One of Tohoku‘s biggest snow festivals, the Iwate snow festival showcases structures and statues crafted by over 4000 people as well as a snow-slide and snow train. There will be a chance to try warming local specialities like milk ramen and meet the locals over cups of amazake (a sweet rice wine). There are plenty of onsen in the area, so combine the festival with a soak for a true traditional experience.
See our guide on how to get from Tokyo to Tohoku.
The Nagasaki Tall Ship Festival takes place in April each year in the spectacular backdrop of Nagasaki Harbor. Typically the event features a number of square rigged tall ships with their billowing sails providing a romantic glimpse into the bygone […]
Held at Tanzan Jinja Shrine both in spring and August, the Kemari Festival features beautiful processions, rituals and eventually a game of kemari. Wearing colorful robes from the 7th century, the priests enter the shrine and eventually play the traditional […]
Taking place every year on the the birthday of Showa-Emperor Hirohito, this festival has parades, processions and even a flea market. Forced to spend alternate years in the ancient capital, the Daimyo (local lords) would create grandiose displays to out-do […]
A horseback archery display between the trees, this is an impressive feat of skill on show in Kyoto once a year. Taking place annually on the third of May, this event takes place in the run up to Kyoto’s Aoi […]
