People Are Grabbing Paper for Health
People scramble to grab pieces of “sacred” paper from a demon at a Shinto shrine in southwestern Japan.
20,000 Bamboo Lanterns Light Up Oita
As the sun set on Taketa City last month, tourists and locals alike gathered together near the Oka Castle ruins to be amazed by the Chikuraku Festival.
Japanese Tradition of Scaring Kids Continues!
Men dressed as demons scare children in northeastern Japan to discourage them from being lazy.
Crowning This Year's 'Luckiest Man in Japan'
Men from around Japan take part in a race at Nishinomiya Shrine in a bid to become this year’s "Luckiest Man."
Sapporo's Snow Festival Going Online This Year
The annual Sapporo Snow Festival kicked off on February 4, but you don't have to leave your warm home to see it this year!
New Year, New Swords
Bladesmiths in central Japan show visitors the traditional method for making Japanese swords.
Dolls to Celebrate the Well-Being of Boys
A city in Shizuoka Prefecture is displaying dolls that wish for good health and well-being of boys.
Asakusa's Sanja Matsuri Carrying on Tradition
Join a party of 1.8 million people in this giant festival in the third week of May that parades through the streets of Asakusa.
Top Things To Do Around Kumano Kodo, Wakayama
If you want all the insider information on this unique and must-see location of Japan, then simply read on and discover, for yourself, the top things to do in Kumano Kodo in Wakayama, Japan.
Kemari: Japan’s Ancient Ball Game
People in Kyoto are reenacting an ancient type of Japanese football that was played by nobles centuries ago.
Good Reads: A Passion for Japan
In this new book, 31 foreigners who have made Japan their long-term home share their passions, from sumo to baseball, traditional festivals, martial arts, the tea ceremony, and many more.
Chill at the 71st Annual Sapporo Snow Festival
The 71st annual Sapporo Snow Festival kicked off on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, in Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture of Japan.
Private Shinto Ritual Streamed to Viewers
Osaka Temmangu Shrine streams online a usually private Shinto ceremony that is part of the annual Tenjin Festival, as other festivities including lit-up boats and fireworks are canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
How Fireworks in Japan Were Used for Epidemics
Learn more about the meaning of fireworks in Japan and why they are connected to COVID-19.
The Old Town of Sawara: The Ideal Day Trip from Narita Airport
From centuries-old buildings to botanical gardens and picturesque canals, the Edo-era town of Sawara is a joy to discover—and a short distance from Tokyo’s Narita Airport.
15 Awesome Festivals in Japan
Plan your trip in advance and make sure that you catch all of the festivals (known as 'matsuri’) in your area. Let’s take a closer look at the best 15 festivals in Japan.
Celebrate Summer in Japan Like a Local: Bon Odori Dances and Fireworks Festivals
Discover the magic of summer’s fabulous Bon Odori festivals and hanabi taikai fireworks festivals!
The Joys of Japanese Festival Food
You can't say you've gone deeper in Japan until you've eaten the festival street food. Try Japanese classics like yakitori and yakinuku in addition to foreign surprises and a variety of fusion foods.
Okinawa’s Shuri Castle Celebrating Rebirth
A festival took place at Okinawa’s Shuri Castle where a major fire burned down six buildings a year ago.
Life-Size Dolls Enliven Girls' Festival Event
Life-size “Hina” dolls are on display at a historic inn in Shizuoka Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, for the doll festival on March 3.
