Frequently Asked Questions

When is Omisoka celebrated?

Omisoka is celebrated on the night before the New Year.

What are the biggest festivals held in Tokyo?

Three of the biggest festivals celebrated in Tokyo are the Sanja Matsuri, Sanno Matsuri and Kanda Matsuri.

What is the Hanazumo Matsuri?

This is a festival features children of all sizes in ages enjoy and engage themselves in a popular Japanese sport known as sumo.

What is the Yabusame?

Yabusame is a type of archery that is performed while riding a horse. It has become a major fixture among Japanese festivals. During Yabusame festivals, archers gallop along a graveled path, while trying to hit targets along the way.

How did the Sapporo Snow Festival started?

In 1950, some local high school students made snow statues in Odori Park that attracted a number of spectators. The following years, the festival has gradually become a part of life in Sapporo, thus it eventually grew to become Hokkaido’s biggest winter event.

In celebrating the Hina Matsuri, how are the dolls displayed in the multi-tiered shelf?

On the top tier, the O-Dairi sama and O-Hina sama or the emperor and empress, respectively are represented. Three court ladies known as San-nin kanjo are positioned in the second tier while the third tier consists of five musicians called the Go-nin Bayashi. The bottom tiers have miniature furniture, tools, carriage, etc. Two minister dolls are also set on the forth tier of the shelf.