Beyond the neon cities, Guy finds a side of Japan few outsiders witness. Strange rituals and unforgettable festivals reveal ...

The vast majority of festivals in Japan are not unusual. Then, there are some that are referred to as "kisai" (奇祭) or "strange festival." This is one of those.

The light-hearted "Tageta shrine honen festival" in which the dankon, large wooden phalli, are carried in a procession from Kumano-jinja shrine to Tagata-jinja shrine, is held to pray for both ...

In graying Japan, many festivals are struggling to survive. Not a Premium subscriber? Consider the benefits of unlimited access.

Japan is home to many local festivals, but some of the best known are the ones in which men run and jump around nearly naked — not for dirty reasons, but for ancient religious ones. The hadaka ...

Japan is home to many local festivals, but some of the best known are the ones in which men run and jump around nearly naked — not for dirty reasons, but for ancient religious ones. The hadaka matsuri ...