Japan's Fertility Festivals: The Hard Facts
Japan is a festive nation, home to countless different festivals. However, some of them, while safe to visit, aren't exactly safe for work!
Origami Cranes at Shrines & Temples
Why can origami birds be found at many shrines and temples? Who makes them? Why do they make them? Learn the answers to these questions here!
These Aren't Your Average Origami
This Japanese Twitter user stunned us with his amazing origami skills by using only one single piece of paper to create elaborate animals and historical figures.
Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi
Pray for good luck in business at this huge midnight market festival in November.
15 Unique Festivals Only Found in Japan
There are a variety of interesting festivals in each prefecture of Japan throughout the year.
A Brief History of Japanese Timekeeping
Explore the tradition and beauty of Japanese timekeeping, from the water-based clocks of the seventh century to the app-enabled digital creations of the modern day.
Tanzan Shrine Kemari Festival
A game played by royals 1,400 years ago, held at this nature-rich shrine in Nara. Japan's football starts here!
All About the Tenjin Matsuri
Japan is famous for its wide variety of festivals, and one of the Top 3 is the Tenjin festival in Osaka. Between dances and river parades, this summer event has it all. Check it out and plan your next visit!
Japanese Festivals: Hanami
Cherry blossom vewing, or 'hanami,' has a long tradition in Japan. Today people head out in droves to picnic beneath the blooming cherry trees, while more than a millennium ago, members of the royal court composed poetry just for cherry blossom viewing!
Intense Times at the Sanja Matsuri
YouTuber Sharla in Japan jumps into the action as revelers compete to shoulder one of Asakusa Shrine's three official 'mikoshi' on the final Sunday of Tokyo's massive Sanja Matsuri.
Paint Your Face for Next Year's Crops!
Fukuoka locals show their appreciation to the powers above at this goopy harvest festival.
Chichibu Night Festival
See impressive floats maneuvered below winter fireworks in Saitama in December.
Onbashira: Japan’s Most Dangerous Festival
Every six years, the town of Suwa in Nagano Prefecture becomes the site of one of Japan's oldest festivals—which is also considered the most dangerous.
Can You Keep a Secret? 4 Hidden Hot Springs
There are a lot of incredible hot springs in Japan. These four hot springs are not well known, but they'll surprise you! They all have something special in common—can you guess what it is?
Japanese Festivals: Shichi-Go-San
Every November 15, parents pray for the development and happiness of their 5-year-old boys and 3- and 7-year old daughters.
The History of Origami
Modern Japanese origami is actually heavily influenced by traditional European paper folding!
7 Samurai Doing 7 Extreme Sports!
These samurai warriors from Japan are fearless not only in battle, but also on a BMX bike, skis, a pogo stick and on a surfboard.
Japan’s Key National Celebrations
There are a handful of huge festivals and national traditions that are celebrated all across Japan each year.
Japanese Festivals: Seijin no Hi
Established in 1948, Seijin no Hi (Coming of Age Day) is dedicated to those who have reached 20 years of age and are therefore considered adults in Japanese society.
All About Japanese Festivals
There are an estimated 600,000 festivals held in Japan every year—an average of 50,000 per month!
