Top 5 Things To Do In Japan On January

The land of the rising sun is a country rich in tradition. From their Samurai Culture to sports and festivals, Japan has a lot to offer to unsuspecting travelers. That said, here are the top 5 things to do in Japan if you are planning to visit on January.

Annual Sumo New Year Basho

Professional sumo wrestling is a big sport in Japan. If you don't know how big and competitive it is, you can learn about the sport. The Sumo New Year Basho is the start of a series of professional sumo tournaments held annually. This year, the tourney will be held from January 8 to 22 in Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo stadium in Tokyo.

Ohmato Taikai (Archery)

Ohmato Taikai is another annual event held every second Sunday of January. On average, around 2000 20-year old archers participate in this event. The archers shoot their targets set 60 meters away. This year, this 400-year-old tradition will be held on January 8 at the Sanjusangendo Temple.

Coming of Age Day - Seijin no Hi

A national holiday in Japan, Coming of Age Day is celebrated annually to commemorate those who turned 20 years old the past year. This annual event is held every second Monday of January, immediately after the Ohmato Taikai. The ceremony takes place in every city around Japan. The girls wear expensive kimonos while the boys wear a suit or traditional Japanese dress. This Coming of Age Day signifies that these 20-year-olds have become officially adults.

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

This year, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival will be held from January 27 to February 19. This annual event is held in Lake Shikotsu hot springs in Shikotsu-Toya National park. Visitors can enjoy horse-riding, ice-sliding, and hot spring baths, while also watch the launching of 300 fireworks and Wadaiko drum performances.

Dondo Yaki

The Dondo Yaki ceremony is held annually in mid-January. The Dondo Yaki is a ceremony in which items considered lucky are properly disposed in a raging bonfire. Most people visit a Shinto shrine and participate in the Dondo Yaki as a way of putting the past behind coupled with a new fresh start for the year.

While our top 5 things to do in Japan on January is highly recommended, these are not the only things you can see and experience in Japan. Have a suggestion on what fellow-travelers can do in Japan? Join the discussion and visit our website!