CULTURE

Japan has a strong cultural legacy with distinctive features.

Shinto:
Shinto the largest religion in Japan, they believe that humans are fundamentally good and are evil is brought by evil spirits.
Shinto is polytheistic, involving many deities that are known as kami. Japanese people pray to the kami to keep away the evil spirits.
Shinto religion has no founder & no holy places
Izumo-taisha, in Izumo region is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan.

Cultural festivals:
Aomori Nebuta Festival in Tohoku attracts millions of visitors due to the vibrant warlord shaped lantern floats (nebuta). This festival is celebrated between 2nd August to 7th August.
Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the biggest snow and ice festivals in the world held in Hokkaido during winters. Illuminated snow and ice sculptures to create a magical atmosphere in the region.
Koyasan Candle Festival: This festival is celebrated in the month of August. The path to Kobo Daishi Kukai’s mausoleum up to 2 KM is decorated in the lights of thousands of candles to connect with the souls of their ancestors.

Cultural Sport: Sumo wrestling
Sumo originated in Japan and is a Japans National sport. Its original purpose was to perform for the Shinto gods in ancient times. Sumo can be considered as living example of traditional Japanese culture. In Ryogoku district, there are many sumo stables and Kokugikan is the most important stadium one of the most important stadiums where half the annual tournaments are held.

Ryokan:
Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn especially near hot spring region. They have traditional elements like tatami floors, Japanese style baths & futon beds. They are an alternative to the modern hotels of japan. Ryokan has their own stay etiquettes, clothing, and architecture & bathing facilities and thus provides guests with unique cultural experience.

Hanami:
Hanami is a combination of two words – hana that means “flower” and mi means “to view”. Hanami is an old Japanese tradition to welcome spring. This is also called as cherry blossom festival and is about appreciating the beauty of nature.
Japanese love to celebrate the cherry blossom season & often host parties under the blooming cherry blossoms with food, drinks & songs.