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.
Dating back to 1650, this is one of Japan’s longest running fireworks festivals. With 18,000 fireworks and 400,000 spectators, it’s also one of the largest in western Japan. The fireworks will be launched from two different locations along the Chikugo […]
Want to see a slice of Japanese history? The Jidai Matsuri—”Festival of Ages”—is one of Kyoto‘s biggest October draws. It commemorates the founding of Kyoto as the Imperial capital by the Emperor Kammu in 794, so this is definitely one […]
The Miyazakijingu Taisai (Miyazaki Shrine Grand Festival) is a traditional festival at one of Miyazaki’s major Shinto shrines with a history of more than 140 years. The festival features a “procession of the gods” on both days from 1pm until […]
The city of Utsunomiya in Tochigi prefecture is renowned for its gyoza—the dumpling of Chinese origin that is a fixture of Japanese ramen restaurants. The festival takes place at Utsunomiya Park in the center of the city and stalls will […]
