Shirone Giant Kite Battle 2022: Video Introduction This video, titled "Shirane Kite Battle 2022, June 5, 2022｜Giant Kites Dancing in the Sky｜Otaka group vs. Kenshin group, Yakusha group vs. Isshin Tasuke group｜Japanese Shirone Giant Kite Battle" (空に舞う大凧を撮ってきた・白根大凧合戦2022・令和４年６月５日 大高組VS謙信組 役者組VS一心太助組), was uploaded by "pikineko【photographer】." The Shirone Giant Kite Battle is held every year in early June in Shirone, Niigata and in Nishi-shirone, Niigata, in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region. Thirteen groups of kites, divided into Eastern and Western forces, crash their kites into one another and compete for victory or defeat in this heroic festival. It's a popular event for taking photos. The video shows the competition between the East Army's Otaka and Yakusha groups and the West Army's Kenshin and Isshin Tasuke groups. The sight of these giant kites fighting in the air is very exciting to watch. Be sure to check out the video before reading along to see how the history and tradition of the Shirone Giant Kite Battle has been passed down from generation to generation. A Brief Introduction to Kites in Japan Kites, called "tako" (凧) in Japanese, are said to have been introduced to Japan by the Heian Period (794 - 1185). They are made by affixing Japanese paper to a bamboo frame, and often come in a rectangular shape, although some regions of Japan have hexagonal kites, etc. Japanese kites are often decorated with traditional imagery, such as samurai. In the past, kites were incredibly popular in Japan, to the point that they were a common cause of damage to residences. Even today, they can be enjoyed at a wide variety of Japanese festivals and other events. Why Is the Shirone Giant Kite Battle Held? A Look at the History of the Event Photo：Shirone Giant Kite Battle The Shirone Giant Kite Battle, held in Shirone, Niigata, is a tradition with 300 years of history. It's a well-known festival that signals the arrival of early summer in Niigata. The origin of the Shirone Giant Kite Battle dates back to the middle-Edo period (1603-1868 AD). It began when people on the Shirone side of the Nakanokuchi River flew kites to celebrate the completion of the Nakanokuchi River embankment repair work. However, the kites fell on the Nishishirone side, the other side of the river, resulting in damage to some fields. People on the Nishishirone side, angered by this, began to fly their own kites in an attempt to knock down the kites of the Shirone side. This story is said to be how the event started. Like festivals in other parts of Japan, the Shirone Giant Kite Battle is also symbolic in nature. Kites are flown high to celebrate the birth children and to wish that prayers for a bountiful harvest will reach the heavens. Shirone Giant Kite Battle Rules and How Winners Are Decided Photo：A giant kite The Shirone Giant Kite Battle is divided into six groups from the east (Shirone side) and seven groups from the west (Nishishirone side) across the Nakanokuchi River. The kites are flown from both banks, and pitted against each other until the other kite's rope is broken. The kite that remains standing is the winner. The kites used in the Shirone Kite Battle are as large as 44 square meters (~470 square feet) and weigh a whopping 50 kg (110 lbs.). The Eastern side flies their kite low in the sky, while the Western side crosses the rope of their kite over the Eastern side's kite and slams it headlong into the river water. They continue fighting like this until one of the ropes is broken. If the rope is broken, the winner is awarded with one point. If the rope is not broken within the set time limit, the match is a draw, and both sides receive half a point. If the kites separate from each other before a rope is broken, the match is deemed "nakiwakare" (泣き別れ, A tearful parting) and there is no winner. These are the basic rules for scoring and determining winners and losers in the kite battle, but in reality, several kites may become tangled up together, as several pairs fly their kites at the same time. Since the method of determining winners and losers changes depending on the situation, spectators are kept on the edge of their seats as they await the outcome of the battle. The ranking of each pair is determined by their performance during the festival, which in turn determines the winning side. Shirone Giant Kite Battle 2023 Schedule and Attractions to See During the Festival Photo：Fireworks The Shirone Giant Kite Battle, which was shortened in duration in recent years, was held normally in 2022, but because the other events were canceled, many tourists were not able to enjoy the festival to the fullest. Luckily, it was been announced that the 2023 festival will be held for five days from June 1 to 5, with the previously canceled children's kite competition on May 31 and the citywide parade on June 1. In addition, a fireworks display is expected to be held as well, which will be a major event that will liven up the kite battle. In previous years, the event was held on Saturday during the festival period, and in case of rain, it is held on the following Sunday. Shirone Kite Museum: Learn More About the Exciting Shirone Giant Kite Battle The Shirone Kite Museum in Minami, Niigata, is one of the world's largest kite museums, where visitors can learn about kites and kite battles. You're sure to be captivated by the museum's collection of rare kites from all across Japan and around the world on display here. A full-size kite, like the ones used in kite battle, greets visitors at the entrance! You can also see the materials used to make the kites in the exhibition area. Inside the museum, visitors can experience what it's like to watch a kite battle through pictures and videos on the walls. If you can't make it to the actual event, we recommend checking this out. Visitors can also participate in a kite-making experience, after which, they'll have their very own kite that they can try flying in the wind tunnel laboratory. It's a great way to commemorate a trip to the area and will make you feel like a kid again. Incidentally, it's a great experience for kids as well. If the weather is nice, you can also fly your kite outside. Furthermore, at the souvenir corner, you can buy a kite with your desired design and name on it, which is popular as a gift. A temporary parking lot is available during the Shirone Giant Kite Battle, and free shuttle buses run from the parking lot to the venue. How to Get to the Shirone Giant Kite Battle Venue The Shirone Giant Kite Battle is located somewhat far from Niigata, but the easiest way to reach the event venue if you're coming from Niigata Station is via bus. There are buses scheduled on both weekends and weekdays that you can take to Shirone. You can opt to get off at at the Go no Machi (五の町) bus stop which takes you within a couple minutes' walk of the event venue (~1 hr. 15 minutes), or take a bus to the Shirone Kite Museum, enjoy a tour of the museum, and then take a free shuttle bus to the event venue from there (~1 hr. 30 mins). Either route with cost you 660 yen. Summary of the Shirone Giant Kite Battle The giant kites soar through the sky and engage in an exciting battle. It's a must-see event and allows visitors to experience a rich aspect of Japanese culture. The battle will be even more lively this year, as food stalls, etc. are back as of 2022. If you love festivals and want to see giant kites made with Niigata's traditional kite-making techniques, or if the sight of a kite battle gets your blood pumping, be sure to plan a trip to Niigata in June. Watching the powerful Shirone Giant Kite Battle is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

The Giant Floats of the Seihakusai Festival of Nanao, Ishikawa: Video Introduction This video, titled "Seihakusai Festival – Dekayama Floats Parading Through Town｜2017 in 4K" (青柏祭 でか山が街を行く 2017 in 4K), was uploaded by "officeliquid." It's a powerful 4K video of the Seihakusai Festival of Nanao, Ishikawa, in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region. At the Seihakusai Festival, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the largest floats in Japan, referred to as "Dekayama," are pulled through the streets of the city. The sight of the Dekayama going from one alley to the next is an incredible sight. The shouting of the crowds and the gentle May breeze make it feel like the festival is taking place right before your eyes, something that can only be achieved with such high-definition video. Enjoy the 3-minute movie showing what it's like to travel to Noto during summer! About Ishikawa Prefecture Ishikawa Prefecture is located approximately 2.5 hours northwest of Tokyo via bullet train. It's bordered by Toyama, Fukui, and Gifu Prefectures, as well as the sea. Bordering the sea, Ishikawa is known for its delicious seafood, and is also home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including Kenrokuen Garden, one of the "Three Most Beautiful Gardens in Japan," and Kanazawa Castle, both of which are located in Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa. In addition, it's home to unique cultures and traditional crafts, such as Kanazawa Lacquerware, and Kanazawa Gold Leaf. An Introduction to Festivals in Japan Japan is home to thousands of festivals each year. The Japanese word for festival is "matsuri" (祭り), which comes from the word "matsuru" (祭る, to deify, to enshrine). The reason Japan has so many festivals has to do with Japanese culture and religion. Japan is said to be home to 8 million gods, and practically every area in Japan has a shrine that worships a particular god. Because of this, many shrines also have their own annual festivals, with different meanings and origins. There are seasonal festivals to pray for good harvests, bon festivals to pray for the souls of the dead, and even dance festivals showcasing traditional dances of a particular regions. There is a seemingly endless list of festivals, many of which are held near shrines or temples, and which often have food stalls, music, etc., for the enjoyment of participants. Some of the most famous festivals in Japan are the Gion Festival of Kyoto, the Tanabata Festival of Sendai, and the Nebuta Festival of Aomori which features large, intricate floats. Summer is particularly known to have a lot of festivals, thanks to the warm weather, so be sure to keep an eye out for them if you're visiting Japan during this time of year! What Is the Seihakusai Festival? Unraveling the History and Origins of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage! Photo：The Seihakusai Festival, Nanao, Ishikawa The Seihakusai Festival is said to have been started as a national festival by Minamoto no Shitago in the Heian period (794-1185). Yoshimune, the third lord of the Noto Hatakeyama Clan, dedicated a float to the Seihakusai Festival, following the example of the yamaboko floats of Kyoto's Gion Festival, in an attempt to incorporate Kyoto culture into the festival, and this was the beginning of the Dekayama. The Seihakusai Festival got its name from the fact that the food offered to the gods (shinsen) was served on the young leaves of an oak tree which are called "seihaku" (青柏) in Japanese. It's said that when people went to Noto, they paid a visit to Otokonushi Shrine and offered seihaku to the gods. The Seihaku Festival is an annual spring festival held at Otokonushi Shrine. [Video] 0:22 - The Large Dekayama Floats of the Seihakusai Festival The Seihakusai Festival has a history of more than 1,000 years. In 1983, the Seihakusai Festival and its large floats were designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan, and in 2016, the events with the floats were registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages as well. The Dekayama Floats of the Seihakusai Festival + The Dolls That Adorn Them "Dekayama" is the common name for the largest floats in Japan. The huge floats are 12 meters tall, weigh 12 tons, and have wheels which are 2 meters in diameter. They're pulled by people and are a powerful sight. However, the magnificence of Dekayama is not limited to their size. The stages and dolls depicting famous Kabuki scenes which decorate the front of the Dekayama are also a highlight of the festival. The stage is also decorated with a single young pine tree, which is used to pray for the gods' descent and for the eradication of disease and a prosperous life. The puppets/dolls displayed on the Dekayama's stages are called "Ningyomi" (人形見) and are unveiled at a designated "Ningyoyado" (doll inn) in each town on the evening of May 2, where they can be viewed by the general public. The Nigyomi dolls are a rare opportunity to see the Dekayama floats from up close. After the one-night exhibition, the newly created dolls go up on the Dekayama stages each year. The Dekayama are the stars of the show, giving a large-scale performance that allows visitors to experience the history and culture of the Noto Region. Tsujimawashi and Fireworks at the Seihakusai Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The highlight of the Seihakusai Festival is the turning of the floats, which is called "tsujimawashi." To turn the floats, a special lever called an "Oteko," is wedged beneath the wheel to change the direction of the float. Seeing the tsujimawashi performed on the narrow streets of the city with an 8-meter-long lever is quite the show. Young men climb on top of the Oteko and use leverage to lift the front wheel and turn the floats. The scene of the dangerous rotation of the floats is a spectacular sight to behold. [Video] 2:35 - Young Men Riding on the Oteko as the Float Is Turned The powerful Tsujimawashi can be seen from the night of May 3 to the night of May 5 at various locations in the city center. Another highlight of the Seihakusai Festival is the fireworks. The first shot at around 8:30 pm on May 3 is for Kajicho, the first town to pull out its floats. The second shot goes off at 1:00 am on May 4, signaling Fuchu to pull out its floats, and the last shot goes off at 8:00 am on May 4 for Uomachi. Unlike the other two towns, only Uomachi has two fireworks signals, one at 7:00 am and the other at 8:00 am. The time of the fireworks may change, and fireworks may not be displayed on rainy or cloudy days. Please check weather information, etc. in advance on the official websites. Seihakusai Festival 2023 Event Dates + Location Information The Seihakusai Festival is usually held from May 3 to 5 every year. It is held at the Otokonushi Shrine in the center of downtown Nanao. The Seihakusai Festival Dekayama Preservation Society website does not have information for 2023 at this time, but the information from the Ishikawa Prefectural Shrine Office shows these dates, so the festival is expected to be held during the same period in 2023. The surrounding area will be very crowded during the festival. Traffic regulations will be enforced, so we recommend that you look up information in advance, including information on temporary parking lots, if you plan to visit the area by car. How to Participate in the Seihakusai Festival Source :YouTube screenshot In previous years, the Seihakusai Festival was open to public participation in the form of pullers. Unfortunately, this was not possible in 2022 in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Recently, with the national policy of wearing masks after March 13th being left to the discretion of individuals, it's possible that the event will be open for public participation once again. It's best to wait for an official announcement regarding whether pullers can participate in the event. During the Seihakusai Festival, many sightseeing events will be held in the region, so be sure to check them out as well. 3 Popular Japanese Festivals Celebrated in May Here are 3 more festivals that you could consider checking out if you're visiting Japan during May: Aoi Matsuri, Kyoto Aoi Matsuri is festival with origins dating back 1,500 years. The festival features a large procession of 600 people wearing traditional clothing of Heian Period court nobles. The procession, the main event of the festival, takes place on May 15. Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo Sanja Matsuri is a festival held on the 3rd Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in May. It's one of the most famous festivals in Japan and attracts nearly 2 million spectators each year. The festival is held at the popular Sensoji Temple in Asakusam Tokyo and consists of musical floats, geiko (apprentice geisha), dancers, etc. Kanda Matsuri, Tokyo Kanda Matsuri is held at Kanda Shrine in Chiyoda, Tokyo. It is one of the 3 major festivals of Tokyo. The festival's main event is a procession of around 500 people dressed in Heian Period attire that passes through Akihabara, the electronics capital of Japan. Summary of the Seihakusai Festival of Nanao, Ishikawa The Seihakusai Festival is a spring festival that is regarded as one of the most representative festivals of the Noto Peninsula. The tradition of Hikiyama, which has been passed on since ancient times, is filled with the wishes of many people. Before the Dekayama parade, the biggest highlight of the festival, be sure to visit the Ningyoyado, where you can see the elaborate dolls and decorations up close every year. It's an awesome part of the Seihakusai Festival! Nanao, Ishikawa is one of the most accessible tourist destinations, being only about an hour away from Kanazawa, which has many tourist attractions, by train or car. We recommend visiting here for a relaxing trip to enjoy traditional events, the delicious cuisine of the Noto Peninsula, and a variety of tourist attractions!

Introducing the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival in Shibushi, Kagoshima This video, titled "【Shibushi Summer Soba Festival】Shibushi City【Official】" (【志布志の夏越しそばまつり】志布志市 【公式】), was uploaded by "Yasuda Movie Laboratory" (安田映像研究所). It introduces the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival of Yamamiya Shrine via a PR video with drone footage. In Shibushi, Kagoshima, located in the Kyushu region of southern Japan, the city takes advantage of its mild climate to grow "Haru no Ibuki," a variety of buckwheat that is sown in late March and harvested in late May or early June. Haru no Ibuki flowers can be seen at 1:22 in the video. The Shibushi Summer Soba Festival is an event where freshly harvested soba noodles are served. This article introduces tourist information for the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival. Be sure to check out the video to see the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival being held on the precincts of Yamamiya Shrine. What Kind of Event is the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival? Photo：The thatched ring used in the purification ceremony The Shibushi Summer Soba Festival in Shibushi, Kagoshima, is held on June 30 at Yamamiya Shrine, home to the National Natural Monument "Shibushi no Okusu" (The Great Camphor of Shibushi). Starting with a purification ceremony in which visitors pass through a "thatched ring" to pray for good health in the precincts of the shrine where the giant camphor, estimated to be 1,300 years old, stands, 1,000 servings of fresh soba, a special aromatic dish made with nihachi soba flour (8 parts buckwheat, 2 parts wheat flour), is served. In addition to soba, visitors can also enjoy conger eel tempura caught in Shibushi Bay as well as fresh green tea. Legend has it that the giant camphor tree, shown at 1:43 in the video, was planted by Emperor Tenchi (Emperor Tenji). Chinowa kuguri, a summer ritual that involves walking through a loop of cogon grass, can be seen at 2:51. The summer buckwheat harvest in Shibushi is the earliest in Japan, and the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival is held to celebrate the opening of the harvest. About the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival in Shibushi, Kagoshima Photo：Soba Summer soba in Shibushi is made with natural underground water rich in minerals that has passed through Shirasu-Daichi, a pyroclastic plateau originating from the Kirishima Mountains. The spring-sown soba has a unique flavor and is served with a sweet katsuoboshi (skipjack)-flavored dipping sauce. The summer soba of Shibushi has been produced since 2010 as part of Shibushi's community development efforts by growers who wish for good health and longevity. Fresh soba is available at nearby restaurants from the day of the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival and is also sold online. Tourist Information for Shibushi Summer Soba Festival 「To get to Yamamiya Shrine, the site of the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival, it's a 10-minute drive from JR Shibushi Station or a 20-minute drive from the Soo Yagoro Interchange. Parking is also available. Nearby are tourist attractions such as Daguri Cape Beach, Osaki Fureai no Sato Park, and Kuni no Matsubara Camping Ground, making it possible for visitors to travel while staying in touch with nature. Summary of the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival of Shibushi, Kagoshima The above video, titled "【Shibushi Summer Soba Festival】Shibushi City【Official】" introduces the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival. Enjoy traditional Japanese festivals and pray for good health by eating delicious soba noodles!

Fuji Kaizansai, Celebrating the Opening of Mt. Fuji This video, titled "Fujisan Kaizan climbing ceremony - Murayamasengen Shrine - Shizuoka 4K," was uploaded by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful." This video introduces the Mt. Fuji Opening Festival, which marks the beginning of the climbing season on Mt. Fuji. Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, has four climbing routes, but the mountain is closed during the winter months. Shown in the video is the annual Mt. Fuji Opening Ceremony held in July to pray for the safety of climbers and trail users, which marks the start of the climbing season. This video introduces the opening ceremony at Murayama Sengen Shrine in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, in Japan's Tokai region. Murayama Sengen Shrine, located at the entrance of the Murayama Trail, was once the site of Shugenja, or practitioners of Shugendo (mountain asceticism). Check out the video to see the mysterious entrance to the trail and the ritual burning held by the mountain priests. Murayama Sengen Shrine, Where the Mt. Fuji Opening Festival Is Held Photo：Murayama Sengen Shrine Murayama Sengen Shrine is located in Murayama, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is one of the many Sengen shrines in Japan. It is a base for climbing Mt. Fuji and was a sacred place for mountain asceticism on Mt. Fuji. The entrance to the Mt. Fuji Murayamaguchi Trail gives visitors a sense of the mystical atmosphere of Mt. Fuji. In addition, large cedar and a ginkgo trees, designated as natural treasures by Shizuoka Prefecture, stand solemnly in the precincts of the shrine. The precincts of Murayama Sengen Shrine can be seen at 0:29 in the video, where the torii gate is shown. More About the Mt. Fuji Opening Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The Mt. Fuji Opening Festival is held at the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, the Gotemba New 5th Station Trailhead, and Murayama Sengen Shrine. Furthermore, Kaizan-zenyasai (The Eve of the Mountain Opening) is held the night before. Kaizan-zenyasai features a parade from Kanadorii Park to the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine at the base of the Yoshidaguchi Trail, followed by a large Kagura performance (Shinto music and dance), and a variety of other Shinto rituals. After the declaration of the opening of Mt. Fuji during the festival at Mt. Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, there will be a prayer performed by the head priest, a tamagushi offering, and a dedication of spring water that was drawn from the Mt. Fuji area. In addition, a Mt. Fuji opening ceremony, formal visit to the mountain, a declaration of the opening of the mountain, and various other rituals are held at Murayama Sengen Shrine. Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha also features Tezutsu Hanabi (traditional Japanese fireworks) in the evening. A purification ceremony and other rituals can be seen at 1:34 in the video. The Mt. Fuji Opening Ceremony is followed by a departure ceremony for the mountain rescue team, the announcement and succession of the Miss Fuji contest, and the Mt. Fuji Kami Akari Lantern Contest (かみ灯りコンテスト) of lights made of Japanese paper made from Mitsumata are exhibited in the corridor. In addition, an otaue (rice planting festival) is held to express gratitude for the spring water of Mt. Fuji and pray for a bountiful harvest. The day after the Mt. Fuji Opening Festival, the Kusushi Shrine Opening Ceremony is held at the inner shrine on the summit of Mt. Fuji. Shuin stamps are awarded during the opening of Mt. Fuji as well. In August, before the closing of Mt. Fuji, the Kusushi Shrine Closing Festival is held at the inner sanctuary atop Mt. Fuji, marking the end of the events that take place when the mountain is open. Summary of the Mt. Fuji Opening Festival In this video "Fujisan Kaizan climbing ceremony - Murayamasengen Shrine - Shizuoka 4K," you can see beautiful 4K footage of the Mt. Fuji Opening Festival. Murayama Sengen Shrine is a 20-minute drive from Fujinomiya Station along the Tokai Railway's Minobu Line. Parking is available in the vicinity. Check out the video to get a taste of the sacred atmosphere of the shrine. 【Official Website】Mt. Fuji Kaizan-zenyasai - [Official] Fujiyoshida Tour Guide https://fujiyoshida.net/en/see-and-do/148

The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival of Akita Prefecture: Video Introduction This video, titled "[Aerial Footage] Paper Balloon Festival Kamihinokinai Night Flight Filming" (【空撮】2017冬祭り上桧木内の紙風船上げ Paper Balloon Festival Kamihinokinai Night Flight Shooting) was uploaded by "DIRECT Kaneko." The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is a winter festival in Nishiki, and the one shown in the video was held on February 10, 2017 in Semboku, Akita, in Japan's Tohoku region. During the day, you can see the unique scenery of Japan's snow country, and at night, when the moon comes out, you can see the exciting aerial footage taken via drone. Please enjoy the collaboration of paper balloons and fireworks soaring high into the night sky! [Video] 1:27 - Paper Balloons and Fireworks in the Night Sky Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival – The Characteristics and History of the Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is a winter festival held in the Kamihinokinai district of Nishiki, Semboku, Akita on February 10 in the middle of winter. The festival features around 100 large paper balloons with paintings of warriors and beautiful women rising into the winter night sky like hot air balloons. It's a winter tradition in the Kamihinokinai area and attracts many visitors every year. The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is an event that has been handed down as a winter festival in one of Japan's higher snowfall areas. It has been handed down along with "mushiyaki" (虫焼き, an event where rice straw is piled up in a rice field and burned) to pray for a bountiful harvest and the safety of one's family. According to legends, the origin of the Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is said to come from Hiraga Gennai, a scientist from Edo period Japan who passed on the principles of hot air balloons. Highlights of the Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival Photo：Paper balloons The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated as such by the city of Semboku, Akita. Lit paper balloons soar one after another into the cold winter night sky. Roughly 100 paper balloons of various sizes are said to be made by residents of the Kamihinokinai area. The highlight of the festival is the giant paper balloons. In recent years, the paper balloons are getting bigger and bigger. They are made of commercial Japanese paper about 1 meter wide and 3 to 12 meters long, pasted together. The sight of the giant paper balloons rising into the night sky as the fire inside them rages on is quite the spectacle. Be sure to bring a camera as well, because the lit paper balloons rising up into the night sky surrounded by the beautiful snowy landscape of Akita are sure to be popular on Instagram. [Video] 1:20 - Paper Balloons Soaring Up Through the Snow Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival 2023 – Festival Dates and Times The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is held every year from 6:00 p.m. on February 10th at the Nishiki Paper Balloon Square (紙風船館広場, Kami Fusen-kan Hiroba). In 2022, the event was canceled to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection, but a small-scale paper balloon event was held by locals to carry on the culture. As of this time (December 2022), no official announcement has been made regarding the 2023 event. If you want to buy tickets and participate in the 2023 event, please check the event information in advance before going. Rice Paddy Art – Summer in Kamihinokinai! Photo：Rice paddy art Rice field art can be seen from late June to early September along the Akita Nairiku Line, which connects Takanosu Station in Kitaakita and Kakunodate Station in Semboku, Akita. There are works that can be viewed from the platform of Kamihinokinai Station as well. From April to November 2022, the Akita Nairiku Regional Public Transportation Cooperation Council and the Kitaakita Regional Development Bureau solicited design proposals for rice paddy art. 4 works will be selected as 2023 designs from a total of 342 entries. Rice planting will be conducted by early June in 2023 based on the design proposals. Among the selected works, there are even cute works drawn by elementary school students with colored pencils. The conditions for the design of the Kamihinokinai area is that the design must express the characteristics of the Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival. The work for 2023 will depict a dog running happily with paper balloons rising into the night sky. Most likely an Akita Inu, the famous dog of the prefecture. It will be interesting to see how it looks as rice paddy art! Sightseeing in Kamihinokinai Photo：Dogtooth Violet Colony, Akita Prefecture Kamihinokinai, in Semboku, Akita, where the Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is held, is located to the northeast of Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan, and is a peaceful area surrounded by rich vegetation. Below is a list of some sightseeing spots in the area. ● Dogtooth Violet Colony (かたくり群生の郷, Katakuri Gunsei no Sato) Katakuri (dogtooth violet) is a bulbous plant of the lily family. At the Dogtooth Violet Colony, the largest colony of dogtooth violet in Japan, visitors can walk along a carpet of pretty flowers blooming at the foot of the mountain in spring. Check the Katakuri-kan (かたくり館) website for information regarding the blooming of the flowers and the opening of the facility. ● Semboku City Paper Baloon Museum (紙風船館, Kamifusenkan) This is a facility that displays the paper balloons used in the Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival ● Lake Tazawa (田沢湖, Tazawako) Lake Tazawa, home to the legend of Princess Tatsuko, is a beautiful blue lake where visitors can enjoy various views from season to season. In addition to historic sites, there are plenty of leisure spots to enjoy here. Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival Summary The Kamihinokinai Paper Balloon Festival is a winter festival in one of Japan's heavy snowfall areas. It's a lovely festival where paper balloons made by the locals soar in to the night sky. If you're traveling to Akita in winter, consider visiting to see the fantastic balloons rising into the night sky. Don't forget to warm up in the hot spring village around Lake Tazawa as well!

Wakakusa Yamayaki: Video Introduction This video, titled "'Yamayaki' Mountain Burning and Fireworks at a Traditional Winter Event on Mt. Wakakusa, Nara" (冬の風物詩・奈良の伝統行事『若草山焼き』：『Yamayaki』Mountain Burning and Fireworks at Mt.Wakakusa in Nara), was uploaded by "Nara Tourism Concierge JUN" (奈良観光コンシェルジュ JUN). Wakakusa Yamayaki is a traditional winter event held on Mt. Wakakusa in Nara city, Nara prefecture, as a requiem for the souls of the deceased that rest in Uguisuzuka Kofun (Uguisuzuka Tumulus), a keyhole-shaped burial mound located on the summit of Mt. Wakakusa. Today, the three major temples and shrines in Nara, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, and Todaiji Temple, unite to hold this event to repose the souls of our ancestors, to pray for protection of the entire Nara area from fire, and to wish for the peace of people all over the world. Wakakusa Yamayaki takes place on the fourth Saturday of January every year, and many tourists come to Nara to watch to see the both the event and the fireworks show. Amidst the solemn atmosphere, the night sky of the ancient capital of Nara is decorated with fireworks and roaring flames, and the sight of the mountains rising up in the darkness is truly divine. Be sure to check out the amazing footage in the video before reading along. 　[Video] 0:53 - Wakakusa Yamayaki 　[Video] 1:50 - Wakakusa Yamayaki 　[Video] 2:55 - Wakakusa Yamayaki Mt. Wakakusa Highlights and Characteristics Photo：A deer on Mt. Wakakusa, Nara Prefecture Mt. Wakakusa is a famous tourist spot and a symbol of Nara. It is a small, gently sloping mountain 342 meters above sea level with an expanse of grass called "Noshiba." The mountain is also referred to as "Uguisuyama" due to the presence of the large keyhole-shaped tumulus Uguisuzuka Kofun, and "Mikasayama" (三笠山, lit. "Mountain of three hats") because it looks like three kasa (straw hats) stacked on top of each other. The mountain is also home to many deer. The summit provides a panoramic view of Nara Park and the city of Nara, and the night view of Nara from the top of the mountain has been recognized as one of the Top 3 Night Views of New Japan because of its beauty. When the mountain is open to the public, visitors can enjoy a 30-minute climb to the summit. The mountain is home to cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and mountain burnings, offering beautiful views in every season. Wakakusa Yamayaki, a fire festival that signals a visit from spring, is popular among Nara residents and tourists alike as a wintertime tradition in Nara. It is held every year on the fourth Saturday in January, and this year it's scheduled to be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023. The History and Significance of Wakakusa Yamayaki Photo：Uguisuzuka Kofun, Mt. Wakakusa Wakakusa Yamayaki originated as a festival to appease the spirits buried in Uguisuzuka Kofun at the top of Mt. Wakakusa. People in the past feared that ghosts buried in Uguisuzuka Kofun would appear, so they decided to burn the mountain to prevent ghosts from appearing. From there, superstition spread that bad things would happen if Mt. Wakakusa was not burned, and there have been many incidents of people passing by the mountain setting it on fire without permission. In December 1738, the Nara Magistrate's Office issued an ordinance banning arson on Mt. Wakakusa, but even still it continued, and nearby temples and shrines, including Todaiji Temple, a famous World Heritage site, were in danger of catching fire. As a result, toward the end of the Edo period (approx. 1853 to 1868 A.D.), Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and the Nara Magistrate's Office, all of which are located near Mt. Wakakusa, began to cooperate in the burning of the mountain. Today, the Shinto and Buddhist traditions of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, and Todaiji Temple work together to conduct this traditional event, which is meant to repose and comfort the souls of the dead, prevent fires throughout Nara, and pray for the peace of people around the world. Where to See Wakakusa Yamayaki and Fireworks Photo：Wakakusa Yamayaki, Nara Prefecture One of the reasons why Wakakusa Yamayaki is so popular is that visitors can enjoy fireworks in winter. During Wakakusa Yamayaki, a large fireworks display is held with beautiful midwinter night sky. Once the fireworks start, the mountain is ignited simultaneously. Among the fireworks, there's Nara Prefecture's specialty "shakudama." This massive firework, with a one-foot diameter, measures 320 meters in diameter when it explodes, making it one of the most powerful fireworks in Nara Prefecture and heightening the anticipation for the Wakakusa Yamayaki fireworks display. 　[Video] 0:25 -Fireworks 　[Video] 1:22 - Fireworks 　[Video] 2:18 - Fireworks 　[Video] 3:01 - Fireworks Here, we'll introduce viewing spots where you can enjoy both the fireworks and the Wakakusa Yamayaki mountain burning. First, we will introduce viewing spots around Nara Park, where pre-registration was required in 2022 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, although details other than the 2023 schedule have yet to be announced. ●Daibutsuden Intersection (Ukigumo Enchi) At the Daibutsuden Intersection in front of Ukigumo Enchi (Ukigumo Park, 浮雲園地) and by the Daibutsuden Kasuga Taisha-mae Bus Information Center (大仏殿　春日大社前バス案内所, Daibutsuden Kasuga Taisha-mae Basu Annaijo), visitors can enjoy a nice view of Wakakusa Yamayaki. There's a bus stop and a parking lot as well, making this a popular spot for viewing the event. ●Kasugano Enchi Kasugano Enchi (Kasugano Park, 春日野園地) is a grassy open space located near the Daibutsuden Intersection. It's a spacious location where visitors can enjoy the fireworks and Wakakusa Yamayaki with an outstanding view. In order to appreciate the grandeur of Wakakusa Yamayaki in the vicinity of Nara Park, advance registration may be required in 2023 as it was in 2022. For details on pre-registration, traffic restrictions, and changes to the event, please check the official website for up-to-date information before visiting. Other viewing spots are as follows: ●Sarusawa Pond Sarusawa Pond (猿沢池, Sarusawa-ike) is a good spot to enjoy fireworks under the five-story pagoda of Kofukuji Temple. Although you have to climb up the hill to the five-story pagoda of Kofukuji to see the fireworks, you can take pictures of the five-story pagoda illuminated by the fireworks and the flames from Wakakusa Yamayaki. ●Rooftop of Nara Prefectural Office The rooftop of the Nara Prefectural Office Building (奈良県庁屋上, Nara Kencho Okujo) is open to the public on the day of Wakakusa Yamayaki. There is a lottery system in place to select viewers, so you need to apply in advance, but if you win, you can enjoy a relaxing view from the rooftop of the Nara Prefectural Office Building. ●Heijo Palace At Heijo Palace, visitors can enjoy a fantastic collaboration of Suzakumon Gate, fireworks, and the burning mountainside. The romantic view from here is recommended for dates. Wakakusa Yamayaki will be streamed live on YouTube, so if you're unable to make the event, consider watching it from the comfort of your own home! Summary of Wakakusa Yamayaki Photo：Wakakusa Yamayaki, Nara Prefecture The sight of the flames spreading over Mt. Wakakusa, a symbol of the ancient capital of Nara, is unforgettable. The night sky becomes colored by the flames from Wakakusa Yamayaki and the fireworks that are set off just before the event, and you'll be able to enjoy the divine sight of the mountain emerging in the darkness. Come to Nara this winter and experience a visit from spring with a trip to Wakakusa Yamayaki. ◆Mt. Wakakusa◆ 【Address】469 Zoshi-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 【Mountain Opening Period】The Third Saturday in March - Second Sunday in December 【Hours】9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Excluding temporary openings of the mountain) 【Admission Fee】Adults (Junior high school, high school, and college students) ¥150, Elementary school students ¥80 【Access】A 12-minute walk from the Daibutsuden Kasuga Taisha-mae bus stop by city loop bus from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station. Car: Nara Okuyama Driveway's "Shin-Wakakusa Mountain Course" (新若草山コース, Shin-Wakakusa Yama Kosu) 【TripAdvisor】Mt. Wakakusa

The Namahage Sedo Festival of Oga, Akita: Video Introduction This video, titled "50 Incredible Namahage! Namahage Sedo Festival in Oga" (50匹のなまはげに圧巻！！男鹿の「なまはげ柴灯まつり」), was uploaded by "JAPAN CALENDAR." Every Japanese person has seen the frightening faces and heard the terrifying cries of these mask-wearing figures. Namahage are part of a traditional event that takes place in Oga, Akita in Japan's Tohoku region, and is very popular among tourists. The video shows footage from the Namahage Sedo Festival. You can enjoy the traditions of Akita, including solemn scenes and local folk performances. Check out the video to see what the event is like! Namahage, a Unique Japanese Folklore – Demons or Gods? Photo：Namahage Are you familiar with Japan's namahage culture? Namahage are creatures that go from house to house with scary masks and knives looking for bad children, and are often mistaken as yokai. The word "namahage" comes from the phrase "namomi wo hagu" (ナモミを剥ぐ, to tear off "namomi") which comes from the Akita dialect. Namomi are red scab-like sores caused by low-temperature burns from sitting next to a fire for too long. In other words, namomi represent a lazy person who spends too much time sitting by the fire. Thus, the word "namahage" is derived from the existence of a being who comes to "tear off a lazy person's sores" (namomi hagi) and warn them not to be lazy. Although namahage look like evil ogre demons, they are in fact messengers of the gods and are responsible for exorcising evil spirits. So then, why do Namahage act in such a terrifying manner? Namahage, as messengers of the gods, go into villages and are invited into homes where they are treated hospitably. The namahage not only warn children and lazy people, but also bring blessings of good health, bountiful harvests, and a safe year for people. The straw that falls from the namahage's garments is sacred, and is said to bring blessings such as protection from evil and good health. Children Scared to Death at this Traditional Japanese New Year's Eve Event Namahage are part of a traditional event held on New Year's Eve around the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture. Young men in the village wear oni masks and go from house to house dressed in straw costumes, holding large knives or machetes in their hands. They come into houses shouting and asking if there are any bad children or lazy people inside. The sight of the namahage banging on doors and swinging around knives and other objects in their hands frightens the children and makes them cry. On TV each year in Japan, you can see children vowing to be good while simultaneously crying. This custom, which has a long history as a folk tradition in Akita Prefecture, was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Japan by UNESCO in 2018. Learn About Namahage at the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum's Namahage Museum! Photo：Namahage Museum For those unable to watch the actual New Year's Eve event, we recommend checking out the Namahage Museum and Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum located in Mayama, Oga. At the Namahage Museum, visitors are greeted by namahage masks from various villages in Akita, as well as namahage costumes, and other materials on display that will help you learn about the culture and history of Oga. At the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, visitors can watch a short movie called "Namahage no Ichiya" (なまはげの一夜, The Night of the Namahage) to learn about the traditions, and experience namahage in an old private Japanese house. This rare experience of seeing a conversation between a namahage and the homeowner and watching the namahage search for children is quite interesting. If you're interested in learning about traditional Japanese culture and enjoying some beautiful scenery, we highly recommend visiting Akita Prefecture! Namahage Sedo Festival – A Fusion of Traditional Events and Namahage at Shinzan Shrine Photo：Namahage Sedo Festival The Namahage Sedo Festival is a combination of namahage, a traditional culture of Akita, and the Sedo Festival, a Shinto ritual held annually on January 3 at Shinzan Shrine in Oga, Akita. The event started in 1964 as a winter event in Oga, Akita. The festival is usually held over three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), including the second Saturday in February. Namahage Taiko is a sightseeing event that involves namahage drumming loudly and dancing and is quite popular among tourists. [Video] 1:06 - Namahage Taiko The fantastic sight of Namahage coming down the snowy mountain path with torches in their hands as messengers of the mountain gods is truly a captivating experience. It's like stepping back in time. [Video] 1:20 - Namahage Descending From the Mountain As shown in the video, this Namahage Festival marked the 50th anniversary since the event began, and 50 namahage made an appearance! They prayed for the safety of tourists and locals alike. [Video] 1:55 - Children Frightened at the Sight of Namahage The festival will be held for three days from Friday, including the second Saturday in February, as in 2022, with advance registration and infection control measures, etc. Since 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the festival, various gifts will be given to visitors. For more information, please visit the official website. Summary of Akita's Namahage Did you watch the video of the Namahage Sedo Festival? Despite their scary faces, namahage are loved by the local people of Akita as messengers of the gods. The voice of the namahage as they search for children, while of course scary, has a kindness to it as well, reminding us that they are not evil, but rather messengers of the gods that prevent people from being bad or lazy. There's even an application where parents can apply for a special phone call from an oni when a child does something bad. Experience the charm of namahage in Oga, Akita! The spectacular sight of the namahage holding torches is sure to make for some memorable Instagram photos as well!

A Tourist Enjoys Her Time in Japan Wearing a Yukata [Awa Odori]: Video Introduction This video, titled "Japan's Culture : Russian Lady Dreamed About "Awa Odori in Yukata(Summer Kimono) First Festival.," was uploaded by "youmemeyou tokushima." It introduces Awa Odori, a traditional Japanese festival. The video features a Russian woman who learned about Japan through watching anime and fulfilled her dream of wearing a yukata at a Japanese festival. Various food stalls lined up along the river, rows of lanterns, and the exciting Awa Odori dance are just a few of the many photogenic shots throughout the video. Awa Odori is one of the most popular festivals in Japan, and can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, and even by foreign travelers. Be sure to follow along as you watch the video! Awa Odori - 400 Years of This Traditional Japanese Dance Photo：Awa Odori There are various theories as to the origin of Awa Odori, including Nenbutsu Odori from Japan's Kamakura period, Furyu Odori from the late Warring States period, and celebratory events held at the time of the construction of Tokushima Castle. In any case, Awa Odori has taken root among the citizens and has been passed down through the generations, even overcoming frequent bans. Awa Odori is known as one of Japan's traditional performing arts. One of the three major Bon Odori dances in Japan, Awa Odori attracts approximately 1.3 million people, and there is said to be about 100,000 dancers in groups called ren (連). The dance style is characterized by a male and female version, and various types of Awa Odori can be seen from daytime to nighttime at theaters and other viewing spots. In addition, Awa Odori Kaikan (a museum in Tokushima where visitors can learn about Awa Odori) has been making efforts to accommodate foreign tourists in recent years by providing English- and Chinese-speaking staff at the reception desk. During the Awa Odori Festival, the central area of Tokushima City is filled with lively dancing and excitement, and the many food stalls and lanterns add to the festive atmosphere. [Video] 2:34 - Food Stalls and Lanterns at Awa Odori Gorgeous Costumes and Unique Dancing - Enjoying Awa Odori Photo：Image of Awa Odori Awa Odori can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages and is accompanied by enthusiastic cheering from the crowd. It also features unique costumes and dancing styles for both men and women. The men wear happi coats or yukata in a unique style, and their dynamic performance, called "Otoko Odori," is very lively and exciting to watch. [Video] 0:30 - Otoko Odori "Onna Odori," the women's version, is characterized by elegant and graceful hand gestures and footwork repeated at a mesmerizing tempo. In the video, you can see a woman wearing a happi coat and performing "Otoko Odori." [Video] 0:17 - Women Performing "Otoko Odori" While Wearing Happi Also popular is the "Chibikko Odori," a children's version of the dances. One of the highlights of the performance is the musical accompaniment, which combines instruments, such as shamisen, drums, and flutes, to enliven the dance, and the unique musical style of each dance troupe. The light, two-beat tempo creates a stage where both the dancers and the audience can enjoy a sense of unity. [Video] 0:54 - Audience Members Participating in the Dance Koenji Awa Odori - Enjoy the Awesome Dances Performances in Tokyo Koenji Awa Odor in Tokyo is second in scale only to the Tokushima City Awa Odori and is known as a summer tradition in the area. The event is held every year in late August, and its history dates back to 1957, when it was started as a town revitalization event. The event in the shopping district led to the expansion of the event to surrounding towns and neighborhood associations, and today it is known as "Tokyo's Awa Odori" with 10,000 dancers, attracting many visitors. In addition to dancers from the Tokyo metropolitan area, dancers from Tokushima, the home of Awa Odori, also participate in the festival, adding to the excitement. Summary of Awa Odori, a Dance For Anyone to Enjoy Awa Odori is a popular summer event in Japan that tourists and foreign travelers can enjoy together. In the video, a woman in a yukata from Russia conveys the beauty of Japanese culture through Awa Odori. If you're planning on visiting Japan this summer, we highly recommend checking out Awa Odori, it's a dance that you can both watch and participate in, and will create a lifelong memory of your visit to Japan! ◆Awa Odori 2022◆ Theme: Awa Odori 2022 – A NEW STORY Event Period: Aug. 12 (Fri.) - Aug. 15 (Mon.) ※Aug. 11 (Thurs) Pre-event festival

Gozan no Okuribi – A Summer Tradition in Kyoto: Video Introduction This video, titled "Gozan no Okuribi 4K" (五山送り火 4K Gozan no Okuribi), was uploaded by "MOVIE JAPAN." The video begins with scenes of spectators at Gozan no Okuribi, part of the obon festival in Kyoto, on the banks of the Kamo River, and shows the different bonfires floating up into the summer night sky. What is Gozan no Okuribi? The History of the Festival and More Photo：Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji), Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji) is one of the four major festivals in Kyoto, along with Aoi Matsuri, Gion Matsuri, and Jidai Matsuri. The five mountains of Gozan no Okuribi, called 'Daimonji Yaki,' are all registered as Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Kyoto City. In Kyoto, the souls of one's ancestors are called "Oshorai-san." Gozan no Okuribi is an event held every year on the night of August 16 to send the spirits back to the realm of the dead after they have returned during the Obon Festival. During Gozan no Okuribi, visitors can offer a homa stick, a prayer stick used in a ritual burning to ask for blessings. It is said that if you write your name and the name of your illness on the homa stick and offer it, your illness will be cured. The homa sticks will then be carried by the preservation group to the fire beds at the top of the mountains, where they will be burned in bonfires. For a donation of 300 yen per homa stick, anyone can make an offering, not just local residents. ※Homa sticks are only accepted at specific locations at specific times. Please confirm the acceptance periods, etc., via the FAQ on the official website as they differ for each location. As for how long the Gozan no Okuribi has been held, there are actually few historical documents of the event, and almost no records remain. The oldest documented historical account is from Ozuki Tadatoshi (Tadatoshi Sukuneki), which records that in 1649 Ozuki Tadatoshi saw the Nishiyama Daimonji, Fune (boat), Higashiyama Daimonji, and Minami (South) bonfires. The locations for Gozan no Okuribi are as follows. Bonfires will be lit at different times. Nyoigatake (Mt. Daimonji) on Mt. Higashiyama 【Daimonji】8:00 PM... Nyoigatake (Mt. Daimonji) on Mt. Higashiyama 【Myoho】8:05 PM... 'Myo' (妙) West Mountain of Matsugasaki; 'Ho' (法) East Mountain of Matsugasaki 【Funagata】8:10 PM... Funeyama in Nishigamo 【Hidari Daimonji】8:15 PM... Okitayama (Mt. Daimonji) 【Toriigata】8:20 PM... Mt. Mandara in Saga-Toriimoto In the past, many other characters were lit as send-off fires. Where to See Gozan no Okuribi Photo：Kamigamo Misono Bridge, Kyoto Here are some viewing locations where each of the five bonfires can be seen clearly. Daimonji: Around Misono Bridge, Marutamachi Bridge, Mt. Funaoka, Matsugasaki Station, Takano Bridge Myoho: The area around Notre Dame Jogakuin/Mt. Funaoka/Matsugasaki Station/Shogunzuka Toriigata: Seiryouji Temple North (清涼寺北)/Hirosawa Pond (Matsuo Bridge) Hidari Daimonji: Mt. Funaoka/From Kinkakuji Temple to Saiin on Nishi Oji Street/Shogunzuka Funagata: Around Misono Bridge/Mt. Funaoka/Kitayama-dori/Northwest from Kitayama Bridge/Around Matsugasaki Station/Shogunzuka Gozan-no-Okuribi can be viewed from restaurants, such as those on the Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka (summertime decks with restaurants). Advance reservations are recommended for those who wish to view the bonfires while enjoying a meal in a relaxed atmosphere. Viewing the event and the bonfires in this way is sure to be an exceptional experience. If you're looking for some Instagram shots, you can also view the bonfire from higher places. From the observation deck of Kyoto Tower in front of Kyoto Station, you can enjoy Gozan no Okuribi along with a night view of Kyoto. A viewing event will be held for the first time at Kyoto Tower in 3 years. Tickets for this event will be sold in advance, so be sure to look up the information if you wish to attend. Other Obon Events in Kyoto: Arashiyama Toro Nagashi & Hirosawa Pond Toro Nagashi Photo：Hirosawa Pond Toro Nagashi Lantern Float, Kyoto On August 16, the same day as Gozan no Okuribi, a lantern floating ceremony is held to send the spirits of ancestors to the realm of the dead in lanterns. Below are the lantern floats held at Arashiyama and Hirosawa Pond. The toriigata bonfire can be seen from both locations. Arashiyama Toro Nagashi (Lantern Float) Date & Time: August 16, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Arashiyama Park Nakanoshima Area (Kyoto Prefectural Arashiyama Park) Access: Kyoto city bus 28 "Arashiyama Koen" Henjoji Temple Toro Nagashi (Hirosawa Pond) Date & Time: August 16, around 7:00 PM Location: Henjoji Temple Access: Kyoto City Bus 26 "Yamagoe" Summary of Gozan no Okuribi in Kyoto, Japan In the video, you can see tourists gazing up at the bonfires of Gozan no Okuribi. [Video] 0:45 - People Admiring the Bonfires of Gozan No Okuribi This short video contains the charms of Gozan no Okuribi, an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kyoto. Unfortunately, the 2020 and 2021 festivities were greatly reduced due to the novel coronavirus, and although the bonfires were lit, the floating letters could not be viewed. 2022 is scheduled to be the first time in three years that the entire festival will be able to be viewed. Bus tours that include meals, lantern floating, and viewing of Gozan no Okuribi are also available. Consider joining one one if you're traveling to Kyoto in the summer! The bonfires of Gozan no Okuribi, a summer tradition, float silently in the night sky of Kyoto. Enjoy the end of summer by remembering your ancestors. 【Tripadvisor】Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d8820274-Reviews-Kyoto_Gozan_no_Okuribi-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

The Gion Festival's "Omukae Chochin"? This video, titled "Gion Matsuri Omukae Chochin Performance," was uploaded by Kyoto Fan. It introduces "Omukae Chochin," one of the events that takes place during Kyoto's Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival). Gion Matsuri is held each year at Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社, yasakajinja) in Kyoto and is one of the largest festivals in Japan. Omukae Chochin, which takes place on July 10th, is a lantern parade held to welcome the Gion Matsuri mikoshi (portable shrines). We hope you enjoy watching this exciting event which attracts a large number of tourists each year! Check Out Omukae Chochin! Source :YouTube screenshot Gion Matsuri is a festival that takes place at Yasaka Shrine (sometimes referred to as "Gionsha" (祇園社)) in Kyoto. Gion Matsuri is held throughout the month of July, however, Omukae Chochin, the event introduced in the video, is always held on July 10th. After Omukae Chochin and Mikoshi Togyo (神輿渡御) are held on July 10th, a large number of festival floats called "Yamaboko" (山鉾) are built for future parades. During the festival month, the Yamaboko float areas are filled with musicians dressed in kimono and yukata playing flutes and taiko drums to a performance called "Gionbayashi" (祇園囃子). This can be seen from 0:27 in the video. Popular Events Held After Omukae Chochin Photo：Gion Matsuri, Kyoto Prefecture During "Yoiyama" (宵山), held on July 15th and 16th, the streets are closed off to vehicles and instead filled with a large number of food stands called "yatai" (屋台). This is a great spot to take photos of the delicious local food! Gion Matsuri's main event, Yamaboko Junko (山鉾巡行, Yamaboko Parade), takes place on July 17th and 24th. There are many other events you can enjoy during Gion Matsuri, such as "Yoiyama" which features lively musical performances, and "Hanagasa Junko," which is performed by children. If you'd like to watch the spectacular Yamaboko Junko parade up close, we highly recommend booking seats in advance. Enjoy Summer Sightseeing In Kyoto! Photo：Gozan Okuribi, Kyoto Prefecture Even after Gion Matsuri has come to an end, there are still many more events to be enjoyed in Kyoto! Gozan no Okuribi (五山の送り火), a festival held during the Bon Festival (お盆, obon), attracts many tourists each year. If you're traveling to Kyoto during summer, we highly recommend dining along the riverside, a tradition called "Kamo River Noryo-Yuka" (鴨川納涼床, Kamogawa Nouryoyuka). There are also many other cultural properties you can enjoy in Kyoto city. Unfortunately there are no fireworks displays held in the city, but if you would like to see the summer fireworks, the nearest spots are the Uji River (宇治川, ujikawa) and Kameoka (亀岡). Summary of Kyoto's Gion Matsuri Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from the video, Gion Matsuri is an elegant yet powerful festival which is widely popular year after year. The festival is held throughout the entire month of July (from July 1st all the way through July 31st). If you'd like to see one of the largest festivals in Japan, we highly recommend visiting Kyoto during summer! 【Official Website】Gion Matsuri Overview – Yasaka Shrine http://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Gion Matsuri https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d8820238-Reviews-Gion_Matsuri-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Introducing "Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa" a festival in Fukuoka Prefecture! In this article, we will introduce the video "50 Years of Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa（黒崎祇園山笠 50年の歩み）" released by "Yahata Nishi Ward Office Official Video Channel". There are many festivals derived from the Kyoto Gion Festival in Japan, including the Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa in Fukuoka Prefecture, introduced in this video. The historic Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa is counted along with Tobata Gion Oyamakasa and Ogura Gion Taiko in the “Kitakyushu Three Great Gion Festivals” and is designated as a Fukuoka Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018. The Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa Festical: Origin and highlights Source :YouTube screenshot The Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa festival in Fukuoka, introduced in the video, is a historic festival in Kitakyushu city, which has been held for over 400 years. In 1605, during the Christian era, Nagamasa Kuroda ordered the Kurosaki Castle owner, Yukifusa Inoue, to build Okadagu Kasuga Shrine. This festival dedicated to the Okadagu Kasuga Shrine is the origin of Kurosaki Gion and has been inherited as the Gion Festival of "Ichinomiya Shrine", "Okadagu" and "Kasuga Shrine". You can see the origin of the Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa festival from 0:49 in the video. Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa begins at the beginning of July with a ceremony of the Oshioi-tori that purifies floats with seawater for the sake of safety in Gion. This is introduced at 1:57 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot Next, is the SasaYamakasa that can be seen from 2:13 in the video. This practice is still inherited as an important traditional event. Decorative Yamakasa, which can be seen from 2:28 in the video, are puppets that are placed on floats by puppeteers to decorate them according to the theme of each year. The music of Kurosaki Gion consists of large drums, small drums, bells and conchs, and the rhythm incorporates the battle drums of the battle of Sekigahara. Gion Taiko is brave and encourages the hearts of people and inspires them. The main event of the festival is the city cruise, where you can see the “Mawashi-Neri” that spins the floats. This can be seen at 1:50 and 6:22 in the video. In addition, there are plenty of other spectacular events such as the Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa competition where Yamakasa compete for victory, as well as the Taiko Competition. Both are competitions you won't want to miss! The Different Floats of the “Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa” Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The members of the Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa Preservation Society belong to Ichinomiya Shrine's Kumanishi Yamakasa and Yamadera Yamakasa, the Kumade area's Okadagu Shrine's Kumade first Yamakasa, the Kumade second Yamakasa, the third Kumade Yamakasa, and the Fujita area's Kasuga Shrine. Fujita HigashiYamakasa, Fujiya City Yamakasa , Higashimachi Yamakasa. These SasaYamakasa can be seen from 1:29 in the video. In 2012, Tamachi Funamachi Yamakasa joined the service for the first time in 64 years. Also, in 2013, SasaYamakasa participated in commemorating the 50th anniversary of Kitakyushu's municipal organization. The floats are illuminated with lights, and are more colorful and brilliant when the sun goes down, as you can see from 7:58 in the video. Is the Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa Festival Expanding Overseas? Source :YouTube screenshot Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa has also made appearances in festivals in other regions has expanded overseas. In addition to the Osaka Midosuji Parade, it has also bee na part of the Hawaii Aloha Week Festival, Hong Kong New Year Parade, and the 2016 Korea Communications Festival, all of which are introduced starting at 5:46 in the video. Summary of the "Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa" Introduction Video Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa is also known as the "Yamakasa fight" or "fight festival." It is a powerful festival that dynamically moves floats. You can also see "Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa Memory", which shows the recent history of Kurosaki Gion, from 3:16. Of course, during Kurosaki Gion, there are also food stalls along the roadside, and it is full of many tourists. There are traffic restrictions on the day, so it is recommended that you collect enough information on the official website before going out. ◆Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa ◆ 【Schedule】 4 days in the 3rd to 4th week of July every year 【Venue Information】Kurosaki Ekimae Fureai Street, Kurosaki Hibishin Hall, Suginamiki Park in Magari. 【Access】 Immediately from JR Kurosaki Station 【Parking】 Use a nearby paid parking lot 【Official Website】Kurosaki Gion Yamakasa-Kitakyushu city https://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/yahatanishi/file_0134.html

What is a Nebuta Craftsman? This video, titled “#003 Kenta Tatsuta, Nebuta-shi｜Door to Tomorrow by At Home” (#003 ねぶた師 立田 健太　|　明日への扉 by アットホーム), was released by “Door to Tomorrow by At Home” (明日への扉 by アットホーム). This video introduces the artisans who make the huge floats, "Nebuta," that parade through the city and are the main attraction at the famous Nebuta Festival in Aomori Prefecture. Since ancient times, the Tanabata Festival has been an annual event held in Japan to celebrate the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. The "Nebuta Festival" and "Neputa Festival" held in Aomori Prefecture have also been held as part of this Tanabata event. At this point you’re probably wondering what the differences between the Nebuta and Neputa Festivals are. The biggest difference is that the Nebuta Festival features three-dimensional, dynamic, human-shaped floats with samurai artwork on them, while the Neputa Festival features flat floats. Another difference is that the Nebuta Festival is held in Aomori City, while the Neputa Festival is held in the Tsugaru region, in places like Hirosaki. The artisans who create Nebuta are now considered specialists and are called “Nebuta-shi” (ねぶた師, “Nebuta Artist/Craftsman”) in Japanese. The History of the Nebuta Festival Photo：Nebuta, Aomori Prefecture Today, the Nebuta festival is recognized as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The meaning of Nebuta/Neputa is "sleepy" and actually written using the same kanji (眠た). In the Edo Period, a festival called "Nemuri-nagashi" (眠り流し) was held in many places to lull people to sleep during the summer. The Nebuta Festival has the same origins as Sendai's Tanabata Festival, Akita's Kanto Festival, and Fukushima's Nemuri Nagashi. During the Edo period, Aomori Prefecture was divided into the Nanbu Domain and the Hirosaki Domain (Tsugaru domain). In the Nanbu Domain, the word "Nebutai" was used to describe sleepiness, and in Hirosaki, the word "Neputai" was used, which led to the distinction between the Nebuta and Neputa Festivals. How Nebuta Are Made Photo：How nebuta are made - pitching a tent, Aomori Prefecture Nebuta feature samurai paintings based on traditional Japanese myths and folk tales. They are characterized by the use of poetic justice to defeat demons and evil spirits at decisive moments. In the video, starting at 5:16, you can see how Nebuta are made by the young Nebuta craftsman "Kenta Tatsuta" who apprenticed himself to Nebuta master "Ryusei Uchiyama" at the age of 14. Here, we’ll give a brief introduction of the work of a Nebuta craftsman. ・The Making of Nebuta, Step 1 - Materials and Rough Sketching The rough sketches are the blueprints for the Nebuta. ・The Making of Nebuta, Step 2 - Pitching a Tent A tent is built for the production of Nebuta. The purpose of this is to prepare the details using wood, frame it using wire, color it, and then store the finished Nebuta. ・The Making of Nebuta, Step 3 - Electrical Wiring Since the Nebuta Festival is a nighttime festival, light bulbs are installed inside the floats so that the samurai stand out against the night sky. ・The Making of Nebuta, Step 4 – Kamihari (紙はり) Washi paper is pasted onto the completed framework. At this point, the whole picture becomes a little clearer. Source :YouTube screenshot ・The Making of Nebuta, Step 5 – Kakiwari (書割) The outline of the samurai is drawn on the paper pasted with ink. This is a very important process and has long been considered a task that only Nebuta craftsmen can perform. ・The Making of Nebuta, Step 6 – Rokaki (ろう書き) A special material made of melted paraffin is used. Where paraffin is applied, the paper becomes translucent and bright. ・The Making of Nebuta, Step 7 - Coloring The remaining paper is colored. ・The Making of Nebuta, Step 8 – Daiage (台上げ) The completed Nebuta is placed on a platform with wheels. A large group of people (around 50) carefully take the work outside. At 8:00 in the video, you can see an incident where a mistake is made and the work has to be repaired. Training Nebuta Craftsman Successors Photo：Nebuta, Aomori Prefecture Originally, the production of Nebuta was carried out by neighborhood associations and other such groups. However, the skilled workers in the neighborhood associations were so enthusiastic about making Nebuta that they neglected their own work. However, as the Nebuta Festival became a Japanese festival known on a global scale, and as Nebuta production techniques gradually became more sophisticated, the number of Nebuta craftsmen became fixed and professional Nebuta craftsmen were born. The Nebuta Festival is a festival where gallant Nebuta performances parade through the streets, jumping up and down to the musical accompaniment, but it's also a competition to determine the best Nebuta. Nebuta craftsmen who create outstanding Nebuta works are honored as "Masters." Summary of the Nebuta Festival – A Popular Event in Aomori Prefecture Photo：Nebuta, Aomori Prefecture Being a Nebuta craftsman is not an easy job. Kenta Tatsuta, the Nebuta craftsman featured in the video, even struggles to make ends meet. It is a job that requires a passion for Nebuta. We want people to know that it's only with the help of the people behind the scenes, such as the Nebuta craftsmen, that the magnificent and gorgeous Nebuta Festival can be held. At the same time, the Nebuta Festival holds a beauty contest to select Miss Nebuta. The woman who wins the Miss Nebuta award will lead the Nebuta during the festival, adding to the festivities!

埼玉県秩父の伝統的な夏祭り「長瀞船玉まつり」紹介動画について こちらの動画は「公式チャンネルさいたまつり」が公開した「長瀞船玉まつり 2018 【4K】さいたまつり」です。 埼玉の「長瀞（ながとろ）船玉まつり」をご存知でしょうか？ 観光名所・埼玉県秩父郡で行われている夏祭りで、こちらの動画ではその様子を美しい4Kの高画質映像でご覧になることができます。 長瀞船玉まつりとは？ 夏の風物詩とも言われる日本の花火は年々進化しており、長瀞船玉まつりでも豪華な花火大会が催されます。 街の人総出で行われる祭りの準備様子は、活気に溢れています。 長瀞船玉まつりの歴史 「長瀞船玉まつり」の歴史は長く、昔荒川の周遊船の船頭が、船下りの際に水上の安全を祈願し、水神様を祀ったことが起源とされています。 この周遊船は現在も船頭さんたちによって運営されています。 長瀞船玉まつりの目玉！荒川に映る日本伝統の灯火 「長瀞船玉まつり」はまず、「万灯船」の運航から始まります。 18時になると水上安全修ばつ祭と呼ばれる神事が行われます。 そしてその後18時すぎには、およそ1,000基もの灯籠が流され、美しい光の川を生み出します。 19時すぎには花火大会がスタート！ ここで観衆の高揚はピークに達します。 万灯船、灯籠流し、そして仕掛け花火やスターマインの光が、日本埼玉の美しい景勝地を美しく色付けます。 長瀞船玉まつりの紹介まとめ 「長瀞船玉まつり 2018 【4K】さいたまつり」は、日本の文化を肌で感じられる「長瀞船玉まつり」を美しい映像で紹介してくれています。 祭りの準備の熱気や、夜に映し出される美しい光景を感じられる動画になっているので、長瀞の景勝地観光に興味のある人は是非ご覧ください。 日本の伝統ある文化に触れたい方は、ぜひこの機会に長瀞へ行ってみましょう！

東京・浅草のお祭り「酉の市」紹介動画について こちらの動画は「EDO POP TOKYO 【江戸ポップ東京】」が公開した「2018年 浅草 酉の市 楽しみ方紹介します♪ 鷲神社 / 長國寺 御朱印も！Asakusa Torino-ichi Festival」です。 お祭り大国日本。 その日本を代表する都市が東京。 東京と言えば大都会をイメージする人が多いかもしれませんが、実はお祭りが盛んな都市。 今回は東京でも屈指のお祭りシティ浅草・酉の市を約4分の動画で紹介しちゃいます！ 東京・浅草「酉の市」 東京浅草のお祭りと言えば浅草神社で5月に行われる三社祭りが有名ですが、浅草のお祭りはそれだけではありません。 今回は浅草を代表する神社、鷲神社と長國寺で行われた酉の市へ潜入した動画を紹介いたします。 酉の市は日本代表インスタスポット！？ まずは鷲神社。 参拝の列に並ぶと御社殿の提灯の数がすごい。 露店や屋台、お囃子もあり、インスタ映え必至です！ 鷲神社はお賽銭からの二礼二拍手一礼、長國寺はお賽銭からの鈴→合唱→一礼です。 長國寺では参拝者の邪気を払って、幸運をもたらす鷲舞ひ（おおとりまい）もあり、見逃せません。 酉の市の由縁と歴史、起源 酉の市の歴史を知れば、日本のお祭りをますます好きになります。 酉の市の起源は日本武尊（ヤマトタケル）が武具の熊手をかけて勝ち戦を祝った日が11月であったことと言われています。 鷲神社は天照大御神に由縁があります。 酉の市の開催時期は毎年11月の酉の日です。 酉の日というのは、干支の中の酉＝12日に1回ということになります。 東京・浅草のお祭り「酉の市」紹介まとめ 日本、そして東京のお祭り・酉の市。 いかがでしたでしょうか。 一度は訪れてみたい下町情緒あふれる江戸っ子の町・浅草には切山椒のお餅、屋台には老舗のベビーカステラ屋さんなどのローカルグルメも楽しめます。 東京・浅草のお祭り「酉の市」に参加して運気を上げていきましょう！

Understanding Nunobashi Kanjoe, a Traditional Purification Ceremony in Toyama This video, titled "Japan UNESCO Future Heritage｜Nunobashi Kanjoe Purification Ceremony (Long version), Tateyama Town, Japan" released by the "Official Channel of Tateyama Town, Toyama Prefecture" (日本ユネスコ未来遺産　布橋灌頂会（富山県立山町）Nunobashi Kanjoe Purification Ceremony (Long version) Tateyama Town, Japan). It introduces Nunobashi Kanjoe, a traditional purification ceremony in Tateyama, Toyama. Nunobashi Kanjoe is a traditional ceremony that has been handed down for many years at Ashikuraji Temple in Tateyama, Toyama, in Japan's Tokai Region (東海地方, Tokai-Chiho). This article features a closer look at Nunobashi Kanjoe, a traditional Japanese ceremony that has been registered as a UNESCO Heritage for the Future. The History of Nunobashi Kanjoe, a Purification Ceremony in Tateyama, Toyama Source :YouTube screenshot Tateyama, a well-known sight in Toyama Prefecture, is counted as one of the three most sacred mountains in Japan. It has been worshipped as a spiritual mountain since ancient times. Entry to Tateyama was originally forbidden to females, and women were not allowed to climb the mountain during the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.). It is believed that the origin of Nunobashi Kanjoe was when these female believers crossed a bridge called Nunobashi over the Ubadou River (姥堂川, Ubadou-Gawa) in Tateyama, praying to be accepted into paradise. A Closer Look at Nunobashi Kanjoe, a Purification Ceremony in Tateyama, Toyama Source :YouTube screenshot Nunobashi Kanjoe includes the ceremony in which women dressed entirely in white enter the dimly lit Enmado-Hall and perform sutra reading to pray for entry to paradise. This performance is shown at 2:41 in the video. Nunobashi Kanjoe has been actively practiced since the Edo period, but was once abolished due to the abolition of Buddhism during the Meiji period (1868-1912 A.D.), and only recently revived in the Heisei period (1989-2019 A.D.). Nunobashi Kanjoe is now held only once every three years, so nowadays, it is a sacred ritual that can rarely be seen. Nunobashi Kanjoe was registered as a "Heritage for the Future" by UNESCO Japan in 2012, in recognition of its historical and valuable rituals. Sightseeing Around the Tateyama Area in Toyama Photo：Toyama Prefecture, Tateyama Museum of Toyama Yobokan The Toyama Prefectural Tateyama Museum, located at the site where Nunobashi Kanjoe is held, offers a video hall to learn the history of Tateyama and the rituals of Nunobashi Kanjoe. When sightseeing in Tateyama, Toyama, you should definitely check out the events in the surrounding areas. There is a popular theme park called "Mandara Amusement Park" in the Tateyama Museum as well. It's said that the theme park was created in the image of hell... Consider stopping by to check it out. Summary of Nunobashi Kanjoe, A Traditional Ceremony in Tateyama, Toyama Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video, Nunobashi Kanjoe, a traditional ceremony in the Tateyama area of Toyama Prefecture, is a sacred ritual that has passed down traditional Japanese culture to the present day. When visiting the Tateyama area in Toyama, enjoy experiencing the ethereal world at the Tateyama Museum, where you can find a rich collection of materials related to Nunobashi Kanjoe.

Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko in Hino, Shiga This video, titled "Good Sign Vol.14 "Hino" Hinamatsuri Travelogue" (Good Sign 第14回放送「日野」ひな祭り紀行), was uploaded by "Good Sign." It introduces Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko, a Hinamatsuri event in Hino, Shiga, located in Japan's Kansai region. Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko is an annual event held from early February to early March, from Okubo in southeastern Shiga, to the shopping arcade and merchant residences of Murai and Nishioji. The cityscape of Hino has a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of Japan's Showa Period. Hina dolls are displayed along the streets and in merchant houses. There are also special viewing windows called "sajiki-mado" (桟敷窓) with which you can enjoy dolls that are on display. This can be seen from 1:00 in the video. Check out the video to see what kind of event "Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko" is. Hinamatsuri - A Traditional Japanese Event Hinamatsuri is an event celebrated on March 3rd, traditionally known as "Momo no Sekku" (the Peach Festival) to wish for the healthy growth of girls by decorating hina dolls with peach-blossoms, serving hina-arare (sweet rice cakes), and Japanese sweets, and preparing food such as chirashizushi, a type of bright and colorful sushi. Hina dolls generally consist of a male and female doll (Dairibina, 内裏雛), three or five court ladies (Kanjo, 官女), five musicians (gonin bayashi, 五人囃子), two ministers (Daijin, 大臣), and the protectors (Shicho, 仕丁). The history of Hinamatsuri dates back to before the Edo period (1603-1868). Nowadays, Hinamatsuri is a popular event for girls, where hina dolls are decorated and chirashizushi, sweets, and cakes are prepared. Also, during the event, children sing “Ureshii Hinamatsuri” (Happy Hinamatsuri), which can be seen at the end of the video. Hino Hinamtsuri Kiko by the Hino Tourist Association "Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko" started in 2008 with the aim of making Hino livelier, says Minoru Nakata, the organizer of the event, shown at 1:12 in the video. In the past, hina dolls were brought back by merchants of Hino for their daughters when they went out on business. Hino was a plain town where women and children generally stayed in the home. Now, there are more than 150 places, including the Omi Hino Merchant Museum (近江日野商人館), Omi Hino Merchant Furusato Hall (近江日野商人ふるさと館), Hino Machikado Kanno (日野まちかど感応館), and Umamioka Watamuki Shrine (馬見岡綿向神社), as well as merchant houses with sajiki windows, private homes, and store counters decorated with hina dolls, attracting tourists to Hino. Take the bus bound for Kitabataguchi (北畑口) from JR Omihachiman Station (JR近江八幡駅) or Omi Railway Hino Station (近江鉄道日野駅), and get off at Okubo Nishi (大窪西) or the Mukaimachi (向町) bus stop. There is also a parking for those driving. You can also enjoy specialties, such as Omi Hino Beef, pickled vegetables from Hino, and Hino Udon. Summary of Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko, a Hinamatsuri Event in Hino, Shiga In this article, we introduced "Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko" along with the video "Good Sign Vol.14 "Hino" Hinamatsuri Travelogue." You can get a good idea of what Hino looks like during the event. In addition to old hina dolls, cute origami dolls made by kindergarteners can also be seen in the video. If you're headed over to Shiga Prefecture, consider dropping by "Hino Hinamatsuri Kiko"!

Daianzenji Temple- Beautiful Irises and the Iris Festival This video, titled "Daianzenji PR Video 1 "Iris Festival"" (大安禅寺ＰＲ動画1「花しょうぶ祭」), was produced by "Takahide Masuda." It introduces the Hanashobu Matsuri (Shobu Festival) at Daianzenji Temple in Fukui Prefecture in the Hokuriku region (北陸地方, Hokuriku chihou) of Japan. In early summer, Daianzenji temple is beautifully surrounded by blossoming azaleas, hydrangeas and roses. The temple is popular for the Japanese Irises that grow there. Approximately 10,000 Japanese irises cover the grounds here and the sight attracts many tourists. Every year in June, the Iris Festival is held at Daianzenji temple and the area is bustling with tourists and visitors. Feel the cool summer breeze on your face as you walk around the grounds, taking in the spectacular Japanese scenery. Throughout this video we'll introduce to you, via drone imagery, the Iris Festival, a festival which takes place at Daianzenji Temple in Fukui prefecture. The purple, white and yellow irises covering the grounds at Mt. Bansho's Daianzenji Temple tell of the arrival of summer. Check Out Daianzenji Temple and See the Beautiful Japanese Irises! Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese Irises are perennials that bloom during the rainy season in Japan. It is thought that Japanese Irises were already being cultivated during the Edo period (1603-1868) and there are still several traditional varieties grown today: Ise, Higo, Edo and Nagai are a few of these varieties. We recommend having a look and comparing the different varieties of Japanese Irises on show at the Iris Festival. The history attached to the Japanese Iris adds to its charm. At the Iris Festival, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the temple grounds covered in what looks like a carpet of Japanese Irises. It's the perfect spot to take pictures to share on Instagram! Throughout the video you can see some amazing shots of Japanese Irises, however, the images from 0:53 are particularly breathtaking. What Kind of Place Is Mt. Bansho's Daianzenji Temple? Source :YouTube screenshot Not only is Daianzenji Temple well known for its Iris Festival, it's also famous for being the resting place of the Matsudaira clan (松平家, Matsudairake). In 1658, the fourth generation feudal lord Matsudaira Mitsumichi converted to Buddhism and had this temple erected. As a place of historical significance, the temple building was designated an important cultural asset of Japan. In addition, some ancient and valuable works of art are kept here, such as the Arhat (羅漢図, Rakanzu) and Portuguese Ship (南蛮船風俗図, Nanbansenfuuzokuzu) paintings. We highly recommend trying Buddhist Shojinryouri cuisine, taking part in a Buddhist sermon or Zen meditation when you visit Daianzenji Temple. Don't forget your seal stamp when visiting! Summary of the Iris Festival at Daianzenji Temple, Fukui Daianzenji Temple, with approximately 10,000 Japanese Irises and many other flower varieties blossoming on its grounds, is truly a temple of flowers. There is free parking on site for those travelling by car, so you can easily come and take part in the festival! We hope you enjoy taking a closer look at the festival in this video. We're sure that after watching this video you will be eager to come and take part in the Iris Festival! The event is held every year in the second week of June, details of the exact date will be posted online on the official website. We hope to see you there! ◆Daianzenji Temple◆ 【Address】 Tanotanicho (田ノ谷町) 21-4, Fukui city, Fukui prefecture 【Access】: 25 minutes drive from the Hokuriku Motorway Fukui North Interchange (北陸自動車道　福井北IC, Hokurikujidoushadou Fukuikita IC) 【Admission fee】Adults: 500 yen (as of November 2019) 【Hours】9am-5pm 【Closures】Open all year round 【Parking】Available (no charge) 【Phone number】0776-59-1014

The Obama Montsuki Festival in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture This is a video titled “【Official】Obama Montsuki Festival 2018" (【公式】小浜の紋付祭り2018), that introduces the Obama Montsuki Festival, a traditional Japanese festival in Fukushima Prefecture, created by Matsurism. The Obama Montsuki Festival is a traditional Japanese festival passed down in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture in the Tohoku region. In this article we'll introduce the charm, schedule, and highlights of the traditional Japanese event that has been passed down for generations in Fukushima prefecture. Be sure to follow along with the video, as it has a lot of interesting scenes that you won't be able to see in the article! The History of the Obama Montsuki Festival in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot The Obama Montsuki Festival is a traditional Japanese festival held in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, during the consecutive holidays in October, and is an annual festival of the Shiomatsu Shrine tradition in the Obama district of former Iwashiro town (岩代町, Iwashiro-Cho). It is said that the festival started with a parade of decorated Mikoshi (portable shrines) praying for recovery from the local famine that occurred in the Edo Period (1603 to 1868 AD). The name "Obama Montsuki Festival" comes from the men wearing montsuki hakama (a formal Japanese attire of men with their family crest). The Obama Montsuki Festival, a unique festival with 230 years of history, where festival participants dress in Montsuki Hakama, is definitely a festival that we recommend to tourists looking to see traditional Japanese festivals. The Schedule for the Obama Montsuki Festival in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture! Source :YouTube screenshot At the Obama Montsuki Festival, traditional floats, called “Taikodai,” are prepared from 4 towns. The Ujiko of each town play the Japanese flute and drums while wearing the formal Montsuki Hakama, and walking around the town with traditional floats. The parade of the floats is introduced at 0:26 in the video, and you can hear the sound of beautiful music resonating throughout the city. The Obama Montsuki Festival is held every year on the first day of the consecutive holidays in October. It starts with the evening festival “Yoi-matsuri,” followed by the main festival the next day, and the “Ato-matsuri” on the last day. The main festival is regarded as the most important event at the Shiomatsu Shrine annual festival. At the evening festival “Yoi-matsuri,” there's the Taikodai, and the main festival has a Mikoshi parade, Montsuki Festival, and lantern festival. On the last day of the “Ato-matsuri,” there are lively events such as the water festival, and there's also a chorus. How to Enjoy the Obama Montsuki Festival in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture The Obama Montsuki Festival is held on a three-day holiday schedule including the October Sports Day. Prior to this schedule, a traditional festival called the "Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival," is held in early October. The Lantern Festival is a lively festival where seven Taikodai, decorated with lanterns, parade through the city. Summary of Obama Montsuki Festival in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot During the Obama Montsuki Festival, there are food stands along the roadside, so you can enjoy delicious Japanese festival food and the local Fukushima cuisine. Be sure to take some pictures of your visit to the festival. They'll look great on Instagram! In the video, the local people talk about how the Obama Montsuki Festival is a festival made possible by the local residents working together, and about how lively it is. In Japanese festivals, it's common for people to wear Yukata or Happi coats, but at the Obama Montsuki Festival in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima, men participate while wearing Montsuki Hakama. Be sure to watch the video to see the sights of this rare festival! 【Official Website】Nihonmatsu City Hall Official Website https://www.city.nihonmatsu.lg.jp/page/page002466.html 【Nihonmatsu tourism association 】Obama Montsuki Festival http://www.nihonmatsu-kanko.jp/?page_id=2441

秋田県で行われる横手かまくら雪まつり こちらの動画は「Discover Nippon」が公開した「［4K］Snow scene Winter Japan 秋田県•横手かまくら祭り Yokote Kamakura Festival 秋田観光 雪まつり JAPAN 雪景色　日本の冬」です。 横手かまくらとは秋田県で毎年2月に開催される伝統の「横手の雪まつり」で作られる大きなかまくらのことです。 この祭りの特徴は、「はいってたんせ」と、高さ3ｍにもなる「かまくら」の中へと招く子どもたちに手を引かれ、甘酒やお餅などをごちそうになり、凍える冬の寒さを忘れるひとときを過ごすことができます。 秋田県の横手かまくらの歴史と伝統文化 秋田県横手市の横手かまくら祭りには450年もの歴史があります。 江戸時代には鎌倉大明神を祀り、門松を立てお神酒を奉り、しめ縄を燃やすことで無病息災を祈念していました。 商人の間では、小正月行事祭りとして水神様を祀り、繁栄祈願をしました。 今でも伝統としてかまくらの内部の神棚にはろうそくと水神様が祀られている様子が動画の1:33からご覧になることができます。 また、日本のかまくらの歴史や伝統文化について学習するには、秋田県の横手駅から徒歩10分の横手市ふれあいセンターかまくら館がおすすめです。 横手のかまくらが伝統として継承されてきた歴史を展示しているので、イベントをより深く楽しむことができます。 ここでは四季に関係なく、秋田に降った雪で作られたかまくらが展示されています。 横手かまくら体験以外にも多くのイベントが開催 横手かまくら祭りの100基のかまくらの中でろうそくが灯されている景色は幻想的かつインスタ映え間違いなしです。 また、秋田県横手市にはかまくらをモチーフにしたものがたくさんあり、地域の情報を報道するFMかまくらや、秋の横手を自転車で走るかまくらライドといったイベントまであります。 横手かまくらが伝統として地域に根付いている証拠でしょう。 秋田の日本伝統的祭り「横手かまくらの雪まつり」紹介まとめ 今回の動画は秋田の横手かまくらに関する日本伝統の雪祭りについて紹介しました。 日本の雪まつりの中でも歴史と伝統文化のある横手かまくら祭りをぜひ体験してみてください！

The Ogaki Festival of Ogaki, Gifu This video, titled "[Full Version] Ogaki Festival [Main Ver.]" (【完全版】大垣祭の軕（ヤマ）行事【メインVer.】), shows the Ogaki Festival in Gifu prefecture. The Ogaki Festival is a traditional Japanese festival held in Ogaki, Gifu in May each year. In this article, we'll go over the history and characteristics of the festival in detail! What Kind of Festival is the Ogaki Festival? Source :YouTube screenshot The Ogaki Festival is a historic castle town festival that is said to have started around 1648 in the Edo Period. Several floats were lost due to earthquakes during the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and World War II. The nine surviving floats and accessories have been designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Gifu Prefecture. In 2015, the festival was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, and in 2016, the Ogaki Festival was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage as one of the yama (山), hoko (鉾), and yatai (屋台) float festivals of Japan. Ogaki is the place where Matsuo Basho wrote his last haiku for "The Narrow Road to the Deep North." In spring, Ogaki holds the "Basho Festival" in honor of the great poet. The Floats of the Ogaki Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The Ogaki Festival consists of 13 floats: Kagura, representing Honamachi/Nakamachi/Shinmachi, Daikoku, representing Uoya-cho/Takejima-cho/Tawaramachi, Ebisu, representing Funamachi/Tenma-cho/Gifumachi/Miyamachi, Aioi, also representing Honmachi, Hotei, representing Nakamachi, Sugawara, representing Shinmachi, Namazu, representing Uoya-cho, Sakaki, representing Takejima-cho, Urashima, representing Tawaramachi, Tamanoi, representing Funamachi, Shochiku, representing Tenma-cho, Atago, representing Gifumachi, and Shojo, representing Miyamachi. During the festival, these 13 floats parade around Ogaki. Each of them is decorated with a variety of traditional crafts, such as metals, lacquer works, and carvings, which are made in the Mino area. You can see the floats parading through the city in the midst of the festival at 0:59 in the video. The decorations on each of the floats use many of the excellent traditional craftsmanship techniques of the Mino Region, such as metalwork, lacquer work, and carving, and the floats have a very ornate appearance. The Various Events at the Ogaki Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The Ogaki Festival consists of three types of events: "Shiraku," showcasing traditional Japanese performing arts, the "Honraku" float parade, and "Yomiya," which involves the lighting of lanterns and the transfer of a sacred object. During the festival, each float plays lively music with gongs and drums, karakuri dolls perform tricks, and there's music played by the hayashi bands. The karakuri dolls can be seen at 2:05 in the video. On the day of the festival, many food stalls line the streets, so you can enjoy eating different types of Japanese food cart snacks! Summary of the Ogaki Festival Source :YouTube screenshot As shown in the video, the Ogaki Festival is an elegant yet powerful festival in the Mino region of Gifu prefecture. Throw on a yukata and head over to Ogaki in early summer to see this beautiful, traditional Japanese festival! 【Official Website】Ogaki Festival Executive Committee https://www.ogakikanko.jp/event/ogakimaturi/english/

Introducing the Aoi Festival! This "Skyscape" produced video "[Kyoto / Aoi Matsuri 2017] EOS 5D Mark IV 4K Saiodai and Shimogamo Shrine / Headquarters Kyoto Aoi Matsuri Festival（【京都・葵祭2017】EOS 5D Mark IV 4K 斎王代と下鴨神社・社頭の儀 Kyoto Aoi Matsuri Festival), shows the Kyoto Aoi Festival which is held in the Kansai region in Kyoto during the fresh green season. The Aoi Festival consists of three ceremonies: the Miyagi ceremony (宮中の儀, Kyuchu no gi), Roadside ceremony (路頭の儀, Roto no gi), and the Shrine ceremony (社頭の儀, Shatōnogi). Unfortunately, the Miyagi ceremony is not currently being held. The video shows the sacred shrine ceremony in detail. Watch the videos to discover the mysterious and beautiful traditions of Japan. What Kind of Event Is the Aoi Festival Photo：The Tower Gate of Shimogamo Shrine The Aoi Festival is a festival of the World Cultural Heritage sites, Kamigamo Shrine (上賀茂神社, Kamigamo Jinja) (Kamobetsu Raijin Shrine) and Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社, Shimogamo Jinja) (Kamo Miso Shrine), and is also called the Kita Festival (北祭, Kita Matsuri) or Kamo Festival (賀茂祭, Kamo Matsuri). The two shrines have been worshipped in Japan since before the Heian period (794 AD to 1185 AD), as Kyoto's number one shrine. The Aoi Festival introduced in this video is counted as one of the three major festivals of Kyoto, along with the Gion Festival and the Festival of the Ages. In addition, the Kyoto Gozan bonfire is added to the three major festivals of Kyoto, causing them to sometimes be referred to as Kyoto's four major events. The Aoi Matsuri is one of the oldest festivals in Japan, and it is mentioned in the "Rivalry of the Carriages" in the Aoi chapter of The Tale of Genji (源氏物語, Genji Monogatari). Let's Check Out Japan's Aoi Festival! Photo：Aoi Festival The roadside ritual of the Aoi Festival is a Heian picture scroll procession that follows a route from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Kamigamo Shrine. At 0:28 in the video, we see the Saiin of the Aoi Festival, dressed in the "Jūnihitoe," a twelve-layered ceremonial kimono. At the Aoi Festival, there is also a royal envoy and ladies wearing special kimono, and they will travel along the streets with horses and oxen. Participants in the Aoi Matsuri parade decorate their hair with wilder ginger from the Futaba-Aoi plant. After the ceremony in front of the shrine's main building, the procession is filmed in a line from Shimogamo Shrine to the main hall of Kamigamo Shrine. This can be seen at 2:16 in the video. Highlights of the Aoi Festival! If you want to go sightseeing in Kyoto, we recommend the Aoi Festival in May. In addition to the pilgrimage on May 15, there are many rituals during Golden Week, such as the Yabusame ritual, the Kamo horse racing ritual, the holy ritual, the Aoi Festival purification ritual, the festival of the ages, the Oin festival, and the tea ceremony. If you want to see the Aoi Festival up close, you may want to use the paid seats. Around the pilgrimage route there are many famous restaurants such as Saruya, and Yoshinobu Tsuruya, so you can enjoy Kyoto's gourmet cuisine for lunch or buy some souvenirs. Summary of the Aoi Festival Photo： Kamigamo Shrine The video introduced here captures an elegant scene that's as if you've traveled back in time to the Heian period (794 AD to 1185 AD). The Aoi Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Japan, so be sure not to miss it! To get to Kamobetsurai Shrine (Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine), it takes 30 minutes from JR East Kyoto Station by Kyoto City Bus or by car, or a 20-minute walk from Kitaoji Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. There is a parking lot, but traffic is restricted during the Aoi Festival, so we recommend using a Kyoto city bus or train. You can enjoy Kamigamo Shrine not just during the Aoi Festival, but year round as well! Some recommended spots are: “Tachisuna” imitating Kamiyama in front of Nino Torii, “Jokē-en,” a beautiful garden, "Saio Sakura" named after the priestess of the Aoi Festival, "Shinmasha" where you can see the village Hakuba, The Hosono, Maiden (Hashido), Tamabashi, and Romon, all important cultural properties, the Ominata River, the Mitarai River, used for purifying the objects and people in rituals, the Kamiyama spring, Kataoka Shrine, Motomiya Shrine, Kifune Shrine, Kamoyamaguchi Shrine, Kamoyamaguchi Shrine, Shingu Shrine, the Katayama Lion Shrine, Ota Shrine, the wishing stone, the "Kamizen wedding ceremony" (wedding ceremony before the gods), and more. There are hotels and inns near Kamigamo Shrine, so we recommend an overnight stay. Be sure to visit Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, which are also famous power spots. ◆Kamigamo Shrine Facility Overview◆ 【Address】 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan 【Access】About 30 minutes by car from R East Kyoto Station 【Hours】5: 30-17: 00 【Closures】Open all year round 【Parking】Available (Charge) 【Telephone No】075-781-0011 【Entrance fee】 General admission free, 500 yen for special visits 【Official Website】Aoi Festival 2019 | Kyoto Sightseeing Information KYOTOdesign https://kyoto-design.jp/spot?no_cat=1&en_ver=1&mode_s=1&s= 【Official Website】Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo-wake-ikazuchi Shrine) https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Aoi Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d8820145-Reviews-Aoi_Matsuri-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

The Traditional Ako Lion Dance! This video, produced by "Ako Channel - The Official Video Channel of Ako City," is an official PR video titled, "Ako Lion Dance - Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society" (赤穂の獅子舞「新田西部獅子舞保存会」). There are various regional events and festivals in autumn every year in Ako, Hyogo in Japan's Kansai Region. The Ako Lion Dance, performed by the members of the Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society (新田西部獅子舞保存会), is especially popular as it is vigorous and has a long history in the area. The Ako Lion Dance parades through the approaches to shrines and temples. Take in the traditional Japanese atmosphere through the video, which shows the lion dance, a traditional cultural event in Ako in the fall. Don't Miss the Dynamic Movement of the Ako Lion Dance! Source :YouTube screenshot The Autumn Festival of Hiyoshi Shrine in Nitta District is held annually in October in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. During this lively festival, the Ako Lion Dance, performed by the Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society, parades throughout the city. The festival begins with the "welcome of the gods"(0:19). A mischievous wild lion is skillfully led by a Tengu, a sort of Japanese goblin often found in folk tales. At 0:41, after “the purification of the lion head and Tengu mask” takes place, it's time to leave for "Hanamai," which parades through the city of Ako (0:53). "Hanamai" continues to visit over 200 places while performing to the sound of the drum. The lion dance at Hiyoshi Shrine is performed by Western Nitta District and Nitta Village alternately each year. The one seen in the video is performed by Western Nitta District. The highlight of the festival is "dochu mai" (1:58); while the rituals are being performed at Hiyoshi Shrine, the lion dance troupe takes its time to move along the approach to the shrine. After the ritual is over, they run up to the worship hall and the dedication dance begins. The Ako Lion Dance is descended from Ako Hachiman Shrine in Ozaki Districtand is characterized by slow movements during "dochu mai" and intense movements during the dedication dance at the main shrine. The Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society performs a dance with a skit called "Niwaka."(2:55). So Much to See and Do at the Ako Autumn Festival! Source :YouTube screenshot In addition to the lion dance dedication by the Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society, various events are held in Ako, such as an exorcism ritual and a children's mikoshi (portable shrine). The Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society is not the only performer of Ako Lion Dance. There are many other organizations, such as Kamihamaichi and the Kizu Lion Preservation Society, that performs the dance as well. The lion dance of the Kamihamaichi Lion Preservation Society, known for its Hanamai and group dances, and the lion dance of the Kizu Lion Dance Preservation Society, which prays for purification and a good harvest, are also worth seeing. During the Autumn Festival in Ako, there are many stalls along the streets of shrines and temples. One of the ways to enjoy Ako's Autumn Festival is to eat local Japanese food at the stalls. Summary of the Ako Lion Dance The Ako Lion Dance is an important traditional ritual, and the Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society has long been honing their skills to preserve the culture. Succession of traditional culture is a significant theme of traditional Japanese festivals. Visit the Ako Autumn Festival and experience Japanese culture through vigorous lion dances! 【Official Website】Ako Tourism - FEEL AKO TIME https://ako-kankou.jp/en/

Sanja Matsuri in the Old Town Asakusa; The Tradition of Early Summer in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot This is an introductory video titled “SANJA MATSURI – IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI” (SANJA MATSURI - IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI - 祭 （三社祭／東京)), created by ANA Global Channel. It introduces Sanja Matsuri (三社祭, Three Portable Shrines Festival) in Asakusa, Tokyo. The old town Asakusa is a popular sightseeing spot in Tokyo for foreign tourists; It is famous for Sensoji Temple (浅草寺, Sensoji) and Kaminarimon Gate (雷門, Kaminarimon). Sanja Matsuri is the festival held at Asakusa Shrine (浅草神社, Asakusa Jinja) in this old town. Sanja Matsuri is held in the old town Asakusa during the 3rd week of May, every year, from Friday to Sunday. Throughout the three days of this event, more than 1.5 million people visit the festival! Japan has been gaining popularity due to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, and now Sanja Matsuri is one of the very popular events representing Tokyo and Japan. In this video, Mr. Hamasaki from the Kaminarimon West Community Association explains the charms of Sanja Matsuri. Its highlights and history are especially interesting! After watching this video you'll definitely want to check it out! Be sure to follow along with the video as you read the article! Sanja Matsuri: Day 1 Source :YouTube screenshot The first day of Sanja Matsuri starts with “Daigyoretsu Parade.” Beginning with a float accompanied by music, a line of chic Edokko (people born and raised in Edo), dressed as geisha and egrets, parade along the routes in each town of Asakusa. You can see this scene from 2:14 in the video. You especially don't want to miss the “Binzasara Dance,” the dance of rice planting. “Binzasara” is a traditional music instrumental made of 108 thin layers of Japanese cypress boards. Here, participants pray for a good harvest by dancing with the sound of Binzasara. The Binzasara Dance is also designated as an important intangible folk-cultural property of Tokyo; It is a special event you can see only at this festival. After that, the ceremony of transferring the Omi-Tama to the shrine of each town council, is held. Sanja Matsuri: Day 2 Source :YouTube screenshot On the 2nd day of Asakusa Sanja Matsuri, the event called "Mikoshi Togyo" is held by the 44 parishioners of Asakusa. A mikoshi is a portable shrine on which a god or a spirit rides during festivals. In the afternoon, approximately 100 “Portable Town Shrines (町内神輿, Chonai Mikoshi)” owned by 44 towns of Asakusa undergo a purification ceremony at Asakusa Shrine one by one. Then, Edokko carry Mikoshi together and walk around the town energetically. All the portable shrines are put behind the main hall of Sensoji Temple, so it is a very good spot to take some photos. It's definitely worth seeing the view of the 100 portable shrines. You can take some great pictures here as well! You can see this scene from 4:32 in the video. In the video, Mr. Hamasaki says that the events held on the 2nd day are practice for carrying the portable shrines on the following day. He also says that there are no rules for shouts; As long as everyone enjoys carrying the shrines, it's fine. Usually the area around Kaminarimon Gate is full of tourists. During the festival, however, many Edokko gather in this area to carry portable shrines. You can see some great scenes from 9:30 in the video. After that, you can see the female shrine maidens’ dance performance at Kagura Hall (神楽殿, Kaguraden). Sanja Matsuri: Day 3 On the final day of Asakusa Sanja Matsuri, you can see the main portable shrine (本社神輿, Honja Mikoshi) of Asakusa Shrine. The portable shrines where gods ride are called “Miya.” The three portable shrines are called “the first palace (一之宮, Ichino Miya),” “the second palace (二之宮, Nino Miya),” and “the third palace, (三之宮, Sanno Miya).” And taking the palaces out of each Mikoshi is called “Miyadashi.” People first move three spirits to the three portable shrines, and then they walk around the towns of Asakusa while carrying each portable shrine. Many people vie for handles of portable shrines wildly, which Mr. Hamasaki says the best part of Sanja Matsuri. However, Miyadashi, carrying Mikoshi out of the shrine, starts at 6 a.m. Moreover, people are not allowed to go inside Asakusa Shrine during this time. If you want to watch this scene with the best possible view, we recommend staying at a hotel in the area the day before the event. At 12:58 in the video, Mr. Hamasaki says that it is fun for visitors to watch Mikoshi Togyo because it is a participation type festival that is very close to the audience. On the same day, you can also see the ceremony of spirits returning from portable shrines, female attendants dancing, and the dance offering accompanied by a Japanese drum performance. Food at Asakusa Sanja Matsuri Don’t forget the food stalls at the festival! Enjoying street food is another fun part of Sanja Matsuri. Asakusa is famous for many kinds of delicious local food, such as Monja, Sukiyaki, and Unagi eels. Enjoy the sounds and flavors of Sanja Matsuri! Overview of Asakusa Sanja Matsuri Asakusa Sanja Matsuri is one of the three main festivals in Japan. In recent years, collecting the Goshuin (red seals) at temples and shrines has become popular. In addition, many temples and shrines are now popular among Instagrammers, which is why a large number of visitors come to Asakusa Shrine throughout the year. During the three days of this festival, Asakusa Shrine and the old town of Asakusa become full of the excitement of Edokko! Sanja Matsuri, a historical and traditional festival in Asakusa, now attracts people all around the world. This 18-minute video shows some highlights of Sanja Matsuri, including the powerful ceremony of transferring the spirits to portable shrines. Mr. Hamasaki introduces some must-see points of the festival, so be sure to check them out! Enjoy Sanja Matsuri, the historical festival in Asakusa! During the festival, traffic is very crowded due to traffic restrictions. The parking lots around the shrine can also not be used, so when you visit Sanja Matsuri, we highly recommend using public transportation. ◆Information of Asakusa Shrine◆ 【Address】2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032 JAPAN Seven-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Ginza Line/Asakusa Line) 【Parking】There are some parking lots. You cannot park your car if you are only visiting the shrine. 【Phone Number】03-3844-1575 【Official Website】 Asakusa Shrine, Sanja Matsuri https://www.asakusajinja.jp/english/

The Shimonoseki Straits and Genpei Festivals This video, titled "The Official Video of the Genpei Festival - Shimonoseki Straits Festival" )【公式】しものせき海峡まつり　源平まつり), was released by the city of Shimonoseki. Located at the westernmost tip of the Main Island, Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture features a historical site where the famous sea battle "Dan-no-ura" occurred in 1185. At the Shimonoseki Straits Festival, annually scheduled from May 2nd-4th, performers with authentic clothing produce a surreal sight, as if the illustrations from the ancient scrolls are coming to life before our very eyes. The highlight of the festival is "Genpei Festival" on May 3 held at Kanmon Straits where the famous sea battle occurred. The warriors' parade, the reenactment of the sea battle of Dan-no-ura, and the archery battle between the warring clans (one scene from Studio Ghibli's Pompoko explicitly references this battle), and Senteisai (loosely translated as the "former emperor festival" and is held to commemorate the child Emperor Antoku who drowned at Dan-no-ura), attract a great number of onlookers. The video leads us over to the city where performers wearing the medieval costumes fill the streets. Enjoy your journey back in time through the video! The Brave Warriors' Parade Source :YouTube screenshot The Genpei Festival is preceded by "Senteisai", where a ritual is held to offer prayers to the shrine in order to appease the soul of Emperor Antoku's. Samurai, courtesans, and adorable child soldiers are separated into the Genji and Heike clans and parade throughout the city. From 0:09, the video allows us a glance at the elaborate preparation process that turns the performers into historical characters, and at 1:26the parade begins. The parade depicts the two warring clans marching to the battlefield. The vigorous war cries of the warring clans captivate onlookers. The Reenactment of the Famous Sea Battle Source :YouTube screenshot From 1:37 is the majestic reenactment of the climatic sea battle. The presence of historical characters such as the legendary monk warrior Benkei, the heroin Shizuka Gozen, and the child Emperor Antoku on the boats portraying the scene, energizes the event. The spectacular reenactment, with a fleet of about 200 ships sailed out on the wild waves, will definitely look great on Instagram. A series of events associated with the Genpei war take place on the main stage and the dance of the 5 gorgeous courtesans closes the performance. The main stage performances are introduced from 3:00. Festival performers are chosen from the public submissions. Summary of the Shimonoseki Straits and Genpei Festivals The video guides us through the Shimonoseki Straits Festival where one can experience one of Japan's most historically significant events. Enjoy time traveling back to the 12th century with this video! The main venues at the Genpei Festival are the Akama Shrine and Shimaitoshi Square. Transportation is blocked at some parts of the city during the festival, so we recommend checking the event schedule in advance if you're planning on using it.