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Japan Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Fukushima Waraji Festival: See a parade unlike you've ever seen before
By Abhijit Sen Every August, Fukushima City hosts the Fukushima Waraji Festival. The word waraji refers to a traditional type of straw sandal worn by Japanese monks and travelers. The festival includes lively dancing, rhythmic taiko drums and an impressive giant straw sandal that is paraded through the streets to the top of the mountain, where the Haguro Shrine is located. The word waraji in Fukushima has a special cultural meaning. It's connected to the nearby Mount Shinobu and its guardian deity. According to legend, offering a giant waraji at the Haguro Shrine on Mount Shinobu brings safety and strong legs for travelers and pilgrims. The Akatsuki-mairi (Dawn procession) has been around since the Edo Period, a tradition that has continued for over 400 years. This sacred connection sets the foundation for the lively celebrations that happen each summer. The first Fukushima Waraji Festival took place in 1970. It aimed to help the local community and celebrate its rich culture. Festival Highlights The Waraji Parade features a massive 12-meter-long, 2-ton straw sandal carried through Fukushima City. This impressive display symbolizes strength and well-being. Leading the parade is the Waraji Odori dance, a performance of dancers dressed in yukata (summer kimonos). The festival begins with music from the Showa Era, encouraging everyone to dance and enjoy it together. As the second night unfolds, the atmosphere shifts to upbeat, modern songs that inspire people to participate. The city transforms into a giant dance party as everyone joins in the fun. There are also waraji races and traditional folk dancing. Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
23-06-2025
- Japan Today
See the beauty and skill of bonsai at the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum
By Abhijit Sen The Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Edogawa Ward Tokyo was founded by bonsai master Kunio Kobayashi in 2002. This museum is a must for bonsai fans and travelers to visit. It showcases the beauty and skill of bonsai, highlighting its importance in Japanese tradition. Visitors can wander through the serene gardens, which change with the seasons. Image: PIXTA/ i-flower When visitors arrive, they see a traditional entrance. Inside, a calm courtyard holds a special 1,000-year-old Japanese black pine tree at its center. Around this ancient tree, the museum showcases over 1,000 bonsai trees, including maples, azaleas and evergreens. Each tree reflects years of careful work, pruning, and artistic design, highlighting the skill and dedication of bonsai artists. Visitors can wander through the serene gardens, which change with the seasons. In the winter, leafless trees create striking silhouettes against the sky. Spring brings vibrant blossoms, while summer showcases lush greenery. During autumn, trees display brilliant hues of orange and red, offering a picturesque backdrop for photographs. The Master and The Art Kunio Kobayashi, the museum's founder, has dedicated his life to promoting the art of bonsai. He has won the Prime Minister's Award four times, a testament to his expertise and influence in the field. Kobayashi has also trained over 140 students, spreading his love for bonsai around the world. In the traditional home, there are several beautifully arranged tokonoma (alcoves). Each features a stunning bonsai next to calligraphy scrolls, seasonal flowers, and antique pots. Each display reflects the Wabi-sabi aesthetic, emphasizing 'beauty in imperfection.' Upstairs, rooms are filled with antique Chinese pots, classic books on bonsai care, and old wooden display tables, offering visitors insight into the historical context of this art form. Bonsai Workshops and Other Experiences Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
13-06-2025
- Japan Today
10 destinations to visit during rainy season in Japan
Meigetsuin Temple is also known as the Hydrangea Temple. By Abhijit Sen Japan's rainy season (梅雨, tsuyu), often regarded as humid and depressing, particularly in June, conjures images of soggy shoes and drizzly days. People who go out during these months experience a special and magical part of the country. However, there is an upside. The rain nourishes Japan's landscapes, turning cities and countryside into lush, vibrant scenes. While the crowds of summer tourists may seek refuge indoors, you can enjoy tranquility at popular sites and witness the beauty of blooming hydrangeas and shimmering landscapes. If the downpour gets heavy, don't worry. Japan boasts numerous indoor attractions, including captivating museums, bustling shopping hubs, and soothing hot springs, allowing you to make the most of your day. Here are ten fantastic destinations that shine during the rainy season. 1. Kamakura (Kanagawa) 2. Hakone (Kanagawa) 3. Arashiyama and Sagano (Kyoto) 4. Tohoku Region 5. Mount Koya (Wakayama) 6. Koke no Mori (Nagano) 7. Yakushima (Kagoshima) 8. Misasa Onsen (Tottori) 9. Kawaguchiko (Yamanashi) 10. Kanazawa (Ishikawa) 1. Kamakura (Kanagawa) Meigetsuin Temple is also known as the Hydrangea Temple. Image: PIXTA/ yoshihiro52 Kamakura is a historic gem located just an hour south of Tokyo. Famous for its hydrangeas (ajisai), this city transforms into a colorful paradise when the rain arrives. Meigetsuin Temple, known as the 'Hydrangea Temple,' boasts spectacular displays of blue Hime Ajisai (Princess Hydrangea) that bloom magnificently during the season. Hase-dera, another must-visit site, features around 2,500 hydrangeas of various types, creating breathtaking views against the misty backdrop of Sagami Bay. On rainy days, there are fewer visitors, making it easier to enjoy the eleven-faced Kannon statue. The colors of the hydrangeas pop against the gray sky at Hasedera, and Meigetsuin's 'Window of Enlightenment' is adorned with beautiful blue hydrangeas. When : June 1-30, 2025 (Hydrangeas will be blooming in both temples) : June 1-30, 2025 (Hydrangeas will be blooming in both temples) Nearest station : Kita Kamakura (Meigetsuin), Hase (Hasedera) : Kita Kamakura (Meigetsuin), Hase (Hasedera) Address : 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Hasedera) : 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Hasedera) 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Meigetsu-in) 2. Hakone (Kanagawa) The Hakone Tozan Railway offers a picturesque ride. Image: Renowned for its hot springs and stunning natural scenery, Hakone is one of the best places to experience the magic of rain-soaked landscapes. The Hakone Tozan Railway offers a picturesque ride through lush greenery, where vibrant hydrangeas thrive among spectacular mountain views. The Hakone Open-Air Museum allows you to enjoy art while remaining sheltered, featuring sculptures set in landscaped gardens that are made even more enchanting by the rain. The serene ambiance of Hakone Shrine, with its rain-soaked sacred trees, invites quiet contemplation, while Sengokuhara's silver grass fields, shrouded in mist, offer a dreamlike landscape perfect for photography. When : Jun 14–Jun 30, 2025 (Hakone Hydrangea Train Service) : Jun 14–Jun 30, 2025 (Hakone Hydrangea Train Service) Nearest station : Hakone-Yumoto : Hakone-Yumoto Address: Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa (Map) 3. Arashiyama and Sagano (Kyoto) The bamboo groves in Arashiyama appear hauntingly beautiful amidst the rain. Kyoto, known for its timeless beauty, showcases a distinct charm during the rainy season. The quick weather changes sculpt a black and white landscape reminiscent of classic Japanese art. The bamboo groves in Arashiyama appear hauntingly beautiful amidst the rain, while Gio-ji Temple is tucked away in the Sagano area. In June, the lush greenery, grass huts, and thriving moss gardens are delightful. For a cozy adventure, ride the Sagano Romantic Train during the rainy season! The misty valleys and lush green scenery create a stunning backdrop, and the sound of rain against the window adds a magical touch. Nearest station : Torokko Arashiyama : Torokko Arashiyama Address: 4-2 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto (Map) 4. Aomori and Akita An under-the-radar paradise Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
12-06-2025
- Japan Today
10 destinations for rainy season in Japan
Meigetsuin Temple is also known as the Hydrangea Temple. By Abhijit Sen Japan's rainy season (梅雨, tsuyu), often regarded as humid and depressing, particularly in June, conjures images of soggy shoes and drizzly days. People who go out during these months experience a special and magical part of the country. However, there is an upside. The rain nourishes Japan's landscapes, turning cities and countryside into lush, vibrant scenes. While the crowds of summer tourists may seek refuge indoors, you can enjoy tranquility at popular sites and witness the beauty of blooming hydrangeas and shimmering landscapes. If the downpour gets heavy, don't worry. Japan boasts numerous indoor attractions, including captivating museums, bustling shopping hubs, and soothing hot springs, allowing you to make the most of your day. Here are ten fantastic destinations that shine during the rainy season. 1. Kamakura (Kanagawa) 2. Hakone (Kanagawa) 3. Arashiyama and Sagano (Kyoto) 4. Tohoku Region 5. Mount Koya (Wakayama) 6. Koke no Mori (Nagano) 7. Yakushima (Kagoshima) 8. Misasa Onsen (Tottori) 9. Kawaguchiko (Yamanashi) 10. Kanazawa (Ishikawa) 1. Kamakura (Kanagawa) Meigetsuin Temple is also known as the Hydrangea Temple. Image: PIXTA/ yoshihiro52 Kamakura is a historic gem located just an hour south of Tokyo. Famous for its hydrangeas (ajisai), this city transforms into a colorful paradise when the rain arrives. Meigetsuin Temple, known as the 'Hydrangea Temple,' boasts spectacular displays of blue Hime Ajisai (Princess Hydrangea) that bloom magnificently during the season. Hase-dera, another must-visit site, features around 2,500 hydrangeas of various types, creating breathtaking views against the misty backdrop of Sagami Bay. On rainy days, there are fewer visitors, making it easier to enjoy the eleven-faced Kannon statue. The colors of the hydrangeas pop against the gray sky at Hasedera, and Meigetsuin's 'Window of Enlightenment' is adorned with beautiful blue hydrangeas. When : June 1-30, 2025 (Hydrangeas will be blooming in both temples) : June 1-30, 2025 (Hydrangeas will be blooming in both temples) Nearest station : Kita Kamakura (Meigetsuin), Hase (Hasedera) : Kita Kamakura (Meigetsuin), Hase (Hasedera) Address : 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Hasedera) : 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Hasedera) 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Meigetsu-in) 2. Hakone (Kanagawa) The Hakone Tozan Railway offers a picturesque ride. Image: Renowned for its hot springs and stunning natural scenery, Hakone is one of the best places to experience the magic of rain-soaked landscapes. The Hakone Tozan Railway offers a picturesque ride through lush greenery, where vibrant hydrangeas thrive among spectacular mountain views. The Hakone Open-Air Museum allows you to enjoy art while remaining sheltered, featuring sculptures set in landscaped gardens that are made even more enchanting by the rain. The serene ambiance of Hakone Shrine, with its rain-soaked sacred trees, invites quiet contemplation, while Sengokuhara's silver grass fields, shrouded in mist, offer a dreamlike landscape perfect for photography. When : Jun 14–Jun 30, 2025 (Hakone Hydrangea Train Service) : Jun 14–Jun 30, 2025 (Hakone Hydrangea Train Service) Nearest station : Hakone-Yumoto : Hakone-Yumoto Address: Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa (Map) 3. Arashiyama and Sagano (Kyoto) The bamboo groves in Arashiyama appear hauntingly beautiful amidst the rain. Kyoto, known for its timeless beauty, showcases a distinct charm during the rainy season. The quick weather changes sculpt a black and white landscape reminiscent of classic Japanese art. The bamboo groves in Arashiyama appear hauntingly beautiful amidst the rain, while Gio-ji Temple is tucked away in the Sagano area. In June, the lush greenery, grass huts, and thriving moss gardens are delightful. For a cozy adventure, ride the Sagano Romantic Train during the rainy season! The misty valleys and lush green scenery create a stunning backdrop, and the sound of rain against the window adds a magical touch. Nearest station : Torokko Arashiyama : Torokko Arashiyama Address: 4-2 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto (Map) 4. Aomori and Akita An under-the-radar paradise Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
07-06-2025
- Japan Today
See the evolution of train travel at Saitama's Railway Museum
By Abhijit Sen Japan's train service is famous for its efficiency and punctuality, connecting millions of commuters and travelers. As one of the largest public transportation systems globally, it links urban and rural areas. The country also boasts museums that highlight its railway history, showcasing the evolution of train travel. One excellent destination is the Railway Museum in Omiya, Saitama City. It's a great place to visit, especially during the hot summer or rainy days when you want to stay indoors. Opened in 2007, this museum by JR East features an impressive 'Rolling Stock Station'. It showcases 36 diverse pieces of rolling stock, including Japan's first train, Locomotive No. 1 from 1872, and the state-of-the-art Shinkansen. Visitors can admire the impressive size and power of these trains through engaging audio-visual displays at the 'History Station', which help bring history to life. The collection celebrates past technological achievements and shows how railway design and engineering have evolved over time. Railway professionals ensure passenger safety and timely train operations. The 'Job station' exhibit showcases the teamwork essential for smooth railway operations. Engage with videos highlighting the dedication, tools, and precision needed to maintain secure and punctual railways. The 'Future Station' invites guests to imagine the future of rail transport. Visitors can create avatars and brainstorm innovative railway concepts, envisioning what rail travel might look like in the years ahead. Museum Highlights Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
