Upcoming Events
When the temperature starts dropping, Japan is full of wonderful winter attractions. Hokkaido, the northernmost island, offers many opportunities for those hardy souls who wish to participate in outdoor activities! Known for its wonderful winter sports, especially skiing, as well as the spectacular Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival), there is another winter attraction that is becoming more and more popular···Drift Ice Sightseeing.
About 600 miles north of Tokyo, off the northeastern coast of Hokkaido, lies the Okhost Sea. From January to March, the sea becomes a splendid vista of floating ice floes that are called "drift ice". These chunks of ice have slowly made their way south, drifting down from Siberia. Icebreaking ships take you out among this stark yet beautiful seascape. Listening to the sound of these ships as they strike the huge chunks of ice is in itself thrilling!
There are many sightseeing tours available, such as drift ice observation tours, drift ice strolls, drift ice-fishing-there is even a drift ice museum and an underwater drift ice observatory! Some tours also are available for those who are interested in observing at closer range the fauna that can be seen during this time, such as seals, Steller's sea eagles, and other creatures. Check to see if a Sunset Cruise is available-it might be just the thing for the romantics among us. Imagine the pale beauty of the ice gradually turning a beautiful warm red, as the evening sun slowly sinks...
For more information, please contact visit;
Hokkaido Official Tourism Site>>
Aurora - Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing and Ice Breaker Ship>>
As the temperatures start to warm, Japan's iconic cherry blossoms (sakura) begin to bloom, slowly spreading their fragile beauty from Okinawa in the south to Hokkaido in the north. The peak viewing time for most of Japan, when the blossoms have come into all their glory, is usually from the end of March to early April.
These harbingers of spring are feted each year with cherry blossom viewing parties, or ohanami, a favorite pastime of the Japanese people, but perhaps they will be looked forward to this year more than most other years, as the Japanese not only celebrate the end of winter, but the rebirth and promise of the coming spring after the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami of last March.
Some of the most famous ohanami locations include Okinawa (Nago Castle Ruins), Kyushu (Kumamoto Castle), Shikoku (Matsue), Hiroshima (Miyajima), Kyoto (Maruyama Park), Nara (Mt. Yoshino), Tokyo (Chidorigafuchi), Aomori (Hirosaki Castle and its adjacent park), to name only a few. Virtually any location that has cherry trees draws crowds of visitors. Many people, however, have their own favorite places that they return to year after year with family and friends.
Lest you wonder how seriously the Japanese people take their ohanami, note that there is even a cherry blossom forecast that people pay close attention to so that they may plan their parties accordingly! Ohanami usually takes place during the day, but night viewing is also a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms that glow in the gentle light of decorative paper lanterns set up for that purpose. It is also fun to realize that there are over 100 varieties of cherry trees in Japan, with varying blossom colors, numbers of petals, and even the shape of the branches!
2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Gift of Trees, in which 3,000 cherry trees were gifted from Japan to the U.S. as a symbol of the two countries' goodwill. This year, there will be a special 5-week celebration in Washington D.C., from March 20th - April 27th, which will almost certainly be a poignant reminder of the earthquake as well as a reaffirmation of the friendship between Japan and the United States.
For more information about cherry blossom viewing, please visit;
2012 Centennial Celebration in Japan >>
Japan National Tourism Organization >>
National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. >>
The Chusonji Fujiwara Festivals in commemoration of the Fujiwara clan will be held in May and November at the newly added UNESCO World Heritage site in Hirazumi, Iwate Prefecture. Chusonji is a temple which is one of several famous historical sites and monuments at Hiraizumi, and was an important political, military and cultural center for four generations of Fujiwaras during the late 7th through early 8th century.
One of four temples included at Hiraizumi, Chusonji contains the mummified remains of the leaders of the Northern Fujiwara clan in one of its two remaining original buildings. This building, Konjiki-do, or Gold Hall, is said to be one of the most beautifully appointed and decorated buildings in the world, made of wood covered completely with gold leaf and decorated with mother-of-pearl. While it used to be an open-air structure, after it was carefully rebuilt in the mid-sixties, it was enclosed in a concrete building, visible only from the front through a thick layer of acrylic glass.
The spring Fujiwara festival commences at Chusonji on May 1st, with a memorial service for the Fujiwara lords. It continues with parades of flower-bearing children, singers and holy men walking from the Main Hall to Konjiki-do. May 2nd and 3rd festivities include a ritual fire, processional and special prayers and offerings. On May 4th and 5th, there are two Noh performances at Chusonji's outdoor Noh stage. Many other events will also take place at nearby locations.
To find out more about the Fujiwara festival, please visit Chusonji website.
For two days in May (Sat. 12th and Sun. 13th), the Tokyo Design Festa will be held in the West Exhibition Hall of Tokyo Big Site (Tokyo International Exhibition Center convention hall).
Tokyo Design Festa is a twice yearly big art event with a unique twist-anyone can exhibit any type of art as long as it is an original. Theatrical and demonstration art, cutting edge fashion shows, culinary art, even impromptu performances, and much, much more! There are no restrictions except that the item must be a non-copyrighted item. Foreign and domestic artists are welcome to exhibit their work. There will be 3,000 booths, with 10,000 exhibitors.
Tickets will be sold in advance and also at the door. This is a huge event, with exhibitors from all over the world presenting one-of-a-kind items and performances that you don't want to miss!
For more information about Tokyo Design Festa, please visit here.
See you there!
2K540 Aki-Oka Artisan is a covered mall-type space home to dozens of chic shops and stores featuring one-of-a-kind crafted items located in the area beneath the elevated railway tracks that run between JR Akihabara station and Okachimachi Station (thus, Aki-Oka!). The name 2K540 refers to distance of 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from Tokyo Station to the entrance of the mall in the jargon of railroad companies like JR.
This general area, which used to be where Japanese artisans (shokunin) manufactured and sold their wares in the olden days, was never known as a place where people could come for a few hours to enjoy leisurely activities like shopping or strolling. Now, a fashionably new and inviting interior has been created, filled with stunning modern stores selling high quality original crafts including jewelry, leatherworks, ceramics and accessories of all sorts. There also art galleries and cafes. Here is where you can find unique items not found anywhere else; where original talents and those who appreciative those talents converge. You can enjoy speaking directly with the artists, and even try your hands at making your own craft!
The 2K540 Aki-Oka Artisan had its grand opening on Sept. 29th. A special event for overseas tourists will be held for a three month period to introduce the spectacular work of the artists to the overseas community. During this period, all tenant stores will offer 5% off their products to people who show their foreign passport (some products excluded). A number of limited-time products with Tokyo as their theme will also be on sale.
This area is certain to become one of Japan's newest destination spots for both tourists and locals alike!
For more information:
Tokyo Tourism Info >>
2k540 AKI-OKA ARTISAN (Japanese Only) >>
While Kyoto is a beautiful city in any season, it is in wintertime that it becomes magical. The sharp, crisp air lends clarity to the sights and sounds that one encounters, making a visit to the ancient capital truly unforgettable.
There are several outstanding winter events to help you experience the wonder of Kyoto, including a special maiko (geisha in training) event, where tourists may enjoy a dance performance up close, observe a maiko dressing in her special kimono, and have a picture taken together with the young lady as well!
To welcome the early spring is the Hanatouro, which will be held in March 2012 in Higashiyama, home of the Kiyomizu Temple. The Hanatouro, a 10-day event in December and March, was originated so that tourists and locals alike could appreciate the night scenery of places usually only visited during the daytime. By placing Japanese lanterns at ground level to illuminate the city streets, cultural heritage sites, temples and other locations that resound with the unique character of Japan, Hantouro has created a new vision of Kyoto. Since its inception in 2003, Hanatouro has seen more than two million people come every year to the various sites where the event has taken place to experience the otherwordly beauty of this nighttime spectacular.
Approximately 2,500 lanterns (andon), each one itself worthy of notice due to their breathtaking traditional ceramic and metalwork techniques by master artisans, line the winding path that leads from the Shoren-in Temple at the base of Mt. Higashiyama to the Kiyomizu Temple. The glow of the andon not only cast a romantic view of the walkway, but there are also beautiful floral displays that add an ethereal allure to the nighttime event as they are lit by the gentle light from the andon.
Come to Kyoto to take part in these exclusive events that showcase the wonders of a city like no other.
For more information:
Kyoto Winter Special >>
Kyoto Hanatouro >>
Every year, from February 15th-16th, at various locations around Yokote City in Akita Prefecture, the Yokote Kamakura Festival is held.
Kamakura, translated as snow huts, are about 11½ feet wide and 10 feet tall. When the festival first began, about 400 years ago, they were rectangular in shape, but at some point they became constructed completely of snow. The snow is first piled high, then packed down and hollowed out, creating a cozy inner chamber. The festival was originally created to pay homage to the Water Deity.
There are over 100 kamakura built each year. The interiors are lit by one bulb, with grass matting and cushions on the floor. In the center is a charcoal brazier, where mochi, or rice cakes, are grilled and amazake, a sweet, slightly fermented rice beverage, is heated. Each structure has a small altar, where the Water Deity is said to be enshrined, opposite the entrance. There are miniature kamakura as well, which are candlelit once night falls, turning parts of the Yokota landscape into what looks like a beautiful glowing nocturnal beehive.
While the softly luminous huts in the stark white landscape is beautiful sight, what is truly moving is the sound of the voices of the Yokote children who gather in the kamakura, and call out to the visitors walking past in Akita dialect, inviting them to come in for some grilled mochi and amazake. Beckoned by the sweet voices, visitors can cozily enjoy the companionship of the locals and other tourists while warming themselves for a few minutes.
Buses providing free transportation to tourists shuttle between the four main festival sites. At the Yokote Fureai-Center Kamakura House, kamakura displays can be seen all year round.
For more information:
http://www.jnto.go.jp/webmaga/en/jan/trends.html
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/attractions/event/traditionalevents/a10_fes_Yokote.html
Hina Matsuri, the Japanese Doll Festival, also known as Girls' Day, is held every year on March 3rd. The dolls are usually displayed from mid-February to the Hina Matsuri day to celebrate the coming of the spring as well as to wish for the healthy growth and happy future of the daughters.
Hina Matsuri, has its origins in a Chinese custom in which ill-fortune was transferred from a person to a doll, then the doll was abandoned on a moving stream, carrying the bad luck away with it. There are still some areas of Japan that celebrate this Nagashibina (doll floating).
The festival is represented by often lavish displays of ornamental dolls that symbolize the Emperor and Empress, attendants and court musicians in traditional Heian period (794-1185) dress along with many accessories. Special rice crackers called hina arare, as well as other foods are served as offerings to the dolls. Young girls also enjoy munching on the treats as they gather together to admire the display, often dressing up in their best clothes.
Although Hina Matsuri is celebrated nationwide, Kyushu, southwestern island would be one of the best places to visit. From February to early April, 12 cities in Kyushu will hold Hina Matsuri events, each one distinctly different. Public viewing sites include temples and preserved samurai and wealthy merchant homes from the Edo period (1603-1867), when Hina dolls were highly developed and getting more and more extravagant. Many restaurants offer special festival meals called Hina Gozen.
In Yanagawa City in Fukuoka, will be a Hina cruise, a river cruise with people wearing Hina-like clothes, while at Senganen in Kagoshima will be Kyokusui no Utage, a re-enactment of an outside banquet where people in Heian Period costumes play a game of the day reciting original poetry. Aya town in Miyazaki has developed its unique custom to display Hina dolls surrounded by living plants, moss and stones as if it were a part of a Japanese garden.
Come and visit Kyushu to indulge yourself in its mild and warm weather as well as to enjoy all the different types of Hina Matsuri that Kyushu has to offer!
For more information:
Japan National Tourism Organization >>
Kyushu Tourism Information >>
As fall deepens into winter, scenery in Japan changes from the glory of autumn leaves to the austere beauty of a snow covered landscape. There are any number of places to enjoy the winter season; here are listed some of the most famous!
In Gifu prefecture is Shirakawago, a World Heritage Site consisting of over one hundred traditionally thatched roof houses. The steeply angled roofs covered in snow resemble hands held together in prayer.
For more information, visit here.
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, presents its annual Snow Festival, which is one of Japan's largest winter events. (February 6 - 12, 2012) About 2 million visitors gather to see a spectacular display of statues and sculptures fashioned from ice and snow.
For more information, visit here.
You may be feeling a bit chilly, so how about a dip in a hot spring? One of the most famous for winter bathing is Jigokudani in Nagano prefecture, which offers a marvelous view of the world famous local wild monkeys, enjoying their bath as well!
For more information, visit here.
Kenroku-en is another special place of notable winter beauty. One of The Three Great Gardens of Japan, this garden is known for its landscaping, exquisite in all seasons, but especially in winter when we can see the yukitsuri-ropes attached in a conical fashion to support pine tree branches, protecting them from damage from heavy snows.
For more information, visit here.
For the more active, Zao resort in Yamagata prefecture is famous for its ski resorts, and plenty of hot springs to soothe aching muscles! It also features fantastic winter scenery composed of juhyo, or snow monsters, which are trees twisted and frozen by the wind and covered in snow.
For more information, visit here.
For more information, visit here.
The two largest cities in the Kansai area, Kobe and Kyoto, will each host their own open marathons for the very first time, following the example of the successful Tokyo marathon which started in 2006.
The Kobe Marathon 2011, consisting of full and quarter marathons, also welcomes disabled athletes. It will be held November 30th, starting in front of the Kobe City Municipal Office at 9:00am.
Kyoto Marathon is scheduled for March 11th, 2012. This event includes a 6km wheelchair race and Ekiden relay race. The marathon starts at Nishi Kyogoku Athletic Park, and the route passes by several historical sightseeing spots, including seven world culture heritage sites.
For more information
Kobe Marathon 2011: http://www.kobe-marathon.net/english/index.html
Kyoto Marathon 2012: http://www.kyoto-marathon.com/ Or contact KINTETSU INTERNATIONAL EXPRESS (U.S.A.) at japanforyou@kintetsu.com
Please note that there will be special Tokyo Marathon 2012 packages that allow guaranteed admission to all participants into the event. The entrance fee includes a donation for earthquake and tsunami relief. The Tokyo Marathon attracts many runners from overseas, but it is quite difficult for them to gain entry as it is very popular even among local runners, so these packages are a boon to the overseas contingent. You may refer to the website for more information on the Tokyo Marathon and packages.
Events in the US: Save the Date!
Qualifying Rounds: February 6-11, 2012 at 16 restaurants and bars in New York City
Final Round: February 15th, 2012 from 7pm to 9pm at Kitano Hotel, 18th Floor Banquet Room
Entry Fee: $30
Grand Prize: $2,000 + 2 Round Trip Flights to Japan
Enjoy a variety of Shochu & Awamori (Japanese spirits) and get a chance of free trip to Japan! Please note that the participants must be age 21 or older. For details and application, please visit here.
Dates: February 10-12, 2012
(Friday, February 10, 2012, 4:00-5:30pm: Trade only)
Place: Seaport World Trade Center, Boston
The Consulate General of Japan and JNTO will once again have a booth (#660) in the Asia-Pacific section.
Visit us for a chance to win a pair of round trip tickets to Japan. Sushi demonstration, Taiko (Japanese drums) performance and much more.
Coming in 2012: Non-stop direct service from Boston to Tokyo. Stop by to learn more! For more, please visit here.
Dates: February 18 and 19, 2012
Place: Santa Clara Convention Center
JNTO Booth Number: #819
Can't make it to LA to see us? Don't worry - we'll also be visiting the 2012 Bay Area Travel and Adventure Show at the Santa Clara Convention Center in the South Bay area.
Travel Trade: March 2, 2012
Open to the Public: March 3-4, 2012
Place: Javits Center, NYC
JNTO will have a booth. See you there!
Don't miss the largest Travel Show in New York! JNTO will have a booth in Asia section! Booth number and other details are to be added.
Information is provided as a courtesy to users of this website. Though the JNTO endeavors to ensure the information is accurate, users of the information are to act on such using their own judgement and at their own risk. Neither the JNTO nor any holder of copyright to the information shall be held responsible in any way whatsoever for any loss or misunderstanding, either direct or indirect, that is incurred as a result of utilizing the information.
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