802 spots found
Tokushima
Higashi Iya Yamamura Ochiai is a hidden gem in Tokushima. The traditional houses and stone walls clinging to the mountains create a 'Village in the Sky'—a breathtaking fusion of history and nature.
Gunma
A historic festival since the Tenpo era. Highlights include the seven ceremonial floats, intense musical battles, and graceful dancers. Experience the grand traditions of Shimonita this October.
Nara
Experience Kemari, the traditional ball game loved by Heian-period aristocrats. Witness elegant movements, unique traditional costumes, and the profound spiritual culture of Japan.
Osaka
The 'Senbon Mochi-tsuki' held every January is a breathtaking traditional event featuring about one thousand mallets. This powerful sight of praying for health and protection is a valuable cultural experience. Experience a special moment in history at Suiken-ji Temple amidst the crisp winter air.
Nagano
A high-energy summer festival featuring upbeat music, powerful portable shrines, and traditional dancing. It is a perfect way to experience Japanese summer culture, especially if you join the impromptu dance groups!
Gifu
Experience the 1,300-year-old tradition of cormorant fishing. Watch the dramatic sight of torches and cormorants catching sweetfish from a viewing boat on the Nagara River.
Experience the powerful Juman-goku Matsuri in Kaga City, featuring a massive 2.5-ton Kutani plate Mikoshi. The event concludes with a stunning fireworks display on the final night. A perfect way to experience traditional Japanese culture in September.
Yamanashi
Experience the powerful Takeda Nijushi-sho Kiba Gyoretsu on April 12th. Watch samurai on horseback ride through Kofu against a backdrop of cherry blossoms for a truly unforgettable historical experience.
Mie
Otaue Matsuri is a traditional Japanese rice-planting ritual. Through unique songs and dances at various shrines, you can experience the deep history and culture of Japanese agriculture.
Okayama
Witness the incredible power of 2-to-3-ton floats colliding head-on during the Kenka Danjiri. Experience the ground-shaking excitement and traditional fervor of this legendary festival.
Experience the breathtaking 'Take no Nobori' in Ueda, Nagano. Held around July 15th, this traditional summer festival features magnificent 9-meter-long banners and is a designated intangible cultural heritage of Japan.
Shizuoka
静岡県指定無形民俗文化財「猿舞」を鑑賞できる貴重な機会です。毎年4月の例祭にて、神の使いである猿が主役となる独特な演舞が披露されます。日本の伝統的な祭りの熱気を体験してください。
A massive summer festival in Nagano featuring high-energy, samba-style dancing. The historic streets around Matsumoto Castle become a pedestrian-only zone where local groups perform dynamic dances, creating an unforgettable summer night atmosphere.
Nagasaki
A traditional Gion Matsuri held at Waki Misaki on the Nomozaki Peninsula. Immerse yourself in local culture alongside the historic Kanon-ji Temple and the breathtaking natural scenery of the coastline and beach rocks.
1月15日の夜、火の力で厄災を防ぐ伝統的な火祭り。激しい炎と花火、道祖神太鼓が織りなす日本の伝統文化を、野沢温泉の温泉文化と共に楽しみましょう。
Ishikawa
北前船の繁栄を物語る、黒色の瓦と美しい下見板張りの町並み。能登の歴史が息づく、静かで美しい保存地区を歩いてみませんか。
Experience the 1,300-year history of Nagara River Ukai. The sight of fishermen under the bonfire light is a masterpiece of Japanese summer aesthetics. Witness this world-class cultural heritage, which aims for UNESCO status, right here in Gifu.
Kyoto
The "Chirimen Kaido" is an open-air architectural museum featuring buildings from the Edo to early Showa eras. Enjoy a luxurious, quiet stroll through history while feeling the legacy of the Tango Chirimen silk industry.
The Garakuta-ichi at the World Heritage site of To-ji is a treasure trove of antiques and retro goods. It is a truly unique Kyoto experience where you can hunt for one-of-a-kind vintage items against the stunning backdrop of the historic five-story pagoda.
Visit To-ji on the 21st of every month! With 1,000+ stalls and the iconic five-story pagoda as a backdrop, Kobo-ichi is a premier Kyoto event for antiques and street food. Early morning visits are highly recommended.
Tokyo
Experience the vibrant Hino Yasaka Jinja Reitaisai in mid-September. Witness the powerful Mikoshi procession and enjoy the lively atmosphere of traditional food stalls and local festivities in the heart of Hino, Tokyo.
Kagawa
小豆島の離宮八幡神社で、5月3日に繰り広げられる伝統の歌舞伎。茅葺き屋根の舞台と本格的な仕掛けが織りなす、日本の農村文化の粋を体験できる特別なひとときです。
Kagoshima
Experience the beautiful Nagashi-hina at Sengan-en in late February. Watch colorful dolls and seasonal flowers float gracefully on the water, offering a profound sense of Japanese tradition against the breathtaking backdrop of Sakurajima.
Saitama
Hanno Matsuri is a traditional festival held on the first weekend of November, featuring 11 grand floats and traditional music. Experience the excitement of the night-time 'Hikiawase' and the beautiful float parades to feel the heart of Japanese culture.
Hyogo
From the melodic wind chimes of the day to the celestial LED Milky Way of the night, experience the magical dual beauty of Natsu Ebisu at Nishinomiya Jinja.
In early August, experience the magic of Kyo no Tanabata. Enjoy beautiful illuminated landscapes at Kamogawa, Kifune, and Uji, capturing the essence of a traditional Kyoto summer night.
Experience the breathtaking Nagasaki Shoro Nagashi on the evening of August 15th. Watch uniquely decorated spirit boats drift through the streets under the glow of lanterns, accompanied by the thrilling sounds of bells and firecrackers. It is a quintessential cultural experience of Nagasaki's summe…
Akita
A traditional tug-of-war held on a cold February night in Akita. Experience the powerful sounds of the drums, the brilliance of the fireworks, and the intense spirit of a community-driven ritual.
Wakayama
A vibrant summer festival held near Wakayama Castle featuring traditional dances inspired by an Edo-period merchant. Experience the rhythmic 'Bundara-bushi' and the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Yamaguchi
A traditional Hagi boat race with over 300 years of history. Watch young men in traditional headbands rowing in perfect unison on the water.
A prestigious Kyudo tournament held since 1951. Watch the incredible precision of 60-meter long-distance archery within the historic and spiritual atmosphere of Sumiyoshi Taisha.
As Osaka's only preserved historic district, Tondabayashi Jinai-cho features beautiful architecture from the Edo to the early Showa era. Enjoy a peaceful walk through a landscape of traditional merchant houses and historic temples.
Hiroshima
The Miyajima Kiyomori Matsuri brings the island to life in June. Through this traditional event honoring Taira no Kiyomori, you can feel the passion of the island's history and culture. Enjoy a special moment where beautiful nature and tradition converge.
A high-energy summer event in Minami-Koshigaya, often considered one of Japan's top Awa Odori festivals. Experience both the refined artistry of stage performances and the vibrant energy of street dancing.
Inatori Onsen is a charming destination featuring beautiful coastlines and rich sulfate springs. From the traditional Hina no Tsurushi-kazari decorations to spring mountain vegetable foraging, it is a perfect place to enjoy Japanese tradition and nature. Relaxing in the town's footbaths is also hig…
A special pilgrimage experience walking the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo Iseji. The journey through stone-paved passes and sacred sites offers a profound sense of refreshment and spiritual connection.
Experience the historic Hatsuuma-sai at Kagoshima Jingu, featuring the mesmerizing 'Suzukake Uma Odori' where horses dance to the sound of bells. This special event takes place on the first Day of the Horse in February.
Aomori
A traditional winter festival of Hachinohe designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Through the unique dance of performers wearing horse-head hats and rituals praying for a bountiful harvest, you can experience the essence of Japanese traditional culture.
Aichi
A journey through the culture and nature of Iwate, where you can experience the world of the drama 'Dondo Hare.' Perfect for fans of the series and travelers seeking traditional Japanese landscapes and heartwarming local culture.
Tochigi
Experience the heroic tradition of Ashikaga with a parade of warriors in full armor. Witness the breathtaking sight of armored processions and traditional rituals at Bannaji Temple under the night sky.
Iwate
A grand festival of traditional arts held in Kitakami, Iwate. Enjoy a three-day program featuring intense Onikenbai dances, folk parades, and a spectacular fireworks display. A perfect way to experience the soul of Tohoku culture.
Tottori
Experience the awe-inspiring Sadu no Tondo in mid-January. Watch as massive torches ignite the pre-dawn darkness, a breathtaking display of Japan's traditional fire rituals and spiritual heritage.
Hyakuben Intersection is a vibrant student-centered area near Kyoto University. It is a place where the historical legacy of Chion-ji Temple meets the modern energy of student life and traditional seasonal events like the Gozan no Okuribi.
Shimane
An annual autumn tradition held in November at Jōnishi Jinja Shrine in the Oki Islands, Shimane. Experience the traditional spectacle of bull fighting (Ushitsuki). Please note that access to the area requires taking a ferry.
Yamagata
Experience the Tsuruoka Tenjin Matsuri, a traditional festival in Tsuruoka, Yamagata. Held in late May, this event offers a rare chance to witness powerful portable shrine parades and the unique 'Bakemono Matsuri' tradition. The entire city is filled with excitement around the historic Tsuruoka Ten…
A traditional event held from February 11th to 15th in Misato, Akita, boasting a 700-year history. Experience the mystical beauty of snow-built 'Kamakura' and the powerful, rhythmic sounds of the 'Takeuchi' bamboo striking at night.
Fukuoka
A traditional fire festival in Kurume, Fukuoka, where massive 13-meter torches pierce the January darkness. The sight of the roaring flames and flying sparks is truly breathtaking.
Witness the breathtaking 'Neri' float parade and the vibrant energy of the Mikumano Shrine Grand Festival. Experience the deep-rooted traditions of Japan through rhythmic music and sacred rituals in a historic castle town setting.
Experience the traditional Amahage ritual in Yuza, Yamagata, held only on January 1, 3, and 6. Witness young men in striking straw costumes and masks visiting local homes in this profound winter folk tradition.
Oita
A Nakatsu tradition with over 580 years of history. The sight of the massive 5-meter-tall 'Gion-sha' floats racing through the streets is truly heroic. Experience the essence of a Japanese summer through its powerful music and vibrant energy.
Experience the Fujimori no Ta-asobi, a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in Yaizu, Shizuoka. On the evening of March 17, witness a colorful and powerful dance at Ooi Hachiman-gu Shrine that celebrates the traditional agricultural cycle and the spirit of the Japanese harvest.
Fukui
Experience Omiokuri in Obama, Fukui, on the night of March 2nd. The sight of torches floating in the darkness and the mystical water ritual offers a truly special experience. Immerse yourself in a night where history and prayer meet.
A stunning display of traditional Japanese beauty featuring ornate floats and glowing lanterns. Experience the historic charm and seasonal energy of a spring festival in Handa.
Okinawa
A summer festival in Yomitan, Okinawa, where you can experience traditional arts and local culture. An ideal event for creating special summer memories.
Experience 'Tanabata Mari,' a special event held only on the morning of July 7th at the Omote-shoin of Kotohira-gu. Enjoy a profound moment of Japanese tradition within a stunning historical setting.
一乗谷朝倉氏遺跡がキャンドルの光に包まれる、幻想的な夏の夜。歴史ある唐門に向かって浮かび上がる灯りの列は、息を呑むほどの美しさです。夏の特別な夜の思い出に、ぜひ足を運んでみてください。
The famous Daruma Ichiba at Kitain Temple on January 3rd. A special day to see vibrant Daruma dolls and experience the traditional atmosphere of a Japanese New Year festival.
A special night where the World Heritage site of Todai-ji is enveloped in light. Approximately 2,500 lanterns and 10,000 lights illuminate the Great Buddha Hall in a mystical display. This is a rare, once-a-year opportunity to experience the tranquil beauty of traditional Japanese memorial rituals.
Experience the magical glow of traditional snow-built 'Kamakura' in Akita. To enjoy this enchanting winter landscape during the February 12–13 event, be sure to bring heavy winter clothing and non-slip footwear.
Niigata
Ushi no Kaku Tsuki is a traditional bull-fighting ritual from the Edo period, designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Experience the breathtaking power of the bulls and the mastery of the handlers in the heart of Niigata.
