Setsubun Festivals in Tokyo
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 ]
Setsubun Festivals in Nagoya “That Bean-Throwing Festival”
Jan 25, 2020 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 ]
‘Jewels of the Sea’ Miyajima Oyster Festival near Hiroshima
Jan 23, 2020 By Jade Brischke
Although Hiroshima is famous for its oysters throughout the year, it is during winter, in the coldest month of February that they're at their best. Sure you can go to...[ Click to read more ]
Winter Attractions in Tokyo
Dec 26, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Wintertime around these parts usually means either taking in some winter sports like skiing and snowboarding or soaking in one of the numerous hot spring onsens around the countryside surrounding the...[ Click to read more ]
Diamond Magic – Witness The Diamond Fuji Phenomenon
Dec 26, 2019 By Mark Guthrie
Diamond Fuji is a twice annually occurring phenomenon during which the sunrise and sunset align perfectly with Mount Fuji’s summit, looking for all the world like a bright shining jewel...[ Click to read more ]
Snow Festivals in Japan
Dec 26, 2019 By Jason Gatewood
Because Japan is over 70% mountainous and located in the temperate latitudes of the western Pacific where the moist ocean air continually does battle with dry, cold Siberian and Mongolian...[ Click to read more ]
Hiroshima New Year’s Traditions: Hatsumode and the Tondo Festival
Dec 26, 2019 By Hugh Cann
There are two main events or traditions marking the beginning of the new year in Japan. Auspiciously, the first visit of the year to the shrine called Hatsumode, and followed...[ Click to read more ]
Skiing in Hiroshima: Day and Weekend Trips!
Dec 25, 2019 By Matt Mangham
Hiroshima isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of skiing in Japan. We’re a long way from the Nagano Alps, and even further from Hokkaido, but...[ Click to read more ]
Hatsumode in Kobe – Shrines to Visit for New Years
Dec 24, 2019 By Justin Hanus
Japan has only been doing New Year’s celebrations since 1873 when the country adopted the Gregorian calendar of the West. Traditionally the Japanese New Year was based on the Chinese...[ Click to read more ]
Traditional Japanese New Years’ Foods – Osechi Ryori
Dec 24, 2019 By Ray Proper
Osechi-ryōri are traditional Japanese foods eaten at the start of the new year. The osechi tradition has been alive in Japan since the Heian Era (starting in 794), and the...[ Click to read more ]
