Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest
In the winter Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest has a Christmas light walk and rides with Paddington bear theme. The illumination…
Winter
Festivals
ACTIVITIES Summer Within an Hour of YAB
Tokorozawa Lily Garden (Yuri Matsuri) – near MetLife Dome
In mid June thru early July there is a Lily Festival (Yuri Matsuri) across the street from the Seibu Dome…
ACTIVITIES
Tokyo Tower, The Milky Way Illumination
If you are planning on visiting Tokyo Tower, I recommend going there during the summer. There are “Tanabata”(Star Festival) themed…
ACTIVITIES
St. Patrick’s Day Parade- Tokyo
Asia’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place in the heart of Tokyo’s Harajuku district. A section of Omotesando Street…
ACTIVITIES
Daruma Doll Festival-Haijimadaishi Temple
Looking for a fun New Year’s activity? Look no further than the Daruma Doll Festival, in nearby Akishima. A visit…
ACTIVITIES
Fukubukuro- New Year’s “lucky bags”
New Year’s Day is the most important Japanese holiday, where many “firsts” are celebrated. Some of these special firsts include; first prayer,…
ACTIVITIES
Winter Illuminations, Central Tokyo
Here’s a list of some of the top illumination displays in central Tokyo. These are great places to visit during…
ACTIVITIES
Fuji Shibazakura Festival (Pink Phlox Festival)
Toward the end of April through the beginning of June, you can see amazing fields of 800,000 pink, white, and…
ACTIVITIES
Sapporo Ice Festival
While stationed at Yokota AB one of the best things to do in the winter is to take a trip…
ACTIVITIES
Takahata Fudo Temple
The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a life-changing 700-mile hike. Don’t have that much energy? Then head to Takahata Fudo Temple in nearby…
ACTIVITIES
The Plum Blossoms of Yoshino Baigo, Ome
As mentioned in the comment below, this place is closed until further notice. One famous spot for seeing Japan’s plum…
LOCAL SERVICES
Shrine Sales and Flea Markets
Why are they called “shrine sales”? Because they’re held on the grounds of temples and shrines, of course. But they…
ACTIVITIES
Ginger Festival in Akiruno – September
Akiruno’s Ginger Festival is held in September. Description: About 100 years ago, the people of the area began celebrating an…
GENERAL INFORMATION
Festivals
Below is a list of year-round festivals, events, and Japanese Holidays. Festival and event dates vary year to year. Check…
ACTIVITIES
Sumo
Sure, baseball is popular, but sumo remains the traditional national sport of Japan. Descended from religious rituals performed at village…
ACTIVITIES
February – Bean Throwing Ceremony
The Japanese celebrate Setsubun, also known as Onioishiki, on Feb. 3. Americans refer to this ceremony as the bean-throwing ceremony.…
ACTIVITIES
January – Adult Day (Seijin-no-Hi)
January 15, also known as Coming of Age Day or Adult Day, is the day when 20 year-old Japanese men…
ACTIVITIES
January – New Year’s Festivities
The New Year celebrations consist of a series of traditional family and religious observances, which last for days. It is…