"Shoro Nagashi Festival" (Spirit Boat Procession) which is the typical summer of Nagasaki Prefecture in the third week of August is done to mourn the spirit of the deceased. Generally speaking, "Bon" is said to be the period to welcome and hold a religious service for the spirits of our ancestors and relatives, but there are differences in how to provide such services in … [Read more...] about Shoro Nagashi Festival (Spirit Boat Procession), Nagasaki
Festival
Shikotsuko Hyoto Matsuri (Lake Shikotsu Ice Pillar Festival), Hokkaido
Lake Shikotsu in Chitose city, Hokkaido, the high transparency is one of the best in the whole country. The beautiful water that is qualified as No. 1 in the water quality survey is shining deep and beautiful light blue called “Lake Shikotsu Blue". In addition, there are facilities such as Lake Shikotsu Onsen and Hokkaido's only "vacation village" around Lake Shikotsu, and it … [Read more...] about Shikotsuko Hyoto Matsuri (Lake Shikotsu Ice Pillar Festival), Hokkaido
Nagasaki-Kunchi Festival, Nagasaki
The Edo Shogunate of Japan closed the country to foreigners. In such circumstances, Nagasaki, which was one of the few contacts with overseas, was a city where its own culture developed. The exotic "Nagasaki-Kunchi Festival" will be famous especially in Nagasaki culture of such history. It is a festival with lots of performances influenced by Portugal, the Netherlands, China … [Read more...] about Nagasaki-Kunchi Festival, Nagasaki
Dazaifu Lights of Ancient City (Koto no Hikari), Fukuoka
Dazaifu city is known as one of the leading tourist attractions in Fukuoka prefecture. Not only the "Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine", the main hall is designated as an important cultural property, it is full of spots where you can feel the history such as the Kyushu National Museum and Kanzeon-ji Temple. In such Dazaifu City, "Dazaifu Lights of Ancient City" (Koto no Hikari) will be … [Read more...] about Dazaifu Lights of Ancient City (Koto no Hikari), Fukuoka
Soma Nomaoi Festival, Fukushima
"Soma Nomaoi Festival" (Equestrian Warrior Festival) is a festival held in July 23 to 25 every year in Haramachi City, Fukushima Prefecture. A cavalry group of men running through in the scorching sun! The scenery spreads as though it was time traveling. The samurai wearing genuine armor helmet in the wild plain where the midsummer sun is shining will march steadily magically … [Read more...] about Soma Nomaoi Festival, Fukushima
Nachi no Ogi Matsuri, Wakayama
There are several festivals in Japan that are held in the mountains. They have different charm and power than the lively and gorgeous festival in the city. Among them, "Nachi no Ogi Matsuri Festival" is one of Japan's three great fire festivals. The state that the men are holding the torches that the fire is burning is going through the stone steps before the famous waterfall … [Read more...] about Nachi no Ogi Matsuri, Wakayama
Tobata Gion Oyamagasa, Fukuoka
Kitakyushu city is a festival city. In summer, a big festival called "Gion" will be held in more than 20 places in the city. Among them, "Tobata Gion Oyamagasa" which is most popular among citizens is held in Tobata-ku. It is a festival that can be said as a pride and treasure of Kitakyushu, which was also registered as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2016. "Tobata Gion … [Read more...] about Tobata Gion Oyamagasa, Fukuoka
Kokura Gion Daiko (Japanese Drum Festival), Fukuoka
"Kokura Gion Daiko" (Japanese Drum Festival) is an annual festival in summer held in July every year in Kitakyushu City Kokura Kita Ward. It is the tradition "Kokura Gion Daiko" traditionally transmitted from the Edo period to color the festival. On the festival day, the decorated drums walk through the city center from the castle town of Kokura. Kokura Gion Festival is a … [Read more...] about Kokura Gion Daiko (Japanese Drum Festival), Fukuoka
Ageuma Shinji (Horse Jumping Festival), Mie
In Japan it is said that there are more than 200 shinto rituals about horses throughout the country. "Yabusame" and "Ageuma" where people and horses are performed together are a brave myths with a long history in Japan. Moreover, in "Tado-Taish Shrine" and "Inabe-Jinja Shrine" of Mie prefecture where these are performed at the same time, the local residents keep treating the … [Read more...] about Ageuma Shinji (Horse Jumping Festival), Mie
Jidaimatsuri (Festival of the Ages), Kyoto
Jidaimatsuri (Festival of the Ages) is one of the "three largest festivals in Kyoto" lining up with Aoi Maturi Festival, Gion Matsuri Festival, was started in Heian Shrine in the middle of Meiji era. It is a masterpiece that the queue in each period's costumes walks through the city of Kyoto. You will be immersed in the feeling that you are reading the picture scroll of the … [Read more...] about Jidaimatsuri (Festival of the Ages), Kyoto