We have beautiful four seasons. Japanese enjoy the change of four seasons such as cherry blossom view in spring, the moon view in autumn and snow scene view in winter. it is very important to know about nature in Japan in understanding Japanese customs and culture.

New Year's Day
New Year's Day called Ganjitsu is to celebrate the beginning of the New Year and welcome the god of the year home.

Bean Throwing
In February, we have Setsubun, which means the devision of the seasons. It means the day before the first setting-in each season. Winter changes into spring on this day. Bean throwing is a traditional celemony to throw beans inside and outside homes while shouting Huku-wa-uchi　(fortune in)　Oni-wa-soto　(devils out). Bean is mame in Japanese which means health. If people ate same number of beans as their age, they would be healthy.

Girl's or Doll's Festival
We have the Hina-Matsuri　(Girl's Festival or Doll's Festival)　celebrated with the display of hina dolls on March 3. It is also called Momo-no-sekku　(Peach Festival).

Cherry Blossom View
Talking of flower in Japan, it is definitely cherry blossoms. People have a good time under the cherry trees while eating, drinking and singing.

Boy's Festival
We have Boy's Festival called Tango-no-sekku on May 5. Gogatsu-ningyou, warrior dolls in armor is displayed. You can also see the carp-shaped streamers displayed on the top of the tall pole in the gardens. The carp is the symbol of strength and courage.

Plum Rain
We have a rainy season called Baiu or Tsuyu in June. Rain goes on day after day. Baiu is put into English as plum rain, because Japanese plum ripens around the time. Rain is very important for farmers to plant rice.

Star Festival
In July 7 night, we have the Star Festival called Tanabata. Vega and Altair　(the Weaver Star and the Cowherd Star)　are able to meet accross the Milky Way once a year on the night. We put decorations with pieces of colored paper written wishes and poem on bamboo branches.

Bon
We have the Bon in the middle of August. People welcome the ancestral sprits who return to their homes during the Bon and console them.

Moon-viewing
In September, we have the moon-viewing event called Tsukimi, because the full moon brights at night. It is our custom to offer seasonal fruits, vegitables and rice ball called dango with pampas grass called Susuki to the full moon.

Shichi-go-san
We have the Shichi-go-san in November 15 which literally means 7-5-3. People take children of seven　(girls), five　(boys) and three　(boys and girls) to the shrine to pray their growth and health.