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FESTIVAL LISTINGS

Japanese festivals and fairs in and around Tokyo (Feb. 2009) Tourist Information Center, Japan National Tourist Organization The Japanese festival information was compiled in cooperation with the Tourist Information Center of the Japan National Tourist Organization. (10th floor, Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Bldg., 2-10-1, Yurakucho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo 100-0006). Call (03) 3201-3331 for all your Japan tourist information needs (open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily). Click to see January's festival schedule. Festivals around other areas of Kanto

Tengu Matsuri Jan. 30 to Feb. 1		Shimokita Tengu Matsuri or Long Red-nosed Goblins Festival is held on and around the shopping streets of Shimokitazawa, Setagaya-ku. On Jan. 30, mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) is held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the compound of Shinryuji Temple. On Jan. 31, Tengu (men with long red-nosed masks) march in a parade throwing beans from Shinryuji Temple through the shopping streets from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Feb. 1, mamemaki by about 200 children starts from 12 noon to 2 p.m., and Wadaiko (Japanese drum beating) is demonstrated near the North Exit of Shimokitazawa Sta. from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Access: Odakyu Line or Keio Inokashira Line to Shimokitazawa Sta.

Tsubaki Matsuri Jan. 31 to March 29		Tsubaki Matsuri (Camellia Festival) on Oshima Island. Various events are scheduled during the festival period. Access: (1) 8 hrs. by Tokai Kisen ferryboat or 1 hr. 45 min. by hydrofoil boat from Takeshiba Pier to Oshima Island. (Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Sta. to Takeshiba Sta., and then walk 1 min. to the pier, or JR Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Sta., and then walk 7 min. to the pier.) (2) 30 min. by air from Tokyo (Haneda Airport) to Oshima Island.

Setsubun Feb. 3		Setsubun (bean-throwing ceremony) at noted temples and shrines all over Japan. According to the lunar calendar, Setsubun marks the last day of winter. People throng the compounds of temples to vie with one another for beans which are thrown away by priests who shout "Fuku-wa-uchi, Oni-wa-soto!" (Fortune in, Devils out!) to drive away imaginary devils. 1. Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 12 noon & 2 p.m., and well-known personalities throw beans from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Access: Subway Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa Sta. 2. Zojoji Temple, Minato-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) joined by well-known personalities takes place from around 12 noon to 1 p.m. Access: (1) Subway Toei Mita Line to Onarimon Sta., and then walk 3 min. (2) Subway Toei Asakusa Line or Oedo Line to Daimon Sta., and then walk 5 min. 3. Gokokuji Temple, Bunkyo-ku. Wadaiko (Japanese drum beating) starts at 1 p.m. preceding Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) which takes place from 3:30 p.m. after the rites. Access: Subway Yurakucho Line to Gokokuji Sta. 4. Hie Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 12 noon after the rites. Access: (1) Subway Ginza or Namboku Line to Tameike-Sanno Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2) Subway Ginza or Marunouchi Line to Akasaka-Mitsuke Sta., and then walk 8 min. (3) Subway Hanzomon, Yurakucho or Namboku Line to Nagatacho Sta., and then walk 10 min. 5. Kanda Myojin Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Access: (1) Subway Marunouchi Line, JR Chuo Line or JR Sobu Line to Ochanomizu Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2) Subway Chiyoda Line to Shin-Ochanomizu Sta., and then walk 5 min. (3) Subway Ginza Line to Suehirocho Sta., and then walk 5 min. 6. Kameido Tenjin Shrine, Koto-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., following Tsuina-shiki (rites of driving away devils) which starts from 5:30 p.m. Access: JR Sobu Line to Kameido Sta., and then walk 15 min. 7. Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Ota-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 3 p.m. Access: (1) Tokyu Ikegami Line to Ikegami Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) Subway Toei Asakusa Line to Nishi-Magome Sta., and then walk 10 min. 8. Toyokawa Inari Betsuin, Minato-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 2 p.m. Access: Subway Marunouchi or Ginza Line to Akasaka-Mitsuke Sta., and then walk 5 min. 9. Torigoe Shrine, Taito-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 3:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. Access: (1) JR Sobu Line or Subway Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusabashi Sta., and then walk 5-10 min. (2) Subway Toei Asakusa Line or Oedo Line to Kuramae Sta., and then walk 5-10 min. 10. Shibamata Taishakuten Temple (Daikyoji Temple), Katsushika-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 3 p.m. & 4 p.m. (each lasting for 10 min.). Access: Keisei Kanamachi Line to Shibamata Sta.

Daruma-kuyo Feb. 3		Daruma-kuyo or memorial services for used Dharma dolls at Nishiarai Daishi Temple, Adachi-ku. When people make a wish and it is granted, they paint the eyes of Dharma dolls. The rites are conducted from 11:30 a.m. to around 12 noon. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 3:30 p.m. to around 4 p.m. Access: Tobu Isesaki Line to Nishi-Arai Sta., and then take Tobu Daishi Line to Daishi-mae Sta.

Setsubun mame-maki-shiki Feb. 3		Setsubun mame-maki-shiki (bean-throwing ceremony) at Takahata Fudoson Temple, Hino in the suburbs of Tokyo, takes place from 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. About 30 open-air stalls selling Dharma dolls are set up in the compound of the temple. Access: Keio Line or Tama-Toshi Monorail to Takahata-Fudo Sta.

Sohei-Gyoretsu Feb. 3		Sohei-Gyoretsu or the procession of Sohei (monk soldiers) at Hosenji Temple, Nakano-ku. About 50 Sohei leave Meitoku Inari Shrine at 3:30 p.m. and arrive at Hosenji Temple around 4 p.m. A bean-throwing ceremony takes place in the compound of the temple from around 4:30 p.m. (lasting for about 20 min.). If it rains, "Sohei-Gyoretsu" will be canceled. Access: Subway Marunouchi Line or Toei Oedo Line to Nakano-Sakaue Sta., and then walk 5 min.

Hatsu-uma Festival Feb. 6		Hatsu-uma Festival (year's first "Horse Day" festival) at Toyokawa Inari Betsuin Temple, Minato-ku. Open-air stalls are set up from 9 a.m. to around 5:30 p.m. Access: Subway Marunouchi or Ginza Line to Akasaka-Mitsuke Sta., and then walk 5 min.

Tako Ichi Feb. 6-18		Tako Ichi (kite fair) at Oji Inari Shrine, Kita-ku. More than 200 open-air stalls are set up, and kites regarded as a talisman for preventing fire are sold at some stalls from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Access: JR Keihin Tohoku Line or Subway Namboku Line to Oji Sta., and then walk 7 min.

Ume Matsuri Feb. 7-March 1		Setagaya Ume Matsuri (Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival) at Hanegi Koen (park), Setagaya-ku. There are nearly 700 plum trees in the park grounds. Matcha (powdered green tea) is served at the Chashitsu (tea ceremony room) in the park from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 8, 15, 21 & 28 respectively. Nodate (open-air tea ceremony) is held for Matcha (powdered green tea) service from 10 a.m. on the 22nd, and for Sencha (green tea) service from 10 a.m. on March 1. Free tea tickets are distributed from 9:30 a.m. on the days, on a first-come, first-served basis. Access: Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Sta. to Umegaoka Sta.

Hari-kuyo Feb. 8		Hari-kuyo (memorial services for used and broken needles & pins) are offered at the following temples: 1. Shojuin Temple, Shinjuku-ku. The memorial service is from 11 a.m. to around 1:30 p.m. Access: (1) Subway Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2) Subway Marunouchi Line or Toei Shinjuku Line to Shinjuku-Sanchome Sta., and then walk 5 min. 2. Shinganji Temple, Setagaya-ku. The memorial service is from around 1:30 p.m. Access: Keio Inokashira Line or Odakyu Line to Shimokitazawa Sta. (South Exit), and then walk 10 min. 3. Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. The memorial service is from 10:30 a.m.. Access: Subway Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa Sta.

Ume Matsuri Feb. 8-March 8		Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri (Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival) at Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Bunkyo-ku. Nodate (open-air tea ceremony) is held at 11 a.m. every Sunday during the festival period. The tickets for Nodate are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, starting from 10 a.m. every Sunday during the festival period. Access: Subway Chiyoda Line to Yushima Sta.

Nihon O-Zumo Tournament or 32nd Grand Sumo Tournament Feb. 8		Nihon O-Zumo Tournament or the 33rd Grand Sumo Tournament takes place at Kokugikan Hall, Sumida-ku, from 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. (The venue is open at 11 a.m..) The admission tickets range from ¥1,000 to ¥14,000. Advanced tickets are sold at ticket agents, such as CN Play Guide, Ticket Pia in major department stores, Lawson convenience stores throughout Tokyo, and also at the Kokugikan Hall from Feb. 2. For further information, call Nihon O-Zumo Tournament Jimukyoku at 03-5530-2052 (in Japanese only). Access: JR Sobu Line or Subway Toei Oedo Line to Ryogoku Sta.

The 37th Tokyo Folklore Festival Feb. 8		Tokyo Kyodo Geino Matsuri (Folklore Performing Arts Festival) at Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Social Education Center, Tachikawa in the suburbs of Tokyo. The performance of various folk dances native to the Tama District is given from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Access: JR Nambu Line to Nishi-Kunitachi Sta., and then walk 10 min.

NHK Fukushi O-Zumo Feb. 11		NHK Fukushi O-Zumo (Sumo for charity) at Kokugikan Hall, Sumida-ku, from 1 p.m. to around 5:20 p.m. (The venue is open at 12:10 p.m.) Some matches as well as demonstrations of wrestling styles and some comical sumo bouts for entertainment are featured. Admission tickets are ¥2,500, ¥4,000, ¥5,500, ¥6,000 & ¥6,500. The advanced tickets are sold at ticket offices, Ticket Pia and convenience stores such as CircleKSunkus, FamilyMart and Lawson. (Some of the tickets might be sold on the day at Kokugikan Hall from 11 a.m..) For further information, call Hello Dial at 03-5405-8686 (in English). Access: JR Sobu Line or Subway Toei Oedo Line to Ryogoku Sta.

The parade in celebration of National Foundation Day Feb. 11		Kenkoku Kinen-no-hi Hoshuku Parade, a parade in celebration of National Foundation Day, which includes a brass band and cars decorated with flowers, starts from Meiji Park at 10 a.m., proceeding along Gaien-Nishi Street, Aoyama Street and Omotesando Street, and reaches Meiji Shrine at around 11 a.m. Mikoshi (portable shrines), floats and a drummcing group join the parade at Omotesando crossing on Aoyama Street at around 10:30 a.m. Access: (1) Subway Toei Oedo Line to Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Sta., JR Sobu Line to Sendagaya Sta. or Shinanomachi Sta. to go to Meiji Park. (the starting point near Nihon Seinen-kan) (2) JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Sta. or Subway Chiyoda Line to Meiji-Jingumae Sta. to go to Meiji Shrine.

Ta-asobi Feb. 11		Ta-asobi (rice field work pantomime) takes place at Tokumaru Kitano Shrine, Itabashi-ku, from 6 p.m. to around 8 p.m. This festival is designated as an Intangible Cultural Property. About 20 people pantomime the process of rice cultivation on a plank stage representing a paddy field. Access: (1) Tobu Tojo Line to Tobu Nerima Sta., and then walk 10-20 min. (2) From Narimasu Sta., 15 min. by bus bound for Akabane, and get off at Kobai Shogakko Bus Stop, and then walk 5 min.

Ta-asobi Feb. 13		Ta-asobi (rice field work pantomime) takes place at Akatsuka Suwa Shrine, Itabashi-ku, from 7 p.m. to around 9 p.m. This festival, designated as an Intangible Cultural Property, features mikoshi (portable shrines), Shi-shi Mai (Lion Dance), Tengu Mai (dance by men with long red-nosed masks) and donto-yaki (ritual bonfire) in the shrine precincts. Access: Subway Toei Mita Line to Shin-Takashimadaira Sta., and then walk 15 min.

The Ome Marathon Feb. 15		The Ome Marathon starts at 10 a.m. (for the 10-km race) and at 11: 50 a.m. (for the 30-km race) from Nihon Tabako Sangyo Ome Eigyosho Higashi near JR Kabe Sta. Access: JR Ome Line to Kabe Sta.

2009 Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition Feb. 26 to March 3		Dento-teki Kogeihin-ten WAZA 2009 (Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition) takes place at Ikebukuro Tobu Department Store from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (to 5 p.m. on March 3). It is a good chance to see and buy many articles of different Japanese traditional handicrafts from all over Japan: pottery, woven goods, dye stuffs, Japanese paper, stationery items, lacquer ware, wood and bamboo ware. Admission is free. Access: (1) JR Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro Sta. (West Exit). (2) Subway Marunouchi Line or Yurakucho Line to Ikebukuro Sta. (West Exit).

Hina Matsuri Feb. 28		Jingu-no-mori no Hina Matsuri (Dolls' Festival or Girls' Festival) in the precincts of Meiji Shrine, Shibuya-ku, from 10 a.m. to around 2:30 p.m. Nagashi-bina (doll-floating ceremony) is held around 11:30 a.m. on Kita-ike (north pond) in front of the Homotsuden (treasure house). Four hundred parents and children who applied in advance will participate in activities, but all are welcome to watch this event. For further information, call (03)3379-9123 in Japanese. Access: (1) JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Sta. (2) Subway Chiyoda Line to Meiji-Jingumae Sta.

Festivals around other areas of Kanto Tourist Information Center, Japan National Tourist Organization Festivals around Tokyo

2009 Shunsetsu or Shunsetsu-sai Jan. 26 to Feb. 09		2009 Shunsetsu or Shunsetsu-sai, Chinese New Year's Day according to the lunar calendar in China Town, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. Shi-shi Mai (Chinese Lion Dance) is performed throughout Chinatown from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Jan. 26, and a parade of people in traditional attire is held from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 8. In the evenings until Feb. 28, China Town will be lit up with thousands of lanterns. Access: (1) JR Negishi Line from Yokohama or JR Keihin Tohoku Line from Tokyo to Ishikawacho Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) Tokyu Toyoko Line Minatomirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Sta.

Ume Matsuri Feb. 01 to March 01		Odawara Ume Matsuri (Japanese Apricot Festival) at Joshi Koen (park) and Soga Bairin (Japanese apricot garden) in Odawara, Kanagawa Pref. There are about 500 apricot trees in Odawara Joshi Koen and about 30,000 trees in Soga Bairin consisting of three gardens: Soga Bessho, Nakagawara and Hara Bairin. Yabusame (horseback archery) is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Feb. 11 at Hara Bairin. When it rains, it will be postponed until Feb. 15. Many other events are scheduled for Feb. 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22. Access: (1) JR Tokaido Line to Odawara Sta., and then walk 10 min. to Odawara Joshi Koen. (2) JR Gotemba Line to Shimo-Soga Sta., and then walk 10 min. to Nakagawara and Bessho Bairin. (3) JR Gotemba Line to Shimo-Soga Sta., and then walk 7 min. to Hara Bairin.

Setsubun Feb. 03		Setsubun (bean-throwing ceremony) at the noted temples and shrines all over Japan. According to the lunar calendar, Setsubun marks the last day of winter. People throng the compounds of temples to vie with one another for beans which are thrown away by priests who shout "Fuku-wa-uchi, Oni-wa-soto!" (Fortune in, Devils out!) to drive away imaginary devils. 1. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura (about one hour by train from Tokyo). Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 1 p.m. Access: JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Sta., and then walk 10 min. 2. Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 12 noon. Access: JR Yokosuka Line to Kita-Kamakura Sta., and then walk 20 min. 3. Kamakuragu Shrine in Kamakura. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 3:30 p.m. Access: (1) JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Sta., and then walk 25 min. (2) 10 min. by bus from JR Kamakura Sta., and then get off at Daitonomiya Bus Stop. 4. Sojiji Temple in Yokohama. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 12:30 p.m. Access: JR Keihin Tohoku Line to Tsurumi Sta., and then walk 5 min. *5. Kawasaki Daishi Temple in Kawasaki. Mamemaki* (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 11: 30 a.m.**, 2 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. Access: Keihin Kyuko Line to Keikyu Kawasaki Sta. From there, Keikyu Daishi Line to Kawasaki-Daishi Sta., then walk 5 min.

Oni-yarai Feb. 03		Oni-yarai (rites of driving away devils) takes place at Chichibu Shrine, Chichibu, Saitama Pref., from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The bean-throwing ceremony is held every 30 min. from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, and 3 times in the afternoon at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. Access: (1) 1 hr. 50 min. by Seibu Railways' Express Train (Kyuko) or 1 hr. 30 min. by Seibu Railways' Limited Express (Tokkyu), "Red Arrow," from Ikebukuro Sta. to Seibu-Chichibu Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2) JR Takasaki Line to Kumagaya Sta. From there, Chichibu Tetsudo Railway to Chichibu Sta., and then walk 3 min.

Setsubun Feb. 3		Setsubun, a traditional ceremony to dispel demons, is scheduled at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Narita, Chiba Pref. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. (each lasting for 5 min). Access: (1) JR Sobu Honsen-Narita Line's Rapid Train Airport Narita from Tokyo Sta. to Narita Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2) Keisei Line from Ueno Sta. to Narita Sta., and then walk 15 min.

Setsubun-e Feb. 3		Setsubun-e, a traditional ceremony to dispel demons, at Kawagoe Daishi Temple, Kawagoe, Saitama Pref. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Access: (1) Seibu Shinjuku Line to Hon-Kawagoe Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2) Tobu Tojo Line to Kawagoeshi Sta., and then walk 20 min.

Tsuina-shiki Feb. 3		Tsuina-Gyoretsu at Hakone Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi, Hakone, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa Pref. A procession of about 150 people, 20 of them in Heian Period (794-1185) costumes and the rest of them in old ceremonial court attire, starts from Ichi-no-Torii at 11 a.m. and arrives at Hakone Shrine around 11:30 a.m.. From 12 noon, tsuina-shiki or oni-oi-shiki (rites of driving away two torch-bearing devils) take place in the sanctuary of the shrine, preceding mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) which starts at 12:15 p.m. lasting for 10 min. Access: 50 min. by bus from Odawara Sta., get off at Moto-Hakone Bus Stop, and then walk 5 min. to the shrine. (To go to Odawara Sta., take JR Tokaido Line or JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line from Tokyo Sta., or take Odakyu Railways from Shinjuku Sta.)

Yoroi-Gyoretsu Feb. 3		Yoroi Toshikoshi Shuko at Bannaji Temple, Ashikaga, Tochigi Pref. Yoroi-Gyoretsu (armored warrior procession) of some 200 participants leaves Orihime Kominkan at 7 p.m., proceeding along Odori Ave. (Old National Highway Route No. 50) and arrives at the temple around 8 p.m. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) is held at 1 p.m., and also at around 8:30 p.m. following the arrival of the procession. Access: (1) Tobu Isesaki Line to Ashikaga-shi Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) 40 min. by JR Ryomo Line from Oyama Sta. to Ashikaga Sta., and then walk 15 min.

Ume Matsuri Feb. 8 to March 8		Sankei-en Kanbai-kai or Ume Matsuri (Japanese Apricot Festival) at Sankei-en Garden, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. The garden is a Japanese-style landscape garden with about 2,000 Japanese apricot trees. There are many events scheduled such as mochitsuki (rice-cake making) every Sat., Sun. and national holidays during the period, Japanese dance from 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, a performance of Koto (Japanese harp) from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, and from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 15, 21, 28 & March 1 respectively, and jiuta-odori (Japanese chamber dance) from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, and from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on March 7. The exhibition of hinaningyo (dolls in attire of a courtier in the Heian period) is scheduled, but the dates and hours are still to be arranged. Access: (1) JR Negishi Line to Negishi Sta. From there, 10 min. by bus to Honmoku Bus Stop, and then walk 7 min. (2) JR Keihin Tohoku, JR Tokaido or Tokyu Toyoko Line to Yokohama Sta. (East Exit). From there, 35 min. by bus to Honmoku Sankeien-mae Bus Stop, and then walk 3 min.

Plum blossom Festival at Yugawara Feb. 11 to March 15		Yugawara Ume Matsuri (Japanese Apricot Festival) at Makuyama Park in Yugawara. Visitors can enjoy the blossoms of 4,000 Japanese apricot trees in the park, as well as various events scheduled during the festival period. Access: JR Tokaido Line to Yugawara Sta., and then take a direct bus (10 min.) bound for Makuyama Park which is available during the period.

Ume Matsuri Feb. 20 to March 31		Mito-no-Ume Matsuri (Japanese Apricot Flower Festival) at Kairakuen Japanese Apricot Garden, Mito, Ibaraki Pref. Nodate (open-air tea ceremony) is held from 10 a.m. on March 1, 8, 15 & 22 respectively. A performance of Koto (Japanese harp) is given from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Feb. 22 & March 29. Hina-nagashi (the custom of floating dolls down on a stream) is scheduled from 11 a.m. on March 1, and from 10:30 a.m. on March 7. Access: (1) Direct local trains & Limited Express trains to Kairakuen Rinji Sta. (temporary station) on JR Joban Line are operated, leaving Ueno Sta. from about 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays until March 22. (2) JR Joban Line from Ueno Sta. to Mito Sta. From there, 20 min. by bus to Kairakuen Bus Stop.

Hadaka Matsuri Feb. 25		Hadaka Matsuri (literally, naked festival) at Mimusubi Shrine, Yotsukaido, Chiba Pref. Young men in loincloths jostle one another in a muddy rice paddy from around 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Access: JR Sobu Line to Yotsukaido Sta. (South Exit), and then walk 15 min.

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