Takashima Castle in Suwa, Nagano Prefecture Takashima Castle on the shores of Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. The original castle was built in 1598 on a …
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Festivals and Events for May 2014 in Japan
Festivals and Events for May 2014 in Japan May 2014 sees quite a few traditional cultural festivals and events happening around Japan. Spring has moved into full swing and the weather gets a lot warmer. …
Continue readingMeiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine Meiji Jingu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shibuya, Tokyo. The shrine is dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji was instrumental in …
Continue readingFestivals and Events for April 2014 in Japan
Festivals and Events for April 2014 in Japan April 2014 sees quite a few traditional cultural festivals and events happening around Japan. Spring has started and the cherry blossoms are usually at their peak in …
Continue readingFestivals and Events for March 2014 in Japan
Festivals and Events for March 2014 in Japan 1-14 March Event: Omizutori Location: Nara Time: Times vary according to the event Price of Admission: FREE Omizutori or “The sacred water-drawing festival” is a Japanese Buddhist …
Continue readingCherry Blossom Forecast 2014
Cherry Blossom Forecast 2014 This year’s cherry blossom forecast is expected to open close to their average schedule or slightly earlier or later than usual depending on the region of Japan. The Kyushu and Shikoku …
Continue readingFestivals and Events for February 2014 in Japan
Festivals and Events for February 2014 in Japan 1,2,9,15 February 2014 Event: Shirakawa-go Winter Illumination Location: Shirakawa-go Village, Gifu Prefecture Time: 17:30 – 19:30 Price of Admission: FREE Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture, a UNESCO World …
Continue readingKokeizan Eihoji Temple
Kokeizan Eihoji Temple Kokeizan Eihoji Temple located in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture was established by the Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. The temple was founded in 1313 and contains two buildings that are listed …
Continue readingFestivals and Events for January 2014 in Japan
Festivals and Events for January 2014 in Japan 1-3 January 2014 Event: New Year’s (Shogatsu) Location: All over Japan New Year’s or oshogatsu in Japanese is one of the most important holidays on the calendar. …
Continue readingSensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple and its religious heart. The temple was founded around 645 AD and enshrines a golden image of kannon (the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy). Sensoji …
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