Looking for somewhere to view Plum Blossoms in Saitama Prefecture? We’ve got you covered with 10 of the best places to see plum blossoms. Also, we have plum blossoms that bloom from as early as mid January until as late as late March (in 2022) in this selection: Plum BlossomsRead More →
Hanyu, Mascot Setsubun – a setsubun celebration where mascots throw the beans instead of demons or honored guests. Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled. Mascot Setsubun I love finding events like this setsubun with a twist in Hanyu. In most setsubun bean throwing ceremonies around Japan, either honored guests andRead More →
Kijin (Kidin) shrine: one of a few shrines nationwide dedicated to demon. Hot on the heels of the New Year celebrations, is Setsubun. Setsubun is a festival marking the end of winter and coming of spring. It is celebrated annually on the 3rd of February. However, for the first timeRead More →
Hodosan shrine, one of my top ten favorite shrines of all time, is one of those rare shrines that is well worth going out of your way to visit. Apart from its intriguing 1900 year history, the beauty and detail of the shrine and the grounds will captivate you inRead More →
Setsubun Saitama- Setsubun is a religious ceremony practiced every year on February 3rd. However, in 2021, for the first time in 124 years, Setsubun fell on February 2nd. In 2022, it will once again fall on February 3rd. Historically setsubun, which literally means seasonal division, was a four day periodRead More →
February in Saitama, 2022. There are some exclusive events and seasonal traditions that you can enjoy in Japan in the month of February in a normal year. However, due to the Coronavirus there are less special events than normal. But there is still plenty to do in February in 2022.Read More →
A first hand account of a setsubun celebration at a temple: Kitain Temple in Kawagoe City. However, there will be no bean throwing ceremony in 2022 on account of the Coronavirus. Specific information for 2022 is at the bottom of the post. Setsubun celebrations at Kitain Temple Kawagoe Setsubun FebruaryRead More →
Free resources for Setsubun 2022 – setsubun is normally on February 3rd annually. However, in 2021 for the first time in 124 years, it fell on February 2nd. This year its back to the usual date of February 3rd. Setsubun marks the end of winter. Most families celebrate at home,Read More →