Monthly guide to festivals in Japan | The Japan Times Online

Home > Entertainment > Festival listings

Listings:Currently showing films·Showtimes|Exhibitions|Music and Statione|Festivals

FESTIVAL LISTINGS

Japanese festivals and fairs in and around Tokyo (Dec. 2011) 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 October's festival schedule. Festivals around other areas of Kanto

The 42nd Tokyo Motor Show 2011 Dec. 3 to Dec. 11		TOKYO MOTOR SHOW 2011 is held at Big Site, Ariake, Koto-ku, from 10 am to 8 pm from Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm on Sundays, and from 10 am to 5 pm only for Dec. 11th. Advance admission tickets: ¥1,300 (¥1,500 on the day) for an adult, for each day. http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/en/ Access: (1) Walk 3 min. from Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon Sta. on Yurikamome Line (2) Walk 7 min. from Kokusai-Tenjijo Sta. on Rinkai Line (3) 40 min. by the Toei bus from Yaesu-guchi of Tokyo Sta. to Tokyo Big Site

Osame-no Suitengu Dec. 5		Osame-no Suitengu or Year-end Fair at Suitengu Shrine, Chuo-ku, is held from 9 am to around 4 pm. Open-air stalls selling New Year's decorations and like are set up in the precincts. Access: (1)The Hanzomon Subway Line to Suitengu-mae Sta. (Z 10), and then walk 1 min. (2)The Hibiya or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Ningyocho Sta. (H 13, A 14), and then walk 5 min.

Kumade Ichi Fair Dec. 6		Kumade Ichi Fair at Oji Shrine, Kita-ku. Kumade or ornamental garden rakes adorned with symbols of good luck for the New Year, and other amulets are sold at open-air stalls set up in the precincts of the Shrine from around 12 noon to 10 pm. http://ojijinja.jp/ Access: The JR Keihin Tohoku Line or the Namboku Subway Line to Oji Sta. (N 16), and then walk 2 min.

Seki-no Ichi Fair Dec. 9 to Dec. 10		Seki-no Boro Ichi (Rag Fair) at Honryuji Temple and its neighboring area, Nerima-ku. It is an agricultural fair with a history of 280 years. The stalls sell clothes, food, toys and plants from 10 am to around 10 pm on the 9th, and from 10 am to around 9 pm on the 10th. The highlight of this fair is Manto Gyoretsu, or a procession of people, some holding lanterns and others sounding bells and drums, going to the temple from 7:30 pm to around 9:30 pm on the 9th. Access: The Seibu Shinjuku Line to Musashi-seki Sta. (North Exit), and then walk a few min.

All-Japan Karate Championship Dec. 10 to Dec. 11		Zen-Nippon Karate-do Senshu-ken Taikai or All-Japan Karate Championship takes place at Tokyo Budokan Hall, Adachi-ku, for a team competition, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm on the 10th, and at Nippon Budokan Hall, Chiyoda-ku, for an individual competition, from 8:30 am to 6 pm on the 11th. Admission is ¥2,000, effective for 2 days in both sites. http://www.karatedo.co.jp/jkf/application Access: (1)Tokyo Budokan: The Chiyoda Subway Line to Ayase Sta. (C 19) East Exit, and then walk 5 min. (2)Nippon Budokan: The Tozai, Hanzomon or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Sta. (T 07, Z 06, S 05)

Gishi-sai Dec. 14		Gishi-sai or a memorial event for the ""Vendetta of the 47 Ronin (masterless Samurai)"" which took place in 1702 is held at Sengakuji Temple to commemorate their loyalty to their master. Gishi-Gyoretsu, or a procession of 47 people dressed as Ronin starts at 12 noon from Chuo City Office, going on Showa-dori Street, Sotobori-dori Street, Hibiya-dori Street and stopping by Zojoji Temple around 1 pm, and eventually arrives at Sengakuji Temple around 2:30 pm. Access: The Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Sengakuji Sta. (A 07), and then walk 1 min.

Boro Ichi Dec. 15 to Dec. 16		Setagaya Boro Ichi (Rag Fair) on Boro Ichi-dori Street, Setagaya-ku, features many open-air stalls selling food, clothes, potted plants, trinkets and various kinds of bric-a-brac from 9 am to 8 pm on both days. Access: The Tokyu Den-en Toshi Line to Sangenjaya Sta. From there, take the Tokyu Setagaya Line to Setagaya Sta. or Kamimachi Sta., and then walk 5 min.

Zenkoku Komingu Kotto Matsuri Dec. 16 to Dec. 18		Zenkoku Komingu Kotto Matsuri or Antique Fair at Heiwajima Tokyo Ryutsu Center, Ota-ku, is held from 10 am to 5 pm, with over 250 dealers participating, during the period. Access: The Tokyo Monorail Line originating at Hamamatsucho Sta. to Ryutsu Center Sta.

Toshi-no Ichi & Hagoita Ichi Dec. 17 to Dec. 19		Hagoita Ichi or a shuttlecock and battledore fair in the compound of Senso-ji Temple, Taito-ku, is held from 9 am to around 8 pm during the period. Hagoita is a wooden paddle (originally used in Hanetsuki or the traditional badminton-like game), which is often decorated with the figures of popular Kabuki actors and is made of elaborate silk collages. It is usually displayed in the house as a New Year's ornament. http://www.city.taito.lg.jp/index/bunka_kanko/kanko_moyooshi/oct_dec/toshinoithi.html Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta. (G 19, A 18)

Osame-no Daishi Dec. 21		Osame-no Daishi or Year-end Fair at Nishiarai Daishi Temple, Adachi-ku, is held from 10 am to around 9 pm. Open-air stalls selling Daruma Dalls and Kumade, ornamental bamboo rakes adorned with symbols of good luck for the New Year, are set up in the temple compound until 9 pm. Access: The Tobu Isezaki Line to Nishiarai Sta., and there change for the Tobu Daishi Line to Daishi-mae Sta.

Emperor's Birthday Dec. 23		Tenno Tanjo-bi or Emperor's Birthday (The national holiday). The public is permitted to enter the Imperial Palace grounds which are usually closed, via Nijubashi Bridge, to offer their congratulations to the Emperor and His Family annually. The Imperial Family will appear on the balcony to acknowledge the crowd. http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/event/sanga/sanga.html Access: The Chiyoda Subway Line to Nijubashi-mae Sta. (C 10)

Osame-no Jizo Dec. 24		Osame-no Jizo or Year-end Fair at Togenuki Jizo Temple (Koganji Temple), Toshima-ku, is held from 10 am to around 6 pm. Access: The JR Yamanote Line or the Toei Mita Subway Line to Sugamo Sta. (I 15), and then walk 5 min.

Toshi-no Ichi & O-Deko Ichi Dec. 27 to Dec. 29		Toshi-no Ichi or O-Deko Ichi, Year-end Fair around Yagenbori Fudoson Temple, Chuo-ku, features many open-air stalls selling New Year's decorations, clothes, sundries and the like from 12 noon to 8 pm every day during the fair period. Access: (1)The Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Higashi-Nihombashi Sta. (A 15) (2)JR Sobu Line's Rapid Train (Kaisoku) from Tokyo Sta. to Bakurocho Sta., and then walk 5 min. (3)The Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Bakuro-Yokoyama Sta. (S 09), and then walk 5 min.

Osame-no Fudo Dec. 28		Osame-no Fudo or Year-end Fair is held at the following Fudoson Temples: 1. Fukagawa Fudoson Temple, Koto-ku, from 8 am to 8 pm. Access: The Tozai or Toei Oedo Subway Line to Monzen-Nakacho Sta. (T 12, E 15), and then walk 2 min. 2. Meguro Fudoson Temple, Meguro-ku, from around 9 am to around 8 pm.\| Access: (1)The JR Yamanote Line, the Namboku or Toei Mita Subway Line to Meguro Sta. (N 01, I 01), and then walk 20 min., or from Meguro Sta. take the Tokyu Meguro Line to Fudo-mae Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2)The JR Yamanote Line to Gotanda Sta. (West Exit). From there, take the Tokyu Bus to Meguro Fudoson Bus Stop. 3. Takahata Fudoson Temple in Hino City, Tokyo from around 5 am to around 4 pm. Access: 20 min. by Keio Railway Limited Express train (three services per hour) from Shinjuku to Takahata-Fudo Sta., and then walk 5 min.

Misoka Ichi Dec. 31		Misoka Ichi or Year-end Fair at Okunitama Shrine, Fuchu, on the outskirts of Tokyo, features open-air stalls selling New Year's decorations from 10 am to around 4 pm. Access: (1) 25 min. by Limited Express train on the Keio Line from Shinjuku to Fuchu Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2)The JR Nambu Line to Fuchu-Honmachi Sta., and then walk 5 min.

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

Chichibu Yo Matsuri Dec. 2 to Dec. 3		Chichibu Yo-Matsuri or Night Festival in Chichibu, Saitama Pref. The festival, counted as one of the three grandest float festivals in Japan, is highlighted by a parade of six huge, lavishly adorned and lantern-lit floats from 12 noon to 8 pm on the 2nd, and from 9 am to around midnight on the 3rd. Local Kabuki plays are performed on the floats, and on the makeshift stage in the parking lot of Yao Department Store on the 3rd. A fireworks display is scheduled at Hitsujiyama Koen in the evening on both days. Access: The Seibu Railway originating at Ikebukuro Sta. to Seibu-Chichibu Sta. (about 2 hrs. by Seibu Express Train [¥750] or 1 hr. 20 min. by Seibu Railway's Limited Express ""Red Arrow"" [¥1,370]), and then walk 15 min.

Akibasan Gongen Hibuse Matsuri Dec. 6		Akibasan Gongen Hibuse Matsuri or Fire Festival is held in the compound of Ryokakuin Temple, Odawara, Kanagawa Pref. The Buddhist monks chant various esoteric incantations and perform rituals, bearing broadaxes, halberds, bows and arrows from around 3 pm. Then finally Hi-watari-shiki or rigorous religions practice of walking on burnt charcoal is conducted by monks from around 6 pm to 8 pm. Access: The Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara Sta. to Hakone-Itabashi Sta., and then walk 10 min.

Daito-sai Dec. 10		Daito-sai or Tokamachi, Year-end Fair at Hikawa Shrine, Omiya, Saitama Pref., features many street stalls selling Kumade, ornamental bamboo rakes adorned with symbols of good luck for the New Year, Dharma dolls and the like on both sides of the approach to the Shrine all day long from midnight to midnight (0:00 to 24:00). Access: The JR Keihin Tohoku Line to Omiya Sta. (East Exit), and then walk 15 min.

Teppo Matsuri Dec. 10 to Dec. 11		Teppo Matsuri (Gun Festival) at Iida Hachiman Shrine, Ogano-machi, Saitama Pref., features a parade of floats and local Kabuki plays on both days. On the 11th, the highlight of this festival is Otachi Shinji in which two sacred horses gallop up the steps to the Shrine, amid a volley of rifle shots into the air, from around 4 pm, and Mikoshi (portable shrines) and floats parade through the town from around 5 pm. More events are scheduled on both days. Access: The Seibu Railway originating at Ikebukuro Sta. to Seibu-Chichibu Sta. From there, 50 min. by bus for Kurio, and then get off at Iida Hachiman Bus Stop.

Nincho-no-mai & Miyabito-no-mai Dec. 16		Nincho-no-mai & Miyabito-no-mai or Ancient Court Dances at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura, Kanagawa Pref. A Shinto priest clad in a white robe and four Shrine maidens in Juni-hitoe (12-layer ceremonial garments of court ladies) dance Nincho-no-mai & Miyabito-no-mai from around 5:30 pm to around 6:30 pm. And then Mikagura (Shinto dance) is presented for an hour. Access: JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Sta., and then walk 10 min.

Daruma Ichi Dec. 17 to Dec. 18		Iizumi Kannon Daruma Ichi or Dharma Doll Fair at Iizumi Kannon Temple, Odawara, Kanagawa Pref., with a history of over 400 years, is the forerunner of a series of Daruma Ichi fairs to be held in various parts of the Kanto District in the year. The fair is held from around 10 am to 10 pm on the 17th, and from around 9 am to 1 pm on the 18th. Access: The JR Tokaido Line to Odawara Sta. From there, 20 min. by bus bound for Shin-Matsuda or Shimo-soga Sta. to Iizumi-Bashi Bus Stop, and then walk 10 min.

Hase Kannon Toshi-no-Ichi Dec. 18		Hase Kannon Toshi-no-Ichi or Year-end Fair at Hase Kannon Temple, Kamakura, Kanagawa Pref., features many open-air stalls selling Dharma dolls, Kumade or ornamental garden rakes adorned with symbols of good luck for the New Year, and New Year's decorations from 10 am to around 9 pm. (Admission is ¥300, from 8 am to 4:30 pm) Access: The Enoden Line to Hase Sta., and then walk 5 min.

Osame-no Daishi Dec. 21		Osame-no Daishi or Year-end Fair at Kawasaki Daishi Temple, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Pref., is held from around 9 am to 3:30 pm. This fair is one of the biggest of this kind in Tokyo and Vicinity. Access: The Keihin Kyuko Line to Keikyu-Kawasaki Sta. From there, the Keihin Kyuko Daishi Line to Kawasaki Daishi Sta., and then walk 5 min.

Osame-no Fudo Dec. 28		Osame-no Fudo or Year-end Fair at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Narita, Chiba Pref. Otakiage or a fire ceremony is held in the temple compound from around 10:30 am to around 11:30 pm. Open-air stalls are set up along the main street leading to the temple from 9 am to 4 pm. Access: (1)JR Sobu Line's Rapid Train ""AIRPORT NARITA"" from Tokyo Sta. to Narita Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2)The Keisei Line from Ueno Sta. to Narita Sta., and then walk 10 min.

Yokohama Chukagai ""Count Down"" Dec. 31		Yokohama Chukagai ""Count Down"", the year-end count down event is held at Kantei-byo and Maso-byo in Chinatown, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. Either Chinese Shishimai (Lion Dance) or Ryumai (Dragon Dance) is performed on the grounds of Chuka Gakuin School from around midnight on Dec. 31st. Access: (1)The Minatomirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2)The JR Negishi Line from Yokohama or the JR Keihin Tohoku Line from Tokyo to Ishikawacho Sta., and then walk 10 min.

CHRISTMAS EVENTS Tourist Information Center, Japan National Tourism Organization Festivals around Tokyo

St. Ignatius Church Dec. 24 and Dec. 25		Tel. (03)3263-4584 Dec. 24: Mass: Please inquire at the above phone number. Dec. 25: Christmas Mass: From 12 noon (in English), 1:30 pm (in Spanish) Access: The JR Chuo Line, the Marunouchi or Namboku Subway Line to Yotsuya Sta. (M 12, N 08), and then walk a few min.

Franciscan Chapel Center Dec. 24 and Dec. 25		Tel. (03)3401-2141 Dec. 24: Christmas Carols, Children's Mass, and Christmas Eve Mass: Dec. 25: Christmas Day Mass: Please inquire at the above phone number. * All in English Access: The Hibiya or Toei Oedo Subway Line to Roppongi Sta. (H 04, E 23), then walk 5 min.

St. Alban's Church (Anglican-Episcopal) Dec. 24 and Dec. 25		Tel. (03)3431-8534 Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Family Service (Holy Eucharist), Sung Eucharist: Dec. 25: Holy Eucharist: Please inquire at the above phone number. * All in English Access: The Hibiya Subway Line to Kamiyacho Sta. (H 05)

Tokyo Union Church Dec. 24 and Dec. 25		Tel. (03)3400-0047 Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candle Light Worship Services: Dec. 25: Christmas Day Mass: Please inquire at the above phone number. * All in English Access: The Ginza, Chiyoda or Hanzomon Subway Line to Omotesando Sta. (G 02, C 04, Z 02)

Tokyo Baptist Church Dec. 24		Tel. (03)3461-8425 Christmas Eve Candle Light Services from 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm on Dec. 24th Dec. 24: Worship Services from 7 pm Dec. 25: Worship Services from 9 am, 11 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm * All in Englishhttp://www.tokyobaptist.org/top/ Access: The Tokyu Toyoko Line to Daikanyama Sta.

NEW YEAR'S EVENT Tourist Information Center, Japan National Tourism Organization Omisoka or New Year's Eve, the last day of the year. Many people stay at home and sit up until midnight to listen to the Joya-no-Kane, or 108 peals of the temple bell, which ring out the old year and ring in the coming year. Joya-no-Kane can be heard at the following temples in Tokyo: Festivals around Tokyo

Zojoji Temple		Minato-ku Access: (1)The Toei Mita Subway Line to Onarimon Sta. (I 06), and then walk 3 min. (2)The Toei Asakusa or Oedo Subway Line to Daimon Sta. (A 09, E 20), and then walk 5 min.

Gokokuji Temple		Bunkyo-ku Access: The Yurakucho Subway Line to Gokokuji Sta. (Y 11)

Kan'eiji Temple		Taito-ku Access: The JR Yamanote Line to Uguisudani Sta., and then walk 5 min.

Shibamata Taishakuten Temple		Katsushika-ku Access: The Keisei Kanamachi Line to Shibamata Sta.

Ikegami Honmonji Temple		Ota-ku Access: (1)The Tokyu Ikegami Line to Ikegami Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2)The Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Nishi-Magome Sta. (A 01), and then walk 10 min.

Sensoji Temple		Taito-ku Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta. (G 19, A 18)

Shojuin Temple		Shinjuku-ku Access: The Marunouchi Subway Line to Shinjuku-sanchome Sta. (M 10), and then walk 5 min.

Tenryuji Temple		Shinjuku-ku Access: The Shin-Fukutoshin, Marunouchi or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Shinjuku-sanchome Sta. (F 13, M 09, S 02) Exit E5, or from JR Shinjuku Sta.(South Exit), and then walk 3 min.

The following museums, gardens and amusement parks are closed for the New Year's holidays: Tourist Information Center, Japan National Tourism Organization Festivals around Tokyo

Museums		Tokyo National Museum (Closed : 12/26-1/1) National Museum of Modern Art , Tokyo (Closed : 12/28-1/1) & Craft Gallery (Closed : 12/28-1/1) Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (Closed : 12/29-1/1) National Museum of Western Art (Closed : 12/28-1/1) Edo-Tokyo Museum (Closed : 12/26-1/1) Idemitsu Museum of Art (Closed : 12/19-1/6) Yamatane Museum of Art (Closed : 12/26-1/2) Suntory Museum of Art (Closed : 1/1) Okura Shukokan Museum (Closed : 12/19-1/1) Japan Folk Crafts Museum (Closed : 12/24-1/6) Paper Museum (Closed : 12/26-1/4) Japanese Sword Museum (Closed : 12/19-1/4) Bridgestone Museum of Art (Closed : 12/26-1/6) National Museum of Nature and Science (Closed : 12/28-1/3) National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Closed : 12/28-1/1)

Gardens and Amusement parks		Higashi Gyoen (Imperial Palace East Garden) (Closed : 12/28-1/3) Koishikawa Korakuen Garden (Closed : 12/29-1/1) Kiyosumi Teien Garden (Closed : 12/29-1/1) Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Closed : 12/29-1/3) Rikugien Garden (Closed : 12/29-1/1) Hamarikyu Onshi Teien (Hama Detached Palace Garden) (Closed : 12/29-1/1) Ueno Zoo (Closed : 12/29-1/1) Tama Zoo (Closed : 12/29-1/1)

Ready to expand your horizons and study in Japan?

Here's your resource for locating the educational institutions and curriculum best suited to you and your goals.