On December 17th and 18th, the first daruma fair of the season in the Kanto Region is held at Iizumizan Shōfuku-ji Temple, the 5th amulet issuing temple of the Bando Sanjusankasho. The daruma-selling stores line the temple grounds and bustle with families. Those who attend pray for business prosperity and the wellbeing of their families.

Centered around Hiratsuka Station, it is an event that is about 8 kilometers and takes about 2-3 hours of walking. You can stroll around Tokaido's historic sites.(Taken from Hiratsuka Tourist Assocation official website)

On December 6th the Yamabushi (ascetic monks) in their traditional clothing pray for peace and tranquility across the country. They carry out Yamabushi-Mondou, a Buddhist ceremony in which questions in relation to Buddhism are both asked and answered.After this, they participate in the Hiwatari (fire-crossing) Ceremony, which involves the monks walking over glowing embers and praying for sound health. Firefighters, workers of the thermal power generation industry, and people of other fire-related professions come to this shrine both to worship and buy ofuda (amulets).

The Iwaikaigan Summer Festival is also designated as an important traditional cultural event of Manazuru Town. The Manazuru Summer Color Festival is held in conjunction with this festival. The festival features lantern floating, fireworks over the sea, Bon Odori dancing, and food and drink booths, allowing visitors to enjoy the nostalgic traditions of Manazuru Town on a summer night.

Kujientobunsui was registered tangible cultural property in 1998 (Heisei 10). It regulates the quantity of the water diversion utilizing principle of siphon. It is a great agricultural water supply facility built in 1941, using the leading edge of technology at the time. Photos Provided by photolibery

Sagami puppet show, a form of Japanese puppet show with shamisen accompaniment that was conveyed to Sagami Province in the Edo Period, is a traditional art that was originally nurtured in Kagawa Prefecture. It is characterized by san-nin zukai, referring to the operation of puppets by a trio of puppeteers, and teppozashi, which refers to the appearance similar to aiming a rifle when operating the puppet’s head. Performances can be arranged at the MICE venue.  （Reservations: 8650＠city.atsugi.kanagawa.jp）

The Yokohama Tram Museum opened on the site of the Takigashira rolling stock factory in 1973, one year after the tram was abolished. In 1983, it was then rebuilt on the first floor of the current municipal housing building. In the hall, stop signs, paving stones and seven tram cars are all preserved as they were at that time, and reproduce the atmosphere of the time when the tram was running.Yokohama was not only the site of the very first rail station in Japan, but also home to a great trolley system. Walk through the many restored cars where you can sit and imagine being transported around the city.

Known as the Novelist Kaiko, Kaiko Takeshi moved from Suginami, Tokyo to this location just south of the eastern shores of Chigasaki in 1974, and was active at this location until he passed away in 1989. This Kaiko Takeshi Memorial House was built in memory of his accomplishments and character which many are moved by.

What is the dancing nembutsu at the Yugyo-ji Temple? It is said that during the Kamakura era, when Ippen Shonin of the Jishu Buddhism branch was performing nembutsu across the country, at one point, one of his disciples suddenly started dancing during the chanting. People who saw this followed him and started this dancing tradition, which has now evolved into all sorts of Bon festivals and folk arts incorporating cultures and characteristics from all kinds of places. People of Fujisawa embrace the culture that is passed down to them and use the dancing nembutsu as a theme to hold the brand-new Bon of Yugyo event, containing the Yugyo Dance.

It was built in the early Showa era and relocated and restored in 1991 to the Minoge district of Hadano City. In April 2020, it was registered as a national tangible cultural property as a relic related to leaf tobacco cultivation. It is an important building for learning about farmhouse architecture in the early Showa era. The structure is in an architectural style typical of tobacco farmers at the time, with four rooms in the shape of a square. Agricultural tools and daily necessities are also displayed on the dirt floor, making it a valuable learning facility. We also offer villager experiences, rice harvesting, moon-viewing parties, etc. There are also regular hikes around the area.

This is a modern Japanese-style residence that combines a Western-style building and a Japanese-style building. Yokohama City has restored the house as much as possible to its original appearance and opened it to the public as "Negishi Natsukashi Park: Former Yanagishita Residence.” In November 2002, it was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property by Yokohama City.

This museum is located in Hiratsuka. Exhibits focus on the nature and culture of the Sagami River basin. A planetarium is attached to the museum and is popular among children for its interesting constellation stories, the latest space information, and various other contents (note the projection dates and times).

“Hana to Utsuwa no Harmony” is an early summer event that started in 2001. The event takes place at 7 Yamate Seiyoukans in Yokohama. The theme of 2017 was “Motenashino Hana Monogatari (hospitalities and stories of flowers) -- 7 Chapters --”. Seven coordinators arranged the flowers and tablewares of each Seiyoukans differently. (Theme is different each year)This event is not only about the decorations but paid workshops, such as flower arrangements. This 9-day event usually starts on the first Saturday of June and ends on the second Sunday of June.

The Iiyama White Dragon Taiko and White Dragon Dance originated from ancient rainmaking rituals where people play their taiko and dance with white dragons to pray for rain to fall upon the plain of Sagami. Now it is also an event for the Iiyama Sakura Festival.

One of Japan's largest citywide illumination events. A spectacular show of the harbor's waterfront, historical buildings, and modern buildings will be synchronized with light and music, and a large-scale projection mapping at the Port of Yokohama's Osanbashi International Passenger Boat Terminal and an interactive light show in Yamashita Park will create a beautifully lit Yokohama on a winter night. Please enjoy the most brilliant harbor lights of the year.

A large-scale Christmas tree that stands on the lakeside. About 200,000 visitors will come to see the Christmas tree every year. The tree is decorated with about 10,000 lights.

Viewing Period: late September to early October (best time for viewing: when the equinox flowers blossom). In the Endo area of northern Fujisawa, equinox flowers grow in groups along a small river for around 3km in length. Enjoy the view of flowers surrounding you everywhere as you take a walk. On sunny days it is also an excellent spot for viewing Mount Fuji in the distance. ※Uchimodori Festival site (1,100m downstream from the Daikoku Bridge)

The Tsunashima Cherry Blossom Festival is held at Tsunashima Park, a 7-minute walk from Tsunashima Station, which can be accessed within 30 minutes from both Shibuya and Yokohama. Local neighborhood associations set up booths at the festival site, and the local shopping district provides a great deal of festival collaboration and fun. A flea market is also held, making the event atmosphere very lively. Performances such as traditional Japanese dances, koto playing, modern dance, awadori, and others can be enjoyed on the central stage. Please enjoy a gorgeous day here under the cherry blossoms in full bloom!