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Special Event in Tokyo, Yokohama
Tokyo
January
Tokyo Fire Department Dezomeshiki (New Year Demonstration)
Tokyo Big Sight
This New Year's popular event aims to promote the prevention of fire and disaster. The event features various demonstrations of the latest fire fighting and emergency rescuing techniques. The highlights also include a traditional firemen's parade and an acrobatic performance on a ladder, presented by members of the Edo Firemanship Preservation Association. A fire truck ride, a panel exhibition of Hyper Rescue team, and other presentations/exhibitions are included.
Tondo-yaki
Originated in the Heian period, this traditional event is held to burn used New Year ornaments such as shimekazari and shimenawa, as well as old talismans and other items. The highlight of the event is to bake mochi (rice cake) in the fire, which is believed to promise good health throughout the year when eaten.
Daikoku Matsuri
Kanda Myojin Shrine
Many people from all over Japan visit Kanda Myojin Shrine to make New Year's wishes, praying for safety of the household, good relationship (en-musubi), rush of business etc. En-musubi often means "marriage tie" but we can wish for any tie and good relationship to develop things in harmony. Daikoku festival is held on Coming-of-Age Day starting from two days before. A Shinto dancer (kagura-shi) will disguise as Daikoku-sama, the deity of fortune, and celebrate worshipers newly coming of age by shaking lucky mallet above their heads.
Setagaya Boro-ichi (Fair)
"Boro-ichi dori" Street
Designated as one of the intangible folk cultural assets in Tokyo today, Setagaya Boro-ichi has been a popular fair since it started about 430 years ago. "Boro" means old fabric scraps, which was the main item traded at the fair in early times. Today, the fair still maintains its original lively atmosphere, featuring about 700 venders selling a variety of items from food and accessories to toys and plants. While strolling, many visitors enjoy snacking on daikan-mochi, a freshly-made rice cake only sold at the fair. A number of venders sell antiques, as well as used clothing that references the origin of the fair. On Dec. 15 (Sat.) and Jan. 15 (Sat.), bring your camera and enjoy a daimyo gyoretsu parade, which recreates a historic scene of a feudal lord's procession during the Edo period.
Sokae Shinji (Bullfinch exchange)
Kameido Tenjin Shine
Kameido Tenjin Shrine has been playing the central role as the leader of Tenjin sect in east Japan, an origin of public religion in Edo. The shrine is also famous for beautiful wisteria. Usokae (bullfinch exchange) is the oldest and the most unique festival of the shrine, which traces back its history to 1820. People exchange old carved wooden bullfinches for new ones in New Year. Bullfinches, which are called Uso in Japanese, are regarded as symbols of good luck. By exchanging them, people believe to obtain success, promotion and happiness during the year. The first fair of the year (Hatsu Tenjin) is scheduled on the 25th and Shinto music and dance will be played in the precincts to attract crowds of visitors.
Izu Oshima Tsubaki Matsuri (Camellia Festival in Izu Oshima Island)
Izu Oshima Tsubaki Plaza, Kaihatsu Sogo Centre
Kaihatsu Sogo Centre (both located in Oshima Park), other locations on the island. Descriptions : Tsubaki Matsuri (Camellia Festival) is a popular big event of Oshima held in the season of the island- famous camellia flowers. Island Specialties are sold at the main venue Tsubaki Plaza, where local performing arts are played on the main stage. Adjoining to the Plaza is Oshima Park and beautiful camellias including the rare yellow Camellia chrysanthemum are in full bloom in the garden. Various other events such as parades, camellia dying workshops, beauty pageants and camellia contests will be held in many places in the island. Also, participants to the Camellia Marathon scheduled on February 22nd can entry now.
Feburary
Daruma Kuyo
03 February, Nishi-Arai Daishi Temple
"Daruma Kuyo" is a traditional event since 1954 at Nishi-Arai Daishi, an old famous temple, the origin of which dates back to the year of 826. Daruma is a votive symbol for people wishing for the well-being of the family and flourishing business. People bring their Daruma figures once a year on this day to the temple, express gratitude to them, and buy new ones for the next one year. The numbers of old Daruma figures are burnt together in the temple. The ceremony of "Daruma Kuyo" is full of solemnity starting with the entrance of Buddhist monks in the style of mountain priest blowing a conch-shell horn, followed by monks in Buddhism garment, into the garden of the Komyo-den where old Daruma figures are gathered. Then the tens of thousands Daruma figures are lighted in the sounds of sutra reading by the monks. On this same day, the bean-scattering ceremony celebrating the coming of spring is held in the Hon-den. You will also find it enjoyable to stroll along the road to the San-mon where souvenir shops, dango (Japanese sweet dumplings) shops, etc. stands in rows.
Setsubun-e (ceremony)
Sensoji Temple
Setsubun is a bean-throwing ceremony held on the last day of winter. While many temples and shrines throughout the country today hold the setsubun ceremonies, Sensoji Temple in Asakusa is believed to be the first temple to start the ceremony for the general public. Known for its grand scale, the ceremony at Sensoji was mentioned in an old pictorial record of historical points in Edo, called "Edo meisho zu-e." Based on the belief that evil cannot exist in front of Kannon Bodhisattva, the temple's deity, the ceremonial call at Sensoji is "senshu banzei fuku-wa-uchi (fortune-in for thousands of years) and does not include the typical phrase "oni-wa soto (evil out)." The ceremony is held twice and is followed by the presentation of one of the temple's three dedicatory dances, called "Shichifukujin-mai (fukuju-no mai)." The Asakusa Tourist Association later hosts popular bean-throwing presentations by local cultural celebrities.
Ome Marathon
Okutama Kaido Avenue, Kyu-Ome Kaido Avenue and other streets in Ome City
The Ome Marathon is one of the major citizen marathon races in Japan. Marking its 41st year, the race expects participants from all over the country, including world-class top athletes, high school students whose goal is to run in the London Olympic Games, and senior veteran runners in their seventies. The race is divided into two categories; 10-kilometer course and 30-kilometer course. Groups of local people wearing unique costumes and using fun noisemakers give a warm cheer to the runners along with other watchers, creating a bond between the competitors and the spectators. After watching the race, enjoy the evening scene from the top of Mt. Mitake. The panoramic night view of central Tokyo including high-rise buildings in Shinjuku and Tokyo Tower is especially beautiful in this season when the air is clean and clear.
Bunkyo Ume Matsuri (Plum Festival)
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine (Yushima Tenjin)
Dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a historical figure who is also worshipped as a deity of learning, Yushima Temangu Shrine (Yushima Tenjin) has been known for the beauty of its plum blossoms since the Edo period. About 300 plum trees, including "Shirokaga" white plum and other varieties, come to bloom from mid to late February and create a fragrant, scenic view of early spring which Michizane missed most and wrote in his famous waka poem before he was exiled to Kyushu. The information on the blooms is updated on the shrine's official website so that visitors won't miss its peak. A variety of events are also scheduled during the festival, including nodate outdoor tea ceremony (every Sunday), mikoshi parade, ikebana exhibition, Chinese acrobatic show, and local specialty fairs. At the shrine's Hobutsuden Museum, a special exhibition of plum-themed Japanese paintings is being held, featuring artists such as Taikan Yokoyama, Yukihiko Yasuda, Shinsui Ito, and Gyokudo Kawai.
Ume (Plum Blossom) Festival
About one month from early in February, Hanegi Park
About 700 pink and white plum trees of over 60 varieties bloom to the delight of about 400,000 visitors annually. Events such as special tea offering, haiku presentations, photo sessions and sticky-rice cake making are held.
Plum Festival ("Ume Matsuri")
Hama-rikyu Gardens
Formerly the property of Tokugawa Shogunate family, Hama-rikyu Gardens has two duck-hunting areas and a pond called "Shioiri-no ike," into which seawater is drawn for the effect to vary the gardens' view by tidal changes. From late February to early March in every year, the gardens are covered with beautiful plum blossoms to take your breath away. Various events are scheduled during the festival, including a concert by Miraika with koto harps, flutes and violins (the concert is held on Sunday, March 5th from 12:30 and 14:30 at Uchibori hiroba or Hanaki-en in case of rain). Edo Daikagura, a traditional juggling and lion dance, is also performed in front of Sanbyakunen-no matsu (300-year-old pine tree) everyday from 12:00 (no performance in case of rain). If you would like to know more about the history of the gardens, join a guided tour held at 11:00 and 14:00 on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival.
Tokyo Marathon
Starting point: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku)
Marking its second year, the Tokyo Marathon is held this weekend with the participation of 30,000 runners in a standard marathon race and a 10-kilometer short race. A number of amateur runners who wish to run on major streets and avenues in central Tokyo, including those in wheelchairs and with physical/mental challenges, has applied and has been selected by lottery. The standard course starts in front of the Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, goes through Iidabashi, Shinagawa, Ginza 4-chome, Nihonbashi, Sensoji Temple's Kaminarimon gate, and Tsukiji, and ends at Tokyo Big Sight in the Ariake bay side area. Support the runners from roadside and experience the feeling of unity as the runners, event volunteers, and spectators come together to make the day special for the community.
March
Edo Nagashibina (Floating Ceremony of Paper Hina Dolls)
Azumabashi Bridge on Sumida River and its vicinity
The traditional nagashibina ceremony is a seasonal event of early spring on Sumida River to wish for children's good health by washing the sins of the body away on a river along with paper dolls. It is believed that the custom of nagashibina began during the Heian period (from the late 8th century to the late 12th century) and became the origin of today's Hinamatsuri (Doll festival) during the Edo period, for which a set of dolls and miniature furniture are displayed. The event attracts as many as 5,000 spectators every year who come to watch children float their hina doll on the river. Enjoy the traditional sight of colourful hina dolls that quietly and gracefully drift down the flow of Sumida.
Daruma-ichi (Fair)
Takahatafudoson Kongoji Temple
Takahatafudoson Kongoji Temple is one of the three major "Fudo" temples (dedicated to Fudo Myo-o) in eastern Japan and is also known for its relationship to the historical "Shinsengumi" stories. A variety of seasonal events are held at the temple throughout the year, from the New Year celebration to Setsubun ceremony to flower festivals. While the temple holds a monthly fair on the 28th day of each month, the year's first fair in January is especially known as it is held along with a special daruma fair. On the day of the fair, the temple becomes very busy with visitors and also with about 150 street stalls selling daruma dolls in various sizes. An adorable parade of children dressed in traditional festive costume is also worth watching. Enjoy the festive atmosphere different from the New Year holiday period. The daruma fair is also scheduled on Feb. 3, or the day of Setsubun (the last day of winter).
Daruma-ichi (fair) at Jindaiji Temple
Jindaiji Temple
Daruma-ichi is a popular seasonal fair at Jindaiji Temple that brings the sign of spring to Tokyo. The fair originally started in the mid Edo period to worship virtuous contribution of Jie Daishi, who revived Enryakuji Temple on the Mt. Hiei, the Mecca of Tendai Buddhist sect. Held at the second oldest temple in Tokyo next to Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, the event is known as the largest daruma fairs in Tokyo. During the fair, approximately 300 street stalls selling daruma dolls and other festive goods fill the temple's precincts and vicinity, overwhelmingly brightening up the area with the dolls' vermilion colour. Goma prayer is performed every hour on the hour between 10:00 and 17:00 for those who want to drive away their misfortunes or achieve their wishes. A traditional ritual to dedicate offerings to Daishi, called hyakumi-kuyo, is also held at 14:00 followed by a parade. Visitors may bring a new daruma doll to the temple to have it "open his eyes" by the temple's monks.
Fire-walking Festival (Hiwatari-sai) at Mt. Takao
Takaosan Yakuoin Temple sanroku kitoden hiroba
Takaosan Yakuoin Temple is an old Buddhist temple located atop Mt. Takao and is known as one of three central temples of Shingon sect, Chisan division in the Kanto region (Eastern Japan) along with Shinshoji Temple on Mt. Narita and Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple in Kawasaki. The fire-walking festival is one of the traditional events held at Yakuoin Temple. At the festival, believers first pray for the safety of family, traffic and body and then follow yamabushi (Shugendo practicing monks) to walk barefoot over the sacred goma fire that is smouldering and still partially burning. The sight of yamabushi monks bravely walking through the flame while chanting brings the event's highlight. Public spectators may also participate in the barefoot walking after the fire has been put out. By that time, the actual temperature of the path they would walk is only slightly warm to step on and there is no worry of burning their feet. If you would like to participate, it is recommended to bring wet towel or something else to clean your feet with after the walking.
Asakusa Kannon Jigen-kai (Memorial Service for Asakusa Kwan-yin) and Konryu-no Mai (Golden Dragon Dance)
Sensoji Temple
Asakusa Kannon Jigen-kai is a Buddhist ceremony to celebrate the origin of Sensoji Temple, when its dedicated deity Seikanzeon Bosatsu (Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara) revealed herself to people. On March 18, 628, two fisherman brothers encountered a small Buddhist statue and showed it to their master Nakatomo Hajino, who recognized that the statue was actually Seikanzeon Bosatsu. After placing the statue on top of a pagoda tree stump, Hajino decided to become a priest and changed his house into a temple. At the ceremony, dedicatory "Golden Dragon Dance" is performed in the temple's precincts, which is based on the legend that a golden guardian dragon appeared from the heaven at the time of the revelation of Kwan-yin. Sensoji's sango (a title given to the temple's name) "Kinryuzan (golden dragon mountain)" is also given after this legend.
Freesia Festival in Hachijojima Island
Hachijojima Island
Freesia Festival is back again in the island with the fresh scent filled all around. Only viewing the colourful flowers in bloom should relax our mind. Visitors can pick freesias free in some section. Enjoy a nice cup of 'ashitaba' tea watching the splendid field of flowers at the outdoor tea ceremony. Freesias and other souvenirs are available at Hachijojima local specialty market. Get free freesia on board or on flight by drawing lots during the campaign period.
Yoshino Baigo Plum Festival
Ome City Yoshino Baigo and its vicinity, Ome Ume-no Koen
Located at the front of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, Yoshino Baigo is one of the best known plum parks in the Kanto region. Between Hinatawada Station and Futamatao Station on the JR Ome Line, the park stretches from east to west for about 4 kilometres on the south side of the Tama River and 25,000 red and white plum trees create a magnificent view during the season. The vicinity of the park also features various tourist spots, such as Ome Ume-no Koen (park), local plum farms, Yoshikawa Eiji House and Museum, and Ome Kimono Museum, which may be included in your travel plan to the area.
Night-time viewing of the illuminated weeping cherry tree in a feudal lord's garden
Rikugien Gardens
The Kaiyu-style Japanese garden (landscaped stroll garden) created by Kawagoe feudal lord Yoshiyasu Yanagisawa is based on some of the famous scenic sites across Japan celebrated in collections of poems such as Manyoshu and Kokin Wakashu. Recognized as a representative garden among the many created in the Edo Period, this feudal lord's garden is one of the few rare gardens in Tokyo that has been nationally designated as a special scenic site. The garden's renowned weeping cherry tree abounds with delicate pink cherry blossoms forming a magnificent floral sphere 13 meter high and 17 meter across. The ethereal sight of the illuminated tree against the night sky charms many visitors to the park each year. From March 24 through March 27, an exhibition themed "Grace in the Garden - Songs and Dances of the Heian Period" will be held (admission from 11:30, event cancelled in the condition of rain).
Tokyo International Anime Fair
Tokyo Big Sight East Exhibition Hall 1, 2 & 3
The Tokyo International Anime Fair is the world's largest expo of the anime industry, which is held every spring at the Tokyo Big Sight. Marking its 6th year since it started in 2002, the fair is designed to promote and foster the anime industry and has been organized by a committee comprised of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and related businesses and groups. In addition to exhibition booths of participating anime businesses, a variety of event programs including special stage performances and anime movie showings are scheduled at the fair site to attract worldwide interest. During the fair, this year's outstanding anime works are selected and awarded at the Tokyo Anime Awards ceremony. Note that although the fair starts on Mar. 22, the general public admission is not allowed on Business Days.
Ueno Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)
Ueno Park and other locations
Lined endlessly with a number of cherry trees, Ueno Park's main street is probably the first place that many Japanese people would think of when it comes to a beautiful scene of cherry blossoms in spring. During the festival, 1,500 lanterns, which were originally intended for night-time security, illuminate the park and invite people to celebrate the arrival of spring under the night sky. Located in the precinct of Toeisan Kaneiji Temple where the Tokugawa Shogunate family is buried, the park expects several hundred thousand visitors daily to come for the blossom viewing during the season. Stroll through the park tinted in pale pink by 867 Somei-yoshino (Yoshino cherry) trees before you head to an antique market or other special events also held at the park.
Chiyoda Cherry Festival
For 10 days from late March to early April, according to the blooming time, Chidorigafuchi
Enjoy both strolling and boating to view beautiful cherry blossoms at the Imperial Palace
April
Bokutei cherry Festival / Sumida Park
Mukojima 1-, 2- and 5-chome, Sumida-ku
Started with 100 trees that were planted by the eighth Tokugawa shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune in 1717, the "Bokutei-no sakura" has grown into the splendid lines of nearly 1,000 cherry trees along the Sumida River. The area becomes busy with a number of street stands and visitors during the hanami season.
Yabusame (Horseback archery)
Sumida Park
The Asakusa school of Yabusame or the horseback archery had been practiced as a New Year event in the Edo period. Many of such traditional events are still alive in Taito ward and Yabusame takes place every year in Sumida Park. The gallant sight of the jockey who shoots arrows at the target galloping atop the horse is just like taken from the nishiki-e picture of that time. The jockey who hit three targets will be awarded at a graceful ceremony. Kusajishi is also held at the same time to re-enact the old-time archery training to aim at deer-shaped targets made of grass. A parade will start from Denpo-in Temple to Sumida Park.
Annual Spring Festival of Mt. Takao
Mt. Takao Yakuoin Temple
Mt. Takao is around 600 meters high above sea level and is an oasis of metropolis Tokyo where 2.5 million people visit every year. The fauna and flora and the buildings in the mountain are protected under the designation as a semi-national park of "Meiji-no-mori Takao." The annual spring festival is one of the major events of Yakuoin Temple in Mt. Takao. Special exhibition of the Buddhist image and the holy fire memorial service will be held at Yakuoin Main hall, and the other holy fire memorial service will be held at Okunoin hall. A parade of children in fancy attire departs from the mountain top station of the cable car to the goal of Yakuoin Temple. Enjoy the bountiful nature and the festive mood with a crowd of visitors in spring at Mt. Takao.
LA FOLLE JOURNEE au JAPON: "Days of Enthusiasm" Music Festival
3-5-1 Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku
La Folle Journee is a music festival that originated in 1995 in Nantes, a port town in the northwest of France. The event aims to present world-class performances of classical music, which is generally viewed as formal entertainment, in a more relaxed, casual atmosphere for reasonable fees. Comprised of a number of shorter programs, the event is designed to allow visitors to enjoy a variety of different performances of their choice. First held in Japan in 2005, the event has already become a favourite event during the Golden Week holiday in Tokyo, attracting as many as 700,000 fans last year. Featured programs include works of Tchaikovsky, Dvoak Ravel, and many other popular pieces, which may have been heard in TV dramas, commercials, and movies.
May
Meiji Jingu Shrine Spring Grand Festival
Meiji Jingu Shrine Special Stage
Surrounded by deep forests and rich nature, Meiji Jingu Shrine is known as an oasis in the central Metropolitan area. As the shrine holds its annual spring grand festival, a variety of presentations of traditional performing arts will be dedicated to the shrine by their leading masters. The scheduled performances are bugaku, Noh and kyogen, sankyoku, hogaku & hobu, Satsuma biwa and others. Parishioners of the shrine will also dedicate local performing arts including kotobuki shishimai & Ebisu-daikokumai , Yukigaya hayashi and Maruyama shishimai. Visitors to the festival may also enjoy nature in the shrine's precincts along with flowers of azaleas, dogtooth violet (katakuri), oleaceous (nanja-monja or hitotsubatago) and other spring-to-early summer blooms.
Bunkyo Azalea Festival (Tsutsuji Matsuri)
Nedujinja Shrine
Believed to have been established more than 1,900 years ago by Yamato Takeru-no Mikoto, Nedujinja Shrine is a historic shrine which is also known for its 300-year-old beautiful azalea garden. The garden is about 2,000 tsubo (about 6,600 square meters) and features approximately 3,000 azalea plants of 50 species, including rare varieties such as Fuji-tsutsuji (tiny bean-size flowers), Hanaguruma (pinwheel-like flowers), and Karafune (black azalea). Along with flowers, visitors may also enjoy a plant fair, an antique fair and many festive stalls. A variety of events are scheduled on weekends and public holidays during the festival, including outdoor tea ceremony (nodate), folk tale storytelling, dedicatory naginata performance, matoi parade, marching band & kappore dance parade, Nezu-gongen daiko (drum), koto concert, children's performance of Urayasu-mai dance and other dedicatory performances. One of shrine's three mikoshi, which were dedicated by the 6th Tokugawa Shogun Ienobu and were just restored last year, will be displayed in the public during the festival. At a designated time for special viewing, visitors are also allowed to enter the shrine's main building (national important cultural asset) to appreciate its historic architecture as well as statues and paintings that are not usually presented to the public.
Kanda Matsuri
Kanda Jinja Shrine
The festival of Kanda shrine was the highlight of the calendar in the Edo period and people used to call it "Tenka Matsuri", which means the one and only festival under the sun. The symbol of Tenka Matsuri should be the parade floats. It is said that the parade of Tenka (Kanda) Matsuri in the Edo period was much bigger -- adding to the flamboyant Edo-style floats, huge human-shaped figures called "tsukematsuri" were carried along with dancers and musical performers in colourful costumes. The festival in 2004 is not the full-scale ceremony that held every two years, but the carrying of the master miniature shrine, open-air Noh performance and various events are scheduled.
June
Katsushika Shobu Matsuri (Iris Festival)
Horikiri Shobuen Iris Garden
Katsushika City's Iris Festival is held at two locations, Horikiri Shobuen Iris Garden and Mizumoto Park. Horikiri Shobuen Iris Garden has been known as one of the notable sights in Tokyo for a long time since the Edo period. The beauty of iris flowers in the garden has often been expressed by major artists, such as Hiroshige Ando and Toyokuni Utagawa, in their Nishikie (colour woodblock prints). In the garden, approximately 6,000 iris plants of 200 varieties are growing to delight the eye of visitors. Mizumoto Park is located alongside a large irrigation pond and is the only park in Tokyo that offers seasonal views of waterside nature. In this season, about 14,000 iris flowers of 80 varieties in the park come to their full bloom. Many entertaining events are also held during the festival such as live music performance, so do not forget to check their schedule before you go.
Torikoe Jinja Annual Festival
Torikoe Jinja has a long-standing history of almost 1350 years and it is located on the Kuramaebashi Street. Every year in June, the shrine holds a festival and its highlight of outstanding mikoshi (portable shrine) parade attracts many people. Sarutahiko (a deity in shape of long-nosed goblin), Tekomai dancers and children with flags of five colours will lead the mikoshi parade. Lanterns are hung on the mikoshi and it returns to the shrine surrounded by highly held lanterns. The mikoshi is known as the heaviest one in Tokyo, thus named "Senkan-mikoshi", which means it weighs 4 tons. They look excellent altogether. The tens of thousands people are expected to visit the June event in Kuramae.
Sanno Matsuri (Festival) at Hie Jinja Shrine
Hie Jinja Shrine
The deity of Hie Jinja Shrine is called "Sanno," which indicates spirits that protect sacred mountains. The shrine has been worshiped in many ways through its history, once as a guardian for the reclamation of Musashino area in ancient time and also as a tutelary of Edo city when Ota Dokan built the Edo castle in 1478. Since Tokugawa Ieyasu began his residence at the Edo castle, the shrine was patronized by the Tokugawa Shogunate family and worshiped as the head deity of the Edo area by local people during the Edo period. The most important annual ritual of the shrine, called reisai, is held on June 15, the day Dokan invited and enshrined a deity that was separated from a shrine in Kawagoe (in present Saitama Prefecture). In addition to the ceremony, a dedicatory kagura dance & music called Hie-no mai is presented. Other ceremonies such as oharai-narabi chinka-sai (a ceremony to walk through a large glass ring to pray for good health) and chigo matsuri (children's festival) are also held during the festival. In the precincts of the shrine, various dedicatory events are also presented, including outdoor tea ceremony, kagura music presentation, sato-kagura theatre, Sanno taiko (drum) presentation, min-yo singing contest, kendo competition, ikebana presentation, tea house, and more..
Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri (Hydrangea Festival)
Hakusan Jinja Shrine
Located in central Tokyo, the city of Bunkyo still maintains the atmosphere of old Edo and is known for its richness in nature and beautiful flowers. "Bunkyo Five Major Flower Festivals" are held beginning with the Plum Festival in February and we can enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year. In early summer, over 3,000 hydrangea plants growing at Hakusan Jinja Shrine through Hakusan Park come into bloom and brighten up the city during the rainy season. At Hakusan Jinja Shrine, which is the main site of the Hydrangea Festival, a number of street stands selling hydrangea planters and other festive items line up along the approach to the shrine to welcome visitors.
Tsukiji Shishi Matsuri (Festival)
Namiyoke Inari Jinja Shrine and its vicinity
Located in Tsukiji, Namiyoke Inari Jinja Shrine is known as a place to pray for protection from disasters and bad luck, business prosperity, and the safety of construction work. When reclamation work at the coast on southeast Edo was in progress during the Edo period, embankments in the Tsukiji area were repeatedly washed away and had to be rebuilt numerous times, making the construction most difficult. According to the legend, however, ocean waves and winds calmed down after people found and started worshipping a sacred body of deity that emerged on ocean's surface. As the reclamation completed in 1659, people celebrated it by carrying floats that symbolize a dragon that controls clouds, a tiger for wind, and a huge head of shishi lion whose roar was believed to quiet down anybody. Falling onto the "minor" year of the festival (called kagematsuri), the mikoshi parade features a float of ohaguro-jishi, a head of female shishi lion whose teeth are painted black. As one of the highlights of the parade, the ohaguro-jishi float is carried only by women in part of the parade course. Another highlight on the day of the parade (Jun. 10) is the dedication of Edo sato kagura, a ritual performance of music and dance designated as national important intangible folk cultural asset.
July
Hozuki-Ichi (ground cherry pod fair) at Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple
Sensoji Temple which was built in 628 is said to be the oldest temple in Tokyo. This is very popular spot among not only local people but people from all over Japan. The 9th and 10th of July are important festival days for Sensoji Temple, and it is called "46,000 days festival". There is a belief that if you offer prayers on July 9th or 10th, it is the equivalent of praying 46,000 days, thus many people visit the temple on this period since olden days. About 250 stalls will be set up to sell ground cherry pods and wind-bells within the temple grounds. People in yukata stroll around the temple and the air will be filled with festive atmosphere touched by the breezy sound of wind-bells.
Iriya Morning Glory Festival (Asagao Matsuri)
Iriya Kishibojin (Shingenji Temple) and vicinityStarted in the late Edo period, Iriya Morning Glory Festival (asagao matsuri) attracts about 600,000 visitors every year to Shingenji Temple, commonly known as Iriya Kishibojin. During the festival, about 120 asagao vendors crowd the temple's precincts and its vicinity with 120,000 asagao pots, bringing excitement to the area along with 100 various other festive stalls. To find a good asagao plant from the enormous selection, look for those with sound leaves and stalks and also with some flower buds. The festival opens at 5:00 every morning to allow visitors to see flowers actually blooming and to find their favourite colour and shape. The temple is dedicated to Kishibojin, a Buddhist goddess from India for the protection of children. As its name literally means "mother of demon," Kishibojin was originally a cannibalistic demon who stole and ate children of other humans. Buddha taught her the suffering of losing children by hiding her youngest child and converted her. Since its establishment in 1659, the temple has been known as one of three major Kishibojin temples of Edo and has been worshipped at by families who pray for easy delivery and successful childrearing.
Ueno Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival)
From late July to early August *Every year, Ueno Park, Shinobazu Pond, and other locations
Ueno Summer Festival is a popular seasonal event in the Ueno area. A variety of events and stage performances are scheduled during this three-week festival, such as paper lantern floating (Jul. 17), yukata photo session (Jul. 22), ice sculpture presentation (Jul. 24), and more. Plant sellers, festive stalls, and antique vendors gather around Shinobazu Pond and attract large crowds. Scheduled entertainments include music concerts and local traditional performances at the floating stage on the pond, as well as street performances within the precincts of Bentendo hall. A pond side tea house "Hasumi Chaya" opens everyday during the summer, offering visitors a place to take a break while enjoying a view of lotus blooms and a cool breeze from the pond.
Kagurazaka Festival
Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple and vicinity
Marking its 36th year, the festival is a popular summer event in the Kagurazaka area, a known destination for strolling through preserved old back streets full of nostalgic atmosphere. During the festival, a hozuki-ichi (Chinese lantern fair) is held at Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple and vicinity, which is accompanied by a free "concierge" service (18:30 - 20:30) by local volunteers who wear yukata and guide visitors around the area. A beer garden is temporarily established within the temple's precincts to serve a glass of cold drink to cool off in summer evening. The highlight of the festival is a parade of Awa odori, a local bon dance of Tokushima Prefecture, which was incorporated into the Kagurazaka Festival for the first time among many summer festivals in Tokyo. Fifteen groups called "ren" dance through Kagurazaka Dori Street to show the result of their hard training to the crowd.
Annual Adachi Fireworks Display
Arakawa Riverside (Niji-no-hiroba/ between Senju Shimbashi bridge and Nishi Araibashi bridge.)
This popular summer event is held annually in Adachi ward. Some 10,700 shots of fireworks designed in the motif of "cosmos" will brighten up a night sky. The big-scale exhibition consists of four parts. Main features are the seven-coloured special star mine that draws an arc like rainbow in the 1st part and the successive shots of grand fireworks and the canopy-like enormous display covering the sky above us in the final part. You will never get tired of looking at beautiful art of fire against the dark sky.
Antique Jamboree
Tokyo Big Sight Exhibition Hall
Known as the largest antique event in Japan, the Antique Jamboree welcomes as many as 500 unique vendors from all over the country. A vast variety of items with different tastes and styles are brought in, including both Japanese and western antiques as well as collectible toys, to provide antique fans with a fun experience of antique hunting. The "shuri-ya yokocho (antique repair street)," a popular feature of the event, also returns this year with skilled antique repairmen who offer advice on repairing porcelains and potteries, furniture, precious metal items, jewelleries, toys, watches, silver items and more. A talk show by these repairmen is also scheduled during the fair.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
(Site 1) Between Sakurabashi Bridge and Kototoibashi Bridge, (Site 2) Between Komagatabashi Bridge and Umayabashi
The origin of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, one of the largest and most famous fireworks displays in Tokyo, dates back to 1733. Although it had been repeatedly cancelled through its history, the festival officially rejuvenated in 1978 and has been annually held since then, marking its 30th year. In addition to the display of traditional fireworks, the program includes a competitive presentation of various new styles created by Japan's top class fireworks craftsmen (the competition is held at the festival site 1). Some presentations are based on this year's themes, "rainbows" and "fairies." The festival finishes with an impressive finale at which 3,000 fireworks are launched in five minutes at both festival sites.
August
Edogawa Ward Fireworks Exhibition
Edogawa Riverside (near Tokyo Metropolitan Shinozaki Park)
Edogawa Ward Fireworks Exhibition will mark its 30th anniversary in 2005. What's special about this is the event consisted of eight different themes and fireworks will be shot along with the image of the music having each theme. It opens excitingly under the theme of the "Trio to the Future"; 1000 shots will be set off from 10 places within the first 5 seconds! Other highlights include "Rainbow Butterfly" and the dynamic shower of the light in the "Grand Finale." The total number of shots counts approximately 14,000. Let's enjoy the popular Japanese summer event!
Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Festival
Chuo City Harumi Ground and its vicinity
Marking the 19th anniversary this year, the Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Festival has become one of the largest and best known fireworks displays in Tokyo, along with the Sumida River Fireworks Festival. At the festival, as many as 12,000 fireworks will be launched from two locations, including giant "size 5" balls that are not used at any other fireworks events in Tokyo. While the Harumi main festival site is limited to those with admission tickets (no longer available), the display can be viewed from several other festival sites. They are open to public but the admission will be limited as soon as they reach their capacity on the day of the festival. The festival areas are going to be very crowded, and the cell phone connection is also expected to be weak. So be prepared before you go and follow the directions at the festival site.
Fukagawa Hachiman Festival at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine
Tomioka Hachimangu ShrineTomioka Hachimangu Shrine, more commonly known as Fukagawa-no Hachiman-sama, has been a place of worship in the community since it was established in 1627. Around August 15th every year, the shrine holds an annual festival called Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, which is recognized as one of three major Edo festivals along with Sanno Festival (at Hie Jinja Shrine) and Kanda Festival (at Kanda Myojin Shrine). During the festival, traditional rituals as well as various festive programs are dedicated, including koto presentation, tea ceremony presentation, and Bali dance presentation. Although this year's festival does not feature the parade, the shrine's main mikoshi (portable shrine), which is known as the largest one in Japan, will be displayed to the public during the festival (9:00 - end of the last event of the day; normally close at 17:00). The mikoshi measures approximately 4.4-meter-high, weighs 4.5 ton, has a 2.9-meter-wide roof, and sits on a 1.5-meter-wide base. Originally dedicated to the shrine by Kinokuniya Bunzaemon, a successful merchant in the Edo-Genroku period (late 17th to early 18th century), the mikoshi was burnt down in the Great Kanto Earthquake and was replaced in 1991. The shrine is also known as an origin of Edo kanjin sumo (fund-raising sumo tournament) and the monuments engraved with names of yokozuna and ozeki wrestlers have been visited by many sumo fans.
Chofu City Fireworks Festival
Tamagawa event site/Fuda event site along Tama River
Resumed in 1982 due to strong demand from fireworks fans, the Chofu City Fireworks Festival marks its 26th year this time. The festival is well known for its breathtaking presentation of about 10,000 fireworks synchronized with music, which lasts as long as 70 minutes. Viewers will enjoy "Niagara Falls," 250-meter-wide size 8 fireworks, and many other exciting programs. Popular paid reserved seats may be still available; check the festival's official website for details. Traffic control is scheduled in the vicinity after 16:00 on the day of the event. Be sure to arrive well in advance as the vicinity may be closed in case of overcrowding. The festival is subject to cancellation in case of unfavourable weather; the latest information will be available after 10:00 on the day of the event at the event's website as well as via telephone information service.
Tokyo Koenji Awaodori Festival
Vicinity around JR Koenji Station
The Koenji Awaodori Festival is one of the most favourite summer festivals in Tokyo and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Among many other Awaodori festivals held throughout the nation, the Koenji is the second largest next to the Tokushima, the original festival, and attracts as many as 1.2 million spectators each year. Nearly 12,000 dancers from 188 teams, called "ren," participate in the festival and perform the result of the year-long, hard practice in their own proud costumes. Along with lifting music and rhythm, the dancers of all ages dressed in each of their own favourite costume tour through local shopping streets and spectator areas established on Konan Dori Avenue, bringing the most exciting night of the year to the town of Koenji.
Azabu-juban Noryo Matsuri (Summer Festival)
Azabu-juban Shopping Street
Azabu-juban's popular summer festival is back again. Let's go stroll around your favourite stalls and events once the festival kicks off with the brass band parade. In addition to the rows of old-time night stalls set up by local shops, there are many entertaining programs such as festive music performance, traditional vaudeville and antique fair. The famous international bazaar provides well-known products and special food of many countries supported by a number of embassies. Various events will take place at the Stage 10 Bang each day during the period, which include street performance, samisen, jazz Hawaiian and charity concert. Experience and enjoy the famous summer event of Azabu-juban.
TOKYO JAZZ
Tokyo International Forum Hall
Marking its 5th anniversary, the Tokyo Jazz Festival is the largest jazz event in Japan. This most authentic jazz festival captivates the audience with a traditional and sophisticated stage. Moving its event location to Marunouchi, the centre of Tokyo, the event is held based on the tight cooperation with local businesses and facilities. The dream line-up of featured artists includes Chick Corea, Marcus Miller, Omar Hakim, Sadao Watanabe, Hiromi Uehara, and many other top musicians in various performing styles. A must-see event for jazz fans where they can indulge themselves in the rhythm of jazz and world music.
Asakusa Samba Carnival
Between Basha Dori Street and Kaminarimon Dori Street
Marking its 27th year, Asakusa Samba Carnival has become a popular summer tradition in the Asakusa area. The highlight of the event is a spectacular parade of dancers in colourful costumes, including those from Brazil, the birthplace of samba. Participating dance teams come from all over the nation to proudly show their performances, which have been highly praised by people from Brazil. In addition to the parade competition, the event also presents Special Samba Show 2007, photo sessions with samba dancers, and more
September
Edo Tenka Matsuri
Mid September, Tokyo Metropolitan Hibiya Park
This festival was held as a memorial event for the 400th anniversary of Edo in 2003. Now it will be held every other year and this is the second time. The procession of floats and portable shrines will start from Hibiya Park, parade on Marunouchi Naka-Dori Street and then will end the 2-kilometer route near the Imperial Palace Plaza led by rare traditional performances such as Edo Kiyari, Ohayashi and Tekomai. Edo Festival site in Hibiya Park will present food and drink shops, demonstrations by traditional Edo craftsmen and more events on stage. Float dolls and portable shrines will be displayed at Maru-Cube on the 1st floor, Marunouchi Building during the festival period.
Nedu-jinja Shrine Annual Grand Festival
Nedu-jinja Shrine
It is said that the origin of the Nedu-jinja shrine dates back to 1900 years ago when Yamatotakeru-no-mikoto founded the shrine in Sendagi area. During the Bunmei era of the Muromachi period (the 15th century), (a famous military commander) Dokan Ota built the shrine pavilions. Then in the Edo period, the 5th shogun Tsunayoshi Tokugawa built the present main hall and moved the site to today's location when his successor was officially decided. In the Meiji Restoration, the Emperor Meiji offered the prayer for peace and security of the nation to this shrine and such history shows the prestige and dignity of the Nedu-jinja. The annual grand festival is counted among the three greatest festivals of Edo. The parades of portable shrines are carried out and the traditional "Sanza-no-mai", "Kagura" and other dancing will be performed together with Shinto music.
Fukuro Matsuri
Ikebukuro West Exit special event site and various other locations in the vicinity of Ikebukuro Station
Fukuro Matsuri originally started in 1968 as a promotional event for four local shopping districts on the west side of Ikebukuro Station. Since it has grown to be one of the largest events in the community, the festival enfolds the entire city of Ikebukuro in a festive atmosphere this weekend as well as the first weekend of October. The highlight of the festival this weekend is various performances of stage entertainment featured for its opening ceremony (Sep. 22) as well as mikoshi parade, taiko drum show, shishimai presentation, hayashi festive music, and Okinawan "eisa" show (Sep. 23). The main event for the festival's second phase is the Tokyo Yosakoi Festival (Oct. 6 & 7), which is accompanied by a variety of booths of Ikebukuro's friendship cities to introduce their specialty products. Join the festival and enjoy the arrival of fall along with Ikebukuro citizens.
October
Nihonbashi Ebisu-ko Bettara-ichi (Fair)
Takarada Ebisu Jinja Shrine and vicinity
Held at Takarada Ebisu Jinja Shrine and its vicinity, the fair is a popular seasonal event in the community of the former Oodenmacho area (Nihonbashi-horidomecho, -oodenmacho, and -honcho). The fair is known for a number of vendors selling the local specialty called bettara-zuke, or sweet and salty pickles of daikon radish. The origin of the fair dates back to the mid Edo period when merchants started to sell fish, vegetables, Shinto family alters, and other supplies needed to prepare for the celebration of the Ebisu-ko ceremony at the shrine. Ebisu, the shrine's deity, is a god for business prosperity and is one of the Seven Deities of Good Fortune. During the fair, the main streets of the fair site are filled with about 4 to 5 hundred street stalls and stay busy until late in the evening, drawing tourists as well as nearby office workers who stop by after work.
Tokyo International Film Festival
Roppongi Hills, Bunkamura (Shibuya), and other locations
Marking its 20th year, the Tokyo International Film Festival is one of the world's major international film festivals officially endorsed by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). The event has four major programs, including traditional and attention-drawing "Competition" of selected movies, "Special Screenings" of high-profile entertaining productions, "Winds of Asia" that illustrates the latest cultural trend in Asia, and "Japanese Eyes" that introduces refreshing features of the latest Japanese films. Along with various other programs, over 300 titles are presented during the festival. Visit the festival's official website for details about ticket prices, program schedules, featured titles, venues, and related events.
Ikegami Honmonji Temple - Oeshiki
Ikegami Honmonji Temple
Oeshiki is a Buddhist festival commemorating the anniversary of Saint Nichiren's death. It is celebrated at many places in Japan, however, the one held in Ikegami Honmonji is the most prestigious as Saint Nichiren passed away at this temple. The event has been handed down through generations for 720 years along with the long-standing history and tradition. Highlight is the parade of "mando" which takes place in the night of October 12. About 3,000 people will carry sacred lanterns decorated with artificial cherry blossoms along the route of 2 kilometres from Ikegami station to Honmonji. Some 350,000 prayers and spectators visit the site till midnight every year. The "mando" procession on the 12th and the Rinmetsudoji Hoyo (Buddhist sermon) on the 13th can be seen live on the Internet.
November
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Tourism Chrysanthemum Exhibition
Hibiya Park, Kusachi Hiroba
Adored by Japanese people as a symbol of longevity, power, dignity, and nobility, kiku or chrysanthemum is a flower that represents the country, which is also known as a motif of the imperial seal. The flowers were originally imported from China and were developed during the Edo period, while many unique varieties were locally created. Among a number of chrysanthemum exhibitions held throughout the nation in fall, this event is the largest one in East Japan and has been held at Hibiya Park since the early Taisho period. At the exhibition, about 2,000 entries of carefully-grown colourful blooms are presented in various sizes and styles, potted, and cut. Large ornamental pots of cushion flowers also amuse visitors' eyes. A total of 35 prizes, including the one from the prime minister, are given to the chosen masterworks.
Bunkyo Kiku Matsuri (Chrysanthemum Festival)
Yushima Tenmangu Shrine's precincts
The 28th Bunkyo Kiku Matsuri (Chrysanthemum Festival) is now held at Yushima Tenmangu Shrine (Yushima Tenjin), which is widely known as a place to pray for academic success. About 2,000 pots of chrysanthemums that have been carefully grown by fancier blooms are proudly displayed at the festival to brighten up the spacious precincts of the shrine. The feature presentation is a number of gorgeous pots groomed into a variety of styles such as "oozukuri (senbonzaki)," "daikengai," and "bontei." The kiku-ningyo (Chrysanthemum-decorated dolls) presentation on the theme of "Komyogatsuji," a popular historical TV drama on NHK, add more colours and festivities to the event. Spend a relaxing autumn day while enjoying the gracious beauty of chrysanthemum flowers.
Tokyo Historical Festival
Sensoji Temple
While it has been 540 years since the completion of the Edo castle by Dokan Ohta and 410 years since the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate by Ieyasu Tokugawa, Asakusa has a much longer history of 1,370 years, dating back to the discovery of a Buddha statue in the Sumida River in 628. Asakusa has developed a unique community since and shows deep influences from Edo period today. Asakusa is loved by many people and has been Tokyo's leading tourist site for visitors from around the world. This festival and parade first started on November 3, 1989 and now enters its 19th year, sending the message that Tokyo's history and culture originate in Asakusa. You can experience the great historic culture of Tokyo in this parade. The celebration completes history of Asakusa from the birth of Asakusa Temple to the Showa period.
Asakusa Tori-no-ichi Fair
Chokokuji Temple, Ootori Jinja Shrine
Tori-no-ichi is an annual traditional festival held at shrines and temples nationwide on set days (rooster days) in November to wish good luck and business prosperity. Known as its origin, the festival has been held in the Asakusa area since the Edo period at Ootori Jinja Shrine and Chokokuji Temple. The festivity continues until midnight as gorgeous "kumade" rakes decorated in gold and silver is sold by lively venders in the shrine and temple compound. Festival days occur three times in November according to the Junishi (twelve signs of the Chinese and Japanese zodiac) calendar this year. Make your wish for good luck while enjoying the atmosphere of Tokyo's old downtown at this late fall/early winter event.
Doburoku Matsuri
Koami Jinja shrine
Koami Jinja is one of the few existing shrines constructed with bishu-hinoki (cypress) in Chuo-ward and is registered as a cultural asset of the ward. Today's main hall and kagura hall are constructed in 1942, and the main hall exhibits traditional design with elaborately sculptured ornaments. The shrine annually holds doburoku (crude home-brewed sake) festival in November. It is regarded as one of the two major doburoku festivals in Kanto. Home-brewed sake will be offered to visitors in prayer for the productiveness of grain, perfect state of health and good luck. Don't miss the Sato-kagura Shinto dance performance at 12:30. This is designated as the intangible folklore cultural asset.
Momiji Matsuri (Festival) at Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
End November - beginning of December, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
Koishikawa Korakuen is known as one of the best spots in Tokyo to enjoy colourful autumn leaves, where beauty is also reflected on the surface of the large central pond and many streams throughout the park. The park was given its name by Mito Mitsukuni, a daimyo (feudal lord) in the early Edo period, which is also known as a popular figure from the samurai drama on TV called Mito Komon. On the first day of the festival, visitors are welcomed by actors who are dressed as Mito Komon and other characters from the drama. Various presentations of traditional Edo-style performing arts, such as Edo-daikagura, ito-ayatsuri, o-edo tamasudare, and kamikiri, will entertain the visitors, along with tea ceremony, plant fair, and specialty shops. The garden is also one of nine participating Metropolitan gardens of the "stamp rally" event held by the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association. Visitors who collect stamps from at least three participating parks and gardens will receive a special "Flower Calendar."
Illumination Event
The 1.2km street stretches from East exit of Takenozuka station Adachi-ward organizes the winter special illumination event. A great number of flickering lights create a magical atmosphere throughout the town. The 1.2km street starting from the East exit of Takezuka station on the Tobu Isesaki Line leads you through the ocean of light to Moto-fuchie Park, where the fantastic "Fairy Forest" is presented. Parades and concerts in the lights should warm your heart under the winter night sky. Other fun events like live-show on stage, flea market and stamp rally are also programmed.
December
ji Kumade Ichi (bamboo rake festival at Oji Shrine)
Oji Shrine
Tori-no-Ichi, or the Rooster Fair, is held nationwide in November (in some areas, it is held in December) and people purchase a bamboo rake (kumade) to invite good-luck. Oji Shrine annually holds a Kumade-Ichi (rake fair) on December 6. Kumade is an ornamental rake made of bamboo, decorated with all the lucky charms such as okame (fat-face woman's mask), Ebisu-daikoku (one of the seven deities of good fortune), pine, bamboo, plum, crane and tortoise. So many gorgeous kumade in different size and shape will be displayed on the festival day. Venders cry out loud to attract customers and they celebrate with a handclap when a kumade is sold.
"Gishi-sai" (a fete to commemorate the loyal avenge)
Sengakuji Temple
This is a traditional event based on a historical event of 47 Ako roshi (masterless samurai) managed to take revenge for their former lord after going through many hardships. It takes place at Sengakuji Temple, which is associated with the Ako gishi. The fete was special last year to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the vendetta. This year's Gishi-sai will again be held in a larger scale than usual. On Dec 14, the event starts with a memorial service, a prayer in front of the tombs of Ako gishi and a tea ceremony. Then there will be a parade in Nishi-Ginza Street and around Sengakuji Temple by 47 volunteers dressed in the style of Ako gishi, headed by Shikoroyama Oyakata (a master of sumo, formerly known as a sumo wrestler Terao in the third highest rank of sumo). The programmes for Dec 15 include playing of Japanese drums, performances of magic tricks and presentation of haiku, etc.
Hagoita-ichi (Fair)
Sensoji Temple
Hagoita Fair is a popular annual event in Asakusa that is held as the year nears its end. About 50 venders gather at Sensoji Temple to sell a variety of colourful hagoita (wooden paddles), from ornamental ones to those for children to play with. The fair originated from a custom to give a hagoita and pray for the healthy growth of girls, symbolizing hagoita as a "board to bounce back evil." It developed into a large-scale event in the mid Meiji period when hagoita were sold as a highlight of the items at an annual year-end fair. Authentic Kabuki actors and popular celebrities are among the themes featured on the decorative hagoita. On December 18, an excursion trip to the Hagoita Fair and a Hagoita workshop mainly for foreign people is scheduled.
Yokohama
January
Chinese New Year Festival
End January - Beginning of February, End January-Beginning of February
The Chinese New Year Festival is held in accordance with the old calendar.
Feburary
Sankei-en Garden Plum Viewing Festival
Beginning of February - Beginning of March, Sankei-En Garden at Naka Ward Yokohama City
Mochitsuki (pounding rice for rice cake), Japanese lion dance show, Haiku event, Japanese dancing, and more.
May
The Yokohama International Costume Parade
Yamashita Park Kaigan-Dori Bashamichi Shopping Street Isezaki area at Naka Ward Yokohama City
The parade is international in character. Chinese dragon dance, gorgeously decorated floats & more.
Yokohama Port Opening Commemorative Bazaar
End May - Beginning of June, Yokohama Park at Naka Ward Yokohama City
This bazaar sells clothes, foods, plants and more.
June
Yokohama Port Opening Festival
Yokohama Port Opening Festival, Around Minato Mirai and RinkoPark at Nishi Ward Yokohama City
Celebrate opening port of Yokohama. All manner of events.
Jamokamo Matsuri Festival
Kanagawa Ward of Yokohama City
Two big snakes made of straw that is measure up to 20 meters long and 1 meter around. It's taken out for a parade for good health.
July
Yokohama Port Festival International Fireworks Display
Port in front of Yamasita Park at Yokohama City
A display of fireworks numbering the thousands.
August
Yokohama Carnival
Middle of August /Sat. & Sun, Area around West Exit of Yokohama Sta.
The Yokohama Carnival opens with much fanfare as if trying to cling on to the passing summer. Teams of 30 or more participate in "hamakoi odori" contests and parade, dancing with musical instruments.
September
Osan no Miya Autumn Festival
Middle of September, Hieda Shrine at Minami Ward Yokohama City
The festival is held with dedicatory entertainment at night.
Sankei-en Garden moon Viewing
Five-day Period in mid-Autumn, Sankei-En Garden at Naka Ward Yokohama City
Enjoy viewing the harvest moon.
October
Kokkei Setsu (Chinatown)
China Town at Naka Ward Yokohama-City
Celebration parades with the Chinese lion & dragon dance.
World Festa Yokohama
Beginning of October /Sat. & Sun, Around Yamashita Park at Naka Ward Around Yokohama City
Enjoy world culture, world cooking, world music, & more.
Yokohama Jazz Promenade
Beginning of October /Sat. & Sun, Various facilities within Yokohama
Yokohama Jazz Promenade is the largest Jazz festival in Japan. Enjoy live Jazz performances at 120 venues throughout Yokohama, such as the Yokohama Kaiko-Kinen-Kaikan, the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Landmark Hotel, Daisanbashi Hall, and other tourist spots and clubs with live music.
Sankei-En Garden Chrysanthemum Flower Exhibition
End October - End November, Sankei-En Garden at Naka Ward Yokohama City
About 900 chrysanthemum flowers are on display.
