The best time to view Autumn leaves in Nagatoro is generally November. Stretching six kilometers along the Ara river from Iwadatami, resplendent fall colors decorate the Nagatoro Valley. Trees include Momiji, Kunugi and Oak. Taking the famous Kudari line down the river is a great way to take in theRead More →
The Otaki Ice festival, illuminated Misotsuchi Icicles in 2022 – One of the most famous, and beautiful, winter scenes of Saitama is at the Otaki Ice Festival. Located in the former Otaki village (now part of Chichibu city) in the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. The Misotsuchi Icicles are the only naturallyRead More →
In 2020, the organizers of the Konosu Fireworks announced that they were postponing the infamous Konosu Fireworks. They normally take place in October. However, they never did release a new date. Moreover, on June 23rd they made a further announcement that the fireworks are postponed indefinitely. The 2019 Konosu FireworksRead More →
Another wisteria spot in Saitama for you today – this time in Kazo City. This time, one that is quite famous. Not Ashikaga famous, but locally famous. Tamashiki shrine in Kazo may not be nationally famous for its wisteria, but it is for its kagura. The Kagura of Tamashiki ShrineRead More →
Kijin 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 time inRead More →
Fukaya Tanabata Festival – also known as the Fukaya Star Festival. For the second year in a row the Fukaya Tanabata Festival is cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. About 200,000 spectators from Saitama, Tokyo and even further afield, descend on Fukaya to witness the magnificent colours of thousands ofRead More →
The Nakasendo matsuri is just one of many festivals that is normally held in Omiya at the end of July and start of August each summer. They are collectively called “Omiya Summer Festival”. Unfortunately, but understandably, they were all cancelled in 2020 due to the Coronavirus outbreak. And just thisRead More →
The Kumagaya Fireworks used to be held in August annually. However, in 2020 they intentionally scheduled them for June, so as not to clash with the Olympics. Then… the pandemic happened! And the 2020 Kumagaya fireworks, like so many other, were completely cancelled. This year they have scheduled them forRead More →
Kodomo no Hi – Children’s day Japan, also known as Boy’s Day, is a national holiday that is celebrated annually on May 5th. It is the last of four public holidays that comprise Golden Week. There are two symbols of Kodomo no Hi: the “Kabuto” samurai helmet and “Koinobori” flyingRead More →
Golden Week Golden Week is a group of public holidays that fall at the end of April to early May annually. During an average Golden Week (GW) the entire population of Japan gets out and about at some point during Golden Week. Many people travel from cities where they workRead More →