You’ve probably seen / heard by now that the wisteria was incredibly early this year. Reportedly, they are already starting to wilt in some places. But never fear, there is still a couple of places you can see wisteria in Saitama Prefecture. Including an ancient wisteria that is one ofRead More →
The Kazo City Kisai Wisteria Festival needs little introduction to Saitama-jin, as it celebrates the 450 year old wisteria of Tamashiki Shrine. Elements of the festival were on in both 2022 and 2021, but this is the first time in four years the festival is on properly. The events theRead More →
Cherry Blossoms and boat ride, Shingashi River – Kawagoe is just 31 minutes from Ikebukuro, Tokyo, on the Tobu Tojo line. It is a popular tourist town. One of Kawagoe’s most spectacular spots to enjoy “sakura” is out the back of Hikawa shrine, where the cherry blossoms line the Shingashi River. UntilRead More →
Konosu Park is located beside Shouganji¹ temple, which is a famous doll temple. The temple is renowned for its unique “Doll Memorial Service”. Konosu Park is relatively small, but during the cherry blossom season it attracts hundreds of visitors for its mature cherry blossoms. The scene of the temple gatesRead More →
Before the pandemic, the 1300 year old Koma Shrine had two different cherry blossom festivals each year. One is a blessing for all the cherry blossoms in the precinct. It also celebrates the 300 year old Higanzakura and 400 year old weeping cherries on the grounds. It is normally heldRead More →
Hodoji in Shiki City will hold their third Hodoji Market on the Emperor’s birthday, Thursday February 23rd 2023. Hodoji or Hodo Temple (also spelt Houdoji) is a popular place for tree blossoms in Shiki City. Both the plum blossoms and the cherry blossoms are well known at the temple. ThisRead More →
The Kagura of Omiya Sumiyoshi Shrine is a designated intangible folk cultural property of both Saitama Prefecture and Japan. On February 23rd each year, they dedicate the first of three annual kagura performances at the shrine. Kagura is a type of ritual Shinto dance dedicated to the Gods. Historically, ShintoRead More →
Information for the Setsubun Festival at Musashino Reiwa Shrine and Tokorozawa Sakura Town in 2023. Musashino Reiwa Shrine The Musashino Reiwa Shrine was designed, under the supervision of Kengo Kuma, as part of the Cool Japan project. There are many unique elements to the shrine, but the design is theRead More →
The Setsubun festival at Fudougaoka Fudouson Souganji Temple in Kazo is famous throughout Kanto and beyond. It is probably Saitama’s most famous setsubun-kai? So much so, champion sumo wrestlers, even yokozuna have participated in the mamemaki bean throwing in the past. It has the reputation of being one of theRead More →
For the first time in three years, Kitain Temple in Kawagoe will have their Setsubun Festival with a mamemaki bean throwing ceremony. Below you will find a first hand account of the setsubun celebration at Kitain Temple, as well as the information for the 2023 bean throwing ceremony. Setsubun celebrationsRead More →