The cherry blossom (sakura) has been celebrated in Japan for many centuries and holds a very particular place in Japanese culture. Although there are many varieties of cherry trees in Japan, most bloom for just a couple of days in spring. The Japanese celebrate this time of the year with Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties: friends, family or work colleagues
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Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. Originating as a Western Christian feast day honoring one or two early saints named Valentinus, Valentine’s Day is recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and romantic love in many regions around the world. There are numerous martyrdom stories associated with various Valentines connected to February 14, including a written
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JAN 25 – FEB 1 Kayabuki no Sato Snow Lantern Festival Time: 3:00pm – 8:00pm, Location: Kyoto JAN 31 – FEB 2 Zao Snow Monster Festival Location: Yamagata MON FEB 3 Dojima Yakushido Setsubun Omizukumi Festival Time: 3:00pm – 9:00pm, Location: Osaka FEB 2 – FEB 3 Yasaka Shrine Setsubun Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm, Location: Kyoto MON FEB 3 Heian
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Dates: Tue, 4 Feb 2020 – Tue, 11 Feb 2020 The Sapporo Snow Festival takes place every year for a week in February across three main sites: Odori Park, Tsudome and Susukino. As the name implies, this festival is all about snow and ice sculptures. The festival’s main site is Odori Park. Here, you’ll find most of the snow and ice
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National Foundation Day is a national holiday in Japan celebrated annually on February 11, celebrating the mythological foundation of Japan and the accession of its first emperor, Emperor Jimmu at Kashihara gū on 11 February 660 BC. In contrast with the events associated with earlier Kigensetsu, celebrations for National Foundation Day are relatively muted. Customs include the raising of Japanese national flags and reflection on the meaning of Japanese citizenship. The holiday is still relatively
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Japan’s winter season is December through February. Depending on what part of Japan you are traveling to, winter in Japan can be vastly different. Big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka generally experience short winters with cold but sunny days and an occasional snowfall. But the further you head into the mountainous regions and Northern parts of Japan the more the temperature
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November is a turning point in the autumn season when the trees are stunning shades of orange, yellow, and red. The weather has a slight chill, making it the perfect temperature for outdoor activities. During this month, the tourist season has died down just enough to make exploring Tokyo a little easier. Autumn Leaves During the fall, Tokyo comes alive with bright
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Nigohachi Festival Date: Early Nov Event Schedule: 9:00am – 3:00pm Admission: Free Location: Shiga Hi-Watari Festival Date: November 3, 2019 Event Schedule: 1:00pm – 4:00pm Admission: Free Location: Hiroshima Shitennoji Wasso Festival Date: November 3, 2019 Event Schedule: 10:30am – 5:00pm Admission: Free Location: Osaka Karatsu Kunchi Festival Date: November 2-4 Admission: Free Location: Saga Karuizawa Momiji Festival Date: Sept.23-Nov.5 Admission: Free Location: Nagano Worldwide
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The tradition of momijigari has been popular since the Heian period (794-1195) and it has had a profound influence on Japanese culture. For Buddhists, it’s a moment that is important both spiritually and symbolically as it reminds us that life is ephemeral. The maple leaf symbolizes a fall in Japanese culture and its use is widespread. Momigari features heavily In eighth-century Manyoshu poetry as well as the classical Heian Period novel ‘The
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1. Kinchakuda Higanbana Field The symbol of early autumn, Higanbana flower (red spider lily)’s biggest field in Japan is located in Saitama Prefecture, which is only 1 hour away from Tokyo. 5 million burning hot flowers spark from mid-September. Date: mid-end September 2. Ultra Japan The biggest EDM festival, ULTRA JAPAN 2019 is back in Tokyo. Don’t miss the party with
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