• Ōmisoka, Japan

    Ōmisoka —or ōtsugomori —is a Japanese traditional celebration on the last day of the year. It is customary for people to clean their homes, eat soba or udon noodles, and bathe…

  • Shōgatsu, Japan

    Shōgatsu, or Japanese New Year, is one of the most important holidays in Japan, celebrated from January 1–3 with family gatherings, traditional foods, and special customs. Activities include cleaning homes…

  • Setsubun

    Setsubun, the Bean-Throwing Festival, takes place before the first day of spring in Japan. Roasted soybeans called fuku mame (fortune beans) are thrown for good luck.

  • Hina Matsuri

    Hina Matsuri is a Japanese celebration also called Doll's Day, Doll Festival, Festival of Dolls, or Girls' Festival. People pray for the health and happiness of girls. Click HERE for…

  • Hana Matsuri, Japan

    Hana Matsuri, or "Flower Festival," is a Japanese Buddhist celebration held annually on April 8 to commemorate the birth of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha). Temples are decorated with flowers, symbolizing the garden in which Buddha was born. A key tradition is the kanbutsu-e ceremony, where people pour sweet tea (amacha) over small Buddha statues, reenacting the…

  • Kodomo no Hi

    Kodomo no Hi, also known as Children's Day, is a Japanese national holiday celebrated on May 5th. It honors the well-being and happiness of children, featuring traditional decorations like Koinobori…

  • Tanabata (Star Festival)

    Tanabata, also known as the "Star Festival," is celebrated every year on July 7 in Japan. Read more.

  • Kanto Matsuri, Japan

    The Kanto Festival is an annual event held every year in Akita City, Japan. Eight-meter tall bamboo poles decorated with hanging lanterns are balanced by performers on their foreheads or…

  • Obon Festival, Japan

    Obon or Bon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist festival to honor the spirits of ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return to visit during this time, so families visit…