Naginata: Japan's Most Popular Martial Art for Women

The weapon, the naginata, is probably best described as a cross between a staff and a sword. It became a symbol of female empowerment and the protective role of the Japanese mother and wife in the art and culture of the time.

Events Culture All Japan

Liam Carrigan

September 2, 2017

Misawa Air Festival

One day a year Misawa’s Air Force Base opens it’s gates to the general public. This year the Air Fest takes place on Sunday, September 10th, 2017.

Events Tohoku

Pamela Fitzgerald

September 1, 2017

Pump-up Your Adrenaline!: Heart-racing Sports in Japan

A lot of tourists in Japan often go to temples and shrines or visit popular landmarks. However, there is so much more Japan can offer aside from these typical tourist spots. If you are traveling for adventure then here are some exciting activities that you may go and try in your next trip in Japan.

Events Nature Kanto

Song Dimacalé

August 26, 2017

Honouring the Spirits of Our Ancestors in Nagasaki: Spirit Boat Procession

During Obon In Nagasaki, the spirits of the deceased are transported on a symbolic spirit boat. Each family makes and personalizes the boats according to the hobbies, lifestyle and favourite things of the loved ones that have departed.

Culture Events Kyushu

Ana Verissimo

August 23, 2017

A Chance to Help Elderly Dogs in Japan This Summer

For a quarter of a century Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK) has been rescuing dogs and cats that no one else wanted.

Events All Japan

Dkun

August 16, 2017

The Hidesato Festival: The Height of Summer in Japan

Although Sano city might not have a lot to offer in terms of excitement like Tokyo or culture like Nikko, there are still some great events here that manage to bring people together from all over the Kanto area.

Events Kanto

Jamila Brown

August 15, 2017

Mashiko Town: Sunflowers in Full Bloom

Summer time calls for two things in Japan, beach trips and sunflower viewing.

Events Kanto

Jamila Brown

August 15, 2017

Fukuroi Enshu Hanabi: The Pinnacle of Summer in Shizuoka

In Shizuoka, Fukuroi City Hanabi is known to cater one of the best fireworks festivals in the whole prefecture attended by thousands of people every year.

Events Chubu

Mina De Vera

August 10, 2017

The Soma Nomaoi Festival: Where the Samurai Spirit Lives On

This event has its roots over a thousand years ago, started as a military exercise by Taira no Kojiro Masakado, founder of the Soma clan. Now, more than 500 mounted horsemen in full traditional samurai armour take part, bringing the Sengoku period to life in the modern day.

Events Tohoku

Iris Riddell

July 31, 2017

Dancing in the streets: Celebrate summer nights with Tohoku’s August festivals

The pulsing drums, the grandiose floats, the colorful costumes: it’s all on parade in Japan’s northeast during the first week of August. Festivals in six different cities draw over one million visitors.

Events Tohoku

Jackie Imamura

July 28, 2017

The Obon Festival: How Japanese Honor Their Ancestors

If you are in Japan during the summer, chances are you will happen across a group of people celebrating Obon. It is primarily a time to honor one’s ancestors, but has also become an opportunity to visit relatives and generally relax.

Culture Events All Japan

Steven Askew

July 13, 2017

“Tamaya!”: Top Five Fireworks Festivals near Tokyo

It's summer in Japan. And that means fireworks! So slip into your kimono or “jinbei”, grab an uchiwa fan and check out these five fireworks festivals in the Kanto region...

Events Kanto

Peter Leonard

July 12, 2017

Summer in Japan: Fun Times at a Local Festival in Hiroshima Prefecture

In addition to large well-known events, there are also smaller local festivals around Japan every weekend celebrating and honoring the summer season itself.

Events Food & Drink Chugoku

Anastasia

July 12, 2017

Majestic Matsuri: What to Expect at the 2017 Gion Festival

The Gion Matsuri, and the events in and around it, runs for an entire month: beginning on July 1st and running until July 31st.

Events Kansai

Liam Carrigan

July 10, 2017

Celebrate the Tanabata Star Festival in Misawa, Aomori

If you are looking for a smaller family oriented festival for children of all ages and for adults, this tanabata festival offers such a variety in food and entertainment that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Events Tohoku

Pamela Fitzgerald

July 7, 2017

Free Tokyo Events in July 2017

Looking for free things to do in Tokyo this summer? The following are some of the top festivals and other events being held in the city in July, and all of these are free to attend.

Events Kanto

Taiken Japan Staff

July 6, 2017

Of Stars and Romance: The Tanabata Festival in Hiratsuka

So, you are in Tokyo this July? The Tanabata is held throughout Japan every year and is meant to celebrate true love, the one thing that overcomes all other adversities.

Events Kanto

Andrea Fraga

June 30, 2017