Zao in Yamagata Prefecture known as the largest snow resort in the Tohoku region. "Juhyo" (Frost Covered Tree), which is also a representative of Zao, is a natural art brought about by the unique weather conditions of this region. It is also called "snow monster" because the appearance of trees covered with ice and snow looks like a monster. Juhyo is particularly fantastic as a … [Read more...] about Zao Frost Covered Tree Festival (Snow Monsters), Yamagata
Festival
Arashiyama Floating Lantern, Kyoto
"Toro-Nagashi" (Floating Lantern) is held to mourn the ancestors and deceased souls. The fantastic and beautiful scenery is a space where you can feel the distinctive atmosphere of Japan. The warm light that the lantern glows will surely heal your heart. "Toro-Nagashi" (Floating Lantern) is a Japanese event that mourns the soul of a deceased person and flows a lantern with a … [Read more...] about Arashiyama Floating Lantern, Kyoto
Ohori Park, Fukuoka
"Ohori Park", one of Fukuoka's premier tourist attractions, is one of the most famous water parks in Japan. The total area of Ohori Park, located in the middle of Fukuoka city, is about 398,000 square meters. It is also known as an oasis in the city and also as a venue for fireworks festival, making it a place for many citizens to relax. Four bridges on a huge pond connect the … [Read more...] about Ohori Park, Fukuoka
Warai Matsuri (Laughing Festival), Wakayama
It says "Fortune comes in at the merry gate", but "Warai Matsuri" (Laughing Festival) is the one that embodied it. This festival is an event transmitted from the Edo period to the Niu shrine in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. In this festival, a clown-like makeup called "Suzu-furi" holds a bell and makes people laugh together with multiple “Masu-mochi” shouting "Laughing! … [Read more...] about Warai Matsuri (Laughing Festival), Wakayama
Gujo Odori Dance Festival, Gifu
"Gujo Odori Dance" is a traditional "Bon Odori" dancing around turret, which is held in Yahata Town, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture. The Gujo Odori Dance Festival is a long Bon dance in Japan that is danced for 31 nights. The venue changes every night, and it is supposed to go around the city over the summer. Festivals are held in and around the town. The opening hours of the Gujo … [Read more...] about Gujo Odori Dance Festival, Gifu
Umi No Bon Festival, Miyagi
In Matsushima which is a Tohoku sacred place, "Matsushima-Ryutoe Umi no Bon" was started for 2011 in the year of the Great East Japan Earthquake, for the purpose of praying and serving. As a new summer festival that replaces the "Matsushima fireworks display" so far, it is held every year since 2011 immediately after the earthquake. Illuminated lanterns, Bon Odori and drum … [Read more...] about Umi No Bon Festival, Miyagi
Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival, Aomori
Nebuta Festival of Aomori, the Kanto Matsiri Festival of Akita, Tanabata Star Festival of Sendai. Besides these, in Tohoku region, famous festivals are held as summer events. As one of them, like the Nebuta Festival of Aomori, Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival to be held in Aomori Prefecture. It boasts a 300-year history, one of the festivals representing the Tohoku region, … [Read more...] about Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival, Aomori
YOSAKOI Soran Festival, Hokkaido
"YOSAKOI Soran Festival" to be held in Hokkaido Sapporo City in early June every year. It is a famous festival nationwide as a scene of early summer of Hokkaido. A lot of tourists visit from all over the country trying to see the great dance. That number is over 2 million people a year. It is a big event of early summer that represents Japan precisely. This festival is held in … [Read more...] about YOSAKOI Soran Festival, Hokkaido
Yamaga Lantern Festival, Kumamoto
"Yamaga Lantern Festival" is a summer scenary that continues from ancient times in Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Every year on August 15th and 16th, the beautiful lanterns flicker on Yamaga night. A beautiful "golden lantern" made only of Japanese paper and paste is raised above the head, and the "Yoheho-Bushi" (A Folk Tune of Yoheho) known as the "Yoheho-, Yoheho-" hangs … [Read more...] about Yamaga Lantern Festival, Kumamoto
Niihama Taiko Matsuri (Niihama Drum Festival), Ehime
"Niihama Taiko Matsuri" (Niihama Drum Festival) in Ehime Prefecture is a festival known as the Three Major Fighting Festival in Japan. It was held for 3 days from October 16th to 18th as an annual event to pray for good harvest in autumn and has gained great popularity. "Niihama Taiko Matsuri" is said to be a "man festival" since ancient times, the existence of mikoshi … [Read more...] about Niihama Taiko Matsuri (Niihama Drum Festival), Ehime