival of O-Bon, celebrated all over Japan (either in July or August), is often referred to as The Feast of Lanterns. According to tradition, the souls of the dead visit…
