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Historic Towns

802 spots found

Temples & ShrinesHistoric Towns

Natsu Ebisu (Nishinomiya Jinja)

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.

Hyogo

Historic Towns

Heto Mato

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.

Nagasaki

Historic TownsTemples & Shrines

Kobo-ichi Market (To-ji Temple)

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.

Kyoto

Historic Towns

Notojima Komata Fire Festival

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.

Ishikawa

Historic Towns

Setsubun Yoroi Toshikoshi

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.

Tochigi

Temples & ShrinesHistoric Towns

Kannon Manto-e (Hase-dera Temple)

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.

Nara

Performing ArtsHistoric Towns

Takachiho Kagura

Experience the profound spiritual culture of Japan through the mystical, myth-based dances of Takachiho Kagura, a sacred ritual performed under the night sky.

Miyazaki

Performing ArtsHistoric Towns

Hyottoko Summer Festival

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.

Miyazaki

Historic Towns

Kihoku Torou Matsuri

A magical light festival held at Kii Nagashima Port in Kihoku, Mie. Countless lanterns illuminate the night sky and seaside, creating a dreamlike summer experience perfect for photography.

Mie

Historic Towns

Saio Matsuri Festival

Experience the 'Saio Matsuri' in Meiwa, Mie, during the first weekend of June. The 120-person 'Saio Gunkō' procession in stunning Heian-period costumes feels like a journey back in time. A truly special moment of history and tradition.

Mie

Temples & ShrinesHistoric Towns

Nanachido Hadakari-mairi

A traditional naked festival held on the night of January 7th at Fuman Kukuzo Bosatsu Enzoji Temple in Yanaizu, Fukushima. The sight of men in loincloths performing a heroic ritual amidst snow and fire is a breathtaking expression of Japanese winter tradition.

Fukushima

Historic Towns

Inomata no Hyakuhatto

A National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in Misato, Saitama. The mystical sight of 108 fires lighting up the ridge on August 15, followed by a grand fireworks display, offers a truly special and unforgettable Japanese summer experience.

Saitama

Historic TownsTemples & Shrines

Kikonai Machi Kanchu Misogi

Experience the winter heat of Hokkaido! Don't miss the Kikonai Macho Kanchu Misogi, where young men dive into the freezing sea. It is a dynamic winter festival filled with traditional rituals and delicious local food.

Hokkaido

Food & MarketsShopping Streets

Oedo Antique Market

The Oedo Antique Market at Tokyo International Forum is one of Japan's largest open-air markets, featuring a magnificent collection of Edo, Meiji, and Taisho era antiques. Discover one-of-a-kind treasures like vintage clothing and sword guards, and enjoy a deep cultural experience through interacti…

Tokyo

Temples & ShrinesHistoric Towns

Kodomo no Hi Bugaku Performance (Kasuga Taisha)

Experience the traditional Gagaku and Bugaku performances held at Kasuga Taisha's Manyo Botanical Garden on November 3rd, Culture Day. A special moment to feel the breath of the Nara period.

Nara

Historic Towns

Omuta "Oyamayama" Festival

福岡県大牟田市の伝統行事。豪華な山車と大蛇、そして爆竹や花火が舞う豪快な祭りは、日本の夏の風物詩を象徴する体験です。

Fukuoka

Historic Towns

Ikoma Shoten Yakuyoke Daikon-daki

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.

Nara

Temples & ShrinesHistoric Towns

Kebesu Matsuri

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.

Oita

Temples & ShrinesHistoric Towns

Toko-ji Sarumai

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。

Shizuoka

Historic Towns

Tokaikan

A historic building preserving the retro charm of the early Showa era where you can enjoy hot spring baths. Located within walking distance of Ito Station, it is a perfect spot to experience traditional Japanese inn culture and architecture.

Shizuoka

Historic Towns

Suwa Shrine Autumn Festival

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.

Gunma

Temples & ShrinesHistoric Towns

Yabusame Shinji (Kashima Jingu Shrine)

The Yabusame Shinji at Kashima Jingu, held every May 1st, is a rare opportunity to witness traditional Japanese martial arts up close. Please check the schedule and arrive in the afternoon to enjoy the full spectacle.

Ibaraki