JET Prefecture Round Up is a mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture alumni).

 

Over to Okishima!

When:  May 12

Where:  Shiga Prefecture

This is a perfect opportunity to see a very traditional Japanese community surrounded by unspoilt nature.

 

Chiba AJET Sports day!

When:  May 12

Where:  Chiba Prefecture

Join Chiba AJET and friends in the beautiful Chiba Minato Park and enjoy sports and snacking!

 

AJET Shimanami Kaido 2018

When:  May 19

Where:  Hiroshima Prefecture

Don your neon helmet, reflective armbands, and your tightest biking Lycra to ride over 70 km with AJET.

 

Block 11’s Out There On Okinawa

When:  May 19-20

Where:  Okinawa Prefecture

Block 11 is hitting the seas and bringing the party down to Okinawa!

 

 

21st Annual Oita AJET Charity Bike Ride

When:  May 26-27

Where:  Oita Prefecture

Oita AJET invites you to participate in the 21st Annual Oita Charity Bike Ride!

 

 

JET Prefecture Round Up is a mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture alumni).

 

Cherry Blossom Viewing & Potluck Party

When:  April 1

Where:  Shizuoka Prefecture

Enjoy Shizuoka Matsuri under the cherry blossoms. Entrance is free but please bring some nibbles or drinks to share.

 

The Ultimate Hanami and After Party of 2018

When:  April 7

Where:  Tokyo

Celebrate spring with JETs and ALTs in Japan. The event’s totally free, with free snacks and drinks (while they last!). There’s also an after-party once the sun sets.

 

Gumball Rally 2018!

When:  April 14

Where:  Okinawa Prefecture

Calling all OkiJETs! April is just around the corner and you know what that means: it’s Gumball Rally time!! It’s a super cool island-wide event similar to a scavenger hunt where you complete tasks for points.

 

Amazing Race 2018

When:  April 14

Where:  Miyazaki Prefecture

This is one of Miyazaki AJET’s biggest events of the year, similar to the TV show. This year, the challenges and clues will be based on Harry Potter!

 

Regional JET and ALT Gathering

When:  April 20

Where:  Tokyo

Experience a night of elegance and receive special VIP treatment at one of the most acclaimed establishments in all of Tokyo! JETs, alumni, ALTs, or anyone who joins this page will be included as a VIP. Entrance fee is 2500 yen (3500 yen at the door).

 

AJET Hanami in Hirosaki

When: April 21

Where: Aomori Prefecture

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival and Aomori AJET’s Hanami will coincide with its opening day.

 

AJET Tokyo Scavenger Hunt 2018

When: April 21

This will be the 5th Block 4 Tokyo Scavenger Hunt! For this event, you and your team will complete a variety of different missions around the city of Tokyo!

 

Kumafest 2

When:  April 21

Where:  Kumamoto Prefecture

Once again, it’s music and party time on the side of the world’s largest caldera brought to you by Kuma AJET.  For those of you leaving Japan this summer, it’s a great last chance to see friends. Cost is 1000 yen.

JET Prefecture Round Up is a mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture). 

 

Shiga AJET 2018 Ski / Snowboard Trip

When:  March 10

Where:  Shiga Prefecture

Come one and all to the 2018 AJET ski trip in Kunizakai. It’s sure to be a day of fun-filled memories.

 

Shizuoka AJET Saint Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl

When:  March 17

Where:  Shizuoka Prefecture

Celebrate the day of the patron saint of Ireland the best way Shizuoka AJET knows how: with a team-based, competitive pub crawl (or bar hop)!

 

Chiba AJET Hanami 2018 Edition

When:  March 17

Where:  Chiba Prefecture

As winter (slowly) releases its icy grip, the weather gets warmer, the flowers begin to bloom, and that means it’s time for hanami!

 

AJET Blocks 10 & 11 Present: All-Kyushu Hanami 2018

When:  March 24

Where:  Kumamoto Prefecture

Join National AJET and Blocks 10 and 11 for the second annual All-Kyushu Hanami at Ninomaru Park next to Kumamoto Castle.

 

Block 5 Fukui St. Patrick’s Day Event

When:  March 24

Where:  Fukui Prefecture

This event will take place in conjunction with the Fukui St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the only St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the region!

 

Block 7 Event: Ise Grand Shrine

When:  March 25

Where:  Mie Prefecture

Spring is soon upon us and what better way to greet it than visiting the shrine dedicated to the great sun goddess Amaterasu?

 

 

JET Prefecture Round Up is a mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture). 

 

13th Kyoto Vegans Buffet Meetup

When:  February 3

Where:  Kyoto Prefecture

Forget the snow! Join the vegan tribe at Vegans Cafe and make new friends!

 

Chizu Snow Festival

When:  February 3

Where:  Tottori Prefecture

Join in the 19th Chizu Inn Yuki Matsu in rural Tottori prefecture.

 

2018 Shimane AJET Ski Weekend

When:  February 3-4

Where:  Shimane Prefecture

Shimane and Hiroshima AJET welcome you to shred the slopes of Mizuho Highland with them.

 

Niigata AJET’s Northern Snow Out

When:  February 10

Where:  Niigata Prefecture

Join Niigata AJET at the first annual Kaetsu region snow out.

 

Hokkaido AJET Snowcation

When:  February 10-13

Where:  Hokkaido Prefecture

Hokkaido AJET invites all JETs to take part in Snowcation, an annual event to encourage JETs from other prefectures to visit the northern island. This year, it coincides with the Sapporo Snow Festival.

 

Hadaka Matsuri

When:  February 17

Where:  Okayama Prefecture

Join Okayama AJET in celebrating the prefecture’s famous Saidaiji Naked Man Festival.

 

Shizuoka AJET Strawberry Picking and Onsen Trip 2018

When:  February 17

Where:  Shizuoka Prefecture

Join Shizuoka AJET in beating winter with delicious strawberries on the prefecture’s famous strawberry road and a hot soak at the onsen.

 

Winter Formal: the Snowball

When:  February 24

Where:  Aomori Prefecture

Aomori AJET invites you to its final event for the school year, a Snowball inspired by Stranger Things.

 

AJET Block 10 & The Nagazasshi Presents: Lantern Festival 2018

When:  February 24

Where:  Nagasaki Prefecture

Join AJET Block 10 to celebrate a festival started by the local Chinese community to celebrate Chinese New Year.

 

JET Prefecture Round Up is a mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture).

Regional JET and ALT New Year’s Gathering

When: 14 January

Where: Tokyo

For the first time ever, AJET is throwing a New Year’s party for all current and past participants of the JET Program as an effort to expand the network between JETs and representatives of various prefectures. Non-JETs are also welcome.

 

YETI Ski Trip Jan 2018 – Chiba Connection

When: 19-21 January

Where: Nagano Prefecture

This annual ski trip is hosted by YETI so feel free to invite your friends!

 

Block 2 Mt. Zao Ski Trip

When: 20-21 January

Where: Yamagata Prefecture

Yamagata AJET invites you to their Block 2 Winter Event, the Zao Onsen Ski Trip! Join them for a weekend of skiing, snowboarding, relaxing in onsens, snow-monster appreciation, and enkais!

 

Okayama AJET does Daisen

When: 27 January

Where: Tottori Prefecture

Okayama AJET will be holding a trip to Mount Daisen for some good old skiing/snowboarding.

 

BLOCK Event: Nara City Scavenger Hunt & Yamayaki!

When: 27 January

Where: Nara Prefecture

Nara AJET invites all members of Block 7 and beyond to a scavenger hunt in the city and a chance to witness fireworks and mountain burning at one of Nara’s oldest and biggest events, the Mount Wakakusa Yamayaki.

 

HAJET Book Club: The Lies of Locke Lamora

When:  27 January

Where:  Hyogo Prefecture

Winter vacation is a good chance to catch up on books so join Hyogo AJET to discuss “The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch.

JET Prefecture Round Up is a weekly mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan, (Tottori Prefecture). 

 

Global Cafe: A Christmas Special

When: 17 December

Where: Kyoto Prefecture

Kameoka International Exchange Association is hosting a Christmas party this Sunday. It’s free for foreigners and includes snacks, games, presents, and a little craft workshop.

 

Shiga Christmas Day Party

When: 25 December

Where: Shiga Prefecture

For those of you who’re staying in Japan for Christmas, you’re invited along to a Christmas day get together and potluck dinner.

 

DIY Kadomatsu Workshop

When: 29 December

Where: Ishi-gun, Shimane Prefecture

Kadomatsu are traditional Japanese New Year decorations. Come visit Iinan and learn how to make your own, using real bamboo and decorations.

JET Prefecture Round Up is a weekly mosaic of events taking place in the AJET community in Japan. Compiled by Suzanne Bhagan, (Tottori Prefecture). 

 

Become a Samurai Warrior at Sengan-en!

When: 8 – 17 December

Where: Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture

Visit Sengan-en, home of the Shimadzu clan, and become a samurai warrior for a small price! What better way can you create an unforgettable memory of your time in Japan?

 

SAJET Christmas Party 2017

When: 9 December

Where: Izumo, Shimane Prefecture

Try something different this year and celebrate the season with Shimane AJET at Marine Thalasso’s heated indoor pool!

 

Shizuoka AJET Illuminations

When: 9 December

Where: Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture

It’s that time of year again! Catch the best holiday illuminations in Shizuoka and enjoy a meal buffet style with Shizuoka AJET.

 

A Merry Shiga Christmas

When: 9 December

Where: Shiga Prefecture

Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater, bring a pressie, and come share in Shiga AJET’s festivities for one night only.

 

Oita AJET Bonenkai 2017

When: 9 December

Where: Beppu, Oita Prefecture

RSVP if you’d like to partake in this annual all you eat and drink event hosted by Oita AJET.

By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)

 

Thanksgiving Dinner Party

When: 26 November

Where: Matsue, Shimane Prefecture

Even though Thanksgiving is technically over, that’s no reason not to keep the celebrations going this weekend!

 

Let’s Make Sasadango!

When: 2 December

Where: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture

Join Niigata AJET to learn how to make Niigata’s favorite treat, sasadango, from mugwort-flavored mochi, red beans, and bamboo leaves!

 

All You Can Eat Crab & Onsen Bus Trip!

When: 2 December

Where: Kumihama, Kyoto Prefecture

Sign up for an all you can eat crab buffet, hot springs, and Amanohashidate on a one-day-only trip!

 

Block 3 AJET Event: Mitsumine Shrine and Yomatsuri

When: 3 December

Where: Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture

Celebrate Chichibu City’s annual festival, Yomatsuri, where dozens of enormous portable shrines are marched through the city after a spectacular fireworks display.

 

 

By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture) 

 

Mad for Mountains

When: 11-12 November

Where: Gokase, Miyazaki Prefecture

Miyaki AJET invites you to spend a packed weekend in Gokase kayaking, taking in the vibrant koyo, making friends at a cabin party, and checking out Heike Matsuri!

Climb Kaimondake

When: 12 November

Where: Ibusuki, Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima AJET is inviting all community members to finish off SDC weekend strong by hiking up one of Kagoshima’s volcanoes!

Oita Bikescapade #1

When: 12 November

Where: Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture

This autumn, join Oita AJET for a wicked biking trip on the Yabakei trail.

HAJET Book Club: The Left Hand of Darkness

When: 12 November

Where: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture

Why not join HAJET for a chilled afternoon of discussion about books? They will be covering The Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin.

By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)

 

Hey, past and present JETs! Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on in Nihon-land this week!

 

Onomichi Betcha Festival

When: 1-3 November

Where: Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture

On Culture Day, head to Onomichi for its famous Betcha Matsuri. At the festival, three oni (Betcha, Soba, and Shoki) will “beat” the sickness out of you to bless you with good health for the following year! The festival also a temple walk and amazing taiko performances.

 

Shizuoka City Daidogei Festival

When: 2-5 November

Where: Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka AJET invites everyone to an annual event that features street performers from around the world juggling, dancing, and performing acrobatics, comedy, and aerial acts!

 

Portraits of Japanese Culture

When: 3 November

Where: Moriyama, Kyoto Prefecture

Spend Culture Day appreciating ukiyo-e paintings at Sagawa Art Museum with Shiga AJET.

 

Learn to make Japanese sparklers

When: 3 November

Where: Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture

Did you know that only three companies in Japan make traditional sparklers? KumAJET invites you to join in this exciting workshop that involves real-life gunpowder!

 

Kamamoto Pottery Festival

When: 3-5 November

Where: Miyama, Kagoshima Prefecture

This annual pottery festival is held in the small pottery village of Miyama. Get some Korean-inspired Japanese pottery for your kitchen!

 

Halloween Dinner Party

When: 5 November

Where: Matsue, Shimane Prefecture

It’s never too late to celebrate Halloween. Join in a traditional Halloween dinner party for lots of fall food. Fancy dress is optional but there’s a prize for the best outfit!

By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)

What’s on this week? Halloween parties and lots of other unique festivals! Here’s a snapshot of some cool events to check out!

AJET Block 6 Halloween Bash

When: 28 October

Where: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Calling all ghouls and girls! Join Block 6 for their annual Halloween bash. Party includes nomihodai, a costume contest, and a dance contest! Get your groove on!

Omura Halloween Party

When: 28 October

Where: Omura, Nagasaki Prefecture

Is there anywhere spookier to celebrate Halloween than in a cabin in the woods?

Mitokusan Fire Festival

When: 29 October

Where: Misasa, Tottori Prefecture

Are you brave enough to walk on fire barefoot like the monks do?

Iwami Culture Display

When: 29 October

Where: Iwami, Shimane Prefecture

Block 9 JETs, share in this JET Furusato Vision Project cultural event! Join in the Iwami kagura dance and ignite your creative spark with Iwami yaki pottery workshops!

 

 

By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture) 

Hey JETs, past and present! October’s not even over yet and there’s still a lot going on! Read on to find out how you can get in on all the action!

 

Journey to the end of the night

When: 21 October

Where: Toyama Park (West), Children’s Square, Tokyo

Join in a massive (and free!) game of tag that spans six parks and about 9 km across the city!

 

Hocus Pocus Pub Quiz Night

When: 21 October

Where: Tajima, Hyogo Prefecture

If you like answering Halloween-inspired trivia questions, drinking, and just plain having fun, this one’s for you!

 

Fukui FA Cup

When: 21 October

Where: Fukui Prefecture

Block 5, get ready for the biggest and best co-ed 5-a-side football tournament this side of Japan. No team required!

 

Space World Trip

When: 21 October

Where: Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture

Think fast! All JETs are welcome to visit Kyushu’s famous theme park that’s closing at the end of the year.

 

Mount Ishizuchi Hike

When: 21 October

Where: Ehime Prefecture

Hike up the highest mountain peak (1982 m) in western Japan with Ehime AJET!

 

Halloween Costume Contest

When: 22 October

Where: Kanoya, Kagoshima Prefecture

Get in on the Halloween action early with a costume contest and pumpkin weight guessing contest at the Ryujin Taisai Festival!

 

AJET Charity Toyama Scavenger Hunt

When: 22 October

Where: Toyama-shi, Toyama Prefecture

Explore the city, make new friends, and raise money for a good cause! Proceeds will go to the Bridge For Smile charity.

 

Outdoor Climbing Day at Zakkokutani

When: 22 October

Where: Toyama Prefecture

Beginner and experienced climbers, grab your harnesses and let’s go outside!

By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)

Hey, everyone! There’s another national holiday this week (Health and Sports Day) so who’s ready for some hiking, kiritanpo, kayaking, parades, beef, and screaming? Read on to find out more!

 

Kiritanpo Festival

When: 7-9 October

Where: Odate, Akita Prefecture

Enjoy live performances and kiritanpo (rice grilled stick and specialty of Akita prefecture) at this unique festival.

 

29th Yufuin Eat Beef and Scream Tournament

When: 9 October

Where: Yufuin, Oita Prefecture

I scream, you scream, we all scream for beef (literally)! Head to Mount Yufu for this unusual event that combines beef eating and screaming into a stratovolcano.

 

Jumangoku Festival

When: 9 October

Where: Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture

Help carry the mikoshi and be part of one of Ogaki’s biggest events for the year!

 

Yokai Parade

When: 14 October

Where: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Celebrate Halloween early by hitting the street with Kyoto’s very own yokai parade.

 

Biwa Kayaking 2017

When: 14 October

Where: Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture

Pack a bento and come kayak Japan’s largest freshwater lake with a professional instructor!

 

Mt Miune Hike

When: 15 October

Where: Miyoshi, Tokushima Prefecture

Strap on those hiking boots to climb Shikoku’s third tallest peak.

 

 

 

By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)

Put away that cool biz. October is here! Before you snuggle under that kotatsu, here are some events to get you nice and toasty!

2017 Otsu Festival

When: 8 October

Where: Otsu, Shiga Prefecture

Get ready to work it. Shiga AJET invites volunteers to flex those muscles to pull festival floats at the famous Otsu Matsuri.

Block 6 PicnicKai 2.0

When: 7 October

Where: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

This fall, Block 6 kicks off their welcome undoukai/picnic in the park for all Block 6 JETs, new and old.

Hita Riverboat Dinner

When: 8 October

Where: Hita, Oita Prefecture

Oita AJET welcomes all JETs and friends to hop on a pleasure boat, drink, eat, and relax on Hita’s Mikuma river.

Hyogo AJET Rafting

When: 7 October

Where: Nagaoka, Kochi Prefecture

It’s time for HAJET’s annual rafting trip down south. Grab a paddle pronto!

 

 

 

By Suzanne Bhagan (Tottori Prefecture)

Konnichiwa past and present JETs! This autumn’s already steaming up with a host of events to keep you occupied. Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss!

Bull Sumo Wrestling in Ojiya

When: 1 October

Where: Ojiya, Niigata Prefecture

Forget human sumo wrestlers! Head to Tsunotsuki or bull versus bull wrestling in Ojiya to see which beast comes out on top!

 

Tottori AJET Daisen hike

When: 30 September

Where: Saihaku, Tottori Prefecture

It’s already fall so you know what time that is: time to tackle Daisensan, the tallest mountain in the Chugoku region!

 

Block 4 Welcome Party: Odo Beach Bonfire

When: 29 September

Where: Itoman, Okinawa Prefecture

Calling all Block 4 peeps! Bring some booze and marshmallows and get to know one another!

 

Kamasube! Masaka Rhythm 2017

When: 30 September

Where: Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture

Cozy up with live music from over 20 local artists and groups and nosh some tasty food at this music festival.

 

Goto Island Festival

When: 29 September – 1 October

Where: Fukue, Nagasaki Prefecture

Head to one of the main Goto islands for Nebuta parades, fireworks, dances, and a whole lotta fun!

 

Kanda Float Festival

When: 24 September – 1 October

Where: Miyako, Fukuoka Prefecture

Join in one of Kyushu’s three major float festivals that’s famous for its “fighting floats” where competing floats hit one other!