Japan has a host of unique festivals, but I'll admit my eye was caught by this particular celebration's other name … the Warabi Naked Festival. Babies, mud, men in underwear and chicken fights all seem to play a part in this harvest festival in Chiba Prefecture, a short train ride from Tokyo. The festival takes... Continue Reading →
What’s On in October
I had hoped to get this list up at the beginning of the week, but our hot water heater died (and flooded part of our garage in the process) and that took priority at the beginning of the month. How I wish there was an onsen or sento right down the street, like in Japan! Hopefully,... Continue Reading →
Festival Focus: Kanto Matsuri
We're in June now, and that means summer is around the corner. We have a bit of a reprieve at the moment with the advent of rainy season this week (the humidity is luckily taking a backseat at the moment), but come July, the heat will be on ... and pretty unbearable, in my opinion!... Continue Reading →
Crash Course: Tenugui
It's July 1st and I've got to say, the heat is STILL not here. I'm a bit surprised that rainy season has lasted so long this year, with no break yet in sight. (It's currently pouring.) Not that I am complaining, mind you. I am not a fan of the stifling summer temperatures. Summertime means sweat,... Continue Reading →
Celebrate: Culture Day
Happy Culture Day, everyone! Yes, welcome to the fourth of fall's many three day weekends. I'm taking advantage of this one as much as possible, with a visit to the Karatsu Kunchi (festival). So what's Culture Day all about? Well, interestingly enough, today actually celebrates the current Japanese constitution. "Now, hold on a sec ...",... Continue Reading →