The annual Japanese Film Festival is back with a new offering for 2020 – free online streaming of over 25 films from 4-13 December. Read on to find out our top picks for exploring the other side of Japan. 

Partners Information: The time for “Nabana no Sato Illumination” this year has arrived! Japan’s largest “Nabana no Sato Illumination” began on October 19.This year’s main theme is Sakura (cherry blossoms). 

Partners Information: Kameido Tenjin Shrine in eastern Tokyo will once again hold its annual Chrysanthemum Festival.Sugawara no Michizane, deified as Tenjin, the god of learning, is enshrined at Kameido Tenjin Shrine. Many students visit the shrine to ask for good fortune and academic success before their exams.

This year’s lineup for the Japanese Film Festival is bigger and better than ever. With so many films to choose from, we thought we’d pick four favourites that’ll have you laughing, crying or a combination of both. Watching a Japanese film with some popcorn and a choc top? It doesn’t get better than that.

Partners Information: Hida Folk Village (Hida-no-Sato) in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture will hold an autumn leaves light-up event.DatesFriday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from Saturday, 19th October to Sunday 10th November 2019.(19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, 27th October and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th 10th October 2019)