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Gakuen-ji, the Shark Temple
A temple in Izumo clinging to the mountain, famous for its November maples, whose founding story features a healed empress and a shark returning a sacred object.
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This week in Japan
317 festivals and events, Nov 15 to Nov 21
Sun
15
Nov
Nariai-ji Maple Light-up
Miyazu, Kyoto
For two evenings only, the mountain temple above Amanohashidate lights its maples and pagoda.
Sun
15
Nov
Maples and Burial Mounds Lantern Night
Yosano, Kyoto · until Nov 23
For one night, thousands of lights trace Yosano's ancient burial mounds beside a maple temple.
Sun
15
Nov
Hinui Omoto Kagura Festival
Ohnan (Hinui), Shimane
In a mountain hamlet, Omoto kagura, the old form behind Iwami kagura, is danced all day for free, with a village bazaar.
Sun
15
Nov
Tsuwano's fire-kicking Abare Mikoshi
Tsuwano, Shimane
Mikoshi bearers charge into welcome bonfires and kick them apart in showers of sparks on their way through town.
Sun
15
Nov
Sennyu-ji Four Seasons Fusuma
Kyoto (Higashiyama), Kyoto
For ten days only, the imperial family temple shows a cycle of 42 painted doors of the four seasons.
Sun
15
Nov
Akkeshi Oyster Festival
Akkeshi, Hokkaido
Buy Akkeshi bay oysters by the bag and grill them yourself on charcoal in a park above the harbour.
Sun
15
Nov
Iwami pottery fair
Gotsu, Shimane
Iwami's potters clear their stock: big water jars, bowls and red-clay dishes at bargain prices for one weekend.
Sun
15
Nov
Mihara Ukishiro Festival
Mihara, Hiroshima
Armoured samurai and horses parade round the ruins of the 'floating castle' Kobayakawa Takakage built on the sea.
Sun
15
Nov
Otani-yaki Kiln Festival
Naruto (Oasa), Tokushima
Otani potters open their workshops and climbing kilns, famous for jars so big two people turn the wheel.
Sun
15
Nov
Jufukuji Upside-down Maples
Sasebo, Nagasaki · until Nov 23
The temple's red maples are mirrored in a black lacquered floor, like a landscape turned upside down.
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