Japan Festivals August 2012

Summer in Japan is the time for festivals and August is one of the hottest months for Japanese festivals and events with lots happening around the country. The hot weather is the perfect excuse to head outdoors and enjoy these spectacular events.

Some of the big festivals and events include:


Gujo Bon Odori – Held in Gujo City, Gifu from July 14 to September 8. It is regarded as one of the three best Bon Odori in Japan, and is over 400 years old. The four main days of the festival are from August 13 – 16 where the dancing goes on through the night.

Nebuta Matsuri – Held in Aomori from August 2 to 7 this summer festival is one of the largest in the Tohoku region. Nebuta refers to the elaborate floats which are carried through the centre of the city, while dancers wearing a costume called “haneto” dance around.

Kanto Matsuri – Held in Akita from August 3 to 6 this summer festival is to pray for an abundant harvest of grains. The highlight of the festival is when the performers balance long bamboo poles (kanto) with an array of paper lanterns attached to the end.

Tokyo Bay Fireworks – Held north of the Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo Bay on August 11. This spectacular fireworks display features over 12,000 shells fired from barges in the water. The best spot to view the fireworks is from Harumi Park.

Awa Odori – The Awa Odori Dance Festival in Tokushima is held from August 12 to 15. It is the largest dance festival in Japan and is held as part of the Obon festival. The festival attracts over 1.3 million tourists every year.

Obon – Is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honour the departed spirits of one’s ancestors. It has evolved into a family reunion holiday, during which people return to ancestral places and visit and clean their ancestor’s grave. It is believed that around this time the spirits revisit the household altars. Obon lasts for three days (August 13 to 16).

I would love to hear from you if you have been lucky enough to have experienced any of these festivals this year.

Find Cheap Flight Deals

How do I find cheap flight deals? There are a few little secrets to help you achieve this and plenty opportunities out there if you know where and when to book. The list below has been complied with the help of Escape.com.au.


The following is the ultimate guide for finding the best deal:


1. Follow airlines on Facebook and Twitter – Most airlines alert customers to sales and specials via social media. Jetstar Australia gives fans access to sale fares 24 hours before they are available on its website. AirAsia also gives fans a couple of days notice before a big sale starts.

2. Book early – The earlier you book your ticket, the more you can save, especially during the peak travel times such as Christmas and School Holidays. Plan ahead and book early to save.

3. Buy flights at 4pm on a Friday – A lot of airlines release their weekly sales on Friday afternoons. Often when an airline drops its price others respond as well and multiple price drops can occur between competing carriers.

4. Fly with lesser known airlines – If you are prepared to fly with a lesser known airline you can find some good bargains.

5. Consider a package deal – Ask your travel agent about a package deal that includes flights and accommodation. The flights in these deals are sometimes specially discounted airfares that are only available to travellers when booked as part of a package.

6. Sign up to newsletters – signing up to email newsletters is a great way to find out about early bird specials and the latest sale fares.

7. Travel outside the peak season – A simple but effective way to save money is to avoid the peak travel times. These are usually Christmas, Easter and School Holidays. Consider flying midweek as cheaper fares are often available if you travel on Tuesday or Thursday.

8. Check out websites such as jetabroad.com.au, zuji.com.au and wotflight.com. These are the best comparison sights according to consumer group Choice.

I hope these tips help you find the best cheap deal on your next flight. Do you have any tips that you wish to share with us?

More tips on how to save money in Japan at Japan on a Budget

Getting to Tokyo from Narita Airport

There are a few options available for you to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport and these include taxi, bus and trains.

Taxis are the most expensive means with a taxi to downtown Tokyo costing between 20,000 yen – 30,000 yen depending on the final destination and traffic.

Bus is a cheaper option at around 3,000 yen. A regular limousine bus service (www.limousinebus.co.jp) runs between Narita and Tokyo City Air Terminal in central Tokyo, to Tokyo and Shinjuku stations. They also run to most major hotels in Tokyo. Tickets can be purchased at the airport after clearing immigration and customs. The buses leave every 20 minutes and usually take 2 to 3 hours to arrive at central hotels.

Trains are usually the quickest and cheapest way to reach Tokyo. There are two train alternatives into Tokyo: Japan Railways (JR) Narita Express (www.jreast.co.jp) and the Keisei Skyliner (www.keisei.co.jp) they are twice as fast as taxi or bus, but not as convenient as you must find your own way around the city once at a station.

The Narita Express has more connections stopping at JR stations in Chiba, Tokyo (station), Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Yokohama. It costs around 3,000 yen for a regular ticket. Tickets can be bought in advance or at the station.

The Keisei Skyliner stops at just Ueno Station and nearby Nippori. Tickets cost around 2,000 yen and can also be bought in advance or at the station. 

Check out my Tokyo post to discover what you can see and do in Tokyo

These are some great resources to help you explore Tokyo

Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is a type of Japanese green tea, which is produced by steaming young green tea leaves, which are then ground into a fine powder. Matcha is very healthy because the whole leaf is consumed. This method delivers a huge dose of polyphenol catechin compounds, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is known for its antioxidant activity.

Studies have suggested that tea polyphenols can help halt the replication of the influenza virus and rev-up T-cells, the first line of defence against nasty microbes.

How Can I Use Matcha Green Tea? To make matcha, place a teaspoon in a small bowl, pour simmering water over the top and whish briefly.

You can also add matcha to smoothies, baked goods and whipped creams.

One of my favourite Japanese desserts is Matcha Ice-Cream

Makes about half a litre


Ingredients 

• 1 tbsp green tea powder
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup milk
• 200ml pure cream

Method 

1. Mix the tea powder with two tablespoons of sugar.
2. In a seperate bowl, mix egg yolks with remaining sugar.
3. Pour milk into pan and heat gently. Be careful not to boil it.
4. Remove from heat and mix some of the milk into the green tea mixture.
5. When you have a smooth paste, add it to the remaining milk in the pan.
6. Whisk in the egg yolks and leave to cool.
7. Whip the cream then add to the cold green tea mixture.
8. Freeze

Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park

Fuji-Q Highland is an amusement park located in Yamanashi prefecture, Japan. The theme park is near the base of the famous Mount Fuji.

This is the place for you if you love rides and roller-coasters rather than the attractions of say a Disneyland or Disney Sea.

The highlights of Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park include:


Takabisha - the world’s steepest steel roller-coaster. Takabisha is 43 meters high and can reach speeds of 100 km/h. Takabisha looks scary even from the ground and is an adrenalin rush for the bravest of daredevils. The ride has amazing views of Mount Fuji, seven twists, dark tunnels and a heart stopping 121 degree free fall.

Fujiyama - the longest and tallest roller-coaster at Fuji-Q. It is 79 meters tall and can reach speeds of 130 km/h. It was once the world’s tallest roller-coaster.

Dodonpa - the fastest roller coaster at Fuji-Q with speeds of around 172 km/h. It was once the world’s fastest and still ranks the fastest in the world for launch time acceleration.

The Haunted Hospital - the world’s second largest haunted attraction.

Thomas Land - a children’s area with a Thomas the Tank Engine theme.

Open Hours: April 1st – September 30th
Weekdays 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Weekends and Holidays 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Summer Vacation 8:00 am – 9:00 pm

Fares and Fees:

Note: The Free Pass includes entrance and free pass on rides

 
View Fuji-Q HighLand amusement park in a larger map

Check out the Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park Website for more details

Fujiyama

Gifu Summer Festivals and Events

July is the start of the hot summer period in Japan with the end of the rainy season. This is the time to head outdoors and enjoy the numerous festivals and events happening around the country. A few of my favourite Summer Activities in Japan.

Some of the big summer events happening in Gifu this July include:



Gujo Bon Odori (July 14 – Sept 8) 
Where: Hachiman-cho, Gujo-shi, Gifu
When: Weekdays & Sundays from 8:00pm to 10:30pm and Saturday from 8:00pm to 11:00pm

Held over a span of 33 nights, the Gujo Bon Odori is regarded as one of the three best Bon Odori in Japan, and has been performed for over 400 years. It is famous for the all-night dancing where the locals let their hair down for some frenzied dancing. During the four main days of the festival from  August 13 – 16 the dancing goes on through the night. Read about Obon.

Gero Hot Spring Evening Market (July 21 – August 25) 
Where: Shirasagi Bridge, Gero, Gifu
When: Every Saturday from 7:00pm to 10:00pm

This market held in the streets of one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns is not to be missed. Features stalls selling local speciality products, sake and amazing food.

Chunichi Shinbun Nagaragawa Fireworks Festival (July 28th) 
Where: Nagara Bridge, Gifu-shi, Gifu
When: July 28th from 9:00am to 8:45pm 

One of the largest fireworks festivals in Japan featuring over 30,000 fireworks. Held in the skies over the beautiful Nagara River with Gifu Castle as a background this event can’t be missed.

Thanks to Gifu Crossroads - A Guide to Your Journey to Gifu Prefecture

Summer Activities in Japan

Summer is the time for festivals, food and fireworks in Japan. The white winter landscape has been covered in lush greenery with the sounds of cicadas shrilling and furin (wind chimes) blowing in the breeze.

The weather is hot and sticky, which is perfect for the summer festivals.

A few of my favourite summer activities in Japan


• Enjoying the various fireworks (hanabi) festivals all around Japan.

• Heading to the mountains to beat the summer heat. A favourite retreat is Kamikochi and Karuizawa in Nagano.

• Hiking in the beautiful mountains of Gifu/Nagano.

• Soaking in an onsen (hot spring) after a long hot day.

• Eating festival food like yakisoba (stir fried noodles), yakitori (grilled chicken), takoyaki (octopus dumplings), grilled corn on the cob and chocolate coated banana are just a few of my favourites.

• Gujo Obon Odori Festival in Gifu – dating back 400 years this traditional dance festival lasts for 31 nights and even goes on all night in mid-August.

• Climbing Mount Fuji, which can only be done during the summer months of 1 July to 31 August. I've yet to do this but it is on my bucket list.

• Rocking out at the summer music festivals such as The Fuji Rock Festival and Summer Sonic in Tokyo. This year’s line-up at Fuji Rock includes (Radiohead, Jack White, Noel Gallagher and The Stone Roses).

On a side note, this is my 400th post :) It has been a great 2+ year journey on this blog and look forward to many new posts.

Obon Odori