Narelle Katsumoto

Planning your first trip to a Japanese hot spring? Visiting an onsen is a quintessential Japanese experience, but if you’ve never been, the customs can feel a little mysterious. But don't worry! Onsen etiquette is all about two simple things: cleanliness and respect.

Takayama Festival (高山祭) has been one of the oldest running festivals in Japan. The festival offers a unique experience of Japanese culture with its articulated performance of puppet dolls during the day and a parade of intricately designed festival floats that goes through the night. Along with Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Chichibu Yomatsuri in Saitama, it is known as one of the three most beautiful festivals in the country.

Every spring, the city of Nikko comes alive with music, color, and centuries-old traditions during the Yayoi Festival (弥生祭). Held for over 1,200 years, this spectacular festival celebrates the arrival of spring and prays for good fortune in the year ahead. Taking place at Futarasan Shrine (日光二荒山神社 ) in Tochigi Prefecture, the festival is one of Nikko’s most treasured cultural events and a wonderful opportunity to experience one of Japan’s oldest living traditions.