Japanese festivals & events summer

In no other country in the world have we seen such dedication to appreciating the beauty of the changing of the seasons. Acknowledging the arrival …

It may get hot and humid but don’t discount Japan in the warmer months. With the incredible amount of outstanding festivals, August is one of …

Head to Fujiyoshida City at the base of Mt. Fuji late August and you may feel you have been transported back a few centuries. That’s …

Held annually on the last Saturday and Sunday of August, the Koenji Awa Odori Festival (高円寺阿波踊り) is a dance festival that takes what energy Tokyo …

Do you remember the ‘Bon-odori’ dance festival I told you about a couple of weeks ago? About honoring the ancestors and dancing like a fool …

Summer matsuri (festival) season is well and truly upon us here in Japan! And that means it’s time to celebrate Obon, when the souls of …

This weekend in Japan, we’ve been busy celebrating Tanabata (七夕) or the Star Festival. Celebrated annually on July 7th, this festival commemorates true love overcoming …

Today we attended Higashimurayama’s Iris Festival in western Tokyo. Nestled at the base of the foothills of Hachikokuyama, Kitayama Park (Kitayama Kōen, 北山公園) provides a …

We’re heading to our last stop on our Tohoku festival journey! Today’s post is related to Japan’s Tanabata Festival. Tanabata, or the Star Festival, is …