108 wooden bundles are set alight and young men run through the flames in a purification ceremony in Ishizugawa, Osaka. Ice skate in Tokyo's outdoor rings If you continue to browse you accept the use of cookies on our site. The Chichibu Night Festival is considered one of Japan's three best festivals featuring large festival floats . This category has only the following subcategory. While planning for a trip, we often suffer from indecision, whether we are choosing the right place or not. Aizu Erosoku Matsuri (Aizu Painted Candle Festival) 7. Credit: Japan Railpass. Plan your December in Tokyo with our events calendar of the best things to do, including illuminations, Christmas markets, concerts and art exhibits. Itoman-city, Okinawa Finally, I have finished talking about where to go in Japan in December and what to do. The Chichibu Yo Matsuri festival also showcases a large parade, with the people carrying huge beautiful lanterns, all through the streets of Saitama. Tokyo Disney Resort brings out the joyful Christmas vibes with their special events in December. December 2022 Events in Japan 2022 Naha Marathon. We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. In our country, you can purchase them from any convenience store. As if all of this weren't enough, festivals in Japan are also one of the best places to sample an incredible array of unique, casual, and seasonal Japanese foods. Hokkaido is much colder, with Sapporo . When: 17- 19 December 2021 When: December 30 to January 3. The market is held on the 21st of each month and is usually called the Mieku (Kobo-ichi market). Nature & Adventure. From October 7th until December 11th, a special exhibition celebrating 60 years of Sanrio will be held at the Kyoto City Kyocera.. Kyoto 1,800. Akibasan Gongen Hibuse Matsuri mid-December Atagoyama, Iwama-cho, Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture A market that sells bamboo branches decorated with lucky items for the new year to business people. 15-16 December Although you wont master skiing or snowboarding in one day, trying to do it with the help of the instructor will be a memory to cherish. Iwatsuta Shrine Fire Festival The winter season in the archipelago is a wonderful one, with its snowy landscapes, snow sports, onsen, delicious food and popular festivals. A smaller celebration known as Coming of Age Day takes place on January 9. You will see people of all ages here, from young couples to cute kids. At this time of year, around 800.. Ibaraki 1,200. And here, the climax takes place when one after another float is pulled up the slope. 2 In-depth Cultural . 31 December - 1 January Historical festival in which large brightly-coloured flags are carried in a procession through rice paddies and mountain paths accompanied by conch-blowers. After skating, if you want to do something crazier, then riding the roller-coaster will be a top-notch choice to feel the cool air. The floats date back to the 17th century and are a symbol of economic might with intricate designs made by highly skilled artisans. 31 December Nov . 3 December 7. The event features roughly 200 snow lanterns and 300 miniature igloos with candles inside lined up around the castle's lotus pond, with Hirosaki Castleone of Japan's 12 remaining original-construction castlesilluminated in the background. Around 50 stallholders crowd into the grounds of Sensoji Temple in Asakusa over the two days. Ask any kind of question and share your knowledge about Japan in Kanpais community space, our Q&A section Kotaete. Chichibu Yomatsuri. December 2-3: Chichibu Yomatsuri (Saitama) Upcoming Festivals (Matsuri . The festival draws a lively crowd of revelers to watch as 6 massive, ornately designed . Mihonoseki, Shimane Prefecture Even some of the hotels and ryokans have private bath hot spring facilities. These lanterns brighten up the trees and bamboos of the forest, creating a fantastic night time sight. Recent Conversations. December 2-3. December 3 - Chichibu Yo Matsuri, Chichibu Shrine, Saitama The Chichibu Yo Matsuri is a night festival, which features a lot of exciting fireworks. More information: Kitano Tenmangu | Official site, Where: Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Yamagata Prefecture Best Prices. Ski Season (December - March) School Winter Holidays (late December - early January) Festivals. A festival commemorating the 47 Ronin at Sengakuji Temple in Tokyo where the graves of the 47 Ronin are located. In particular, the schedule of outdoor events may change due to the weather. 24th of December 2022 - 2nd of January 2023. It will help you hold the camera, coffee mug, and browse your smartphone. Before you get behind the wheel, learn more about the different types of roads in Japan. Oct 15th - Nov 11th. Shinto shrine festival featuring kemari, a ceremonial game of kick-ups said to be a forerunner of the sport of soccer. Kotohira-gu Shukiku Japanese festivals are traditional festive occasions often celebrated with dance and music in Japan.Many festivals have their roots in traditional Chinese festivals, but have undergone extensive changes over time to have little resemblance to their original form, despite sharing the same name and date.There are also various local festivals (e.g. Here I am talking about the Blue Pond, which is situated in Biei Town, Hokkaido. Over 700 stalls sell a variety of goods including food, antiques and second-hand clothing. The park is popular as many people from around the world visit after seeing the famous pictures of the monkeys sitting in the hot springs. Find below the events calendar (holidays, festivals and matsuri, activities, conventions, etc.) Japan Event Calendar for December 2020: national holidays, events, festivals. What do you think of celebrating New Years Eve with us? Please read more about Joining the BellaOnline Editor Community. Sign up and be the first to hear our news and special offers! Jigokudani Monkey Park. Senso-ji Temple, Asakusu, Tokyo 31 December - 1 January 2022: December 2 - 3. 3. This park has one of the largest skating rinks where you can satisfy your longing for some fun ice skating. This December celebration lasts a full two weeks from Christmas right through to the new year and is the biggest festival in St Kitts. You will see fireworks displays from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, which can be seen from many places around the town. Priests dressed in white and impersonating tengu goblins are cursed and abused. for details. Most of the people who travel during this month are here to spend a delightful Christmas with their families. In this 400-year-old festival, oshiroi, a white paste . It is also the time when many traditional customs remain in the year. Therefore, pack sunscreen to protect your pretty skin. Nara. During the celebration, the floats are adorned with beautiful lanterns, carpets, and wood carvings. This content was written by Melanie Shintaku. However, several top-notch ski resorts in Hokkaido offer great courses and the finest snow powder. Now, if you want to stay within Tokyo, there are several outdoor ice skating rinks in the central area. Apart from them, you may also enjoy Ramen, Oden, Miso Soup, Pressure Cooker Japanese Curry, and Hot Tofu. . 4. On the right, events scheduled on a single day; on the left, events scheduled over several days. When: Cancelled in 2021 (Usually held each year on 14 December) But, if you want to avoid as much crowd as possible, I recommend you to travel during early December. Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival 6. Sakurai, Nara Prefecture Festival of the Lights Osaka. Visitors may also be surprised to find New Years Eve is not typically celebrated with fireworks. Isshoni means "together" in Japanese: share your trip details (dates, places you would like to visit) and find companions to travel in Japan. Address: 2 to 4 Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido ( Google Map) 2. Details: Chichibu Yomatsuri is a festival of Chichibu Shrine which has a history of more than 2,000 years. Enjoy The Charm of Chichibu Night Festival, 2. The major cities of Honshu and Kyushu ( Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka) experience average December highs of around 54 F (12 C), and lows of 41 F (5 C). Also, Universal Studios Japan has its own countdown party, which has a totally different vibe with all of its adorable characters participating along. Kasuga Taisha, Nara Warm socks: Carry a few pairs of warm socks cause you have to take off your shoes in some places like temples & shrines and even while entering someones house. Official Website: Onomichi Betcha Festival (Only in Japanese) 8. Mountain Priests offer thanks for water and fire by lighting fires, giving demonstrations of their axe, sword and archery skills and offering rice cakes to visitors. It looks even more impressive after the evening as the pond is illuminated with spotlights, and the color of the water reflects on the snow. So, I suggest you explore each attraction and activity that I am gonna describe from now on. Kobe Luminarie 2022. tecbDev 2021-01-08T18:05:33+09:00 September 10th, 2020 | Categories: Japan December Events 2019, Japan November Events 2019 | 10. Gifu Convention and Visitors Bureau | Ikenoue Purification Ceremony, Go Tokyo | Setagaya Boro-ichi (Flea Market), Miyajima Tourist Association | Chinka-sai. The second night is the climax, when huge multi-story floats are carried up Danshi-zaka (Men's Slope), with participants egged on by musical troupes and with fireworks illuminating the cold, dark night sky. Several temples and shrines beside the light-up route also remain open for tourists to visit at night. When: 11 December 2021 See The Gorgeous Autumn Leaves Illumination, 13 Joyful Things to Do in Japan in September, 10. A procession commemorating the 47 Ronin with people in traditional costume walking from Bishamon Temple to Oishi jinja in eastern Kyoto. There are countless local festivals (, matsuri) in Japan because almost every shrine celebrates one of its own. The only other day that the public is allowed inside the gates is on December 23 for the Emperor's Birthday celebration. Read more on the Fukugonji Fire Festival. Late December They are selected from a list compiled by JNTO's Tourist Information Center, and the full list is available at the end of the article. A winter night spectacle featuring 10-ton floats, music, and local sake. And, few of the best ski resorts in Japan are Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort (in Hokkaido), Zao Onsen Ski Resort (in Yamagata), Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort (in Niigata), Naeba Ski Resort (in Niigata), Rusutsu Resort (in Hokkaido), etc. Check out . Festivals abound, from centuries-old traditional celebrations and large-scale community contests, to seasonal showcases of Okinawa's natural beauty and delicious cuisine, and each offers a new way to connect with the unique island culture that makes Okinawa unlike . YOSAKOI Soran Festival. Cookie Policy So, if you are in Japan with your sweetheart, how about going out on a romantic date. The Gion Matsuri is Kyoto's biggest annual event and one of Japan's most important annual events. for details. . (June - August) An important element of Japanese festivals are community involvement and fundraising opportunity for the organizations . For example, you may go to Yebisu Garden Place, Roppongi Hills Christmas, Meguro River Minno no Illumination, Shinjuku Southern Terrace Winter Illumination, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, Marunouchi Illumination, Odaiba Illumination, and so on. The event features the gorgeous ginkgo tree avenue which stretch for about 300 m in 2 lanes, and the market with food vendors and local products. You may expect snow in Hokkaido and the northern parts of Japan, but there is a possibility of little rain in other places. Hence, if you are interested in attending it, then I suggest you go there as early as possible to secure a spot in advance. This site needs an editor - click to learn more! Therefore, lets move on to the closure part. A famous fire festival in which two giant chiggers are set alight and pulled about with ropes. Go to Shirakawago Village: A Winter Wonderland 4. Location: Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas. You can choose to feel the chill of the outside by going on an outdoor onsen like Lake Toya Onsen (in Hokkaido), Matsudai Shibatoge Onsen Unkai (in Niigata), Lake Kawaguchi Onsen (in Yamanashi), Maguse Onsen (in Nagano), and Tamatebako Onsen (in Kagoshima). Most of these events run over the whole month of December, but few are held until Christmas. Content copyright 2022 by Melanie Shintaku. However, Sapporo (capital of Hokkaido) and the other northern cities are much colder, with low temperatures decreasing to minus degrees sometimes. When the daytime is suitable for exploring different attractions, your nights will be more colorful with all of these glittering light events. Suite 14 137-139 High Street Beckenham, BR3 1AG London, United Kingdom. One of the most breathtaking winter illumination events in [.] It is nestled only half an hour drive away from Biei town. Be Mesmerized with The Winter Illumination 3. 9 & 10 December Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri. Saitama Prefecture's Chichibu Yomatsuria night festival dating back at least 350 years that is held on December 2 and 3 each yearis one of the Kanto area's most spectacular events. Well, maybe you cant imagine what paradise looks like, but at least you can visit a place which can leave you speechless. It is one of the biggest festivals of the Kanto area. The Hirosaki Castle Yuki-Doro Matsuri (Snow Lantern Festival) began in 1977. . Keikaku is a travel agency specialist of Japan and providing different kind of services: Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. Hachiman Matsuri at Takayama, the 9 and 10th of October Jidai Matsuri at Kyoto the 22nd of October Chichibu Yomatsuri at Chichibu (Saitama prefecture, North-West of Tokyo) the 3rd of December If you happen to be in Japan during one of these festivals, do not hesitate to attend to them, but watch out for the crowd ! Entsuji Temple, Nagoya However, December in Japan is more than just the Christmas eve celebration. Regions . in Japan happening in December. Copyright Japan National Tourism Organization. Iwatsuta Jinja, Ishizugawa, Osaka Table of contents 1. Therefore, you can explore the area in peace without much hazard. Autumn Evening Illumination at Rikugien Gardens. Date: December 2 to 3. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. By this time, I hope you have decided what things to do in Japan in December. However, if you are not comfortable holding something with gloves, you can consider taking finger gloves. Katsuragake Shrine, Gifu Prefecture Deals of The Week: Explore Peru! 13. Note: These markets are expected to resume from October, 2021. . JNTO | Ako Gishisai Festival Anyway, you can easily visit the park on a day trip from Tokyo and return. Japanese. Here are a few of the most popular December festivals and events in Japan for 2019. If you're looking at joining a tour to Japan in December 2022, we have 17 unique small group tours, rail journeys and escorted tours with 708 departures from the world's leading tour operators departing in December. In Japan, festivals are known as matsuri and are often spectacular celebrations including colorful costumes and parade floats, great street food, religious worship, and traditional performances.