Anyway, in this article I want to talk about different types of festivals. Those that actually take place in a jinja, the Shinto shrines. Here is a list of my favourite Japanese traditional festivals which are being celebrated all over the country.

Hatsumode – This is the first visit to the shrine at the beginning of every year. You don’t really have a set date, but people tend to make their hatsumode during the first week of January. A lot of people tend to go to the nearby shrine after midnight strikes on the night of the 31st of December. You will see a lot of yatai on your way to the shrine, and even inside the shrine (yatai are small booths where you can buy traditional Japanese food and drinks). You might want to try amazake, which is a sweet drink made of rice. Chances are you won’t like it, but it will heat you up during the cold winter night, plus it is traditionally being drunk during your first visit to the shrine.

During your visit make sure to pray to the god of the shrine and ask them for whatever it is you wish for happening during the year. The next thing you will need to do is draw an omikuji – a fortune-telling paper strip. You can get anything from a terrible curse to big luck. Nonetheless, it is an interesting experience, so make sure to give it a try if you’re in Japan during the New Year season.

Dontosai: Hadaka Matsuri – This particular festival is usually celebrated in Tohoku Region, but it is worth seeing. The largest ones are held in Sendai and Morioka. As the name suggests this festival includes bonfires and half-naked men. The bonfire has a special meaning. You get to burn the omamori (lit. good luck charm) that have already fulfilled their purpose in it. But the most interesting part is seeing the rite. Many boys, young men and even elderly gentlemen take part in the festival. However, they have to wash their bodies with ice-cold water before they can participate. Afterwards they put on special white boxers, straw belts and straw sandals. Recently women have also started taking part in the hadaka-mairi and they get to wear a white jacket. The final touch is a thin paper between the lips to prevent talking or teeth chattering.

Hadaka-mairi is a purification rite which has over 300 years of history. You can find similar hadaka matsuri in many other corners of Japan, however the one you will get to see in Sendai is unique and one of its kind.

Setsubun – This is an event held in celebration of spring. It is quite an interesting one too. Not only you get to eat special dishes, but the male head of the household performs the so called mamemaki. The father of the family will throw some beans outside the house or at a family member who is wearing the costume of an oni (demon). Then the words Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi! are being chanted. They literally mean “Demons out, luck in”. The event is especially beloved by children. This is another purification rite, which is supposed to drive away bad luck such as misfortune and bad health.

Seijin no Hi – This is something I wish other countries also celebrated. In Japan one comes to age when they turn 20. Many Westerners hold huge parties on their 20th birthday, and so did I. Unlike us though, Japanese people don’t really celebrate their birthdays with such a big flare. On Seijin no Hi all of those kids who are turning 20 during that year gather in their cities, have a ceremony, and afterwards hold massive celebrations. It is a fun day, and young men and women get to dress in traditional Japanese clothing called hakama.

Shichi Go San – This is another coming of age ceremony. It is held for boys who turn three and five years old and for girls who turn three and seven years old. The kids are also dressed into special type of kimono and hakama. They are taken to the shrines and afterwards photos are taken. The kids are also being given a red candy. Sometimes you might even see some children who are wearing Western attire. It is said that Shichi Go San finds its roots in Heian Period. Either way it is a sweet sight for one’s eyes.

Hina Matsuri – The event might be known to you as Doll’s Day or Girls’ Day. During this festival you will see many ornamental dolls in Japanese households which have daughters. The dolls are supposed to represent the Emperor and the Empress, but some might even represent attendants and court musicians. All of these dolls are wearing traditional Japanese court dresses. Since these dolls are quite expensive, they are usually passed down in the family. The whole point of the festival is to symbolically show the families good wishes and intentions for their daughters, such as health, luck and successful marriage.

Tanabata Matsuri – This is a festival of the stars. It is a nationwide festival. It symbolises the reunion of two lover stars who are only allowed to meet each other once in the year on this day. It is celebrated on the 7th of July in the whole country, except for Sendai.

Sendai Tanabata is actually quite famous. It is the most famous and the most lavishly celebrated tanabata event in the whole country. Believe me, Sendai Tanabata is definitely worth your visit. It is held every year from August 6-8. The city gets decorated in thousands of colourful streamers. In addition to the beautiful sights in downtown Sendai, usually a hanabi taikai, fireworks event, is held in the city as well.

This was a list of some of the most famous and worthwhile traditional festivals of Japan. Some of them might be harder to get an access to, but the trouble is worth it and I promise you will not regret it!

The post Matsuri – Japanese Festivals appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Takigi O-Noh – June 1^st to June 2^nd

Held at the Heian Jingu Shrine in Kyoto, Takigi O-Noh, or Bonfire Noh performance, is a festival that features several Noh performances on the first two days of June. A beautifully crafted stage is setup in the shrine grounds where people gather and watch actors in stunning costumes and wooden masks showcase their mastery of Noh, which is Japan’s oldest form of musical drama theatre. The performances are done at night, illuminated by bonfires, and run from 5:30 pm to 9 pm.

Because of how popular this event is, it is a must to book tickets in advance. A ticket costs around 3,000 yen. You can check kyoto-nohgaku.or.jp for ticket information and updates on the next Takigi O-Noh.

To get to Heian Jingu Shrine, take the train to Higashi-yama Station or Keihan Railway Sanjo Station, The shrine entrance is 10 to 15 minutes away on foot.

Chagu Chagu Umakko – 2^nd Saturday of June

Every year, on the second Saturday of June, Iwate Prefecture hosts the Chagu Chagu Umakko, which is a festival that features a procession of 100 horses.  Adorned with vibrantly coloured bells and harnesses, the horses travel from Onikoshi Sozen Shrine in Takizawa City to Morioka Hachiman-gu Shrine in Morioka City, covering a distance of about 15 kilometres, from 9:30 am to 2 pm.

A tradition that dates to two centuries back, the festival was originally organized to reward the horses for their hard work in helping out the local farmers plant rice in their farms. You can read more about this unique spectacle on Iwate Prefecture’s official travel guide website.

To get to the starting point of the parade, which is the Onikoshi Sozen Shrine in Takizawa City, get on the special shuttle bus offered only during the festival at JR Morioka Station.

Itoman Hare – early June

The people of Okinawa celebrate Hari Festivals to wish for a bountiful fish harvest and safety and protection at sea. It is usually held in early June, on the 4^th day of the 5^th month of the lunar calendar.

The Itoman Hare Festival is one of the islands’ biggest hari festivals. It is held in the city of Itoman, and includes various boat racing competitions participated in by fishermen. It showcases small, colourful fishing boats called sabini, which were traditionally used for fishing. It also offers a unique event known as kunnukase (or capsize race), which is attended and witnessed by thousands.

To get to Itoman, it is best to travel by rental car. The drive is approximately 20 to 30 minutes from Naha Airport.

Otaue Rice Planting Festival – June 14^th

The Otaue Rice Planting Festival is an annual celebration hosted in Osaka every June 14^th. It honours Japan’s long tradition of rice planting and cultivation. Held at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, a 3^rd century shrine that is recognized as the most important of all Sumiyoshi shrines and one of the oldest, it is the biggest among all the rice planting events observed around the country.

During the festival, spectators are treated to various ceremonial presentations that are kept lively by lavish musical and dance performances. Men and women recreate scenes of rice planting, as they sing and dance. There is also a parade that consists of people dressed in full samurai armour, as well as the Sumiyoshi Odori featuring 150 young girls.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is a few minutes’ walk away from Sumiyoshi Taisha Station, which is along the Nankai Dentetsu Line.

Hokkaido Shrine Festival – June 14^th to June 16^th

With more than 100 years of history, the Hokkaido Shrine Festival is one of the largest and most anticipated festivals on the island of Hokkaido.

Also known as Sapporo Festival, it is a three-day event, observed from June 14^th to June 16^th, which includes a wide array of fun and entertainment. Its highlight is a big parade that starts from Hokkaido Shrine and goes to the city centre. It is made up of many thousands of people donning traditional colourful costumes of the Heian period, accompanied by some taiko drum music.

At Nakajima Park, there are many stalls and shops scattered all over where people can enjoy some local food, snacks, drinks, and games, while wearing their favourite yukata. There are also playgrounds and attractions for children, and shows that go on until the evening.

Find more information on Hokkaido Shrine Festival on Hokkaido Shrine’s official website.

To get to Hokkaido Shrine, you can take the subway to Maruyama Koen Station or the bus to Jingu-mae bus stop, and then walk a few minutes to the entrance.

Aizen Festival – June 30^th to July 2^nd

One of Osaka’s three big festivals, Aizen Festival is a celebration with origins that date back to hundreds of years ago. It is a multi-day event held at the Shoman-in Aizen-do Temple, and is highlighted by the Hokaego Parade on the first day, which features a geisha carried in a hoekago (literal translation is blessed treasure basket), while the other members of the procession chant “hoekago” in unison.

During the festivities, the statue of Aizen-Myoo, who is the deity to pray to for a happy relationship and marriage, becomes open to the public. The temple and the neighbourhoods surrounding it become full of energy and action, with stalls and stands that offer a wide array of local food and snacks, and games for children. There are also traditional dance performances late in the afternoon.

Visit the Aizendo Temple’s website to learn more about the festival.

The festival venue is easily accessible on foot from the Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Subway Station.

The post Japan’s 6 Biggest Festivals in June 2018 appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival – end of April to early May

Home to about 2,600 trees cherry trees, the Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki hosts the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival every year. From late April to early May, the spacious grounds transform into a sea of stunning pink sakura in full bloom and are visited by several thousands of visitors not only from all over Japan but also from abroad. One of the country’s best cherry blossom viewing spots, it is most especially breathtaking at night, when the sakura trees are illuminated.

Hirosaki Park is about a 15-minute bus ride away from JR Hirosaki Station. Take the Dotemachi Loop Bus, and alight at Shiyakusho-mae bus stop.

You can find more information on the festival, park, and others on Hirosaki Park’s official website.

Matsumae Sakura Festival – late April to mid-May

About a month-long spring event held in the former castle town of Matsumae, the Matsumae Sakura Festival celebrates the beauty of the more than 10,000 sakura trees that thrive in the Matsumae castle grounds. A vast selection of cherry trees that include the Snow White, Nanden, Yoshino, Amayado, Shogetsu, and Sekiyama varieties line the park’s paths and moat, and create picturesque tunnels of pink and white flowers in full bloom from around the last week of April to the second or third week of May.

Situated in the southernmost tip of Hokkaido and the only Japanese-style castle on the island, Matsumae Castle is easily accessible on foot from the Matsushiro bus stop.

Check out Matsumae’s official website to learn more.

Hakata Dontaku – May 3^rd to May 4^th

With a history that dates back to 800 years ago, the Hakata Dontaku Festival is a large and lively festival celebrated in Fukuoka every beginning of May. It features men and women donning uniquely designed costumes, and clapping wooden utensils known as shamoji, while dancing through the streets. The parade also showcases various lavishly adorned hana jidosha, which are a type of flower floats. Every year, around two million locals and foreigners turn out to witness this magnificent event.

The festival venue is located a short walk from Tenjin Station, which is a quick subway ride away on the Fukuoka Municipal Subway Line from Hakata Station.

The official Hakata Dontaku website has more information available.

Hamamatsu Festival – May 3^rd to May 5^th

Held in the city of Hamamatsu in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture, the Hamamatsu Festival is an annual celebration that features over 100 gigantic kites flying over the Nakatajima Sand Dunes. Its history dates back to the 1500s, when the Lord of Hamamatsu Castle welcomed a newborn son and had many large kites flown to celebrate the wondrous occasion. Up to this day, this custom, which is called hatsudako, remains practiced, and it is not uncommon for people to fly large kites to rejoice the birth of a baby boy.

The three-day festival also offers evening events, like the parade of several dozens of colossal, intricately designed floats, food stalls, merchant shops, and various entertainments.

To get to the Nakatajima Sand Dunes, take a shuttle bus from JR Hamamatsu Station.

Visit the Hamamatsu Festival website for the event schedule and other information.

Hiroshima Flower Festival – May 3^rd to May 5^th

First observed in 1997, the Hiroshima Flower Festival is a must-see event if visiting Hiroshima during the Golden Week. Every year, over one million people attend the festivities, which feature dance performances, concerts, traditional Japanese shows, and a parade of elaborately decorated flower floats. Held at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, it also holds a flower queen competition and a yosakoi, which is a dance contest with around 100 teams taking part in.

To get to the festival venue, get on tram line number 2 or number 6, and get off at Genbaku-Domu Mae station.

The Hiroshima Flower Festival website provides more information.

Togyo 1000 Samurai Procession – May 18^th

The Togyo 1000 Samurai Procession is the second day of the Shunki Reitaisai or Grand Spring Festival. It features a parade of traditionally dressed Japanese warriors, and is held at the UNESCO World Heritage Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. It comes a day after the Yabusame Archery Competition, which showcases many Japanese archery talents that take part in a series of competitions.

At 11 am, about 1,200 men in different samurai costumes, from ceremonial style yukata to fully armour suits, carrying portable shrines that house the spirits of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Minamoto no Yoritomo, and other prominent historical Japanese figures, parade across the shrine grounds. There are also numerous activities, such as traditional rites performances, special food offerings, and readings by the Chief Priest.

From either JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station, the Toshogu Shrine is a 10-minute bus ride away.

The Nikko Toshogu Shrine website has more information on the festival and other events held there throughout the year.

Sanja Matsuri – 3^rd weekend of May

One of the most important Shinto festival observed in Tokyo, the Sanja Matsuri, or Three Shrine Festival, is an annual three-day event in the third week of May.

It starts on a Friday with a large parade of lavishly dressed dancers, musicians, and performers that goes through Yanagi Street and Nakamise-dori to the Asakusa Shrine grounds. The following day, it features a procession of about a hundred mikoshi or portable shrine from Sensoji Temple’s Kaminarimon gate to Hozomon gate and finally to Asakusa Shrine. On the last day, from early morning to late at night, it holds a parade of three Asakusa Shrine mikoshi to bring blessings and good fortune to the locals.

Throughout the festivities, the Asakusa district welcomes crowds and crowds of spectators and has tons of food stalls and other entertainments. To get to the festival venue, take Ginza Subway Line, Tobu Railway, or Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Station. Sensoji Temple is a short walk away from there.

Visit the Asakusa Shrine to learn more about the event.

The post What’s Happening in Japan this May? appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Kanamara Matsuri – 1^st Sunday of April

Kanamara Matsuri, or the Festival of the Steel Phallus, is a Shinto festival that is observed every spring season at Kanayama Shrine in the city of Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture.  Held every 1^st Sunday of April, it features a wide variety of penis-themed activities, including a procession of portable shrines with giant penises, food stalls selling penis-shaped snacks, and souvenir shops with penis-themed items.

First introduced in 1969, the festival is traditionally seen as an opportunity to pray for safety in childbirth, sexual health, fertility, and others. In fact, back in the 17^th century, prostitutes went to pray at the shrine to ask for protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Today, it has become one of the region’s most attended events by tourists in the past several years, and has been used as a tool to raise funds for AIDS and HIV research.

Kanayama Shrine is about one minute away on foot from Kawasaki Daishi Station.

Beppu Onsen Matsuri – 1^st week of April

There are many good quality onsen resorts across Japan, but one of the most highly rated is Beppu, a city on Kyushu island that boasts of eight of the best hot springs in the country. It has an abundance of natural, relaxing thermal waters that can be enjoyed in several public baths, indoor baths, outdoor baths, and more.

During the festival, the city’s many hot springs are open to everyone, free of charge. Moreover, there are several traditional and cultural activities that feature parades, dancing, and music conducted throughout the city.

Most of the festivities are easily accessible on foot from Beppu Station. You can find more information (in Japanese) here.

Miyako Odori – April 1^st to April 30^th

Considered to be one of the must-see spring events in Kyoto, Miyako Odori is a geisha-related celebration that includes songs, dances, and theatre performances held in Kyoto’s five geisha districts.

Every day for the whole month of April, the Gion Kobu Kaburan-jo theatre holds four events daily, featuring shows with classical Japanese traditions, customs, and folklore themes, performed by Gion district’s maiko and geiko.

First observed in 1872, it is a must to book tickets in advance, as the shows are very popular among tourists. Tickets and other information are available on Miyako Odori’s official website.

Inuyama Festival – 1^st weekend of April

An annual celebration dedicated to Haritsuna Shrine in the city of Inuyama in Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama Festival is a long-running tradition that has been observed since 1635.

For a weekend every April, 13 8-metre tall, three-tiered floats, with intricately crafted karakuri dolls, are paraded around town, accompanied by traditional flutes and drums. At night, another parade of the floats is held, but this time, each one is illuminated, creating a dramatic and mesmerizing atmosphere.

The festival is held at Haritsuna Shrine, close to the Inuyama Castle Old Town area in the city centre.

Kawanishi Genji Festival – early April

An event that venerates the 11^th century Japanese classic The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu, the Kawanishi Genji Festival is an annual celebration that involves a procession of people dressed in traditional Heian period clothing. The highlight of the parade is an individual who portrays the character of Genji riding a white horse.

The official website of the city of Kawanishi provides more information (in Japanese) on the festival.

Takayama Spring Festival – April 14^th to April 15^th

Regarded as one of the three most beautiful Japanese festivals, alongside Chichibu Yomatsuri and Gion Matsuri (Kyoto), Takayama Spring Festival is a popular tourist attraction in the city, in honour of Hie Shrine.

The event highlights include several elaborately decorated festival floats, karakuri doll performances, and mikoshi parades.

The Takayama Festival official website provides more information on the event.

Nagasaki Tall Ships Festival – mid April to late April

The Nagasaki Tall Ships Festival showcases different kinds of tall ships at the Nagasaki Port. Its highlights include a parade of the tall ships, races, fireworks shows, and cruises around the area. Visitors can also get the chance to enter the docked boats and explore their interiors.

(Nagasaki Port- Source: https://pixabay.com/en/nagasaki-the-port-city-of-nagasaki-2120818/)

At night, the ships and boats are illuminated, creating a splendid sight with the harbour in the background.

More information on the event is available on Nagasaki City’s official tourism website.

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival – April 23^rd to May 6^th

Cherry blossoms in the city of Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture do not appear until late April, unlike in Tokyo or Kyoto, where peak sakura season is around late March to early April.

Home to more than 2,500 cherry trees, Hirosaki Castle is one of the most stunning sakura viewing spots in Japan. It boasts of a wide range of activities to best enjoy the incredible scenery, such as rowing on the petal-filled moats and picnicking under the pink canopies.

Visit the Hirosaki Park official website for opening hours, fees, access, and other information.

Matsumae Sakura Festival – late April to mid May

Situated in the southernmost part of Hokkaido, Matsumae is an Edo period castle town that is home to the only Japanese castle on the island, Matsumae Castle.

Every year, a sakura festival is held at the Matsumae Castle Park. It showcases the more than ten thousand sakura trees growing around the complex.

Consistently ranked as one of the best sakura festivals in the country, it features many food stalls and shops, live shows and performances, and evening illuminations.

The post 9 Things to do in Japan this April appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Bunkyo Ume Matsuri – February 8^th to March 8^th

Observed since the Edo period, the Bunkyo Ume Matsuri is one of the most scenic festivals to enjoy in Japan in March. Held at the Yushima Tenmangu Shrine in Tokyo, it features about 300 plum trees and their beautiful white plum blossoms.

It typically lasts for a month, starting around mid-February and ending around mid-March. It is celebrated every year, and offers all sorts of lively activities and programs to visitors, such as taiko (traditional drum) performances, tea services and tea ceremonies, and flea markets that sell products made in Fukushima, Aomori, and other parts of Japan.

The Yushima Tenmangu Shrine is only two minutes away on foot from Yushima Station, five minutes from Ueno-hirokoji Station and Ueno-okachimachi Station, and eight minutes from Hongo-sanchome Station and Okachimachi Station. It is also a 15- to 20- minute pleasant stroll from Ueno Park.

Omizutori – March 1^st to March 14^th

A Japanese Buddhist festival held every year in the city of Nara in the Kansai region, Omizutori is a holy water-drawing celebration that is believed to cleanse humans of their sins. It is also an event that serves as a reminder that the spring season has begun.

Observed for two weeks at Todaiji Temple, it is made up of a series of rituals that have been done every year for the past 1,250 years.

Among its many events, Otaimatsu is the most popular. It is conducted every night at around 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and features gigantic torches that measure between six and eight metres, and have to be brought up the hill to the Nigatsudo Hall in the Todaiji Temple complex. Visitors can watch the spectacle from the square below the temple hall.

From Nara Station, the venue for Omizutori is about a ten-minute uphill walk from Todaiji Temple.

Hinamatsuri – March 3^rd

Also known as Girls’ Day or Doll’s Day, Hinamatsuri is an annual Japanese festival that celebrates little girls and their good health and disposition in life.

During this time, Japanese families put on display different kinds of ornamental dolls in imperial court garb. These male and female dolls, usually handed down as family heirlooms, are dressed in colourful, lavish traditional clothing of the Emperor and Empress, ladies of the court, attendants, musicians, and other figures, and are arranged according to each family’s customs and rituals on a multi-tiered platform.

Hiwatari-sai – March 11^th

Featuring monks walking on fire barefoot while reciting chants and prayers, Hiwatari-sai is a much-anticipated festival held at the foot of Mount Takao every March. Also called Fire Walking Festival, it is held at Yakuoin Temple, a Buddhist temple deemed as among the three most important Shingon sect temples in the country.

After the monks perform, the fires are put out, so that spectators can try and participate themselves and not end up hurting or burning their feet. People who wish for safety and good health of their families, careers, and others have to walk over the sacred smouldering coals barefoot for their prayers to come true.

Takaosan’s official page for the Yakuoin Temple provides more information on the festival.

March Grand Sumo Tournament – March 11^th to March 25^th

Every year, six sumo tournaments are held in different parts of Japan — in January, May, and September in Tokyo, in November in Fukuoka, in July in Nagoya, and in March in Osaka. During these times, several hundreds of the best and strongest sumo wrestlers from across the country battle it out in a ring with a diameter of 4.5-metres, using a variety of techniques and strategies to knock out or push the other one out of the designated fighting area.

The one held in March, called the March Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka, is held across a period of 15 days, from March 11^th to March 15^th for 2018, at the EDION Arena Osaka (Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium).

For tickets and other information, visit the official website of the Grand Sumo Tournament.

White Day – March 14^th

Observed one month after Valentine’s Day, White Day is an event in which the men gift the females chocolates, after receiving some “chocolates of love” or “courtesy chocolates” from them on Valentine’s Day.

Unlike in the West, Valentine’s Day in Japan is typically celebrated by women and girls gifting chocolates to men and boys that they admire, love, like, or respect. And, White Day serves as that day for men and boys to return the favour.

Some of the most common presents on White Day are white chocolates, jewellery, cookies, marshmallows, and lingerie. And, as an unwritten rule, these items should be at least twice the worth of the Valentine’s Day gifts received.

Ueno Sakura Matsuri – March 21^st to April 8^th

Ueno Park is considered as one of the best sakura viewing spots in Tokyo. Every year, from around late March to early April, it welcomes dense crowds of locals and tourists who want to enjoy the magnificent sight of pink sakura flowers in full bloom.

During the festival, the hundreds of sakura trees are illuminated by approximately one thousand lanterns starting at 5 pm up until 8 pm. People usually hold picnics or parties under the spectacular cherry blossom canopies.

Food stalls are also everywhere, particularly along the approach to Shinobazunoike Bentendo Temple and Ueno Toshogu Shrine.

Ueno Park is a stone’s throw away from Ueno Station.

Shizuoka Festival – March 30^th to April 1^st

A lavish three-day festival held in the city of Shizuoka, the Shizuoka Festival is a vibrant celebration highlighted by beautifully adorned giant floats, known as nebuta; several outdoor food stalls, called yatai mural; and various cosplay shows and traditional musical and dance performances.

During this time, sakura trees around the city are also usually in full bloom, so visitors can also enjoy taking in the sight of the lovely cherry blossoms.

The post 7 Things to do in Japan this March appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

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In 2020, it expects another major tourism surge, as its capital city, Tokyo, will host one of the world’s most anticipated multi-sport events in the summer — the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

From July 24, 2020 to August 9, 2020, athletes from all over the world will compete in 33 different sports disciplines to bring honor and pride for their countries. If you want to go to Japan to watch your favorite players in action and support your national teams and representatives, you should start planning your trip now.

How can I get tickets to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games?

Getting a ticket to watch a game in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is a bit tricky.

If you are a Japanese resident, you can visit the official website of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, and join the ticket lottery. The first lottery application period was opened from May 9, 2019 to May 28, 2019, and the results were announced on June 20, 2019. If you were unlucky, you can try again later this year or in early 2020, when the first-come-first-served ticket sale period opens in the autumn of 2019 and the last-minute ticket sale period opens in the spring of 2020.

If you are a non-Japanese resident, you have to reach out to an Authorized Ticket Reseller in your home country to get a ticket. Read the Tokyo 2020 Ticketing Guide to learn more.

How much do the tickets to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics cost?

Ticket prices for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics range from 3,000 yen to 110,000 yen, depending on various factors, such as venue, seat type, sport, and stage of competition.

Below are some notable Tokyo 2020 Olympic events and their ticket prices:

CLICK HERE to see the full Tokyo 2020 ticket price list.

When should I book flights to Japan?

The costs of flights to Japan vary, depending on where you are coming from, when you are visiting, and other factors. Usually, they are more expensive in peak tourist seasons, such as during the cherry blossom or sakura season, autumn foliage season, national holidays, and festivals.

Because the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is a big event, you should start looking up flights to Japan now. Plane ticket prices will become much more expensive as the Tokyo 2020 Olympics gets nearer.

You can make use of plane fare aggregator and comparison websites, such as Google Flights, Momondo, and Skyscanner, to help you out.

Where should I stay?

There are several things to consider when deciding where to stay in Japan during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, such as proximity to the Olympic game venues you plan to watch games at, distance to tourist sites and attractions, access to public transportation, availability of restaurants and other entertainment establishments in the area, and your budget.

In and around Tokyo, there is a good selection of five-star luxury hotels and high-end traditional Japanese inns or ryokan for those who can splurge 100,000 yen or more per night, business hotels and capsule hotels that are ideal for those with a mid-range accommodation budget of around 10,000 yen per night, and hostels that are highly recommended for travelers with a lodging budget of 3,000 to 5,000 yen per night.

You can use Rakuten Travel, Japanican, Japanese Guest Houses, Booking.com, or Agoda.com to find yourself a place to stay in Japan that fits your preferences.

What should I pack?

Summer in Japan, especially in the Tokyo area, can be quite hot and humid, with daily temperatures that range from low to high 30s Celsius, so you have to pack clothes that are light and breathable for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

In addition, do not forget to have deodorant to fight off body odor, sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun, water to keep you hydrated, a face towel to wipe your sweat off of your face and neck, and a fan to cool you off.

You also have to make sure that your shoes offer optimal support, as you will surely do lots of walking.

How can I get around?

Japan is home to one of the best public transportation networks in the world, so you should not worry so much about how to travel from one point to another while in the country.

In Tokyo, you should take advantage of its extensive metro, subway, train, and bus services that conveniently link the metropolis’ areas and provide easy access to the different Tokyo 2020 Olympic venues (you can find more information by CLICKING HERE) and various points of interest.

If you need to travel long distance, there is the Shinkansen or the Japanese bullet train, which travels in superfast speeds and offers comfortable seats. Traveling from Tokyo to Osaka, for instance, only takes two hours and 30 minutes via the Shinkansen.

What mobile apps should I download before my trip to Japan?

If you have never been to Japan before and your Tokyo 2020 Olympic trip will be your first time there, it is normal to be overwhelmed, anxious, or confused the moment you land.

To help you get through the language barrier and culture shock, and have more fun and less stress during your trip, you should download useful Japan travel mobile apps, such as:

• Google Maps (Android | iOS) – for directions, transportation options, and navigation
• Hyperdia (Android | iOS) – for transportation routes, timetables, etc.
• Navitime (Android | iOS) – for transportation routes, travel tips and recommendations, etc.
• Google Translate (Android | iOS) – for Japanese to English (and vice versa) translations

To use these apps you will require a SIM card to keep you connected all over Japan. Check out our article on How Japan SIM Cards to compare to find out which SIM is best for you.

The post How To Start Planning A Trip For The Tokyo 2020 Olympics appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.

Japanese New Year – January 1^st

Considered to be the most important Japanese holiday, New Year, also known as oshogatsu or shogatsu, is a nationwide traditional holiday celebrated to wish for good health and bountiful fortune for the New Year ahead.

It is typically observed by visiting a temple or a shrine to view the first sunrise of the New Year, a practice known as hatsumode. Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Fushimi Inari Taisha and Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka, Tsuruoka Hachimangu in Kamakura, and Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya are some of the most popular spots for this tradition, and each gets very crowded with over a million locals and curious foreign tourists this day of the year.

In Japanese homes, it is common to prepare special Japanese dishes, such as ozoni (a type of soup that contains mocha), otoso (a type of rice wine with a sweet flavour), and osechi ryori.

Many business establishments, such as banks, restaurants, malls, and tourist attractions, like museums, castles, gardens, and theme parks, are typically closed on this day.

Emperor’s New Year’s Greetings – January 2^nd

The Japanese Emperor and Empress, and the rest of the Imperial Family, appear on the Imperial Palace veranda to greet the public on the second day of the New Year. They do this a number of times throughout the day, usually from 10 am to 2 pm, in front of dense crowds of people waving Japanese flags distributed around the Palace grounds.

The event is pretty short. The Imperial Family comes out waving and smiling to the crowd, and the Emperor may give a short message. After the speech, they wave and smile to the cheering public some more, and then go back in to the palace again.

People who wish to see the event must enter the grounds through the Palace’s main gate, go through security checks, and proceed to the East Plaza.

Coming of Age Day (Seijin no Hi) – 2^nd Monday of January

Every year, on the second Monday of January, men and women who turned 20 years old, which is considered to be the age of majority in Japan, over the past year are congratulated and celebrated through ceremonies organized by their local city offices.

On this day, the women wear a kind of kimono known as furisode, and the men either don a traditional kimono known as hakama, or a Western style suit-and-tie outfit. At the end of the day, they all congregate to their own parties, or go to bars to drink.

Oh-mato Taikai – 2^nd Sunday of January

A four-century old tradition, Oh-mato Taikai, or Festival of the Great Target, is an archery competition where about 2,000 20-year-old men and women showcase their archery skills by shooting arrows into targets standing 60 metres away. It is held at the Sanjusangendo Temple grounds in Kyoto.

Oniyo Fire Festival – January 7^th

Observed for more around 16 centuries now, Oniyo is a fire festival held at the Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine in Kurume, Fukuoka. It is one of the top three Japanese fire festivals, and features six massive torches (about 13 metres long and one meter in diameter) carried by men in loincloths around the shrine complex. It is done to drive away negative energy and bad spirits.

Sumo Hatsu Basho – opening day on either the 1^st or 2^nd Sunday of January

Japan has six major professional sumo tournaments every year, with the Sumo Hatsu Basho as the first of each New Year. It is held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan or Ryogoku Sumo Hall, a large indoor arena located in the Sumida neighborhood of Tokyo, adjacent to the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

Nozawa Fire Festival – January 15^th

Regarded as one of the top three fire festivals of Japan, the Nozawa Fire Festival is held in Nozawa Onsen Village in the northern Nagano area. Its origins date back to 1863, and features big fires, lively parades, and lots of snow and sake. Its highlight is a battle reenactment performed by village men, where one group aims to set fire to the massive wooden tower built by the other group. It concludes when the wooden shrine gets fully engulfed in flames. The locals believe this ceremony can bring good luck and fortune to them.

Toka Ebisu – January 9^th to 11^th

Toka Ebisu is an annual Japanese festival observed in several parts of the country, particularly in the Kansai region. But, its biggest venue is Osaka’s Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, which attracts over one million people who pray for success and happiness in their careers and personal lives.

January 9^th is known as the Eve of Ebisu, the 10^th as the main festival day celebration, and 11^th as the “Last Helping of Luck.” Throughout the three days, the shrine features beautiful and colorful lanterns, lively parades and music, geisha, and some local celebrities and personalities. Small stalls are also all over the venue and they offer sacred bamboo branches, Daruma dolls, and other lucky charms.

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival – late January to mid-February

About a 40-minute drive from Sapporo, Lake Shikotsu transforms into a large winter wonderland for a few weeks, starting from late January to the middle of February, when the lake area is adorned by various gigantic ice pillars, sculptures, and structures.

Yamayaki – 4^th Saturday of January

Held every year on Mount Wakakusayama in Nara, Yamayaki is a unique festival in which a whole hill is set on fire in the middle of winter.

It starts at Kasuga Shrine, situated in the eastern portion of Nara Park, where a torch is lit with the shrine’s sacred fire and carried by Buddhist monks to the foot of the hill. Once there, the group sets the hill ablaze, and let the fire get bigger and bigger for about 30 minutes. This bright, incredible spectacle is visible even from the nearby towns.

The post 10 Things To Do in Japan This January appeared first on Japaniverse Travel Guide.