Culture New Year at Kanasana Shrine 2026 Jan 1st - Jan 3rd Kanasana Shrine in Kamikawa Town, Saitama Prefecture, is one of the most locally famous places for 'hatsumode'. The otherwise..
Culture Kitain Temple Daruma Market 2026 Saturday - Jan 3rd Every year on January 3rd several temples around Japan have a Daruma Market. A Daruma Doll is a type of talisman. People come to..
Activities Santa Hills Illumination 2025-2026 Late Oct - Early Jan Santa Hills is a campsite, café and shop in the Nasu district of Tochigi and a popular spot for night illumination in the area..
Activities Hiroshima Dreamination 2025-2026 Mid Nov - Early Jan Wander through the lights along Hiroshima's main Peace boulevard (Heiwa-Odori) for a fun (& free) winter event offering lots..
Festivals Hatsumode in Asakusa 2026 Jan 1st - Jan 3rd The first visit to the shrine in the new year is called Hatsumode, and it attracts quite some crowds every year, and I think it..
Culture Oyumi Hajime Festival 2026 Early Jan Nara's Oyamato Shrine holds their annual Oyumi Hajime Festival on January 4th. The purpose of the festival is to pray for good..
Culture Japanese Food Festival 2026 Early Jan If you'd like a one-stop-shop where you can enjoy various types of Japanese cuisine, look no further than the Japanese Food..
Culture Kemari Hajime in Kyoto 2026 Early Jan Kemari Hajime in Kyoto: a traditional New Year event at Shimogamo Shrine, where men in period costume play an ancient traditional..