Colors of Kanagawa - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Many consider Japanese to be quite cold people who always follow their own strict rules and different honor codices developed through centuries. However, behind the mask of self-possession, there are cheerful and joyous people who are very friendly with guests of their country. The same applies to residents of Kanagawa. Tourists will also notice that these are thoughtful and a bit dreamy people. Perhaps, this is somehow connected with the abundance of religious landmarks in this region – you will see ancient temples and monasteries literally at every step of your journey in Kanagawa.

Nevertheless, the Japanese are not fond of indolence. These are hardworking people who like action. You will be surprised by the speed of life and constant action in large cities of Kanagawa. As the prefecture is one of the most economically developed in the country, and it has well-developed manufacturing, life never stops in industrial areas and on main streets. However, you will likely meet Japanese tourists from other prefectures – inhabitants of the Country of the Rising Sun love their motherland and enjoy traveling to different regions of the country.

In order to avoid misunderstanding and conflicts with local people, simply try to be polite and tolerant and never speak vile of Japan and Kanagawa. It is not recommended to make noise or talk loudly to another person or on the phone in public places. Eating on the go is also not common here. For this purpose, it is better to visit some café. Most probably, you will be impressed by the tidiness of local streets, especially taking into consideration that trash bins are quite rare. The disciplined approach of Japanese people is the key here – no one will even think of throwing litter to the pavement or some less visible place. Tourists should also refrain from such actions. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The so-called Golden Week is very popular in Japan. April 29 and the following four days off in May are a typical time for travel and various family activities. If you plan to visit Kanagawa during this time of the year, be prepared to find all tourist areas filled with the Japanese from other prefectures. It is recommended to book tickets and a hotel room in advance because it will be virtually impossible to find a free room in almost every city in Kanagawa at the end of spring.

Ganjitsu or the Japanese New Year is the holiday that is celebrated on January 1. Traditionally, this is a family holiday, but there are festive events and celebrations in all cities across Japan. It is a very important holiday for the country. As a rule, people do not work starting from December 29 and until January 3. Many companies and state institutions are closed during the holidays, and the number of vacationers is on par with the Golden Week. Perhaps, the parade of kites, which is traditionally organized every year, is the most spectacular event in the schedule. Don’t forget to try special New Year food and purchase a lucky talisman in a local temple as a souvenir.

Spring equinox, which is celebrated on March 21 or 20 (on leap years), is another interesting holiday celebrated on a country level. Besides that, the country celebrates so-called Higan. The holiday lasts from March 17 to 23. This is the time when local people remember their ancestors. In Kanagawa, March is a particularly important month, and holidays here are always widely celebrated because of a big number of working temples. Processions of Japanese people to tombs of the deceased ancestors are a sad and solemn spectacle. The sakura season starts approximately at the same time, making the region look absolutely marvelous.

In Japan, there is a day dedicated to the sea – Umi no Hi or Marine Day. This is a holiday to give thanks to the ocean's bounty that is celebrated on the third Monday in July. It is believed that the swimming season starts after this holiday – the water is still cold in many regions of the country until mid-summer. Marine Day is a national holiday in Japan, so the Japanese prefer to use this day-off to visit local beaches and have a swim. Kanagawa is no exception – there are always interesting performances near the coastline, and local people come to have fun and join the celebration. Local restaurants offer the traditional festive dish for this holiday – mackerel with sweet and sour sauce.