Tokyo Festivals

Dream Yosacoy Festival 2021

Oct 19, 2021 By Jason Gatewood

Yosakoi dancing started in Kochi in Shikoku around 1954 as a way to celebrate postwar reconstruction, building spirit, and teamwork. Blending traditional Japanese dance and costume motif with modern music,...[ Click to read more ]

Let’s Tour: Kamakura

Oct 19, 2021 By Jason Gatewood

Despite being one of the most densely populated parts of the world, containing the capital city and Japan's most significant urban area, Greater Tokyo is historically newer than many places...[ 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 ]

Setsubun Festivals in Japan

Jan 29, 2021 By Jason Gatewood

Each year, on the third of February, harried fathers across Japan put on paper demon masks and are pelted with roasted soybeans by their children, who cry, “Oni wa soto,...[ Click to read more ]

Plum Blossom Viewing in Tokyo – The Top Umemi Spots!

Jan 29, 2021 By Bert Wishart

While the cherry blossom is the flower that tends to dominate the imagination of Japanese botanic appreciation, it is perhaps the plum (ume) blossom that should be the more celebrated....[ Click to read more ]

Winter Attractions in Tokyo

Jan 26, 2021 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 ]

Getting to know you: Azabu Juban, Tokyo

Sep 25, 2020 By Bert Wishart

As one of the most fashionable and exclusive neighborhoods in central Tokyo, Azabu Juban is a fantastic place to live or enjoy. You can find favorite shopping boutiques, cool little...[ Click to read more ]

Takayama Spring Festival

Apr 01, 2020 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 somewhat isolated and distant.  This isolation allowed the city...[ Click to read more ]

Spring Love Harukaze Music Festival in Tokyo 2020

Feb 26, 2020 By Jason Gatewood

We got you covered when it comes to checking out all the pink-tree goodness when it comes to cherry blossom viewing parties in Tokyo. But if you want to level-up...[ 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 ]