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FESTIVAL LISTINGS

Japanese festivals and fairs in and around Tokyo (April 2010) Tourist Information Center, Japan National Tourism Organization The Japanese festival information was compiled in cooperation with the Tourist Information Center of the Japan National Tourism Organization. (1st floor, Shin-Tokyo Bldg., 3-3-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo 100-0005). Call (03) 3201-3331 for all your Japan tourist information needs (open 9 a.m to 5 p.m. daily except Jan. 1). Click to see March's festival schedule. Festivals around other areas of Kanto

Sakura Matsuri March 20 to April 4		Ueno Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) at Ueno Park, Taito-ku. People can enjoy a view of about 1,200 cherry trees in bloom even in the evening, as thousands of bonbori paper lanterns are lit up from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the festival period. An antique fair from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Ueki-ichi (potted plant fair) from around 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some other events are scheduled around Shinobazu-no-ike (pond) in the park daily during the period. Access: The JR Yamanote Line, the Ginza or Hibiya Subway Line to Ueno Sta.

Hamura, Hana to Mizu no Matsuri March 26 to April 22		Hamura Hana-to-Mizu-no-Matsuri, Flower and Water Festival in Hamura on the outskirts of Tokyo. The festival consists of Sakura Matsuri, cherry blossom festival, and Tulip Festival. Sakura Matsuri is held at Hamura-seki from March 26 to April 11 with cherry blossoms lit up in the evening during the festival period. Tulip Festival is held at Negaramimae-suiden (paddy fields) from April 9-22. Besides these festivals, an annual spring festival of Yakumo Shrine is also held nearby on April 11. A parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) goes through the city in the morning. One of these portable shrines goes into the Tamagawa River around 11 a.m., and parades in the river until 12 noon. Access: The JR Oume Line to Hamura Station (West Exit), and then walk 10 min.

Sakura Matsuri March 26 to April 4		Chiyoda-no-Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) at Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. One can enjoy a view of cherry blossoms along Chidorigafuchi Moat and in the precincts of Yasukuni Shrine until around 10 p.m., since the paths along the moat and the shrine precincts are lit up at night during the period. Ueki-ichi (potted plant fair) is held in the shrine precincts from around 10 a.m. to sunset during the festival period. Access: The Tozai, Hanzomon or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Sta., and then walk 5 min. to Yasukuni Shrine & Chidorigafuchi.

Bokutei Sakura Matsuri March 27 to April 4		Bokutei Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) at Sumida Koen (park), Sumida-ku. Various performances are scheduled on Sakurabashi Bridge over the Sumida River every Saturday and Sunday during the period, as follows; Daidogei, street performances from 12 noon to 3 p.m. on March 27 and 28; wadaiko, Japanese drums, from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 28; Kappore Odori, Japanese folk dance from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, and Shishi-mai, Lion Dance from 3 p.m. to 3:20 p.m., both on April 4. When it rains, the events will be canceled. The festival period could vary depending on cherry flowering period. Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta.

Taki-biraki April 1		Takaosan Taki-biraki (Waterfall Opening Ceremony), Yakuo-in Temple on Mount Takao. The ritual of chanting sutras by priests starts at 9 a.m. by the side of the Kiyo-taki waterfall. An ascetic ritual of mountain priests chanting sutras takes place under the cascading Biwa-taki waterfall from 11 a.m., and under the Ja-taki waterfall from 1 p.m.. Access: (1) Kiyo-taki: About 1 hr. by the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Takaosan-guchi Sta., and then walk 3 min. (2) Biwa-taki: The Keio Line to Takaosan-guchi Sta., and then walk 20 min. (3) Ja-taki: 5 min. by cable car from Takaosan-guchi Station to Takaosan Station (located halfway up of Mt. Takao), and then walk 20 min.

Gyoki April 2-7		Gyoki (Buddhist Devotions) at Zojoji Temple, Minato-ku (near Tokyo Tower). In commemoration of Priest Honen's death, bugaku (court dance with music) is performed on the makeshift stage in front of the main hall from around 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. every day during the period. Chigo-Gyoretsu (a parade of children in gay attire) takes place from 1:30 p.m. on the 5th and the 6th, and twice from 11 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. on the 7th. Ueki Ichi (potted plant fair) is scheduled in the compound of the temple from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the period. In case of rain, all outdoor events will be canceled. Access: The Toei Mita Subway Line to Onarimon Station or Shibakoen Sta., and then walk 3 min.

Hana Matsuri April 3-4		Hana Matsuri at Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Ota-ku. On the 4th, a parade of children pulling a papier-mache white elephant leaves Tokumochi Kaikan (hall) near Ikegami Station at 1 p.m. for the temple, where the ritual is conducted from 2 p.m. Following the ritual, a chorus concert is scheduled from 3 p.m. outdoors in the precincts of the temple. When it rains, the parade of children will be canceled and the chorus concert will be held indoors. Access: (1)The Tokyu Ikegami Line to Ikegami Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2)The Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Nishi-Magome Sta., and then walk 10 min.

Hana Matsuri at Gokokuji Temple April 4		Hana Matsuri at Gokokuji Temple, Bunkyo-ku, features Chigo-Gyoretsu (a parade of children in fancy attire) from 2 p.m. to around 3 p.m. in the precincts of the temple. Access: The Yurakucho Subway Line to Gokokuji Sta.

Hana Matsuri at Sensoji Temple April 8		Hana Matsuri at Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. Chigo-Gyoretsu (a parade of children in fancy attire) leaves Sensoji Kindergarten for the temple. Hours are still to be arranged (as of 2010/03/ 12th). Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta.

Hono Ozumo April 9		Hono Ozumo (a dedicatory sumo match) at Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. It features sumo matches dedicated by some 200 rikishi (sumo wrestlers) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The site opens around 8:30 a.m.. The ritual starts from 9 a.m. and the matches by makushita (low-ranking) rikishi start from around 10:40 a.m.. Makuuchi (high-ranking) rikishi including yokozuna, a grand champion enter the ring from around 2 p.m. This event is open to the first 6,000 people. The admission is free of charge. Access: The Tozai, Hanzomon or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Sta.

BunkyoTsutsuji Matsuri April 9 to May 5		Bunkyo Tsutsuji Matsuri (Azalea Festival) at Nezu Shrine, Bunkyo-ku, features Gongen-Taiko, Japanese drumming performance, twice from 12 noon and from 3 p.m. on April 29, May 3, the 4th and the 5th respectively. Admission to the Azalea Garden is ¥200. Access: The Chiyoda Subway Line to Nezu Sta.

Shirasagi-no-mai April 11		Shirasagi-no-mai (White Heron Dance) in the precincts of Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. The dance is performed in front of the main hall of Sensoji Temple twice from around 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. If it rains heavily, the dance will be canceled. Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta.

Hana Matsuri at Tsukiji Honganji Temple April 11		Hana Matsuri at Tsukiji Honganji Temple, Chuo-ku. Following the ceremony which starts at 10 a.m., Chigo-Gyoretsu (a parade of children in fancy attire) takes place from 11:20 a.m. for about 30 min. in and around the temple. Access: The Hibiya Subway Line to Tsukiji Sta.

Yabusame April 17		Asakusa Yabusame (horseback archery) at Sumida Koen (park), Taito-ku. A parade of Kusajishi, Japanese archery performers, leaves Dempo-in Temple at 10:30 a.m. for Sumida Koen, where they demonstrate Kusajishi from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Yabusame (horseback archery) performers leave Dempo-in Temple at 12 noon, and proceed in procession to Sumida Koen, where they demonstrate Yabusame from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. In case of heavy rain, the entire event will be canceled. Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta.

Annual Spring Festival of Mount Takao April 18		Annual Spring Festival of Mount Takao, Hachioji, features Chigo-Gyoretsu (a parade of children in fancy attire), Yamabushi (a parade of mountain priests) in their traditional attire, and a corps of fife and drum. The parade starts from in front of Jyuichi-chome Jaya (a tea house) near Takaosan Station of the cable car at around 11 a.m. for Yakuo-in Temple, where Shishimai (Lion Dance) and Hashigo-nori (thrilling acrobatics on the ladder) are performed by hikeshi (members of the old Edo Fire Brigade) in the precincts of the temple from around 12 noon. Access: About 1 hour by the Keio Line from Shinjuku Station to Takaosan-guchi Station. From there, 5 min. by cable car to Takaosan Station or 12 min. by chair lift to Sanjo Station (located on top of Mount Takao) and then walk to Jyuichi-chome Jaya.

Daidai Kagura April 18		Daidai Kagura, sacred Shinto music and dance to pray for a good harvest of the year in an annual Spring Festival at Shinagawa Shrine, Shinagawa-ku. Six kinds of Daidai Kagura are presented from 2 p.m. to around 4 p.m. in the shrine's main hall. Access: The Keihin Kyuko Line to Shin-Bamba Station (North Exit), and then walk 1 min.

Sou-kei Regatta on Sumida River April 18		So-Kei Regatta on the Sumida River begins at around 9:40 a.m. The main race starts from Ryogokubashi Bridge at 2:50 p.m., heading for the goal, Sakurabashi Bridge. Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta.

Fuji Matsuri April 18 to May 5		Fuji Matsuri (Wisteria Festival) at Kameido Tenjin (or Tenmangu) Shrine, Koto-ku. The demonstration of Japanese traditional music is scheduled as follows: taiko drum performances by children from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 18; festive ohayashi music from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 25 and the 29; koto performance from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on May 1, and shakuhachi from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on May 5th, all continually demonstrated. Many other events are scheduled during the festival period. Access: The JR Sobu Line to Kameido Sta., and then walk 15 min.

Annual Spring Festival of Yasukuni Shrine April 21-23		Annual Spring Festival of Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. Japanese traditional dance and martial arts are dedicated on the nohgakudo stage in the shrine's precincts from 9 a.m. to around 3:30 p.m. daily during the festival period. Access: The Tozai, Hanzomon or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Sta.

Negi-no Mai April 21		Negi-no-Mai at Tenso Shrine, Ota-ku. Masked entertainers perform primitive dances to the tune of drum music in the shrine precincts from 3 p.m., to pray for a bumper crop of the year. If it rains, the dances will be performed indoors. Access: The Tokyu Ikegami Line to Ontakesan Sta., and then walk 5 min.

Ueki Ichi April 25 to May 5		Ueki Ichi (Potted Plant Fair) in the compound of Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Ota-ku. About 30 open-air stalls are set up from around 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the fair period. Access: (1) The Tokyu Ikegami Line to Ikegami Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) The Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Nishi-Magome Sta., and then walk 10 min.

Annual Spring Festival at Meiji Shrine April 29 to May 3		Annual Meiji Shrine Spring Festival at Meiji Shrine, Shibuya-ku. Major events held in the precincts are as follows: on April 29, bugaku (ancient court dance with music) from 11 a.m.; on May 2nd, hogaku (Japanese classical music) and hobu (Japanese dance) from 11:45 a.m., and sankyoku (music of three traditional Japanese musical instruments: koto, shakuhachi and shamisen) from 3:45 p.m.; on May 3, Kyudo Taikai, a Japanese-style archery meet, will be held at Daini-Kyudo-jo from 9 a.m. to around 4 p.m.; noh (classical masked drama) with kyogen (noh farce) from 12 noon, and music of Satsuma-Biwa from 2:30 p.m.. Access: (1) The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Sta. (2) The Chiyoda Subway Line to Meiji-Jingumae Sta. (3) Daini-Kyudo-jo: The Odakyu Line to Sangubashi Sta.

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

Sakura Matsuri March 27 to April 4		Odawara Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) at Joshi Koen (park), Odawara, Kanagawa Pref. Chigo-Gyoretsu (a parade of children in fancy attire) is held from 1 p.m. to around 2 p.m. on April 4. The festival period might be subject to change depending on cherry flowering period. Access: (1)The JR Tokaido Shinkansen or the JR Tokaido Line to Odawara Sta., and then walk 7 min. (2)1 hr. 10 min. by Odakyu Railways' Limited Express, Romance Car or 1 hr. 40 min. by Odakyu Railways' Express from Shinjuku Station to Odawara Sta., and then walk 7 min.

Kan-ou-no-Yube March 27 to April 4		Kan-ou-no-Yube (Cherry Blossom-viewing Festival at night) at Sankei-en Garden, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. The garden is a Japanese-style landscape garden with about 500 cherry trees. During the period, one can enjoy cherry blossom viewing even in the evening, since the garden is illuminated until 9 p.m. Please enter by 8:30 p.m. Admission to the garden is ¥500. Access: (1) The JR Negishi Line to Negishi Station From there, 10 min. by bus to Honmoku Bus Stop, and then walk 7 min. (2) The JR Keihin Tohoku, the JR Tokaido or the Tokyu Toyoko Line to Yokohama Station (East Exit). From there, 30 min. by bus to Honmoku Sankeien-mae Bus Stop, and then walk 3 min.

Otaue-sai April 3-4		Otaue-sai, or Taue Matsuri (rice-planting festival), at Katori Jingu Shrine, Sawara, Chiba Pref. Parishioners mime the process of rice cultivation in the shrine precincts from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on both the 3rd and the 4th. Access: The JR Narita Line (or the JR Sobu Line) to Sawara Station From there, 15 min. by Kanto Tetsudo Bus to Katori Jingu Bus Stop.

Taue Sai April 4		Taue Sai at Chichibu Shrine, Chichibu, Saitama Pref., an hour train ride from Ikebukuro Station Following the ritual, which starts from 1 p.m., a procession of Shinto priests leaves Chichibu Shrine for nearby Imamiya Shrine, where Omizutori, the Shinto ritual for welcoming the arrival of spring takes place from 2 p.m. The procession returns to Chichibu Shrine at 3 p.m. A group of 12 parishioners pantomimes the process of rice cultivation in the shrine precincts from around 3:30-4:30 p.m.. Access: The Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Seibu Chichibu Sta., and then walk 15 min.

Minamoto no Yoritomo Hata-age Musha Gyoretsu April 4		Minamoto no Yoritomo Hata-age Musha Gyoretsu (samurai warrior procession in Spring Festival) at Yugawara-machi, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa Pref. People dressed as warriors gather at Gosho Jinja Shrine at 10 a.m. for the starting ceremony of a procession. Musha Gyoretsu, a warrior procession leaves the shrine at around 11 a.m. for JR Yugawara Station where the festival concludes with the ritual around 12 noon. If it rains, the procession will be canceled. Access: 1 hr. 15 min. by JR Limited Express ""Odoriko"" or about 2 hrs. by the JR Tokaido Line (local train) from Tokyo Station to Yugawara Sta., and then walk 15 min. to Gosho Jinja Shrine.

Kanamara Matsuri April 4		Kanamara Matsuri (Fertility Festival) at Kanayama Shrine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Pref. Mihitorisai (lighting of sacred fires with flint) takes place from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., and the sacred fires last until around 2 p.m. The shrine, located just across the street from Kawasaki Daishi Sta., is noted for its Menkake Gyoretsu, a parade of masked people carrying the sacred palanquins containing symbols of phallic gods in and around the shrine from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.. Access: The Keihin Kyuko Daishi Line to Kawasaki Daishi Sta.

Narita Taiko Maturi Festival April 10-11		Narita Taiko Matsuri Festival (Drum Festival) in Narita, Chiba Pref. Sengan Hana-Daiko, in which about 700 people beat drums in the compound of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and taiko drums on Omotesando, the main approach to the temple from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., are demonstrated continually, both on the 10th and the 11th. Naritasan Sennen Yobutai (millennium night stage show) of drum beating under torchlights is held in the precincts from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the 10th. A demonstration of taiko and dancing on Omotesando is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the 11th. Access: The JR Narita (Sobu) Line or the Keisei Line to Narita Sta., and then walk 10 min.

Kamakura Matsuri Festival April 11 to 18		Kamakura Matsuri Festival at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura, Kanagawa Pref., an hour by train from JR Tokyo Station The main attractions are as follows: on the 11th, a parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. along Wakamiya Oji Street, and Shizu-no-mai (Japanese dance) on the Mai-den stage in the precincts of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine from 3 p.m.; on the 16th and 17th, nodate (open-air tea ceremony) is held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the shrine precints; on the 18th, taiko drum performances from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by the side of Mai-den stage in the precincts, and yabusame (horseback archery) in the shrine precincts from 1 p.m. If it rains, all events will be canceled. Access: The JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Sta.

Yayoi Matsuri Festival April 13 to 17		Yayoi-sai Festival of Futarasan Shrine, Nikko, Tochigi Pref. This festival, with a history of over 1,200 years, is highlighted by a parade of Hanayatai, 12 house-shaped floats, colorfully decorated with artificial cherry blossoms and paper lanterns, going through the town in the daytime on the 16th. On the 17th, all the floats are gathered at Futarasan Shrine around 11 a.m. and stay there until around 5 p.m. Meanwhile, three mikoshi (portable shrines) leave Futarasan Shrine at 12 noon for Hongu Shrine and come back to Futarasan Shrine at around 2 p.m. The festival reaches its climax in the shrine precints. Access: The JR Nikko Line to Nikko Station or the Tobu Railway's Nikko Line to Tobu-Nikko Station From there, 15 min. by bus to Sogo Kaikan Bus Stop or Nishi-Sando Bus Stop, and then walk 10 min.

O-oka Echizen-Sai Festival April 17 to 18		O-oka Echizen Sai Festival, Chigasaki, Kanagawa Pref. On the 18th, Daimyo-Gyoretsu, a feudal lord's procession of about a hundred of townspeople starts from Chigasaki Elementary School at 1 p.m. for Chigasaki Station to arrive there around 3:30 p.m.. Access: The JR Tokaido Line to Chigasaki Station (From the South Exit of Chigasaki Sta., walk 5 min. to the elementary school.)

Noge Daidogei April 24 to 25		Noge Daidogei (street performances) in Noge area, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref., features various street performances from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both the 24th and the 25th. Access: (1)The JR Negishi Line from Yokohama or the JR Keihin Tohoku Line from Tokyo to Sakuragicho Sta. (2)The Keihin Kyuko Line to Hinodecho Sta.

Mashiko-yaki Toki Ichi April 29 to May 6		Mashiko-yaki Toki Ichi (Pottery Fair) at Mashiko-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Pref., is held from 8:30 a.m. to around 5:30 p.m. at several venues in Mashiko, such as Kyohan Center, Tsukamoto Seitosho and Togei Mura. Access: (1) Kyohan Center and Tsukamoto Seitosho: 50 min. by Toya Bus from Tobu Railways' Utsunomiya Station or from Miyano-hashi Bus Stop, which is a 4-min. walk from JR Utsunomiya Sta., get off at Togei-Messe Iriguchi Bus Stop, and then walk 1 min. (2) Togei Mura: 1 hr. by Toya Bus from Tobu Railways' Utsunomiya Station or from Miyano-hashi Bus Stop to Sayadokami Bus Stop, and then walk 1 min.

Kasama Himatsuri Toki Ichi April 29 to May 5		Kasama-yaki Toki Ichi (Pottery Fair) at the grounds adjacent to Geijutsu-no-mori Koen (park) in Kasama, Ibaraki Pref., is held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day during the fair period. A popular music concert is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 3rd. Access: 1 hr. 10 min. by JR Joban Line's Limited Express Hitachi (or about 2 hrs. by local train) from Ueno Station to Tomobe Station From there, the JR Mito Line to Kasama Sta., and then walk 20 min. (or special buses to the fair site). A special rapid local train Kasama de osanpo-go leaves JR Ueno Station at 8:05 a.m. for Kasama on May 3.

Buddha's Birthday Tourist Information Center, Japan National Tourism Organization Festivals around Tokyo

Buddha's Birthday April 1 to 13		Hana Matsuri (Floral Festival), or Buddha's Birthday, is held at all Buddhist temples on the days centering around April 8, which is said to be Buddha's Birthday. At the temples, small images of Buddha are open to the public and amacha (sweet tea) is poured over the images as an expression of devotion. Chigo-Gyoretsu (parades of children in fancy attire), pulling a papier-mache white elephant, a sacred animal associated with Buddha, are held at the following temples: