Since the old days, many festivals have been held across Japan to mark the changing seasons and reflect the agricultural cycle. Most autumn festivals are an expression of gratitude for the harvest, and celebrate the return to the mountains of the god of the fields. Winter festivals take place in the off season. And spring festivals are held before the start of farming work, to pray for their crops. In this episode of Journeys in Japan, we revisit 3 festivals held from fall to early spring — festivals that usher in the beginning of spring.