Category: Events

Fun events in Japan!

Koinobori carp streamers flying on a pole above traditional wooden Japanese houses with tiled roofs
Events, News Sauce, Travel Sauce

Celebrate Kodomo no Hi: Understanding Children’s Day in Japan

“Kodomo no Hi” or Children’s Day is the last holiday in the Golden Week party. Children’s Day is celebrated on May 5th, and was designated as a national holiday in 1948. History It was originally known as “Tango no Sekku” or Boy’s Day, and as the name suggests, was a festival for boys. Japan also set aside a festival for girls known as “Hina-Matsuri” or Doll … Continue reading Celebrate Kodomo no Hi: Understanding Children’s Day in Japan

Unknown's avatarjapansauceLeave a comment
Events, News Sauce, Travel Sauce

Experience Japan’s Breathtaking Sakura Season

One of Japan’s most beautiful times of year is Sakura or Cherry Blossom season. The Sakura are so important to Japan that much of the country comes to a standstill when they bloom. Right now the Sakura are blooming in Japan, and though many of you are not able to see them in-person, you can still enjoy their beauty. Sakura symbolize the ephemeral nature of … Continue reading Experience Japan’s Breathtaking Sakura Season

Unknown's avatarjapansauceLeave a comment
Busy Tokyo street at dusk with illuminated gaming and anime store signs and pedestrians
Events, News Sauce, Travel Sauce

Den Den Town: Nipponbashi Street Festa

Den Den Town (Nipponbashi) is the go-to place in the Osaka downtown district during March, for its very popular annual Nipponbashi Street Festa–an otaku-matsuri extravaganza. Den Den Town is known for its electronic shops that are lined with a mix of old school, new school, hip trending fashion, anime, manga, movies and games–reminiscent of what you might see in Akihabara in Tokyo, Japan. The matsuri … Continue reading Den Den Town: Nipponbashi Street Festa

Unknown's avatarjapansauceLeave a comment
Bamboo branches decorated with colorful Tanzaku papers and paper lanterns at a crowded Tanabata festival
Events, News Sauce

Tanabata Festival!

Tanabata (七夕) also known as the “Star Festival”, is a popular festival in Tokyo, and is celebrated on July 7th each year. This festival celebrates the meeting of the gods Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair). Legend of Two Lovers Orihime (織姫 Weaving Princess), daughter of the Tentei (天帝 Sky King), wove beautiful clothes by the bank of the Amanogawa (天の川 Milky Way). Her father loved the clothes, but Orihime was sad because she … Continue reading Tanabata Festival!

Unknown's avatarjapansauceLeave a comment
Events, News Sauce, Travel Sauce

Sapporo Snow Festival Sculptures!

The 68th Annual Sapporo Snow Festival began in Sapporo today, and the snow sculptures look amazing! The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s largest winter events, and every year about 2 Million people see about 250 creative ice sculptures. Event if you are not in Japan, you can enjoy some of the great ice sculptures here! The Sapporo Snow Festival runs from February 6 … Continue reading Sapporo Snow Festival Sculptures!

Unknown's avatarjapansauceLeave a comment
Events, News Sauce

Doraemon and Tokyo Solamachi Collaboration!

Doraemon and Tokyo Solamachi are collaborating on a special event ahead of the new movie “Doraemon the Movie 2017: Great Adventure in the Antarctic.” The event will run from February 4, 2017, and includes an ice skating rink, cafes, and virtual reality experience. The ice skating rink will be located at the Sky Arena on the 4th floor of Tokyo Sky Tree. The limited-time “Doraemon … Continue reading Doraemon and Tokyo Solamachi Collaboration!

Unknown's avatarjapansauceLeave a comment
Events, News Sauce, Travel Sauce

Dragon Ball Food Fair And Stamp Rally!

Fans of Dragon Ball have another event to celebrate, as the East Japan Railway Company is having a special Dragon Ball event until February 27, 2017. The event includes a Stamp Rally and food fair, which will bring artwork, food, and stamp locations around the 63 JR stations and 2 Tokyo Monorail stations. Collecting stamps will give you the chance to win prizes, including special … Continue reading Dragon Ball Food Fair And Stamp Rally!

Unknown's avatarjapansauceLeave a comment
Events, News Sauce, Travel Sauce

Usokae Shinji Ritual

On Tuesday, January 14, 2017, Kameido Tenjinsha shrine in Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan will celebrate its annual Usokae Shinji ritual. “Uso” means bullfinch and “kae” means exchange. In other words, a bullfinch exchange. Why a bullfinch? Because they are thought to bring good luck. (Photo courtesy of JapanFly.com) But “Uso” also means “lie,” which is the cool part of this festival. People bring the wooden … Continue reading Usokae Shinji Ritual

Unknown's avatarjapansauceLeave a comment
Events, News Sauce, Travel Sauce

Sanja Matsuri

As some of you know, we mentioned Sanja Matsuri during our Monday Morning Trip to Asakusa—which you can see again here: https://japansauce.net/2016/05/09/asakusa/ Sanja Matsuri (三社祭, literally “Three Shrine Festival”), is one of the three great Shinto festivals in Tokyo. It is considered one of the wildest and largest. The festival is held in honor of Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari and Hajino Nakatomo, the three men who established and … Continue reading Sanja Matsuri

Unknown's avatarjapansauceLeave a comment
Events, News Sauce, Travel Sauce

Tokyo Yamathon 2016!

If you are familiar with Japan, then you have probably heard, and used, the Yamanote Line—it’s that super-convenient JR train that takes you all around the main districts in Japan. Well, did you know that there is a marathon associated with this train? It’s called the Yamathon! The Yamathon is a marathon in which teams of 3-4 people walk or run through Tokyo, visiting all … Continue reading Tokyo Yamathon 2016!

Unknown's avatarjapansauceLeave a comment