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 of new flowering blooms in Japan is not just a fleeting nod to Mother Nature as we pass by random bursts of colour en route to work or school; but […]
japanese festivals & events summer
5 of the Best Japanese Festivals in August
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 the best times to visit. Dynamic and colourful, these are five of the best Japanese festivals in August that should be on your list. 1. The Nebuta Festival, Aomori Almost […]
Yoshida Fire Festival, Mt. Fuji, Japan
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 because with its flickering flames and almost tribal atmosphere, the Yoshida Fire Festival or Himatsuri has a known history of more than 500 years. And like all good Japanese festivals, […]
Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori Festival, Japan
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 has left after the long hot summer days and endless fireworks displays and festivals, and turns the dial up for one last hurrah. The Koenji Awa Odori Festival sees more […]
Dancin’ Like Fools
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 with strangers and all that? If you don’t know what I am talking about and/or you think I have finally succumbed to Tokyo’s summer heat, you can click here for […]
If you’re going to be a fool anyway, you might as well dance!
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 the ancestors are said to return to the living world. (O)Bon festivals are held throughout towns and villages in Japan during July and August in honor and remembrance of all […]
Tanabata Festival, Hiratsuka
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 adversity and wishes coming true. The Tanabata story is one for all you hopeless romantics out there. While there are many versions, this is one of the most popular and […]
Higashimurayama Iris Festival, Tokyo
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 picturesque and peaceful setting for this quaint annual flower festival. For the photographer, there are endless photo-taking opportunities and if you have been before, this year sees the inclusion of […]
Tanabata Festival, Sendai
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 celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month i.e. July 7th (or August 7th in areas that calculate the date using the lunar calendar). Now here’s a story for […]








