In older times during Setsubun, people also participated in role reversal. Young girls would do their hair in the styles of older women and vice versa, and even do some cross-dressing. This custom is still practiced among Geiko in Kyoto (Geisha in Kyoto called Geiko), who still participate in these old traditions by wearing disguises or dressing as men when … Read More
Japan’s Top 10 Fire Festivals
Festivals (matsuri , 祭り in Japanese) are an integral part of Japanese culture. Every year in Japan, there are thousands of festivals held all across the country, and they come in many different varieties. Fire festivals in particular are incredibly beautiful, powerful, and lively, and are definitely worth checking out if you visit Japan! Here is a list of the 10 top … Read More
Otsu Festival Live Report 2022 ~ 3年ぶりの大津祭 ~
Otsu Matsuri I went to the Otsu Festival on October 8 and 9, 2022! This is YouTube Live in Yoyama (Pre-festival event). The Otsu Festival is the largest of the festivals in the area and is held in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. It has been held for the first time in three years, having been canceled the last two years … Read More
How to Enjoy Summer Festivals in Japan
Summer in Japan is a season bursting with matsuri celebrations, especially at night when the air cools down. Most of the festivals in the summertime are held outdoors, for the favorable weather allows visitors to enjoy the celebrations both during the day and the nighttime. Summer festivals are characterized by local bon odori (bon dances), the summer version of Kimono called Yukata … Read More
Top 10 Things to Do in Japan in August 2019
August is peak summer festival season in Japan! The number of festivals, and also the huge size of the events, is better in August than any other time of year in Japan. These 10 events are some of the biggest and best of August, but also all year! Read on to discover the top 10 things to do in August … Read More
10 Fun Things to Do in Japan in July 2019
July is a month packed with peak summer fun in Japan! Many of the nation’s most popular festivals take place in July, and well as a number of other fireworks festivals, dance celebrations, Tanabata decorations, and much more. Here are 10 fun things to do in Japan in July 2019!
The 10 Most Popular Festivals in Japan
Omatsuri (festivals) are an important part of Japanese culture. In fact, it is said that there are so many festivals held in Japan, that at any given moment, there is a festival happening somewhere in Japan! Some festivals are calm and respectful, while others are lively events attended by millions of people! Here is a list of the 10 most … Read More