I went to a Tori-no-Ichi festival at Hanazono Shrine in 2020! This event had been on my bucket list for a long time. It was a night of color and festival fun. For photographers, it is amazing. Tori-no-Ichi means “rooster market.” It started a long time ago when farmers gave a chicken to their local …
Another year, another summer, and we headed to Mitama Festival in 2017! I was better prepared and enjoyed it more than in 2016. If you don’t know anything about it, it is to honor those who died defending Japan. Yes, I know that this shrine is quite controversial for many people. But the festival is …
The Sanja Festival is one of the largest and most important events on Tokyo’s cultural calendar. It starts with an opening parade around Asakusa’s streets to get the ball rolling for the weekend. The event, known as Daigyoretsu (Big Parade), is the opener and dates back to the Edo period. I took these photos in …
In Japan, Hinamatsuri, also known as Girl’s Day or Doll’s Day, is celebrated on March 3. It’s when Japanese families pray for their girls’ health, prosperity, and happiness. For the event, families display a set of traditional Japanese Hina dolls. It’s a great cultural tradition. As I’d never taken pictures of this event, I thought …
Tanabata is an August event at Asagaya Pearl Center. You might think that a little strange as many places in Japan hold it in July. But some do it by the old Japanese calendar. That is good for people who love this festival since they can celebrate it twice. Asagaya Pearl Center is a shopping …
In 2016, I went to my first Mitama Festival at Yasukuni Shrine. It was very impressive. As Yasukuni is dedicated to those who died defending Japan, the festival is in their honor. And many people turn out to remember them. I can only say it is an experience. Without a doubt, it is one of …
The 2019 Kawagoe Festival was my first time to see it. It happens on the third Saturday and Sunday of October. After attending it, I realized I should have experienced it a long time ago. It was brilliant! The main reason why I wanted to see this particular festival was for the dashi, …
Shinjuku Southern Terrace has always been popular in Tokyo for Christmas. Lights adorn the trees and bathe them in a pretty glow. Many people go to see them. I’ve been to the terrace many times, but 2016 was my first time for this Christmas event, and I was impressed. Lights ups are very popular in …
Shinjuku Southern Terrace lights up for Christmas in 2016 Read More »
I went to see the 2017 Sanja Festival. It was centered around Sensoji temple and Asakusa shrine. The event is big, wild, and noisy. About 2 million people attend its three days. I went to see its last day, Sunday. We had perfect weather for it. I didn’t get there till mid-morning, though. So I …
The first time I went to Hie Shrine was for its 2016 Sanno Festival. While the event went for eleven days, I only attended on a Sunday. It’s very traditional and colorful, which makes it perfect for photographers. By the way, have you visited Hie Shrine? It is on the top of a hill. To …
