Fun events in Japan!
If you like to dance, then head over to Tokushima for the annual “Awa Odori” Festival! Over 1.2 Million performers and spectators will be in Tokushima, Japan over the next few days to take part in one of Japan’s largest dance festivals! “Awa Odori” is part of the Obon festival in Tokushima, and originates from the Japanese Buddhist custom of honoring the spirits of ancestors. … Continue reading Tokushima “Awa Odori” 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!
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!
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!
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!
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
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/ Well, this weekend Sanja Matsuri 2016 took place in Tokyo, Japan, and we are happy to say that we were able to see it with our own eyes! Sanja Matsuri (三社祭, literally “Three Shrine Festival”), is one of the three great Shinto festivals in Tokyo. It … Continue reading Sanja Matsuri 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!
Another Golden Week has come to an end, as yesterday was “Kodomo no Hi” or Children’s Day—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 … Continue reading Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day)
For those that haven’t had the privilege to visit Tsukiji Market, it is the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, and is located right in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. It is also world-famous for having the largest tuna auction in the world, with most of the best sushi restaurants buying their tuna here. The market is currently located near Tsukijishijo Station … Continue reading Tsukiji Market Festival!!!
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