Toro Nagashi: Floating Lanterns for the Dead
'Toro nagashi' is a ceremony in which paper lanterns are released into the water, typically floating down rivers to guide the spirits of the dead back to the other world.
Japan's 3 Great 'Bon Odori' Dance Festivals
Summer is the season of the festival in Japan, and these three celebrations will have you literally dancing in the streets.
Hang This Doll to Pray for Clear Skies
While many believe the tradition of making 'teru teru bozu' dolls can be traced back to a bald-headed monk, history suggests it may have begun with a small girl.
Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival
Located in Aichi, the Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival is one of Japan’s three largest and most famous Tanabata Festivals, celebrating the one day a year when the celestial lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi can meet.
6 Traditional Japanese Tabletop Games
Stuck inside on a rainy day? Play these classic Japanese tabletop games while listening to the relaxing sound of the drops outside!
Daimon-ji Festival & Floating Lantern Tour
Spend your summer the Kyoto way by participating in two traditional summer events with great cultural significance!
4 Lesser-Known Tohoku Summer Festivals
Head north to see hundreds of riders in samurai armor recreate 1,000-year-old training techniques!
Tohoku's 3 Great Summer Festivals
Head to northern Japan this summer for huge glowing floats, giant poles covered in lanterns and streets festooned with positive wishes for the future.
