Japan Event Radar

Society EN ↓ 12 episodes

Japan Event Radar is a short English-language podcast for international travelers and Japan-curious listeners who like to plan a trip around what is actually happening on the ground. Each 6 to 8 minute episode previews four festivals, exhibitions, or seasonal events across Japan that are worth planning around in the coming days. The show airs twice a week — Tuesday for the coming weekend and Friday looking ahead to the next week. Source material is drawn from JNTO destination pages, prefectural and municipal tourism boards, and the official sites of major museums and transport operators. Each...

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Japan Event Radar

Episodes

Okinawa in Late June: Shuri Castle, Kerama Islands, and Eisa Season 10.06.2026 7:35

A late-June preview of Okinawa covering the ongoing restoration at Shuri Castle, early Eisa drum festival season, the crystal waters of the Kerama Islands, and practical tips for navigating the rainy season transition.

Hiroshima in Early July: Miyajima, Onomichi, and the Seto Coast 10.06.2026 6:32

A preview of early July in Hiroshima Prefecture — covering the seasonal rhythms of Miyajima Island, the hillside town of Onomichi, and the calm, island-dotted Seto Inland Sea coast.

Kanazawa in Late June: Kenrokuen, Higashi Chaya, and Oyama Shrine 02.06.2026 7:54

A late-June guide to Kanazawa's garden walks, historic teahouse district, shrine rituals, and rainy-season seafood along the Sea of Japan coast.

Chubu & Koshinetsu in Mid-June: Fireflies, Suwa Taisha, and Kanazawa 29.05.2026 7:52

A preview of mid-June events across Chubu and Koshinetsu, covering firefly evenings in Nagano, the ancient Suwa Taisha shrine complex, a summer crafts window in Kanazawa, and the alpine flower season opening on the Tateyama Kurobe route.

Hokkaido in June: Yosakoi Soran, Lavender, and Hokkaido Shrine 26.05.2026 7:13

A preview of Hokkaido's early-summer highlights for June, covering the Yosakoi Soran Festival in Sapporo, the opening of lavender season in Furano, the Hokkaido Shrine Festival, and the wildflower meadows of Shikisai-no-Oka.

Kyushu in Early June: Hakata Gion Yamakasa, Hydrangea Temples, and Beppu 22.05.2026 8:33

A preview of early June in Kyushu, covering the Hakata Gion Yamakasa preparations in Fukuoka, hydrangea season at hilltop temples, seasonal open-air bathing in Beppu, and the Nagasaki harbor atmosphere as rainy season settles in.

Tohoku in Early June: Tanabata Preparations, Iris Gardens, and Chuson-ji 19.05.2026 7:54

A preview of early June in Japan's Tohoku region, covering Tanabata decoration season in Sendai, iris blooming at Motsu-ji, the temple treasures of Chuson-ji, and the seasonal seafood culture of the Sanriku coast.

Japan in Mid-June: Tsuyu Season, Hydrangea Trails, and Meiji Jingu 15.05.2026 7:17

A mid-June guide to embracing Japan's rainy season through hydrangea gardens, quiet shrine walks, firefly evenings, and a temple pottery market.

Kansai in Early June: Tenjin Matsuri, Mimuroto-ji, and Nara Deer 12.05.2026 8:03

A friendly early-June weekend preview covering four events across Kansai — from a historic shrine festival to hydrangea season, a world-class museum visit, and a traditional craft market — with practical tips for international travelers.

Greater Tokyo in Late May: Yokohama Port Festival and Roses 08.05.2026 7:39

A calm, friendly guide to four things worth planning around in Greater Tokyo next weekend, from Yokohama's port festival to springtime roses in full bloom.

Tokyo in Late May: Sanja Matsuri, Hydrangea Gardens, and Ueno 05.05.2026 7:12

A friendly guide to four late-May happenings in Tokyo — from a long-running open-air festival to seasonal hydrangea gardens, a world-class museum window, and a traditional craft market — all worth building a weekend around.

Kyoto in Mid-May: Aoi Matsuri, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari 30.04.2026 7:26

A mid-May weekend guide to four of Kyoto's most rewarding experiences, from a grand imperial procession to quiet moss gardens and a beloved night market.