Tobata is a ward of the city of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka prefecture and this festival dates back over 200 years to when Tobata was a village.
The Yamagasa are tall floats that are carried around. At night the floats are adorned with lanterns, making them an impressive sight.
The festival has been recognized by the Japanese government as an important intangible cultural asset.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, many events have been canceled. Always check official sites before heading to an event.One of the many traditional Setsubun festivals taking place across Kyoto (and Japan), Yasaka Shrine’s version is unusual in that it features Geiko – the Kyoto version of Geisha. On the first day, there will be dance performances and bean-throwing […]
One of the best-known Setsubun festivals in Kyoto, this is a great place to drive away those evil spirits and welcome in the new spring season. Priests begin the day with a cleansing ritual at around 1pm, followed by an […]
Celebrated to mark the end of winter and the day before spring begins on the old lunar calendar, Setsubun is an age-old Japanese ceremony thought to drive evil spirits from the house. Many people dress as demons and are herded […]
Officially called the Noboribetsu Onsen Hot Water Festival (Noboribetsu onsen yu matsuri), this unique festival takes place at the coldest time of year, when the last thing you want to be is naked (well, semi-naked) while running around at night […]
