What is the most important annual event in Japan? ?

Question

When is it? and what are any customs associated with it

Answer 1

I think it's Japanese New Year. There are many celebrations at this time and they are very traditional in nature. Businesses in Tokyo and main centers will close for a period of 3 days and people return to their family homes to celebrate together.

It is usual that in December people clean their houses from top to bottom and throw away any rubbish they have collected over the last 12 months in readiness for the  new year. It is believed that each year is a new beginning and you need to enter in the right spirit.

On New Years Eve, people visit their local shrine to pray and welcome the new year in. At midnight a bell will toll 108 times to chase away all the sins from the last year so that you enter the new year clean and fresh from the past.

There are lost of special foods that are made during this time and most households don't do any cooking during the 3 day period of New Year. The food is prepared beforehand, things like mochi, the sticky rice buns, along with other foods that won't go off for a few days.

It's a great time to visit Japan. If you're in Tokyo, check out Meiji Jingu Shrine near Harajuku/Omotesando. Around 3 million people pass through here every New Years Eve!

Answer 2

I'm going with the Cherry Blossom festival.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakura

Answer 3

festival of lights maybe...