Japan Winter Festivals

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo at any time.

Day 2 Kamakura Samurai Festival

Head to the Joma Shinji shrine for a dose of good luck for the new year. Joma means "keep evil spirits away" and shinji "Shinto ritual". Archers shoot arrows, at a target 27 metres away, on which the letter oni or devil is marked.

Day 3-4 Gunma Daruma Festival

Many people visit the fair, which reaches its climax between dusk and the following morning, to buy Daruma Dolls. The shape of the doll's eyebrows are said to symbolize cranes, and shape of their moustaches, turtles, both of which are symbols of longevity in Japan. Daruma dolls are thought to be auspicious and bring one "Shobai Hanjo" (prosperity in business) and "Kanai Anzen" (domestic well-being).

Day 5-6 Kyoto

As the Imperial capital, Kyoto is an essential part of any visit to Japan. Kyoto has some of the most magnificent temples in Japan which date back centuries. There are said to be 2,000 temples, shrines, palaces, museums and traditional gardens in Kyoto. Wander past huge wooden structures and multi-storied pagodas, all linked with famous walkways and marvel at the huge temples of the Hongan-ji sect or the beautiful Golden Pavilion. Enjoy the Zen gardens such as Ryoan-ji and the Silver Pavilion, take a leisurely stroll down the lovely Philosopher’s Path to Nanzen-ji or just walk around Gion and perhaps catch a glimpse of a Geisha going from teahouse to tea house.

Day 7-8 Ebisu Festivals- Osaka and Hyoge

During the Ebisu Festival, many people visit Osaka to pray for prosperity to Ebisu. Ebisu is the patron of wealth, business and commerce and one of the 'Seven Gods of Good Fortune' ('shichi-fukujin'). A similar 'Toka Ebisu' festival takes place in Wakayama on the same days. Other smaller celebrations in honor of Ebisu take place around the country throughout the year.

Day 9-10 Nagano Snow and Fire Festival

The ski resort area of Nagano is home to two fantastic festivals. For the fire festival, villagers build a sanctuary for their guardian deity with wood brought from the nearby mountain. It is then burnt while villagers pray for a good harvest and the health of newborn babies. The next day at the Izu Shrine, townspeople offer snow to the enshrined god for a good harvest, as snow is believed to be a harvesting predictor.

Day 11-12 Tokyo Sumo Festival

The country's greatest sumo wrestlers gather in Tokyo for the January Basho, one of the year's six Grand Tournaments. Sumo is one of Japan's most popular sports, steeped in legend, history and ceremony.