Tsutomu Matsushita
The 7th Wakayama Two Day March
December 3 ～ 4 Info: 073 - 662 - 5198
Would you like to take a walk in a place full of poetic sentiment, historical romanticism and natural beauty? Many people from all over Japan will gather in Wakayama to take part in either a 10 km or 20 km course. (more)
Posted in December 2005
First Visit to a Shrine (Hatsumode)
It is a tradition to visit shrines during the first days of the New Year. Many people follow this tradition and swear to plans for the coming year. (more)
Posted in December 2005
Tsutomu Matsushita
Going down through Kumano River
September 25 ～ November 30. Info: 0735 - 44 - 0987 Many people have taken pilgrimages to Kumano since the Heian era, 9th century. Kumano is sacred and contains three grand shrines, Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine, Kumano Hayatama Grand Shrine and Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine. (more)
Posted in October 2005
Yoshimune 300th Festival
November 3 Info:073 - 492 - 1030
It is 300 years since Yoshimune Tokugawa, the 8th Tokugawa Shogunate, became the Lord of Kishu, Wakayama. (more)
Posted in October 2005
Tsutomu Matsushita
Obon
August 13, 14 and 15 are called Obon, the festival for the dead. In Buddhism, the spirits of the dead are believed to come home to their families during Obon. (more)
Posted in August 2005
Bunraku: Japanese Puppet Theater
September 3 6:00 p.m. ～ Info:073 - 822 - 2041
In commemoration of the merging of Kawanabe-town, Nakatsu-village, and Miyama-village into Hidakagawa-city, this bunraku public performance will be performed at Dojoji. (more)
Posted in August 2005
Tsutomu Matsushita
Firefly Watching in Nagano, Tanabe City
Early June Info: 0739 - 34 - 0123
Wakayama has a lot of places where we can enjoy watching fireflies at the beginning of June. (more)
Posted in June 2005
Summer Festival of Fujishiro Shrine
July 9 Info: 073 - 482 - 1123
Fujishiro Shrine in Kainan City was one of the main oji (shrines) of the ancient Kumano Pilgrimage Route. A handmade portable shrine is carried by the children in the evening. (more)
Posted in June 2005
Tsutomu Matsushita, David Geer
Blooming season
April and May are the best season to enjoy “hanami”, seeing various flowers and blossoms in Wakayama Prefecture. There are many places that are famous for their flowers and blossoms. (more)
Posted in April 2005
Sanada Festival
May 3 - 5 Parade 1:00 p.m. on the 5th Info: 0736 - 54 - 2019
This festival commemorates Masayuki Sanada and Yukimura Sanada, a famous samurai family who, after their defeat at Sekigahara in 1600, lived in Sanada for 14 years and built Sanada-an., which has been designated as a prefectural landmark. (more)
Posted in April 2005
Tsutomu Matsushita
Setsubun February 3
In the traditional Japanese calendar, the beginning of spring is called “risshun” and it is February 4th this year. Setsubun is the day before the beginning of spring. The event of scattering parched beans is performed at some temples, shrines and homes. (more)
Posted in February 2005
Hina Nagashi
March 3 Info: 073 - 459 - 0043
“Doll Festival” is held at home on March 3. On that day, at Awashima Shrine in Kada, Wakayama City, priests hold a memorial service for old dolls dedicated from all over Japan, and flow them into the ocean on a whitewood boat at about noon.
Place: A 15-minute walk from Nankai Kada Station (more)
Posted in February 2005
Tsutomu Matsushita
Marina City 10th Anniversary Christmas Events
November 27 – December 25 Info: 073 - 448 - 0341
Marina City will have special decorations, events, and hours for the Christmas season. The “landmark” decoration of the event will be a 10-meter high Christmas tree. (more)
Posted in December 2004
Tsutomu Matsushita
First Visit to a Shrine
Many people visit shrines on the beginning days of the New Year. They swear the plans for the year and pray their health and prosperity of the New Year to god. (more)
Posted in December 2004
Tsutomu Matsushita
Kumanokodo Palanquin Race
October 3 9:30 a.m. ~ 12:00 a.m. Info: 0735 - 42 - 0735
This is the race to bear a palanquin (kago) with a woman wearing Heian-period clothing in it, competing games and quizzes on the way along Kumano Ancient Road. (more)
Posted in October 2004
Tsutomu Matsushita
Senninburo
November 1 Info: 0735 - 42 - 0735
Once again, this free outdoor public onsen will be able to accommodate as many as a thousand people, hence the name; Senninburo. (more)
Posted in October 2004
Mutsumi Torii
Now that summer has finally arrived, it is time for taking in all the available holiday events in our part of the country. It can be fun for some people, but annoyingly hot for others. (more)
Posted in August 2004
Rafting Competition
September 5 Info: 0735 - 49 - 2119
This is the greatest rafting time trial competition of the western part of Japan. It is held in the Kitayama village area, which is steeped in a long and rich tradition of log-rafting. (more)
Posted in August 2004
Mutsumi Torii The most humid time of year in this country, tsuyu, is coming soon. While this rainy season can be most uncomfortable for people, it plays an important role in preparing fields for the planting of rice, Japan’s staple food (more)
Posted in June 2004
Mutsumi Torii Beaches Officially Open for Swimming in Wakayama July 1 All beaches have facilities include toilets, washing areas and vending machines as well as lifeguards. (more)
Posted in June 2004
by Mutsumi Torii
April is the start of new academic and business years in Japan. This is a time of many changes including the blossoming of Cheery and other fruit trees, the advent of mosquito season and the moving and cleaning of many households. (more)
Posted in April 2004
by Mutsumi Torii
Azalea Festival at Tategami Shrine in Shimotu
May 3 10:30 a.m. ~ 4:00 p.m. Info: 073 - 494 - 0045
Azaleas are in magnificent bloom in this season at Tategami Shrine. A large amount of rice cakes (7 koku = 1260 liters) in various sizes are handed out at this festival.
(more)
Posted in April 2004
March 3 Hina Matsuri (Hina doll festival) is a popular festival. This is a girls' festival in which parents decorate graceful dolls in costumes of the Emperor, Empress and noble court people from the Heian Era in their homes, and... (more)
Posted in February 2004
by Mutsumi Torii
There are 2 different performance in this festival. First, hadaka-Naeoshi is a five-minute dance and song where men wearing Fundosh (loincloth) circle a big Hibachi...
(more)
Posted in February 2004
by Mutsumi Torii
Kada-Awashima Hot Spring Event
October 3 - October 5
Info: 073 - 459 - 0003
The area of Kada-Awashima will be the site of a weekend event centered on the hot spring theme. Kada is on the westernmost tip of the Wakayama and Osaka border. (more)
Posted in October 2003
by Mutsumi Torii
Now that the rainy season is over, we can move on to some serious summer fun and action under the sun. We are including fireworks; some listed in our previous issue, as well as other noteworthy events in Wakayama Prefecture. (more)
Posted in August 2003
by Mutsumi Torii
Commemorative Ceremony for Prince Arima, and the Shirahama Spa Festival in Shirahama Town
June. 1 (Sun)
Info: 0739 - 43 - 5555
This ceremony is to express appreciation for the existence of hot springs (Onsen). In the morning, people dedicate first extracted hot water to Yuzakiyama Shrine, and pray for prosperity of Shirahama Spa. (more)
Posted in June 2003
Spring starts earlier in Wakayama than in the rest of Kansai. The gloom of winter makes way for spring festivals and a new year for schools and companies. Confectionery Festival at Kitsumoto shrine in Shimotsu Town Apr. 3 (Thu.) Info:... (more)
Posted in April 2003
Mutsumi Torii
February is the coldest month of the year in Japan. However, on the traditional Japanese calendar, spring starts on Feb 4, a day after Setsubun (Feb.3). This season is also well known as a good time to view plum blossom. One can enjoy plum blossoms at various places in Nanki (Southern part of Wakayama Pref.) but remember to dress warmly.
(more)
Posted in February 2003
Minoru Hara With Christmas and Bonenkai (Year-end party), Japanese people enjoy nearly a month of warm holiday cheer despite the chilly weather outside. No omisoka (New Year?s Eve) is complete without Toshikoshi Soba, a buck wheat noodle dish eaten to... (more)
Posted in December 2002
Minoru Hara November 3 is Cultural Day, which is a national holiday. There are lots of art exhibitions and events around this day. You can enjoy them to your hearts? content by visiting galleries and event halls. On the other... (more)
Posted in November 2002
***Minoru Hara*** You are in the middle of autumn. Chrysanthemums, which are Japan?s national flower, are in full bloom. The leaves of trees turn yellow and red as the days go by and there are lots of autumnal festivals. Amazake,... (more)
Posted in October 2002
Though the heat of summer remains, September is the beginning of autumn. We can say September together with October is the best season for reading, sports, outings and art events. What would you like to do after the scorching Japanese... (more)
Posted in September 2002
August is the month of Obon, summer festivals and Camping. ?Obon? which is held 13, 14, 15 is the festival for the dead. In Buddhism, the spirits of the dead are believed to visit their families during these three days.... (more)
Posted in August 2002
July is the month of Tanabata, or the Star Festival, and the beach opening in Wakayama. Tanabata festival on July 7 is based on a legend about two stars. The legend says that they are called Orihime (female) and Hikoboshi... (more)
Posted in July 2002
You might experience the most uncomfortable time in June because of the rainy season. However, when the rainy season is over, summer will come. We do hope you?ll try to keep yourselves in good shape and look forward to summer.... (more)
Posted in June 2002
We have four holidays in a row at the beginning of this month, and we call this period Golden Week. This month is an ideal season, neither hot nor cold, so you can enjoy traveling, sports, lots of events and... (more)
Posted in May 2002
April is the month of Hanami or cherry blossom viewing. On this occasion you see usually serious looking Japanese people kicking up a racket. People go out for Hanami parties and eat, drink, sing and dance under fully blooming cherry... (more)
Posted in April 2002
March is the month of the Hina Doll Festival. This is a girl's festival on March 3. Parents decorate graceful dolls in costumes of the Emperor and Empress and noble court people from the Heian Era (794～1192) at home, and... (more)
Posted in March 2002
The weather is very cold, but according to the lunar calendar, February 4 is the first day of spring. We call February 3, the day before the first day of spring, "Setsubun", and have the old and traditional bean throwing... (more)
Posted in February 2002
With best wishes for the New Year. We wish this year will be the happiest and best for you. Shishimai Dance at Fujishiro Shrine in Kainan City Jan. 1 (Tue.) 0:00 a.m. The Shishimai Dance, which is performed in a... (more)
Posted in January 2002
With Christmas and Bonenkai (Forget the Year) Celebrations, Japanese people enjoy nearly a month of warm holiday cheer despite the chilly weather outside. No Omisoka (New Year's Eve) is complete without Toshikoshi Soba, a buck wheat noodle dish eaten to... (more)
Posted in December 2001
November 3 is Cultural Day, which is a national holiday. There are lots of art exhibitions and events around this date. You can enjoy them to your hearts' content by visiting galleries and event halls. On the other hand, it... (more)
Posted in November 2001
You are in the middle of autumn. Chrysanthemums, which are Japan's national flower, are in full bloom. The leaves of trees turn yellow and red as the days go by and there are lots of autumnal festivals. Bathed in Scarlet... (more)
Posted in October 2001
Though the heat of summer remains, September is the beginning of autumn. We can say, that together with October, it is the best season for reading, sports, outings and art events. What would you like to do after the scorching... (more)
Posted in September 2001
August is the month of Obon, summer festivals and camping. "Obon" which is held on August 13, 14, 15 is the festival for the dead. In Buddhism, the spirits of the dead are believed to visit their families during these... (more)
Posted in August 2001
July is the month of Tanabata, or the Star Festival, and the beach opening in Wakayama. Tanabata festival on July 7 is based on a legend about two stars. The legend says that they are called Orihime and Hikoboshi, and... (more)
Posted in July 2001
The rainy season sets in in June. Rice is planted in the paddy fields during this season. Generally speaking, it will last three or four weeks, and it is very humid and gloomy for us, but this season takes an... (more)
Posted in June 2001
The fist week of this month is holidays in a row, and we call this period Golden Week. This month is an ideal season, which is neither hot nor cold, so you can enjoy traveling, sports, lots of events and... (more)
Posted in May 2001
April is the month of Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. On this occasion you see usually seriously looking Japanese people kick up a racket. People go out for Hanami parties and eat, drink, sing and dance under fully bloomed cherry... (more)
Posted in April 2001
March is the month of Hinamatsuri. Hinamatsuri is the doll festival or girls' festival on March 3. Parents decorate graceful dolls of the Emperor and Empress, and noble court people in Heian Era costume at home, and pray for their... (more)
Posted in March 2001
The weather is very cold, but according to the solar calendar, February 4 is the first day of spring. February 3 is "Setsubun" or bean throwing ceremony, when we throw parched beans so that the Devil may go out and... (more)
Posted in February 2001
With best wishes for the New Year. We wish this year will be the happiest and best for you. Shishimai Dance at Fujishiro Shrine in Kainan City Jan. 1 (Mon.) This Shishimai Dance, which is performed in a lion mask,... (more)
Posted in January 2001
With Christmas and Bonenkai (Forget the Year) Celebrations, we enjoy nearly a month of warm holiday cheer despite the chilly weather outside. No Omisoka (New Year's Eve) is complete without toshikoshi soba, a buck wheat noodle dish eaten to mark... (more)
Posted in December 2000
November 3 is Culture Day, which is a national holiday. There are lots of art exhibitions and events around this date. You can enjoy them to your heart's content by visiting galleries and event halls. On the other hand, it... (more)
Posted in November 2000
You are in the middle of autumn. Chrysanthemums, which are Japan's national flower, are in full bloom. The leaves of trees turn yellow and red as the days go by, and there are a lot of autumnal festivals. Amazake Matsuri... (more)
Posted in October 2000
Though the late heat of summer remains. September is the beginning of autumn. We can say September, together with October, is the best season for reading, sports, outings and art events. What would you like to do after the scorching... (more)
Posted in September 2000
August is the month of Obon, summer festivals, and camping. "Obon", which is held on August 13, 14, 15, is the festival for the dead. In Buddhism the spirits of the dead are believed to visit their families during these... (more)
Posted in August 2000
July is the month of Tanabata, or the Star Festival, and the beach opening in Wakayama. Tanabata festival on July 7 is based on a legend about two stars. They are called Orihime and Hikoboshi, and they meet on the... (more)
Posted in July 2000
The rainy season sets in in June. Rice is planted in the paddy fields during this season. Generally speaking, it lasts three or four weeks, and it is very humid and gloomy for us, but this season takes an important... (more)
Posted in June 2000
The first week of this month is a week studded with holidays and we call this week Golden Week. This month is an ideal season, which is neither hot nor cold, so you can enjoy traveling, sports and lots of... (more)
Posted in May 2000
April is the month of Hanami, a picnic under the cherry blossoms. On this occasion you can see usually serious looking Japanese people kick up a racket. People go out for Hanami parties and eat, drink, sing and dance under... (more)
Posted in April 2000
March is the month of Hinamatsuri. Hinamatsuri is the doll festival, or girls' festival celebrated on March 3. Parents give graceful dolls of the Emperor and Empress, and noble court people in Heian Era costumes to their daughter. They are... (more)
Posted in March 2000
February is the month of Setsubun, which is the day before the beginning of spring according to the lunar calendar. On the evening of this day, people open the front door of their houses and drive the demons of bad... (more)
Posted in February 2000
Ebisu-matsuri (Ebisu Festival) in Wakayama City January 9-11 (Sun.-Tue.) Ebisu-matsuri is the best thing to do in January. Ebisu is the god of business, and he is believed to bring good luck to people and is very popular. Above all... (more)
Posted in January 2000
Christmas in Japan Of course, December is the last month of a year. Christmas needs no explanation, but Christmas in Japan is more like an opportunity to party, or a romantic couples' day than the holy and family time it... (more)
Posted in December 1999
Last Update 2005-12-01T00:54:17 GMT+09:00
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