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Africa Guides

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Asia Guides

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Caribbean Guides

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Central America

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Europe Guides

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Middle East Guides

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North America

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Pacific Guides

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South America

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A visit to Japan should take in one of the many festivals that occur throughout the year. As well as the more important national events, there are countless local festivals held in every town and village. Most of them celebrate the shrine\'s deity or an historical event. A common feature is the processions in which the local shrine\'s kami (Shinto deity) is carried through the town in a large shrine known as a mikoshi.

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February Festivals

Sapporo Snow Festival: has been running for over 50 years in Sapporo, Hokkaido. This large event continues for a week and features spectacular snow and ice sculptures, and various concerts and events. Many of the largest and most impressive sculptures can be found at the centrally located Odori site, which remains floodlit until 22:00.

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Omizutori (Water-Drawing Festival): takes place in Nara and is spread over 14 days, when the priests pray for a good harvest and world peace. The highlight is the drawing of the sacred water on the morning of the 13th day. The water is said to have special curative powers and the ceremony has been performed since 752 AD.

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Nagasaki Kunchi: is one of the biggest festivals in Japan and highlights the varied history of Nagasaki. There are scores of dance troupes that are organised by different parts of the city. Other processions include a Chinese dragon chasing a golden ball and a large wooden boat with an umbrella.

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