So much in Asia depends on the calendar. In February in Beijing, more than 20 million people all set off fireworks to celebrate Chinese New Year. In Nagaland in India, tribes from all over the region meet to compete, dance, and celebrate. In Thailand, spectators look on as celebrants perform bizarre rituals at the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
With an intimate and unique knowledge of Asian culture, Remote Lands knows the importance of experiencing culture the right way. Whether you want an up-close view of the Sing-Sing festival in the Asaro Valley of Papua New Guinea or a quiet walk through the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, Remote Lands can give travelers the best possible experience on their celebrations throughout Asia.
Also known as the Awa Dance festival, the three-day Awaodori festival is celebrated on Shikoku island, in Tokushima prefecture. The lively city-wide party involves, as the name implies, choreographed dances and music, with performers sporting traditional Obon costumes as they parade through the streets.
Observers stand in awe as 10,000 fireworks shoot off into the night sky above Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa in Shiga. Launched from Otsu Port, this night-long festival is a treat for the eyes in addition to being one of the largest and grandest firework shows in all of Asia. This is one of three major festivals in the stunning, natural area.
Drums sound as dancers of all ages display their talents at the three-day Eisa Festival in Okinawa, Japan. Performed during the Obon season, this festival follows the lunar calendar and falls during the summer season. Visitors enjoy cultural dance performances by locals dressed in the traditional style.
Fires light the night sky on the Daimonji Mountain in Nyoigatake near Kyoto. The fires are lit at 8pm and remain flaming for 30 minutes. Torches and bonfires serve as a form of prayer for the Okuribi people. Blazing bonfires are best viewed from the banks of Kamogawa River or in front of Doshisha University during this festival.
Glowing lanterns light up the dark night sky at the Nebuta Festival in the northern Japanese city of Aomori. Samurai-shaped lanterns are set off for five days every August to wake up the sleepy souls in preparation for the fall harvest. Last year the festival attracted over 37 million sightseers from all over the world.
“Come on over tonight” or “Yosakoi” in the local dialect, is a fun-filled festival taking place every summer in the vibrant city of Kochi. Created to dispel gloom after a severe recession in 1954, nearly 15,000 dancers, including the mayor and the governor, flood the streets as the festival sweeps over the city.
Celebrating the rich harvest of October, the Autumn Festival of Kushida Shrine is 1,200 years old. Children parade about the streets in traditional, ritual costumes performing different cultural dances. With beauty contests, live bands and a bustling market, there’s plenty to see at Hakata’s favorite festival.
Held annually in October for the last 370 years, the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival celebrates a fusion of Dutch and Chinese cultures within Japan. Incorporating traditional Japanese dances, Chinese dragon dances, elaborate floats and many cultural performances, the three-day festival is a celebration of harmonious cultures.
Increasingly popular, the Sapporo Snow Festival attracts visitors from all over the world for seven days of snowy fun in Hokkaido. Ice sculpture contests and sparkling artistic ice creations create a stunning winter wonderland. Visitors enjoy several snow slides and snow rafting.
Japan’s cherry blossom festival takes place throughout the country in the springtime, in conjunction with the blooming of the delicate and fragrant cherry blossoms, which lasts for about two weeks. Crowds from all over the country gather amongst the flowering trees, with parties going late into the night.
