Festival Archives - Hype in Tokyo

Mitama matsuri at Yasukuni shrine

by josephbautista | Sunday, December 30, 2018 | Chiyoda, Tokyo

mitama matsuri at yasukuni shrine Yasukuni shrine In the district of Chiyoda-ku, in central Tokyo, the Yasukuni shrine was constructed in 1869 to enshrine the ones who fought for Japan during war times with other countries. The spirits of over 2 milion people died for...

Hiwatari-sai festival at Mt. Takao

by josephbautista | Sunday, June 17, 2018 | Hachioji, Hyped, Tokyo

Walking barefoot over coals. The main event of the “Walking over fire” festival. A simple premise, yet courageous event held every winter solstice in Takao, west of Tokyo. Endure hard trainings for meditation and purification purposes, like standing under a waterfall,...

Sanno Matsuri at Hie Shrine

by josephbautista | Sunday, January 15, 2017 | Chiyoda, Tokyo

Even being celebrated in around mid June every two years, is still one of the most famous festivals in Tokyo. Whilst Sanno Matsuri takes place in even years, the Kanda Matsuri is celebrated in odd numbered years. With parades scheduled and festivities for a week, we...

One day in Kyoto

by josephbautista | Sunday, July 5, 2015 | Japan, Kyoto, Things to do

Many times I’ve been asked for things to do in Kyoto limited to one day visit. It’s difficult to narrow it all the amazing things you can visit or do in Kyoto. Usually my top recommendations are Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji shrine and Gion district on a tight...