Koyo, or Fall Colors in Nagoya
Oct 14, 2022 By Ray Proper
The Japanese are very conscious of the seasons changing around them, often celebrating little, or not so little, milestones between each to mark the transitions between their much-touted "4 distinct...[ Click to read more ]
Osu Street Performers’ Festival
Sep 17, 2022 By Bert Wishart
October brings the Nagoya Festival, a massive parade throughout the city celebrating three great warriors and historical leaders connected to the city: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. However, this is by no...[ Click to read more ]
Setsubun Festivals in Nagoya 2022
Jan 25, 2022 By Ray Proper
Setsubun, or "That Bean-Throwing Festival," celebrates the beginning of spring in Japan. Celebrated yearly on February 3 as part of the Spring Festival, its association with the Lunar New Year...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Tokyo – Shrines to Visit for New Years
Dec 24, 2021 By Bert Wishart
In Japan, celebrating New Year is all about 'firsts.' Perhaps the most important 'first' is the first trip to a shrine, a tradition called hatsumode. While this visit can happen...[ Click to read more ]
The Wacky World of Japanese Deathmatch Wrestling
Jun 29, 2021 By Bert Wishart
Back when I lived in the UK, one of my co-workers told me about how, in his free time, he was a member of a local pro-wrestling team. I was...[ Click to read more ]
Buying Summer Yukata in Tokyo
Jun 20, 2021 By Bert Wishart
If you have ever been to a summer fireworks festival around Tokyo you may have noticed many people wearing traditional Japanese dress and wondered what was going on. Well, summer festivals are a...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illumination in Kansai 2020
Nov 19, 2020 By Justin Hanus
Don’t let the cold stop you from heading outside as there are beautiful displays of holiday lights throughout the Kansai region. Get out of the house and away from your...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Illumination in Hiroshima 2020
Nov 19, 2020 By Matt Mangham
Seasonal illuminations are a big deal in Japan. From the famous Kobe Luminarie, donated by the Italian government following the Great Hanshin Earthquake, to light festivals in Osaka, Sendai, Nagoya,...[ Click to read more ]
Things to do in Tokyo during Rainy Season
Apr 26, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
We’ve braved yet another cold winter, sat out under the pink trees during hanami season, and seen it warm up steadily with our minds starting to look towards the barbecues,...[ Click to read more ]
Setsubun Festivals in Tokyo 2020
Jan 25, 2020 By Jason Gatewood
So you survived oshogatsu (Japanese New Year's) and are looking forward to the end of March and the blooming of the cherry trees, but the reality is there are at...[ Click to read more ]
