Golden Week is the busiest time to travel in Japan - it's not just a little busy but very busy. 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. Officials predict and forecast the northern progress of blooms on government websites. Blooms begin appearing in the south first as winter gives up. When: Dates range between March and May, depending on how far north or south in Japan.Tea ceremonies are held under trees folk songs, traditional dances, beauty pageants, and even parades add to the festive atmosphere. Some festival goers may appreciate the sake more than the flowers themselves, but all enjoy the time outside in fresh spring air! A little revelry takes place beneath the blooms that are celebrated for their fleeting, impermanent nature. What could be more enjoyable than sitting under beautiful blooms with food and drinks?įamilies, friends, and coworkers compete for quiet spots in busy parks to enjoy picnics and parties. A large crowd will gather at the palace in Tokyo.Īn ancient tradition, the word hanami actually means 'flower viewing' and that's exactly what thousands of people do during the spring Cherry Blossom Festival. 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).

A smaller celebration known as Coming of Age Day takes place on January 9. Many businesses remain closed until at least January 3. The only other day that the public is allowed inside the gates is on December 23 for the Emperor's Birthday celebration. On January 2, the public gets a rare treat only granted twice per year: access to the inner palace grounds in Tokyo. The general sentiment is about new beginnings and setting the stage for prosperity. Reunited families spend time together and play games. Much like Chinese New Year, special food is prepared and money is given to children in small envelopes. At midnight, Buddhist temples ring bells 108 times (the estimated number of worldly sins/desires). 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 dawn, the Emperor of Japan prays for the nation. Many people start the new year by eating soba (buckwheat) noodles at midnight for good health. Shogatsu is observed by enjoying many traditional foods that vary between regions in Japan. It's considered one of the biggest festivals 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. – in FM: a Roma e provincia 99.0, a Latina e Pianura Pontina 94.0, a Rieti e provincia 98.5, a Fondi e Sperlonga 98.Bringing in the new year is taken very seriously in Japan. Or should I go and change my point of viewīig in Japan, ooh, the Eastern sea’s so blueĪscolta RTR 99 Canzoni e Parole fuori dal coro Neon on my naked skin, passing silhouettes Winter’s cityside, crystal bits of snowflakesĪ glimpse of summer’s heatwaves in your eyesīig in Japan, ooh the Eastern sea’s so blue

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