In the southern Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto fertile farming land is abundant around Mt. Aso, an active volcano and the site of the largest volcano caldera in the world. Each spring cities, towns and villages in the area host the Aso No Hi Matsuri or the Fire Festival of Aso.  It’s a spectacular event highlighted […]

Mark your calendar for the third day of the third month so you’ll be sure to catch the Hina Matsuri, formerly know as Girl’s Day in Japan, where people pray for the happiness and health of the the young people in their life. To celebrate this day, beautiful displays of dolls are set up in  […]

Tengu is the Japanese god of mischief and patron saint of the martial arts and is sometimes referred to as “The Slayer of Vanity”.  Attend the annual Tengu Matsuri (festival), held in honor of this mythical creature from January 30th to February 1st, 2009. “…the bird-like Tengu is a skilled warrior and mischief maker, especially […]

The Daikoku Matsuri (festival) in held annually at the Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward an includes a variety of cultural events over a three day period.  This year the festival is held from January 10th through the 12th. On the 10th between 11AM and Noon, a purification ceremony is held where festival participants […]