The Danjiri Matsuri in Osaka is a Multi-Generational Thrill Show
Sep 14, 2017 By Justin Hanus
Autumn means the biggest event of the year for the southern Osaka city of Kishiwada - the Danjiri Matsuri. Danjiri are large wooden carts inside which religious tenets declare gods...[ Click to read more ]
Hatchiman Matsuri, One of Japan’s Most Beautiful Festivals in Enchanting Takayama
Sep 12, 2017 By Bert Wishart
Located in Gifu Prefecture, and surrounded by some of Japan’s richest natural areas just below the famous Northern Alps, Takayama is some what isolated and distant. This isolation allowed the city...[ Click to read more ]
The Yatai Festival at Osaka Castle
Aug 28, 2017 By
Picture in your mind the usual selection of Japanese yatai and festival foods, like karaage, tama sen, JUMBO hot dogs, "kakigori" shaved ice. Now throw all that out, because this is not...[ Click to read more ]
Nara, the Original Capital City of Culture
Aug 24, 2017 By Bert Wishart
Some 1,300 years ago the Empress Genmei established the seat of power in the mountainous area of Heijō-kyō, and in doing so created the country's first ever permanent capital. With the nation...[ Click to read more ]
Digging into the Rituals of Clam Digging
Aug 24, 2017 By Justin Hanus
They begin showing up on the beaches in late spring and continue to gather all summer long, armed with small rakes (kumades), plastic buckets, and mesh bags. It is Shiohigari...[ Click to read more ]
Gozan no Okuribi – Kyoto’s Obon Fire-Fest
Jul 11, 2017 By Bert Wishart
The festival of Obon, a buddhist celebration of ancestors, is celebrated across Japan from the 13th-15th of August (excepting some regional variants). During Obon, the spirits of ancestors return to...[ Click to read more ]
Kobe Love Port or the Minato Matsuri 2017
Jun 27, 2017 By
The Kobe Love Port (Minato Matsuri) is an annual festival held on Dainitotte (the 2nd Pier) east of Meriken Park close to the Port Terminal station on the Portliner. The festival celebrates Marine...[ Click to read more ]
Nagoya Octoberfest In July!
Jun 20, 2017 By Ray Proper
Yes, October Fest in July; why not? Drop by and sample German food, and BEER; lots and lots of German beer. I am all about imbibing of some bratwurst, sauerkraut,...[ Click to read more ]
Nagoya Auto Festival
Jun 10, 2017 By
If you are interested in cars, you may want to check out Nagoya Auto Festival, featuring newer, highly customized vehicles. There will be no shortage of interesting vehicles to peruse, as well...[ Click to read more ]
Sanno Matsuri, One of Tokyo’s Three Most Important Festivals
May 30, 2017 By Bert Wishart
When it comes to festivals (matsuri), nothing can quite beat Japan in the summer. Pretty much every town and city will have one, and Tokyo, being the cultural (and pretty...[ Click to read more ]
