802 spots found
Shimane
Experience the soulful Tsuwano Odori in Shimane. On the night of August 15th, enjoy the mesmerizing combination of live shamisen music and traditional dance. The unique hand gestures and rhythmic movements offer a rare glimpse into Japan's deep cultural traditions.
Kagawa
Experience the breathtaking beauty of 10,000 lanterns at Tamura Shrine. This summer event in Shiga offers a magical combination of traditional light displays and cultural performances.
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…
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.
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.
Shiga
A traditional ritual held on Lake Biwa every March 26. Witness a profound cultural experience featuring Buddhist ceremonies, boat processions, and a spectacular fire ritual at Omatusaki.
Experience the 'Yuza no Amahage,' a UNESCO-recognized tradition in Yuza Town, Yamagata. Witness the striking sight of red and blue demon-masked deities visiting homes in a rare display of Japanese winter culture.
Ishikawa
The Notojima Komata Fire Festival is one of Japan's top three fire festivals. The climax, where torches are thrown into a 30m-tall pillar, creates a magnificent spectacle of fire against the night sky. Immerse yourself in the intense energy of Noto's traditional Kiriko culture this July.
Miyazaki
Experience the profound spiritual culture of Japan through the mystical, myth-based dances of Takachiho Kagura, a sacred ritual performed under the night sky.
Kanagawa
Experience the Oharae ritual at Tsurugaoka Hanimangu in Kamakura, a traditional ceremony to purify the soul. A rare opportunity to touch the essence of Japanese spiritual culture.
Nara
From New Year's Eve to New Year's Day, the long corridors of Hase-dera are bathed in the warm glow of thousands of lanterns. It is a magical time to celebrate the new year and offer your prayers amidst the resonant sounds of the New Year's Eve bells.
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.
Tokyo
A museum dedicated to the history of Taito, featuring a lifelike recreation of a 1950s Japanese streetscape. Experience traditional culture and the nostalgic atmosphere of old Tokyo.
Akita
Experience the powerful Miyoshi Bonten Matsuri, a symbol of winter in Akita. Watch the spirited competition and the offering of colorful 'Bonten' structures while enjoying traditional folk music.
Don't miss the Hyakumangoku Procession, the symbol of Kanazawa's history! Experience the grandeur of the Maeda Toshiie reenactment, traditional Noh, and tea ceremonies during this spectacular 3-day festival in June.
Shizuoka
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.
Experience the elegance of the Heian period at the Mifune Matsuri in Arashiyama. Watch vibrant traditional costumes and waka poetry unfold on the Oi River. A must-see event to touch the heart of Japanese tradition in spring.
Mie
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.
Oita
A dynamic fire festival featuring a burning mountain of ferns and dancing sparks. A rare opportunity to experience a traditional ritual for health and longevity in Kunisaki, Oita.
Yamaguchi
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of a 20-meter-tall pillar of fire. The Suo Sose no Hashimatsu is a 289-year-old tradition in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, featuring a spectacular display of sparks and light that illuminates the summer night.
Experience the traditional Hyottoko dance in Hyuga City, Miyazaki. Watch the rhythmic parade of dancers in comical masks and enjoy the high-energy atmosphere of a classic Japanese summer festival.
Gifu
Sugawa Shishi is a legendary lion dance from Hida with a 1,300-year history. Witness its breathtaking acrobatic movements and traditional music during the annual dedication held every September 5th at the local shrines.
Hiroshima
The Kiku Matsuri at Itsukushima Shrine is a beautiful tradition of offering chrysanthemums to pray for longevity. Don't miss the chance to see the historic Bugaku dance performed on the Takabutai stage.
Ehime
A traditional spring festival in Dogo. Experience the vibrant energy of the hot spring town with parades and local food stalls during this special 3-day event.
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.
Saga
Explore Hizen-Hama-juku, a beautifully preserved post town from the Edo period. Enjoy the scenic streets of white-walled sake breweries and traditional thatched-roof houses while experiencing authentic Japanese culture.
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.
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.
ユネスコ無形文化遺産にも登録された豪華な彫刻屋台が街を彩る、栃木県鹿沼市の伝統的な秋祭りです。精巧な彫刻と迫力ある御巡幸、提灯が灯る幻想的な夜の風景は、日本の祭りの美しさを存分に感じさせてくれます。
Tottori
A special facility where you can admire precious Hina dolls from across Japan inside a beautiful wooden structure inspired by Kinkaku-ji. It is the perfect spot to experience the traditional Tottori culture of 'Nagashibina'.
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.
Fukuoka
江戸時代の城下町の風情が今も息づく、福岡県朝倉市の歴史スポット。武家屋敷や町家が並ぶ美しい街並みと、古処山の麓に広がる自然の調和を楽しみながら、ゆったりとした時間を過ごせます。
Witness the powerful Hiwatari Shinji at Yuhikuji Temple on November 12th. This rare opportunity allows you to see sacred fire-walking and water rituals used to pray for safety and prosperity.
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.
Kagoshima
Experience the 1,600-year-old tradition of the Sendai Otsunahiki, featuring a massive 7-ton, 365-meter straw rope. A powerful cultural spectacle in Satsuma-Sendai, Kagoshima.
Experience the Yanagi Matsuri in Toyoka City, a highlight of summer in Hyogo. From traditional shrine processions and the energetic Toyoka Odori dance to a spectacular 2,000-shell fireworks display, this is a must-see cultural event.
Nagasaki
Heto Mato is a mysterious and sacred ritual of the Goto Islands. From ceremonial sumo to the grand procession of giant straw sandals, experience the breathtaking sequence of traditional Japanese rituals on the third Sunday of January.
Experience the world's largest umbrella dance! A signature Tottori summer festival filled with colorful umbrellas and the rhythmic sound of bells. Don't miss this spectacular, record-breaking parade.
Experience the Nijugo Bosatsu Renku Kuyo, a historic Jodo sect ritual at Tanjoji Temple. Witness a beautiful ceremony that has been preserved since the Muromachi period.
A magical festival of light and snow in Yonezawa this February. The glowing lanterns create a heartwarming and beautiful winter scenery that is perfect for photography and peaceful strolls.
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.
Kumamoto
日本初の木造立体トラス構法を用いた独創的なデザインの道の駅です。小国ジャージ牛乳の乳製品や地元の特産品が充実しており、温泉地へのバスの拠点としても非常に便利です。建築美と食を楽しむことができます。
The Tsuno Jinja Winter Festival (Dec 4-5) is a rare opportunity to experience the mystical beauty of Kagura dances and the warmth of Japanese hospitality through traditional food and community spirit.
The 'Santai-mawashi'—where three shrines race around a single banner—is a must-see. Experience the intense, traditional energy of Onomichi's summer in July.
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.
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.
Osaka
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.
Experience the 450-year-old Aiuchi no Mushiokuri in Goshogawara, Aomori. This breathtaking night festival features a 5-meter-long 'Nagamushi' creature, wild horse dances, and traditional music, offering a profound glimpse into Japan's rural heritage.
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。
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.
Nagano
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.
Experience the grandeur of the Hojo clan with a massive 2,000-person parade featuring samurai processions, traditional gunfire, and brass bands. This dynamic event in May is a highlight of Odawara's cultural calendar, blending Sengoku-era history with modern energy.
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.
A symbol of summer in Goshogawara, featuring massive 23-meter-tall floats. The Tachineputa Museum allows you to explore the craftsmanship and see the giant floats year-round.
Experience the thrill of Gujo Odori, one of Japan's top three Bon Odori festivals! The 'All-Night Dance' from August 13-16 is an incredible spectacle of energy. With simple steps for beginners, anyone can join the circle. Wear a Yukata to enjoy a truly authentic Japanese summer night!
Experience the traditional 'Daikon-daki' at Hozan-ji Temple in Nara. A special winter event where you can enjoy warm, simmered radish amidst a serene, historic atmosphere.
Imai-cho, a designated Important Preservation District. This is a special spot to experience traditional Japanese culture through exhibitions in historic homes and seasonal historical processions.
Experience the profound beauty of 'Yunoo Jinja Kanmai' on the night of November 23rd. This 500-year-old masked drama from Kagoshima, set to the sounds of traditional flutes and drums, offers a breathtaking glimpse into Japanese mythology.
Experience the mystical 'sea of light' on the Yoshino River during the winter. The lights from the fishing boats create a breathtaking scene like stars falling onto the water. A perfect moment for night photography and witnessing Tokushima's traditional winter landscape.
Okinawa
Experience the power of the Yonabaru O-tsuna-hiki, a traditional Okinawan event featuring a massive 90m, 5-ton rope. Enjoy the intense energy of the tug-of-war and the spectacular summer fireworks in July.
