The Dolls’ Festival ひな祭り

There are many special days in Japan. I introduced previous one is the Japanese original style Valentine’s Day . Todays’ one is the Hina Festival in March. 3rd of March is the day of girls, which is the ひな祭り（Hinamatsuri), the Dolls’ Festival. It is a festival to pray and wish for the healthy growth of … Continue reading →

Namahage Sedo Festival なまはげ柴灯（せど）祭り

なまはげ柴灯（せど）祭り, Namahage Sedo Festivali starts 8th to 10tu February in Akita, Tohoku. Namahage is a devil. People believe that the devil causes fortune and to keep off evil. In old days, lazy people often get blisters cause by low temperature burns from staying in front of braziers or open hearth for long time. So, people … Continue reading →

Zao in Yamagata 山形の蔵王

I know Hakuba in Nagano or Niseko in Hokkaido is popular ski place for foreigners. However, I recommend you to visit Zao in Yamagata, where is great place to do ski and sightseeing. Especially, around  Ice Monsters(Juhyo) festival season, end of January to first of Febuary is the best to visit. “One of the natural … Continue reading →

Kamakura Craftsmen in Tohoku 東北のかまくら職人

“The Kamakura” is  New Year event to worship god of water. The Kamakura itself is a room made by carving out a mound of snow, the size is around 3m sq. And making a household Shinto in the front of the inside to worship god of water. Children enter, and say “please enter Kamakura” and … Continue reading →

Day Before the Beginning of Spring Event 節分

We have many seasonable events and special days in Japan. In February, There are 3rd :節分 (Setsubun) , Traditional end of winter day 4th : 立春(Rissyun),The beginning of spring day 11th : 建国記念日(kenkokukinenbi),The National Day 14th : ヴァレンタインデー、Valentine’s Day (different from Western style) 3rd February is 節分(Setsubun) day. In this day, at some temples, school or home have a big Setsubun … Continue reading →