Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
[JNTO] Japan Tourism Topics
2023.08.25
Press release
PDF ver.
1. Roar with the crowds at Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri, September 16 - 17, Osaka
With a history of over 300 years, Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is one of the liveliest festivals in Japan. The protagonists of this celebration are the Danjiri, which in the Kansai region refers to the large and ornate wooden floats. With some weighing more than 4 tons, the Danjiri are pulled through the city streets at high speed by 34 different teams made up of several hundred people, each team representing a neighborhood in Kishiwada. The "Yarimawashi", or turning the corner at full speed, is a major attraction. This requires exceptional maneuvering skills that never fail to elicit thunderous cheers from spectators.
Over the weekend, the festival attracts over 400,000 visitors, breathing new life into the former castle town.
Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
2. Wake up to Yoyogi Park at TRUNK (HOTEL), opening September 1, Tokyo
The boutique TRUNK (HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK is set to open on September 1st on the greener side of Tokyo’s lively Shibuya district. With its signature rooftop infinity pool overlooking Yoyogi Park, reserved exclusively for staying guests, this park side hotel creates a secluded oasis for “urban recharge” and relaxation in the center of Tokyo. The area where this hotel is perfect for a relaxing stroll and close to popular attractions like the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Shibuya district.
TRUNK (HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK
3. Enjoy gourmet regional delicacies at Sapporo Autumn Fest, September 8 - 30, Hokkaido
Over the course of three weeks, the annual Sapporo Autumn Fest takes over most of the city’s central Odori Park. To the delight of local and international foodies, this culinary extravaganza brings together gourmet delights from around Hokkaido. Now in its 14th edition, the Sapporo Autumn Fest attracts over two million visitors each year who flock to Hokkaido’s cooler autumn season, which arrives earlier than on the Japanese mainland. Visitors can stop at one of the stalls specializing in dishes that use seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido, or sample various types of delicious Ramen from the region, as well as local and international wines and spirits, meat, and selected dishes from around the world made by chefs from iconic restaurants in Sapporo.
Sapporo Autumn Fest
4. Witness epic wooden cart battles at the Kakunodate Festival’s Battling Yama, September 7 - 9, Akita
The Kakunodate Festival's Battling Yama is an exciting event that fills the historic streets of Kakunodate with vibrant colors and infectious energy. This festival, held annually from September 7th to 9th, has been celebrated for centuries and carries deep cultural significance.
The stars of this festival – designated as a National Important Intangible Folk-Cultural Property and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage – are beautiful wooden carts known as Yama, which are embellished with intricate tableaus depicting various traditional motifs.
As several Yama patrol the city's narrow streets, they eventually meet and bump into each other. But these “negotiations” over who will yield occasionally fail, as lively and continuous bumping leads to the spectacular mock battles that are a true highlight of the festival. For a few days each year, the quiet town of Kakunodate, known as the Little Kyoto of the Tohoku region, becomes a lively, bustling place on this occasion.
Kakunodate Festival’s Battling Yama
5. Enjoy the fusion of Thai and Japanese hospitality at Dusit Thani Kyoto, opening September 1, Kyoto
Dusit Thani Kyoto, the first foray into Japan for the renowned Dusit Thani hotel brand, will open on September 1st, in a harmonious blend of Thai hospitality and Japanese tradition. Located in the heart of Kyoto, not far away from many of the city's hotspots, the Dusit Thani Kyoto exudes elegance and warmth. The hotel’s fine restaurants led by award-winning chefs features traditional Thai cuisine which incorporates Kyoto’s culinary tradition and promises a multi-sensory experience for the guest.
Guests can participate in tea and incense ceremonies, flower arranging, or visit the ateliers of Kyoto-based artisans, among many other experiences that promote mindfulness and foster a deep connection with Kyoto's local culture. While Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japanese culture and cuisine, Dusit Thani Kyoto allows visitors to sample a taste of Thailand as well.
Dusit Thani Kyoto
6. Visit Asakusa and enjoy the Asakusa Samba Carnival, September 17, Tokyo
Prepare to be swept away by Asakusa's vibrant energy and the Samba Carnival, a stellar spectacle taking place on September 17th. Asakusa and the charming streets that wind through it are always a sight to behold, and the neighborhood's delightful blend of tradition and modernity ensures different surprises around every corner. Visitors can immerse themselves in this historic neighborhood's rich cultural heritage, which includes the iconic Senso-ji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Shopping Street, at any time of the year.
However, on this particular day, Asakusa comes alive with the electrifying rhythms and colorful performances of the Samba Carnival. Spectators can watch a dazzling parade of samba dancers in elaborate costumes move to the infectious beats of Latin music.
In addition to watching the dance performances, visitors can stroll through the various market stalls, indulge in some mouthwatering street food, and take in the celebratory spirit that permeates the entire area. The information in the below URL link describes the event in 2019, and the event described will take place in a scaled-down format in the year 2023.
Asakusa Samba Carnival (Japanese only)
Asakusa
7. A cherished Tohoku tradition: have warm Imoni taro soup in Yamagata
Imoni is a hearty soup made with taro and beef that is traditionally eaten in the Tohoku region. Yamagata Prefecture is especially well known for its beef Imoni. Yamagata’s Imoni taro soup is also a source of local pride, not only for its taste, but also for the size of the pot in which it is made. The essence of Imoni is found in the way it is consumed as much as in its flavors. During the late summer and early autumn, people enjoy the warm Imoni taro soup outdoors, and it’s not uncommon to see groups gathered around fires near rivers, all intent on consuming this delicious meal symbolizing the arrival of the fall season. This particular soup is so closely associated with autumn that convenience stores stock firewood specifically for these Imonikai (“Imoni parties”).
The Autumn Imoni Festival, held in Yamagata on Sunday September 17th, is the most important of these, with participants sharing Imoni from a massive hot pot serving up to 30,000 people.
This hot pot is so huge that organizers use special crane-like machines to stir it! This year, the festival will be held at Mamigasaki river near Soutsuki-bridge, with food distribution beginning around 9:30am. Tickets can be either purchased in advance.
Imoni Festival
8. Discover Prehistoric Life at the newly revamped Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum in Katsuyama reopened its doors on July 14th, welcoming visitors after a major renovation ensuring an all-season experience. The museum now bastes an enlarged space featuring an impressive giant screen that showcases life-sized dinosaurs in powerful visuals. Its collection of complete dinosaur skeletons on display has expanded from 44 to a staggering 50, with a highlight being the rare herbivorous dinosaurs which astonishingly retain almost all of their skin markings! Aside from strolling through these magnificent installations, visitors can participate in a variety of activities, such as workshops where they can develop the keen eye needed to discover and identify fossils and even extract dinosaur teeth from fossils using real tools. The tour continues outside the museum to the Dinosaur Quarry, Japan's largest dinosaur fossil excavation site, which is accessible via a museum bus. Here, spectators can closely observe active excavations, learn about the history of the findings, and even experience authentic fossil discoveries, complete with detailed explanations from researchers.
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
9. An overnight stay and unique dining in an old schoolhouse: Auberge “eaufeu”, Ishikawa
The Auberge “eaufeu” breathes new life into the original walls of the former Nishio Elementary School in Kanagaso, Ishikawa Prefecture, which closed its doors in 2018. This sustainable initiative allows guests to enjoy an extraordinary culinary experienced that combines innovation and tradition. Auberge "eaufeu" uses ingredients nourished by Komatsu's famously clear water for a distinctly local dining experience that you can enjoy one of their food with very unique local Nikkaishi stone tableware. The cafe in the same building welcomes all visitors and serves drinks made with Komatsu's ultra-pure water as well as serving as a base for disseminating information about the surrounding area. While the restaurant is the highlight of Auberge "eaufeu," guests can also spend the night in rooms that echo the ambiance of former classrooms and libraries, a stark yet fascinating contrast with the contemporary art elements adorning each room.
Stay overnight to enjoy leisure time in Kanagaso, and indulge in an extraordinary fusion of flavors, artfully crafted to showcase the rich cultural tapestry.
Auberge “eaufeu”
10. A walk through history: Yamanobe-no-Michi, Nara
Take a journey along the ancient Yamanobe-no-Michi trail, a historic path that connects Miwa to Nara along one of the oldest toads in Japan. The hike offers a precious glimpse into Japan's ancient past and the timeless beauty of its natural landscapes. Nara’s history dates back even further than Kyoto’s, and this renowned hiking course passes by many remnants of bygone eras that line the trail. The entire route, from Sakurai to Tenri, is approximately 16km long and takes three to five hours to complete. During the walk, hikers can stop at the scenic Omiwa-Jinja, dedicated to the god of Sake brewing, and visit many more different temples and shrines dotting the path. At numerous spots along the way, travelers have the opportunity to taste traditional delicacies such as handmade Somen noodles and authentic Japanese Sake, adding a flavorful dimension to the hike.
Yamanobe-no-Michi, Nara
Notes:
・ Items 9-10 are based on information from JNTO Partners.
・ The above details are correct as of the time of publication, and are subject to change.
If you’d like to download photos and videos of Japan's tourist attractions, please visit the Japan Online Media Center (JOMC)
Contact:
For media inquiries, including requests to use photographs, please contact the JNTO Press at media_Inquiry@jnto.go.jp
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Photos (From the left):
1: Kishiwada city
2: Courtesy of TRUNK
3: Sapporo Autumn Fest
4: Photo by Tazawako・Kakunodate Tourist
5: Dusit Thani Kyoto
6: 🄫Asakusa Samba Carnival Secretariat
7: Photo by Japan’s largest Imoni Festival
8: 🄫Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
9: Auberge”eaufeu”
10: Photo by Nara Prefecture
