Top 10 Notable Japanese Festivals Happening in January
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Meet Misty Fujii, a Canadian DJ and storyteller residing in Japan. With a lust for adventure and a zest for life, she's your go-to guide for everything Japan! Dive into her world as she takes you on a journey through the vibrant and unique festivals that color Japan's January calendar.
Oshogatsu: The New Year's Celebration in Japan
First on our list is the grand New Year's celebration, or Oshogatsu, where families return to their hometowns to honor the Shinto deity of the new year. Traditions revolve around cleaning the house, sending New Year's cards, visiting temples or shrines, and indulging in traditional dishes such as soba, mochi, and osechi ryori. Shortly after Oshogatsu, numerous festivals unfold throughout the country to bring good fortune and blessings for the year ahead.
Top 10 Festivals to Attend in January
1. Toka Ebisu Festival
Pray to the god of good fortune at this must-attend festival for business owners! The event spans multiple days where thousands visit Ebisu shrines across Japan and participate in rituals such as the kagura dance, mochi pounding, and hoekago parade.
When: January 8-12How to get there: Various Ebisu shrines across Japan. Popular ones include Nishinomiya Shrine in Hyogo, Ebisu Shrine in Kyoto, and Imamiya Ebisu Shrine in Osaka.
2. Shitennoji Doya Doya Festival
Experience one of Osaka's quirkiest festivals as male high school students, dressed only in loincloths, are splashed with water during this Buddhist ceremony for good luck. You’ll hear the young men shouting “doya doya” as they compete for lucky religious items.
When: January 14, 2pm-6pmHow to get there: A 5-minute walk from Shitennoji-mae Yugigaoka Station on Osaka’s Tanimachi Line.
3. Nozawa Fire Festival
Witness the spirited Nozawa Fire Festival, held in Nagano, where men from the village defend a 2-meter-tall shrine from villagers armed with flaming torches. The purpose is to burn away bad luck and pray for a prosperous year, a happy marriage, and healthy family.
When: January 15 (6pm-11pm)How to get there: Take the Nagano Snow Shuttle from Tokyo’s airports or Shinjuku Station, the Nozawa Onsen Liner, or direct buses from Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya.
4. Zao Juhyo Festival
Step into winter wonderland during the Zao Juhyo Festival in Yamagata. The unusual weather conditions transform the Zao mountain range into a backdrop of frost-covered trees resembling snow monsters, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
When: December 23rd- February 25thHow to get there: Take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Sendai Station, followed by a direct highway bus to Zao.
5. Jozankei Snow Lantern Festival
Marvel at the beauty of thousands of lanterns made of ice and snow surrounding Jozankei Shrine near Sapporo, perfect for capturing memorable moments. Participants can even light a candle to send prayers and well-wishes to special loved ones.
When: 2024: January 27-February 3How to get there: Take the free shuttle bus from the town of Jozankei Onsen to the shrine.
6. Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival
Bid farewell to dull days as the Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival illuminates Mt. Wakakusa, setting it ablaze and creating quite the spectacle visible from many parts of the city. ESPN named it one of the top literary fire festivals in the world!
When: late January (on January 28 in 2024)How to get there: Buses run from JR Nara and Kintetsu Nara stations to Kasuga Taisha.
7. Miyoshi Bondensai Festival
Witness the excitement as groups of townspeople carry sacred wands, known as bonden, to Taiheizan Miyoshi Shrine during this thrilling festival in Akita. The festival, also known as "the bonden fight," is a race to get the sacred wands to the shrine, with participants aggressively competing to reap the benefits of their offerings.
When: January 17 (10:30am)How to get there: Take the Akita Chuo Kotsu Bus bound for Taihei and get off at Miyoshi-jinja Iriguchi.
8. Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Discover the magic of over 500 illuminated ice sculptures during this family-friendly winter event around Shikotsu-Toya National Park! It also features fireworks, special ski events, and a romantic ice wedding ceremony.
When: January 28-February 23How to get there: Take the Chuo Bus from New Chitose Airport.
9. Togenuki Jizoson Festival
Embrace the "Granny's Harajuku" vibe during this lively festival in Tokyo. Toshima, the neighborhood hosting the event, welcomes 100,000 visitors to wash small statues at Togenuki Jizosan Koganji Temple, symbolizing purification and wishing for good health.
When: January 24 (prayers at 10:30am and 2:30pm)How to get there: Go to Sugamo Station on the Yamanote Line.
10. Geikosai Festival
Ring in the new year at Yakuoin Temple on Mt. Takao in Hachioji, Tokyo. The Geikosai Festival marks the "Welcoming of the Light" and is one of the most important Japanese New Year traditions. Participate in purifying goma fire rituals and hear the echo of conch shells being blown as horns, filling the air as priests welcome the new year.
When: January 1 (midnight-5pm)How to get there: Take the cable car from Takaosan Station, then hike about 30 minutes from the mountain’s summit to the temple.
Discover More with Our Tours
our website offers a range of guided tours throughout Japan, including private walking tours, Food and Drink tours, and day trips to Mt. Fuji. With our knowledgeable English-speaking guides, you can explore Japan, learn about its history, and discover hidden gems. Follow us on Instagram for more travel inspiration!
Experience the unique charm of Japanese festivals, breathe fresh mountain air, and indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine just like Misty Fugii does. Remember to cherish each moment and collect stories to tell for years to come! 🎉🇯🇵
- Misty Fujii, a Canadian DJ and storyteller, invites you to join her as she traverses through Japan's vibrant January festivals.
- The elaborate New Year's celebration, or Oshogatsu, marks the beginning of Misty Fujii's journey, where families visit temples or shrines and indulge in traditional dishes.
- January's festival calendar is filled with events, starting with the Toka Ebisu Festival, dedicated to the god of good fortune and including rituals such as the kagura dance and mochi pounding.
- The Shitennoji Doya Doya Festival in Osaka is another quirky event where high school students are splashed with water for good luck.
- The Nozawa Fire Festival in Nagano offers a spirited display of villagers defending a shrine from flaming torches, praying for a prosperous year and happy marriages.
- In Yamagata's Zao Juhyo Festival, the Zao mountain range transforms into a winter wonderland, with frost-covered trees resembling snow monsters.
- At the Jozankei Snow Lantern Festival, near Sapporo, marvel at thousands of ice and snow lanterns, perfect for capturing memorable moments and sending prayers.
- The Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival in Nara illuminates Mt. Wakakusa, setting it ablaze and creating quite the spectacle.
- The Miyoshi Bondensai Festival in Akita features the "bonden fight," where groups race to get sacred wands to the shrine, aggressively competing for offerings.
- The Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, around Shikotsu-Toya National Park, showcases over 500 illuminated ice sculptures for family fun, fireworks, and romantic events.
Explore these festivals and more by joining our tours at our website, offering guided tours throughout Japan, including walking tours, Food and Drink tours, and day trips to Mt. Fuji. Follow us on Instagram for more travel inspiration! 🎉🇯🇵
