Festivals and Events for November 2013 in Japan
2-4 November 2013
Event: Karatsu Kunchi Matsuri
Location: Karatsu City in Saga Prefecture
Time: Times vary according to the event
Price of Admission: FREE
Karatsu in Saga Prefecture comes alive in this spectacular festival, which has been designated a festival of national cultural importance. The festival dates from 1592, and the highlight is the gigantic, exquisitely decorated floats called hikiyama, which are lacquered and finished in gold and silver leaf. The festival floats are carried by the townsfolk from Nishinohama beach into town.
3 November 2013
Event: Bunka no Hi (Culture Day)
National Holiday
Bunka no Hi or Culture Day is a Japanese National holiday on November 3rd. The purpose of the holiday is to promote culture, the arts and academic endeavour in Japan. Typically events such as culture festivals, art exhibitions, and parades are held on this day.
3 November 2013
Event: Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu Parade
Location: Yumoto Onsen, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
Time: Times vary according to the event
Price of Admission: FREE
The Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu Parade is held on Bunka no Hi (Culture Day) a National Holiday in Japan. The locals dress up in costumes featuring samurai warriors and princesses and re-enact a feudal lord’s (daimyo) procession.
10-24 November 2013
Event: Grand Sumo Tournament
Location: Fukuoka, Kokusai Center
This is the last sumo tournament of the year and the only grand sumo tournament held in Kyushu. The event first started in 1957 when it was upgraded from an exhibition tournament to a formal tournament.
15 November 2013
Event: Shichi-Go-San
Location: All over Japan
Shichi-Go-San is a Japanese festival in honour of girls aged three and seven, and boys aged five. On November 15, children dress in their finest clothes and visit shrines and temple with their parents, where they pray for good fortune and healthy growth of the children.
John Asano is a blogger, travel writer and travel advisor living in Gifu, Japan. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, he has lived in Japan now for over 15 years. John loves nothing better than picking up his camera and exploring all the amazing sights and attractions that Japan has to offer. He writes about the must see sights and attractions in Japan at Japan Travel Advice, as well as about Japanese culture and modern life on his blog Japan Australia. You can read more of his work at http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/
