A festival held at Daigan-ji on the island of Itsukushima/Miyajima in which priests and brave members of the public walk briskly across searing hot coals in bare feet. The ceremonies generally begin at 1pm while the fire-walking starts an hour or two later, but we suggest you arrive with plenty of time in case schedules change on the day.
If you’re thinking of participating, be aware that injuries are not unknown.
The Inuyama Matsuri is held at the beginning of April in the city of Inuyama in Aichi Prefecture. Coinciding with the blooming of the cherry blossoms, the festival features processions of three leveled ‘dashi’ – traditional wheeled floats. The festival […]
One of Japan’s more unusual festivals, here you can watch brave performers balance on a tightrope strung across a 10m-wide valley while wearing a heavy headdress. Held in the grounds of Isenomori Shrine and surrounded by cherry blossom, it’s a […]
Japan's earliest 'summer fireworks festival' takes place in Okinawa in April!
As a preventative measure against the spread of COVID-19, this event has been cancelled for 2020. This festival celebrates the classic work of Japanese literature Tale of Genji, by 11th century author Murasaki Shikibu. A parade will feature various characters […]
