The Roots and History of Summer Festivals in Japan
Hot nights, traditional costumes, portable shrines and the rhythmical beating of drums immediately spell out matsuri, summer festivals, to any Japanese person.
'Tis the Season for Matsuri
If you know Japan, you know it breathes with...
Flowing Noodles: Chopstick Fishing
This fun summer tradition has diners working to catch their meal. Aptly named “flowing noodles”, The sōmen is placed in long bamboo flumes with fast running cold water that carries the noodles past guests...
Hiyashi Chuka: the best ramen for summer…and winter?
During the hot and humid days of summer, this chilled ramen dish is a welcome change from regular ramen. The cold noodles are served topped with a variety of ingredients such as strips of...
Suikawari: Blindfolded watermelon smashing
The quintessential Japanese beach activity. Similar to the Mexican piñata, suikawari involves blindfolded players trying to smash open a watermelon guided by the shouts of their friends. Usually, a sheet or piece of cardboard is...
Guide to marvelous Summer Festivals!
From firework festivals, shrine events and dance parades; among the hundreds of events going on during the hottest time of the year, here are some suggestions for you!
Asakusa Summer Night Festival - Toro...
Immerse in Japanese culture and experience yukata
With the amount of foreign visitors to Japan increasing each year, it's becoming more common to see tourists immersing in Japanese culture and wearing a traditional kimono or yukata, especially when the hot, humid...
Shirakami Sanchi – Aomori, Akita
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, this expansive wilderness is one of the last remaining untouched beech forest in Japan. Shirakami Sanchi, stretching from Aomori to Akita Prefecture, boasts myriad hiking...
Oirase Keiryu – Aomori
Oirase Keiryu, a picturesque stream flowing from Lake Towada, is representative of Japan’s unique beauty. You will never be bored by the enchanting waterfalls and stunning rocks along the 14-kilometer trek between Lake Towada’s...
Oga Peninsula – Akita
The rugged peninsula, projecting west into the Sea of Japan, is home to the Namahage ogres (demon-like characters) in traditional Japanese folklore. Some of the breathtaking vistas include extensive cliff coastlines, the “Godzilla Rock”...
Tono – Iwate
Tono - Iwate
Tono is the place to go and see how people live in beautiful harmony with nature, as Japan's traditional landscape is perfectly preserved here. With old Japanese farmhouses and unchanged rural landscapes,...
