White Day in Japan: Japan’s Complicated Second Valentine’s Day
You may feel like one Valentine’s Day a year is enough, but Japan’s confectionery industry thinks otherwise. In addition to celebrating Valentine’s Day on February …
Japanese festivals & events
Valentine’s Day in Japan: The Meaning of the Chocolate you Give
You might be surprised to learn that Valentine’s Day in Japan is celebrated rather differently than in much of the rest of the world. Firstly, …
Seijin no Hi: What Happens on Coming of Age Day in Japan
Coming of Age Day in Japan or Seijin no Hi (成人の日) is an important Japanese holiday held annually in January each year marking the rite …
Japan’s Tori-no-Ichi: The Rooster Market That Sells Rakes
The Tori-no-Ichi (酉の市 – rooster market) is an open-air fair that takes place annually on the ‘Days of the Rooster’ in November according to the …
Some no Komichi: Experience Tokyo’s River of Kimono Silks
The Some no Komichi is a three-day event held in late February showcasing traditional Japanese textile dyeing techniques. The event is held in Shinjuku’s Ochiai …
Setagaya Boroichi: Winter Flea Market Shopping in Tokyo
Love a good treasure hunt? Are you a shopper who loves the pursuit of a bargain? Then come rummage to your heart’s content at one …
Japan’s Bean-throwing Festival (Setsubun) and how to participate
Literally meaning the “seasonal division”, Setsubun (節分) is an important Japanese celebration associated with the changing of seasons. Setsubun is traditionally celebrated on the day before the …
5 Japanese Flower Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss
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 …
Japan’s Kanamara Matsuri: The Penis Festival
The first Sunday in April marks the celebration of the Shinto fertility festival, the Kanamara Matsuri or the “Festival of the Steel Phallus.” Known colloquially …