Japan is an island country in East Asia.

Located in the northwest Pacific Ocean, it borders the Sea of

Japan to the west, and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in
the south.

Capital: Tokyo

Population: 126.5 million (2018) 

Currency: Japanese yen

Points of interest: Mount Fuji, Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, MORE

kimono
The traditional dress of Japan is the kimono. Kimonos, which are generally made of
silk, have large sleeves and reach from the shoulders all the way down to the heels.
They are tied with a wide belt called an obi.

Big Japanese festivals are a fun, unforgettable — and often very crowded —
way to see a bit of Japanese culture.

Although throwing beans to frighten evil spirits may bewilder and amuse first-
time visitors, travelers can really get behind the joy that is hanami — the act of
appreciating (and partying under) seasonally blooming flowers. The four
consecutive public holidays that make up Golden Week in Japan are fun, but
be prepared: half the country seems to traveling at the same time.

Timing is everything when big holidays in Japan are concerned. Arrive a bit
too late for the excitement, and your punishment will be inflated
accommodation prices and overcrowded transportation. The worst part?
You'll pay the dues without even getting to enjoy the fun!

Don't miss out while traveling in Japan. Plan to already be situated for

enjoying the big holidays, and maybe consider avoiding travel during the
Golden Week stretch altogether.

01of 06

Shogatsu (New Year)

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 Bringing in the new year is taken very seriously in Japan. Shogatsu, the
Japanese New Year celebration, falls on the familiar date of January 1 per the
Gregorian calendar, but the celebration in Japan is stretched out days before
and after. It's considered one of the biggest festivals in Japan.

Shogatsu is observed by enjoying many traditional foods that vary between

regions in Japan. Many people start the new year by eating soba (buckwheat)
noodles at midnight for good health. At dawn, the Emperor of Japan prays for
the nation.

Unlike in the West where the celebration revolves around New Year's Eve
revelry and short-lived resolutions, Shogatsu focuses on bringing prosperity in
the upcoming year — beyond just hangover recovery. At midnight, Buddhist
temples ring bells 108 times (the estimated number of worldly sins/desires).

Much like Chinese New Year, special food is prepared and money is given to
children in small envelopes. Reunited families spend time together and play
games. The general sentiment is about new beginnings and setting the stage
for prosperity.

On January 2, the public gets a rare treat only granted twice per year: access to
the inner palace grounds in Tokyo. The only other day that the public is
allowed inside the gates is on December 23 for the Emperor's Birthday
celebration.

Many businesses remain closed until at least January 3. A smaller celebration

known as Coming of Age Day takes place on January 9.

 When: December 30 to January 3. Note: The traditional Japanese New

Year is also celebrated at the same time as the Lunar New Year (e.g., Chinese
New Year, Tet, etc).
 Where: Nationwide. A large crowd will gather at the palace in Tokyo.

02of 06

Setsubun (The Bean-Throwing Festival)

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Fun and bizarre, Setsubun kicks off the Haru Matsuri (Spring Festival) in

Japan.
 Setsubun is an old tradition that has evolved into a televised event hosted by
national celebrities. Along with the big productions, small stages are set up
around the country, many at shrines and temples. Candy and money are
thrown into the crowds which cheer and try to catch the small gifts.

At home, families throw beans (usually soybeans) in mame-maki ceremonies

to drive away evil spirits that could foul up things later. One member of the
household dons a demon mask and plays the "bad guy" as everyone else
shouts "get out!" and throws beans until he leaves. The door is symbolically
slammed shut on the evil spirit.

 When: February 3 or 4
 Where: Major temples and shrines throughout Japan

03of 06

Hanami (Cherry Blossom Festival)

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An ancient tradition, the word hanami actually means "flower viewing" and

that's exactly what thousands of people do during the spring Cherry Blossom
Festival. What could be more enjoyable than sitting under beautiful blooms
with food and drinks?

Families, friends, and coworkers compete for quiet spots in busy parks to
enjoy picnics and parties. Events happen day and night. A little revelry takes
place beneath the blooms that are celebrated for their fleeting, impermanent
nature.

Some festival goers may appreciate the sake more than the flowers

themselves, but all enjoy the time outside in fresh spring air!

Tea ceremonies are held under trees; folk songs, traditional dances, beauty
pageants, and even parades add to the festive atmosphere.

 When: Dates range between March and May, depending on how far

north or south in Japan. Blooms begin appearing in the south first as winter
gives up. Officials predict and forecast the northern progress of blooms on
government websites.
  Where: Nationwide

04of 06

Golden Week

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If there's one big holiday in Japan to plan around it is Golden Week! Fail to do
so and you could find yourself spending much of your trip waiting in queues.

Golden Week is the busiest time to travel in Japan — it's not just a little busy
but very busy. Four different, back-to-back Japanese festivals hit just as
spring weather is turning pleasant. Japanese people take advantage by
planning vacations; hotels, flights, and ground transportation fill up. Many
businesses close for at least a week. Shrines and attractions in popular cities
become very busy.

The first holiday of Golden Week is Showa Day on April 29, the observance of
the birthday of Emperor Hirohito. It is considered a time to reflect on that
turbulent part of Japan's past. Constitution Memorial Day hits on May 3 and
is followed by Greenery Day on May 4 then Children's Day on May 5.

Although each of the public holidays during Golden Week aren't big events by

themselves, combined they provide a good opportunity for local residents to
close shop and take some time off.

Japan's high season for tourism typically begins right after the Golden Week
festivals clear up and business gets back to normal. Hotel prices will often be
at their highest. Transportation gets crowded. Even if you aren't moving
around, parks, shrines, and places you probably want to see will be inundated
with people.

 When: End of April until May 6

 Where: Nationwide

Continue to 5 of 6 below.

05of 06
 Obon

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Although technically not an official national holiday, Obon (sometimes

just bon) is the most widely observed of Japanese festivals in the summer.

Obon is a three-day celebration of ancestors' spirits that come home to rest.

People visit shrines, temples, and family graves during Obon. Fires are lit in
front of homes and lanterns help guide the spirits. Much like the Hungry
Ghosts Festival observed in other parts of Asia, Obon is about keeping spirits
happy in the afterlife.

Obon is an important time for families; many head back to their ancestral
homes, causing long transportation delays and some business closures.
Shrines will certainly be busier during Obon.

 When: Obon is based on the lunar calendar. Dates vary from region to

region, but the festival is always in the summer. Some regions celebrate on
July 15, others on August 15 or the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.
 Where: Throughout Japan

06of 06

The Emperor's Birthday

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Emperor Akihito, the Emperor of Japan, was born on December 23, 1933.

The date of his birthday is celebrated annually as a national holiday in Japan.

The Emperor’s Birthday was established as an official holiday in 1948 and has
drawn a large crowd to the palace since.

The Emperor of Japan, along with key members of his family, make several
short appearances throughout the day on a windowed balcony. They wave
back to the sea of supporters who gather in the cold for a rare glimpse.
Tourists are welcome to stand in the queue to join the spectacle.
The Emperor’s Birthday is a patriotic occasion in Japan and is one of only two
days each year when the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace are open to the
public.

 When: December 23
 Where: Tokyo