Christmas Markets in Tokyo and Yokohama
Nov 29, 2024 By Michael Stigall
This year went by quick. It seemed like only yesterday that summer would never end and now, all of a sudden, it is time for the holidays. Or maybe autumn in Japan just feels that short. The upside of the encroaching cold is looking forward to the year end holidays...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illuminations in 2024
By Michael Stigall
Christmas Day in Japan is just another working day for the most part. The most interesting facet of the Christmas and holiday season in Japan is that all traces of it will be gone by morning on December 26th. Without fail, every bell, light, and garlands; every decoration will come...[ Click to read more ]
Tokyo’s Best Flea Markets
By Michael Stigall
With the holidays coming up, you may be thinking of what to get for your special someone. Or if you're heading to your home country, you may be wondering about finding the perfect souvenir. If you’re searching for a truly unique curio or gift for someone here around Tokyo or...[ Click to read more ]
Christmas in Hiroshima
By Justin Hanus
With Christmas approaching, it’s time for expats in Hiroshima to get into the festive spirit. Although it’s not an official public holiday in Japan, locals do acknowledge Christmas, holding festive events and organizing activities for all to join. Christmas in Japan Japan has a unique way of acknowledging Christmas. This...[ Click to read more ]
Christmas in Kansai
By Justin Hanus
Not being a predominantly Christian country, Japan doesn’t celebrate Christmas with quite the same fervour as people in the US, Canada or Europe. For example, Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan. If you want time off work to spend with family or friends, you’ll have to book it...[ Click to read more ]
Christmas in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
There are many ways expats feeling homesick for Christmas can get into the festive spirit in Kumamoto. Although Christmas is not an official holiday in Japan, Kumamoto is one of many cities in the country that acknowledges the festival with events and light displays. Christmas in Japan Japan is not...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Hiroshima – Shrines to Visit for New Years and the Tondo Festival
By Hugh Cann
There are two main traditions marking the beginning of the new year in Hiroshima. Hatsumōde is the first visit of the year to a shrine and takes place throughout Japan. Later in the month is the Tondo Festival, which is just in Hiroshima. Hatsumōde The first visit of the year...[ Click to read more ]
Buying Holiday Decorations, Wrapping Paper, and Lights in Nagoya
By Ray Proper
Holidays in Japan are bright and colorful affairs, and Nagoya is no exception to this rule. If you are looking for decorations, lights, or other holiday materials there are a few good sources you should know about. Costco (Wholesale Warehouse) If you have a lot of gifts to wrap, you will...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illumination in Nagoya
Nov 28, 2024 By Ray Proper
Christmas Day in Japan is just another working day, for the most part. The most exciting facet of the Christmas and holiday season in Japan is that all traces of it are gone by morning on December 26. Without fail, every bell, light, garland, and decoration will come down, and...[ Click to read more ]
The Tokyo International Film Festival
Oct 31, 2024 By William Farrow
It is no surprise that the country of legendary and lasting film directors like Akira Kurosawa, Ishiro Honda and Yasujiro Oz would have an international film festival. As of 2024, the Tokyo International Film Festival is on its 37th run and will be held from October 28th until November 6th....[ Click to read more ]
