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.
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.
Launched in 2011, Tokyo’s innovative art fair celebrates Japan’s unique modern art from up and coming artist. A smash hit from the start, the creative program works with technology and tradition to incorporate clay works, media art and photography. The festival also offers several workshops on different styles of art.
Autumn and spring are welcomed in the Takayama area outside of Nagoya at what is considered one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan – the Takayama Festival. During October and April spectators enjoy significant cultural displays of motifs and lanterns at the Hachiman Matsuri and Sakurayama Hachiman Shrines.
Parading through Kyoto’s most important shrines, Aoi Matsuri is a colorful procession in honor of the ancient officials who delivered the emperor’s messages to the two shrines of Shimogamo and Kamigamo. Every year on May 15th, Hollyhock, kimonos and traditional blades take spectators back to Imperial times as the day begins with an elaborate display.
One of Tokyo's most famous festivals, alongside Sanno Matsuri and Fukagawa Matsuri, Kanda Matsuri takes place in odd-numbered years in mid-May. There are processions wthrough the streets and parades of portable shrines (mikoshi). Though the festival officially celebrates the Kanda Myojin Shrine and its trio of deities, over time Kanda Matsuri has come to be a celebration for wealth and good fortune.
Gion Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Japan, taking place in July between 17th and 24th. The festival dates back to 869 AD and celebrates Yasaka Shrine. There are colorful float processions, as well as many other events over the days and around town.
Translating directly to "The Fire and Violence Festival," this notable celebration takes place in Noto Peninsula. Majestic kiriko lanterns light up the night sky. Brave men climb into the sea to light three torches as the pinnacle of the festival. Celebrated throughout the summer, this collection of festivals is a delight for the eyes.
