Some festivals in Japan end with fireworks. Not the Toyohashi Gion Festival; this one starts with people holding them. And not the safe, distant kind launched from a riverbank, we’re talking about bamboo tubes packed with gunpowder, cradled under one arm while columns of fire explode into the night sky. It sounds slightly unhinged. It...Read More
When people plan a trip to Japan, the usual route often looks the same: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. Somewhere in between, many travelers pass through Nagoya without ever leaving the station. That’s a mistake. Nagoya is Japan’s fourth-largest city, yet it remains one of the country’s most underrated destinations. It has the food, history, nightlife, culture,...Read More
Some festivals in Japan are loud. Others are celebratory in a quieter way. The Arimatsu Shibori Tie-Dye Festival in Nagoya is the second kind, a colorful summer event celebrating over 400 years of Japanese textile craftsmanship in one of the city’s most beautiful historic districts. No giant floats. No deafening crowds. Just an entire neighborhood...Read More
Nagoya’s live music scene is easy to overlook, but it is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the city after dark. On any given night, you can find everything from underground indie bands and jazz sessions to massive arena tours and late-night DJ parties. Spring and summer are especially lively, with tours rolling...Read More
Summer in Nagoya is not for the faint of heart. It’s hot, humid, and intense, but also one of the most exciting times to visit. As the temperatures rise, the city transforms into a festival playground filled with fireworks, street food, dancing, and late-night events. Is Nagoya worth visiting in summer?Yes, if you plan smart....Read More
Some festivals in Japan hit you over the head with spectacle. Others, like the Wakamiya Festival, are easier to miss. Which is strange, because this one has 17th-century mechanical puppets, a shrine older than most countries, and a location right in the middle of the city. And yet, unless you already know it’s happening, you’ll...Read More
Every February, a rather unique festival is held in the Owari Okunitama Jinja Shrine in Inazawa that would make even your grandmother blush! This festival is known as the Konomiya Hadaka Matsuri or Konomiya Naked Festival, and as the name suggests, men will do the Full Monty as they brave the cold and treat the...Read More
Nagoya, like much of Japan, truly embraces the Christmas season with stunning illuminations and festive winter events throughout December. One of the highlights of winter in Nagoya is the breathtaking illuminations that begin in mid-November and often last until January or even February. These light displays create a magical atmosphere that’s hard to miss. In...Read More
The Nagoya Festival, which takes place annually in mid-October, is one of the most spectacular autumn festivals in Nagoya. The entire city is filled with a festive atmosphere, celebrating its past, present, and future. If you love Japanese festivals and want to experience a vibrant energy and a mix of entertainment, culture, and history, this...Read More
There are two sides to Gamagori, a coastal city 40 minutes away from Nagoya. On the one hand, it’s a popular seaside and hot spring resort where people come to relax and enjoy the smell of ocean air, the water scenery, rocky beaches, nature hikes, and fresh seafood. On the other hand, it also has...Read More
