Asakusa Shrine, right next to the main shrine of Sensoji Temple, is a shrine that is popularly known as Sanja-sama. Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajinoatai Nakatomo are enshrined. Asakusa Shrine has a history of over 1,000 years, just like Sensoji Temple, and is full of highlights such as stone monuments, the Main Shrine Building and Goshuin. The Sanja Festival, … [Read more...] about Asakusa Sanja Matsuri Festival, Tokyo
Festival
Wasshoi Hyakuman Natsumatsuri (Summer Festival of Kita Kyushu), Fukuoka
The “Wasshoi Hyakuman Natsumatsuri” (Summer Festival of Kita Kyushu) is a summer festival that started in 1988 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Kitakyushu City System, predecessor of the “Festival Kitakyushu” held since 1973. It was a major summer event in Fukuoka Prefecture, attracting over 1.5 million visitors every year. The biggest highlight of this festival is … [Read more...] about Wasshoi Hyakuman Natsumatsuri (Summer Festival of Kita Kyushu), Fukuoka
Tokamachi Snow Festival, Niigata
How do you spend your winter time? Do what you like in a warm room. Go to the ski area. Or you may have various ways of spending, such as going to a hot spring. There are so many fun things to do in winter, but there are events where you can enjoy this season. That is the “Tokamachi Snow Festival” held in Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture. The Tokamachi Snow Festival is so … [Read more...] about Tokamachi Snow Festival, Niigata
Warai Matsuri (Laughing Festival), Wakayama
There are many “weird” festivals in Japan in the sense of modern people. Among them, there are several festivals mainly for laughing called “Laughter Festival”. As symbolized by the "laughter" that appears in "Ama no Iwato myth" by "Kojiki" (The Records of Ancient Matters), old Japanese think that "laughter has the power to cheer God". It was inherited, and a “laughing ritual” … [Read more...] about Warai Matsuri (Laughing Festival), Wakayama
Takayama Matsuri (Takayama Festival), Gifu
In the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, the Hikiyama-matsuri Festival (Float Festival) is held, just like the “Gion Festival” in Kyoto. That is the Takayama Festival, and along with Gion and Chichibu, the gorgeous float festival, one of the three great festivals, is spectacular. In addition to this “Three Great Float Festivals”, there are many festivals around Japan where many … [Read more...] about Takayama Matsuri (Takayama Festival), Gifu
Himeji Castle Festival, Hyogo
There are many World Heritage sites and facilities in Japan. For example, Mount Koya, Kumano Kodo, Mount Fuji, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Horyuji Temple. However, there is only one Japanese castle registered as a World Heritage Site. That is Himeji Castle. The “Himeji Castle Festival” held in Himeji is a historical festival that has continued for over 70 years. It is held every … [Read more...] about Himeji Castle Festival, Hyogo
Nakashibetsu Natsu Matsuri (Nakashibetsu Summer Festival), Hokkaido
In Japan, paper lanterns have been used for festivals, ceremonies, etc. for a long time. Originally paper lantern was a special one that can only be used by people of the upper class such as aristocrats and samurai, but since the middle of the Edo era it has become a popular lighting fixture for the general public as well. A paper lantern which can be said as a representative … [Read more...] about Nakashibetsu Natsu Matsuri (Nakashibetsu Summer Festival), Hokkaido
Asakusa Samba Carnival, Tokyo
Asakusa is the first thing that comes to mind when Japanese are asked about “the downtown area of Tokyo”. However, do you know that the festival of Samba is held in Asakusa where the image of “Edo Shitamachi Jocho” (Traditional working-class neighborhood Emotion) is strong? Introducing Asakusa Samba Carnival, a hot festival that will end the summer of Asakusa. Asakusa Samba … [Read more...] about Asakusa Samba Carnival, Tokyo
Hinokuni Matsuri (Fire Festival), Kumamoto
Kumamoto Prefecture is blessed with groundwater, and the number of hot spring sources is one of the largest in Japan. Why is Kumamoto Prefecture rich in such water (hot springs) called “the country of fire”? Kumamoto Prefecture was in the territory of “Higo Country”, and the influential person was called “Hinokimi”. Therefore, there seems to be a theory that this area is now … [Read more...] about Hinokuni Matsuri (Fire Festival), Kumamoto
Hakata Gion Yamakasa Summer Festival, Fukuoka
There are various festivals all over Japan, and the contents are varied. Among them, at energetic and violent festivals, you can enjoy the thrill of watching them. Various festivals are also held in Hakata Ward, located in the center of Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Among them, “Hakata Gion Yamagasa” is one of the three major festivals in Hakata, along with “Hakata … [Read more...] about Hakata Gion Yamakasa Summer Festival, Fukuoka