Winter events

Ring in the New Year at the sacred Tamaki Jinja. Experience the profound atmosphere of the Joya festival and the striking sounds of traditional drums. Please dress warmly, as temperatures are extremely low during this time.

Dec 31

Experience the Oharaesiki at Hikosan Jingu. Purify your spirit through the sacred Chinowa ritual to welcome the New Year with a clean heart.

Dec 31

A sacred ritual held at 3:00 PM on December 31. Experience the purification ceremony at Jishu Jinja in Kyoto to welcome the New Year with a clear mind and spirit.

Dec 31

Witness the historic countdown of the world's largest hourglass, 'Sunagoyomi.' Join the Nima Sand Museum for a spectacular New Year's Eve ritual.

Dec 31, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027

Experience the soul-stirring Joya Taiko and sacred rituals at the World Heritage site, Tamaki Jinja. A profound way to welcome the New Year in a spiritual sanctuary.

Dec 31

Discover the profound history of Hanamatsuri (Fudo), a 700-year-old cultural treasure. Experience the mystical beauty of traditional dances and vibrant five-colored decorations in person during this sacred festival celebration.

Jan 2, 2027

Experience Hanamatsuri, a 700-year-old ritual of rebirth and mystical mask dances designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Property.

Jan 2, 2027

Witness the start of the UNESCO-recognized Hayachine Kagura at Kagura-no-Yakata. Experience the divine, dynamic, and 500-year-old traditional dance up close.

Jan 2, 2027

The Genshi-sai ritual at Itsukushima Jinja is a rare opportunity to experience the profound spiritual traditions of Japan within a majestic, natural setting.

Jan 3, 2027

A mystical night of Kagura dance featuring red demons. Experience Japan's ancient traditions at the historic Kumano Shrine.

Jan 3, 2027

Experience the vibrant energy of Tenteko Matsuri! Immerse yourself in the lively spirit and traditional customs of a local Japanese festival.

Jan 3, 2027

Witness the sacred opening of the UNESCO-listed Hayachine Kagura. Experience the profound beauty of traditional Japanese dance and spiritual history within the majestic atmosphere of Hayachine Jinja.

Jan 3, 2027

Experience the sacred rituals and history of Nishinomiya Jinja during the Hyakutayu Shrine Festival. Witness beautiful traditional ceremonies in a stunning historic setting.

Jan 5, 2027

Experience the mystical Ashinojiri Dosojin Matsuri in Nagano on January 7th. Witness the sacred ritual of adorning the divine mask to pray for the village's safety amidst the beautiful scenery of the Northern Alps.

Jan 7, 2027

日本三大奇祭の一つ、黒石寺蘇民祭。炎の中で繰り広げられる蘇民袋争奪戦の熱狂は一生の思い出に！

Jan 7, 2027

Experience the Toba no Himatsuri, a 1,200-year-old fire festival. Watch the dramatic ritual of retrieving sacred wood from the massive, flaming 'Suzumi' structure.

Jan 7, 2027

Experience the solemn 'Waraji Mikoshi' ritual and feel the spirit of Japan. Witness a historic ceremony held in the serene, cold air of January.

Jan 10, 2027

Experience Hanamatsuri, a traditional Kagura dance from Aichi designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Discover the mystical beauty of ancient Japanese ritual dance.

Jan 11, 2027

Watch giant Yaki-manji being grilled at Isesaki Shrine! Enjoy the Joshu Yaki-man Festival and the lively Daruma Market. Bring warm clothes to enjoy this traditional winter treat.

Jan 11, 2027

Experience the high-speed excitement of traditional Karuta at the Karuta Matsuri. A special winter event to feel the warmth of local Japanese culture.

Jan 11, 2027

Witness the mystical night where torches blaze through the snow and gods perform sacred dances. Experience a true traditional Japanese winter festival.

Jan 13, 2027

Experience the 300-year-old Matsutaki Matsuri at Osaki Hachiman-gu. Witness the sacred Goshinka fire and the spirited Hadaka-mairi for a profound encounter with Japanese winter culture.

Jan 14, 2027

A 300-year-old winter tradition in Sendai. Witness the powerful sacred fire and the traditional 'Hadakamari' ritual. Please dress warmly to enjoy this solemn ceremony.

Jan 14, 2027

Experience the dramatic Donton-sai fire festival and the traditional Hadakamari procession at Morioka Hachiman-gu. A must-see winter tradition in Iwate.

Jan 15, 2027

Experience the intense heat and history of the Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Festival. Watch the massive shrine burn amidst a fierce battle for fire. Please prepare for extreme cold and wear flame-resistant clothing.

Jan 15, 2027

Witness the breathtaking fire festival at Cape Shionomisaki. Experience the dramatic sight of flames sweeping across the grass, traditional performances, and warm local delicacies.

Jan 16, 2027

Experience the intense 'Kenka Bonten' in the snow! Witness colorful banners clashing to the sound of traditional songs at Akita's vibrant winter festival.

Jan 17, 2027

A grand traditional festival featuring magnificent, decorated floats. Experience the history, culture, and vibrant energy of Japan up close.

Jan 18, 2027

Celebrate spring in Inatori with the Hina no Tsurushi-kazari festival. Enjoy colorful traditional crafts and hands-on workshops in the birthplace of this beautiful tradition.

Jan 20, 2027

Witness the breathtaking spectacle of hot water being splashed in freezing temperatures! Be sure to dress warmly and prepare for the cold to fully enjoy this traditional winter festival at Kawayu Onsen.

Jan 20, 2027

A special winter festival at Mokeiji Temple featuring dramatic torchlight processions and the elegant Ennen-no-mai dance.

Jan 20, 2027

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Iwate's traditional festival, featuring ornate floats and a magical nightscape of glowing lanterns. A must-see cultural experience in Oshu City.

Jan 22, 2027

A magical night of light. Experience the breathtaking beauty of countless lanterns illuminating the sky and water.

Jan 22, 2027

A special space where Noto's nature meets contemporary glass art. Experience the interplay of light and stunning architecture at the Ishikawa Notojima Glass Art Museum.

Jan 23, 2027 – May 9, 2027

Experience the beauty of Kyoto in Hamamatsu. A special exhibition featuring 50 exquisite Japanese paintings capturing the essence of the ancient capital.

Jan 23, 2027 – Mar 14, 2027

Step into a medieval fantasy world! An immersive LARP event where you wear your own costume and become the hero of your own story.

Jan 23, 2027

Experience the elegance of blooming plum blossoms and traditional performing arts at Osaka Tenmangu. A perfect blend of history and culture.

Jan 24, 2027

A spectacular winter view of Mt. Fuji and fireworks! Watching the 'inverted fireworks' reflected in the clear air while enjoying warm local food is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Jan 24, 2027

Experience the powerful chanting of sutras and traditional healing rituals at Koko-ji Temple. Enjoy the vibrant culture and local food of the Sugamo district.

Jan 24, 2027

Experience the warmth of Kiyama through the Ai ga Ookii Kiyama Town Music Festival. A special day of local songs and instrumental music that connects the community.

Jan 24, 2027

A breathtaking world of light and snow. Dress warmly and prepare your camera to capture the magic of Kisoji's winter.

Jan 25, 2027

Experience the magical Kobe Luminarie, a stunning light festival that illuminates the winter night with breathtaking art and history.

Jan 29, 2027 – Feb 7, 2027

Experience the magic of a Shiretoko winter night. Enjoy illuminated art, cozy bonfires, and relaxing hammocks for a truly special winter memory.

Jan 30, 2027

Discover a dreamlike winter landscape where thousands of lights glow amidst the snow. Immerse yourself in the warm, magical atmosphere of Yunishi-gawa Onsen this winter season.

Feb 1, 2027

Experience a magical night in Hakone where traditional Shinto rituals meet a spectacular fireworks display.

Feb 2, 2027

Experience the profound beauty of traditional Kagura and the arrival of spring. Discover the thousand-year history of Uwadotori Jinja Shrine.

Feb 2, 2027

迫力の源泉湯かけ合戦と、温泉街を練り歩く湯鬼神の演舞！冬の登別でしか味わえない熱狂的な伝統祭りに参加しませんか？

Feb 2, 2027

Experience the traditional bean-throwing ceremony at Yasaka Jinja in Kyoto. A perfect way to welcome spring and drive away bad luck.

Feb 2, 2027

Witness the powerful demon dances and ancient rituals at Heian Jingu. A perfect opportunity to experience Japan's traditional way of warding off bad luck.

Feb 2, 2027

Experience the traditional Setsubun-sai at the historic Munakata Taisha to welcome good fortune and witness a beautiful piece of Japanese spiritual culture.

Feb 2, 2027

Witness a stunning winter masterpiece of snow and light. Don't miss the chance to see 20,000 snow lanterns illuminating the night in a truly unforgettable way.

Feb 3, 2027

Immerse yourself in the majestic autumn traditions and spiritual heritage of the historic Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine.

Feb 3, 2027

Experience the solemn Shinto rituals and traditional ceremonies at Izumo Taisha. Discover the profound depth of Japanese spiritual culture through sacred seasonal rituals.

Feb 3, 2027

Experience the powerful bean-throwing ceremony at Tsurugaoka Hachiman to welcome a year of good health and luck.

Feb 3, 2027

A world-class winter festival featuring massive snow sculptures and stunning light displays. Experience the breathtaking beauty of a true Hokkaido winter in person.

Feb 5, 2027

A spectacular winter festival in Asahikawa featuring world-class snow sculptures and ice art. Enjoy snow activities and local gourmet for a complete Hokkaido winter experience.

Feb 6, 2027

Enjoy breathtaking ice sculptures and snow slides at the Kushiro Winter Festival! Be sure to dress warmly to fully experience this beautiful snowy landscape.

Feb 6, 2027

The Zonbera Festival is a profound look into Noto's heritage. Witness the "Ta-asobi" ritual, a traditional performance mimicking farming to pray for a bountiful harvest, offering a deep connection to Japanese spiritual culture.

Feb 6, 2027

Experience the ultimate winter taste in Matsushima! Enjoy diverse oyster dishes like grilled, steamed, and fried, alongside a local sake festival. With footbaths and stage events, it is a perfect way to enjoy the season.

Feb 7, 2027

Experience the traditional Dondo Matsuri amidst the beautiful scenery of Midori-gawa Dam. Enjoy a special moment where winter nature and Japanese culture meet.

Feb 7, 2027