Sapporo Snow Festival

An annual winter festival held in February in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Originating in 1950 when local students built snow sculptures, it has grown into a massive event featuring enormous snow and ice sculptures along Odori Park. Attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually, it is Hokkaido's biggest winter event and one of the world's premier snow festivals.

A major winter event held every February in Sapporo. Over 200 snow and ice sculptures are displayed mainly in Odori Park, attracting more than 2.5 million visitors from Japan and abroad. Begun in 1950 when local students built six snow sculptures, it is now internationally known as one of the world's largest snow festivals.

One of Japan's three greatest festivals, held at Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine with over 1,100 years of history. Spanning the entire month of July, its highlight is the grand procession of ornate yamaboko floats. Inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it draws vast numbers of visitors from Japan and abroad each year.

A traditional Japanese spring custom of appreciating cherry blossoms during their blooming season. Originating among aristocrats in the Nara period, it spread to the general public during the Edo period. As the cherry blossom front moves northward, the entire Japanese archipelago enjoys hanami season, making it an iconic cultural tradition.

A festival of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, one of Japan's Three Great Festivals. Held throughout July, the spectacular Yamahoko Junko parade of ornate floats through the city streets is the main highlight. Begun in 869 as prayers to ward off plague, it was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009, with over 1,150 years of history.

A summer festival representing the Tohoku region, held annually August 2-7 in Aomori City. Giant illuminated floats called 'nebuta' parade through the night streets, and the overwhelming energy of haneto dancers chanting 'Rassera' is unforgettable. Attracting over 3 million visitors annually, it is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.