A cheapo's guide to Japan
Looking for a classier way to ring in the new year than chuhais by the river? The Ritz Carlton is a hosting the high-end party of the year with live jazz, new-year noodles and casino games galore. Aiming for a Western-style celebration, the hotel is opeing up their glamerous Grand Ballroom with an all-you-can-drink bar, a delicious buffet and live music to keep you dancing.
Note that due to Japan’s anti-gambling laws, none of the casino winnings can be exchanged for cash.
An amazing chance to see a remote, snow-covered thatched village illuminated with hundreds of lanterns.
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 […]
One of the many traditional Setsubun festivals taking place across Japan, this one is unusual in that it features Geiko – the Kyoto version of Geisha. On the first day, there will be dance performances and bean-throwing ceremony from 1pm […]
