The two days of the Horikawa festival feature quite different but equally impressive processions.
Day one features an after dark procession with taiko drums accompanying a parade of impressive dome like structures strewn with lanterns.
Day two happens mainly during the day with a giant 10m tall tower on wheels towed by rope through the streets by residents. The tower is taller than the power lines, so great care is required.
One of the most impressive sights in Japan this January, the Wasakusa Yamayaki sees the entire mountainside go up in flames as fireworks are launched behind it (sadly no fireworks this year due to COVID-19). Although its origins are unclear, […]
On the shores of Lake Towada, the venue is transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland for a period of three months in winter. In previous years, the event was compressed into three weeks in February, but in the interest of […]
While most snow festivals feature man-made sculptures, the snow monsters of Zao are entirely natural. Created in rare circumstances that require specific weather and tree formation, the snow gathers in such a way that monsters are formed in the mountains. […]
Celebrated to mark the end of winter and the day before spring begins, setsubun is an age-old Japanese ceremony thought to drive evil spirits from the house. Many people dress as demons and are herded out of businesses and houses […]
