Spring & Festivals

Enjoy Japan’s spring traditions — cherry blossoms, festivals, and renewal.

: Clam Digging in Japan: What “Shiohigari” Really Means in Japanese Spring Culture

In Japan, spring brings more than blossoms and warmer air. Along the coastline, the sea quietly pulls back, exposing wide stretches of rippled sand. This moment signals the start of shiohigari — clam digging — a tradition long rooted in coastal life. What Is Shiohigari? A Familiar Sign of Spring The name blends shio (tide), higa (to dry), and kari (to hunt). When the tide recedes, people gather clams from the exposed seabed. What began as a practical way to collect food has gradually become an annual spring activity enjoyed by families, friends, and seaside lovers. A Tradition Shaped ...