In the Footsteps of Basho – Soka Matsubara Promenade

In the ordered days of the Edo Period, the northern parts of Japan were considered untamed lands of deep mountains and wild forests. One of the ways of entering this region was via the Nikko Kaido highway leading from Edo, now known as Tokyo, to Nikko. The early staging point for a journey on this famous road was Soka.

Events Sightseeing Kanto

Sleiman Azizi

December 3, 2018

Kumagaya – Humbly Splendid, Saitama’s Hub Comes to Life with Festivals

Kumagaya is an easy jumping off point from which visitors can head off to a multitude of places, including the nearby town of Nagatoro for a river cruise down the Arakawa River or some hiking in the ever-popular Chichibu mountains. Kumagaya itself hosts Saitama’s largest annual festival, the Uchiwa Matsuri.

Events Sightseeing Kanto

Sleiman Azizi

November 9, 2018

15 Things to Do in Akita

Akita Prefecture hides on the east coast of the Tohoku area of Japan. Even though it is still not as popular as many other prefectures in terms of tourism, it is rich in nature and unique traditions. And here are 15 reasons for you to come to Akita and enjoy its atmosphere!

Culture Events Nature Sightseeing Travel Tips

Yana

September 11, 2018

Fujisaki Hachimangu Horse Festival in Kumamoto

Fujisaki Hachimangu is probably the most important shrine in Kumamoto and has a long rich history. It is closely linked to famous Japanese samurai such as Kato Kiyomasa and the Hosokawa family. In Autumn, the shrine is host to a fantastic four-day festival ending on Sunday with a horse parade through the city.

Culture Events Kyushu

Stuart Iles

September 10, 2018

The Summer Lights of Minowa

While the typical illumination event in Japan is held in the winter, Ina usually has a special illumination event in the summer for everyone to enjoy.

Events Chubu

Koyomi

September 7, 2018

River Rafting on the Yoshino: Fun Thrills in Shikoku

Throughout the season, Kenmi Rafting gives hundreds of excitement-seekers river rafting experiences of a lifetime. Located on the Yoshino River in Shikoku, Kenmi is committed to making sure customers have a fantastic fun-filled trip down the river.

Events Nature Shikoku

Ian Box

August 7, 2018

Get Crazy at the World's Biggest Tug-of-War in Okinawa!

Welcome to the Great Tug-of-War, the highlight event of the Naha Matsuri, the biggest annual festival in Okinawa, Japan, which offers three days of fun activities and cultural events.

Events Okinawa

Emily Dickson

July 14, 2018

Rockclimbing in Japan: Shounin Rocks

The Shounin Iwa rockclimbing area is one of Japan's famous limestone rock climbing places near Tokyo. It has around 20 routes for rope climbing, good for beginners to advanced climbers. The routes start from 5.9 to 5.13a on the Japanese Route Grade.

Events Kanto

Czarinah

June 30, 2018

Niigata Rose Festival at Echigo Hillside Park: Life is Indeed a Bed of Roses Here

The park’s roses come in packs; a big patch of red here and a big patch of white there. The petals of the roses are made up of so many layers and visitors are welcome to get close with the roses and take as many pictures as they fancy.

Events Nature Sightseeing Chubu

Cara Lam

May 26, 2018

Top Things to Do in Niigata Prefecture

Easily accessible from Tokyo via the Joetsu Shinkansen, there are plenty of reasons to pay this part of the country a visit - and not just for the bucketloads of winter activities! Wondering what Niigata has to offer? Here are 15 of the best things to see and do in this part of Japan.

Events Sightseeing Chubu

Kim

May 24, 2018

Sanja Matsuri: The Festival Everyone Wants to See

But, amidst the country’s modernities is a reverence for the past, take Asakusa’s Sanja Matsuri for example.

Culture Events Kanto

Tomo Orihara

May 24, 2018

Tokyo Rainbow Pride Parade 2018: We Are One

With interests piqued, onlookers gathered along sidewalks to take photos and join in on the fun by waving and giving off high-fives.

Events Kanto

Tomo Orihara

May 7, 2018

Shodokan Aikido: A Sport for the Mind and Body in Osaka

It is often called “Sports Aikido” or “Tomiki Aikido,” but its actual name is Shodokan Aikido. Tomiki Kenji, the founder of this style of Aikido, chose this name.

Events Kansai

Ian Box

May 2, 2018

The Annual Arita Porcelain Market 2018: A Trip Off the Beaten Track

Every year between April 29th and May 5th, a period with a cluster of national holidays known in Japan as Golden Week, the village of Arita holds a festival about all things porcelain

Events Shopping Kyushu

Akira Fuyuno

May 1, 2018

A Pink Explosion: Hanami in Yokkaichi, Mie

In Yokkaichi prefecture, along the river side and small bridge ways, these trees which are bare the whole of winter would sprout out their little buds at the beginning of April which is a sign the time for celebration.

Events Sightseeing Kansai

Fazira Thufail

March 23, 2018

15 Things to Do in Toyama City

With some knowledge of the local dialect and the following guide, I am sure you will enjoy your stay at Toyama city. Any season is a great time–why not drop by for a visit?

Culture Events Travel Tips Chubu

Grace

March 13, 2018