Jan Thu 1
Oshogatsu (or Shogatsu)
Shinto New Year, one of the most popular occasions for shrine visits.
Jan Thu 15
Seijin Shiki (Adults' Day)
Japanese who have reached legal adulthood (20 in Japan) in the previous year attend a shrine to give thanks.
Feb Tue 3
Rissun (Setsubun)
A Spring festival that marks the division between Winter and Spring and is celebrated with beans.
Mar Tue 3
Hina-matsuri - Festival of Dolls
Celebrates daughters in the family
Mar Sat 21
Shubun-sai - Equinox day
A day for visiting graves. Also associated with Buddhism in Japan.
Nov Sun 15
Shichigosan (7-5-3 festival)
A festival to give thanks for children. Often celebrated on the nearest Sunday to the 15th to allow working parents to take part.
Nov Mon 23
Niinamesei
Labour Thanksgiving Day, a national holiday in Japan and originally a harvest festival.
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