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FESTIVAL LISTINGS

Japanese festivals and fairs in and around Tokyo (Jan. 2012) 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. to 5 p.m. daily). Click to see December's festival schedule. Festivals around other areas of Kanto

New Year's ceremonies Jan. 1 to Jan. 4		Yasukuni Jinja Nento Gyoji, New Year's ceremonies and entertainments at Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. At midnight (0:00 am) on Jan. 1st, as the gate of the Shrine opens and the drum heralding a New Year is beaten, many people begin to enter the Shrine to pay homage. Yumi-hajime (the first practice of the year of Japanese archery) is demonstrated from 10 am on the 3rd. Access: The Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Sta. (T 07, Z 06, S 05)

Ippan Sanga Palace) Jan. 2		Kokyo Ippan Sanga, New Year's Congratulatory Visit to the Imperial Palace, Chiyoda-ku, by people who are allowed to cross Nijubashi Bridge on this special occasion. The Imperial Family are scheduled to appear on the balcony to respond to the homage of people. http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/e-event/sanga01.html Access: (1)The Chiyoda Subway Line to Nijubashi-mae Sta. (C 10) (2)The Hibiya, Chiyoda or Toei Mita Subway Line to Hibiya Sta. (H 07, C 09, I 08) (3)The Yurakucho Subway Line to Sakuradamon Sta. (Y 17)

Daruma Ichi Jan. 2 to Jan. 3		Haijima Daishi Daruma Ichi, a fair of Dharma dolls at Haijima Daishi Temple, Akishima, on the outskirts of Tokyo. Hundreds of open-air stalls selling Dharma dolls of all types and sizes and others are set up from 9 am to 4 pm on both days. Access: (1)The JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa Sta. (North Exit), and then take a bus to Haijima Daishi-mae Bus Stop. (2)The JR Ome Line to Akishima Sta. (South Exit), and then walk 20 min. (3)The JR Ome Line to Haijima Sta., and then take a bus to Haijima Daishi-mae Bus Stop.

Takagari Jan. 2 to Jan. 3		Hoyojutsu Jitsuen, a demonstration of Japanese traditional falconry is held at Hamarikyu Garden, Chuo-ku, from 11 am & 2 pm on both days. Admission to the park is ¥300. Access: Walk 15 min. from Shimbashi Sta. on the JR Yamanote Line, or walk 7 min. from Shiodome Sta. (E 19) on the Toei Oedo Subway Line.

Hatsu Ennichi Jan. 4		Togenuki-jizoson Hatsu Ennichi, the first fair of the year at Togenuki Jizo or Koganji Temple, Toshima-ku, is held from 6 am to around 10 pm. The fair is also scheduled on the 4th, 14th & 24th of every month. Access: The JR Yamanote Line or the Toei Mita Subway Line to Sugamo Sta. (I 15), and then walk 5 min.

Hatsu Suitengu Jan. 5		Hatsu Suitengu, the first fair of the year at Suitengu Shrine, Chuo-ku, is held from around 8 am to 5 pm. 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.

Dezome-shiki Jan. 6		Dezome-shiki, the new year's event presented by the Tokyo Metropolitan Fire Brigade at the Higashi parking lot of Tokyo Big Sight, Koto-ku. A mass display of the high-tech fire-fighting equipments is held from 9:30 am. A traditional thrilling acrobatics is demonstrated by Hikeshi, fire fighters of Edo Firemanship Preservation Association, from around 11 am to 11:20 am. Access: (1)The Yurikamome Line to Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon Sta. (2)The Tokyo Rinkai Kosoku Railway Rinkai Line to Kokusai-Tenjijo Sta.

Dezuiri Jan. 6		Yokozuna Dezuiri, the ring-entering ceremony of Sumo is demonstrated by the Yokozuna grand champion in front of the main hall of Meiji Shrine, Shibuya-ku, from around 3 pm. Access: (1)The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Sta. (2)The Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Subway Line to Meiji-Jingumae Sta. (C 03, F 15)

Tondo-yaki Jan. 8		Tondo-yaki, a ritualistic bonfire of New Year's decorations at Torigoe Shrine, Taito-ku, starts from 1 pm and lasts for about an hour. Access: (1)The Toei Asakusa Subway Line or Oedo Line to Kuramae Sta. (A 17, E 11), and then walk 5 min. (2)The JR Sobu Line or the Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusabashi Sta. (A 16), and then walk 7 min.

Kagami-biraki Jan. 8		Kodokan Kagami-biraki-shiki, the first Judo training session of the year at Kodokan Hall, Bunkyo-ku, is demonstrated from 10 am to 11 am. Shiruko (sweet red-bean soup with small pieces of rice-cake) is served to visitors from around 11:20 am to around 12 noon. Access: (1)The Toei Mita or Oedo Subway Line to Kasuga Sta. (I 12, E 07), and then walk 2 min. (2)The Marunouchi or Namboku Subway Line to Korakuen Sta. (M 22, N 11), and then walk 5 min.

Kanchu Suiyoku Jan. 8		Kanchu Suiyoku (midwinter bathing), a purification ceremony at Teppozu Inari Shrine, Chuo-ku. After priest's prayer, men wearing only loincloths purify themselves by entering into the icy water from around 11 am to 11:30 am. Access: (1)The JR Keiyo Line or the Hibiya Subway Line to Hatchobori Sta. (H 11), and then walk 7 min. (2)The Yurakucho Subway Line to Shintomicho Sta. (Y 20)

The first Grand Sumo Tournament Jan. 8 to Jan. 22		O-Zumo Hatsu Basho or the first Grand Sumo Tournament of the year at Ryogoku Kokugikan Hall, Sumida-ku. Dohyo-iri (the ring-entering ceremony) takes place around 4 pm daily. Main bouts by the upper-rank or Maku-uchi Sumo wrestlers start after that. Access: The JR Sobu Line or the Toei Oedo Subway Line to Ryogoku Sta. (E 12)

Momote-shiki Jan. 9		Momote-shiki, a traditional Japanese archery ritual to commemorate Seijin-no-hi (Coming-of-Age Day) in the precincts of Meiji Shrine, Shibuya-ku. The archery is held in front of Homotsuden (treasure house) from 10:30 am to around 3 pm. Access: (1)The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Sta. (2)The Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Subway Line to Meiji-Jingumae Sta. (C 03, F 15)

Kagami-biraki Jan. 9		Kagami-biraki, the first training session of the year at Nippon Budokan Hall in Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku. A demonstration of Budo (various martial arts) is held from 1 pm. Shiruko (sweet red-bean soup with small pieces of rice cake) is served to visitors at 3 pm. Access: The Tozai, Hanzomon or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Sta. (T 07, Z 06, S 05)

Hatsu Konpira Jan. 10		Hatsu Konpira, the first fair of the year at Kotohiragu Shrine, Minato-ku. A parade of Shichifukujin (the seven Gods of Good Fortune) is held on Sando Street from 11 am and 2 pm. The open-air stalls are set up in the precincts from morning to around 6 pm. Access: The Subway Ginza Line to Toranomon Sta. (G 07)

Daruma Ichi Jan. 12		Ome Daruma Ichi, a fair of Dharma dolls in Ome, on the outskirts of Tokyo, is held from 1:30 pm to 7 pm. Hundreds of open-air stalls selling Daruma (Dharma dolls), foods, potted plants and the like are set up along Kyu-Ome-Kaido street. Access: The JR Ome Line to Ome Sta.

Manaita-biraki Jan. 12		Manaita-biraki, a culinary rite at Hoonji Temple, Taito-ku. The head master of the Shijo-ryu school of Japanese culinary arts, dressed in traditional attire demonstrates the art of skillfully slicing a large carp, only using a knife and chopsticks, from around 10 am to 12 noon. Access: The Ginza Subway Line to Inaricho Sta. (G 17), and then walk 5 min.

Obisha-sai Jan. 13		Obisha-sai, an archery ritual at Kuzukaya Goryo Shrine, Shinjuku-ku, is scheduled from 10 am to 11 am. Access: The Seibu Shinjuku Line to Arai Yakushi-mae Sta. (North Exit), and then walk 10 min.

Daikoku Matsuri Jan. 14 to Jan. 15		Daikoku (the god of wealth) Matsuri Festival at Kanda Myojin Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. On the 14th, a purification ceremony (people coming of age pour icy water over themselves) takes place from 11 am. On the 15th, Hocho-shiki (rite or traditional art of skillfully slicing a large carp) is conducted from 12 noon to around 1 pm. Access: The JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line or the Marunouchi Subway Line to Ochanomizu Sta. (M 20), and then walk 5 min.

Boro Ichi Jan. 15 to Jan. 16		Setagaya Boro (Rag) Ichi or Flea Market on Boro Ichi-dori Street, Setagaya-ku, features many open-air stalls selling foods, clothes, potted plants, antiques and the like from 9 am to 8 pm on both days. Access: (1)Take a bus for Kamimachi or Seijo-Gakuen from Shibuya Sta. (South Exit), and then get off at Kamimachi Bus Stop. (2)The Tokyu Setagaya Line to Setagaya Sta. or Kamimachi Sta.

Kagura-hajime Jan. 16		Kagura-hajime at the main hall of Kanda Myojin Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. Dai-dai Kagura, Shinto dance with music of drums, flutes and other musical instruments is performed from 3 pm to 4 pm. Access: The JR Chuo, Sobu Line or the Marunouchi Subway Line to Ochanomizu Sta. (M 20), and then walk 5 min.

Onza Hiho Daranie rite Jan. 18		Moja Okuri (Onza Hiho Daranie), the Buddhist rite at Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. Two devils with burning torches emerge from the darkness at around 5 pm and run around in the compound of the temple for about 15 minutes, and then disappear into the darkness. It is believed that those who are showered by the sparks of the burning torches are assured of good health throughout the year. Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta. (G 19, A 18)

Hatsu Daishi Jan. 21		Hatsu Daishi, the first fair of the year is held at Nishi-Arai Daishi Temple, Adachi-ku. About 50 open-air stalls sell Dharma dolls, sweets, clothes and the like in the precincts of the temple and its vicinities from around 9 am to around 5 pm. Access: The Tobu Isezaki Line to Nishi-Arai Sta., and then take the Tobu Daishi Line to Daishi-mae Sta.

Usokae Festival Jan. 24 to Jan. 25		Usokae, the bullfinch exchange ritual of Kameido Tenjin Shrine, Koto-ku, is held from 8:30 am on both days. Bullfinches, which are called ""Uso"" in Japanese, are regarded as symbols of good luck. People exchange old carved wooden bullfinches for new ones. On the 25th, Hatsu Tenjin (the first fair of the year) is scheduled in the precincts of the Shrine. Access: The JR Sobu Line to Kameido Sta., and then walk 15 min.

Tengu Matsuri Jan. 27 to Jan. 29		Shimokita Tengu Matsuri or Long Red-nosed Goblins Festival is held at Shinryuji Temple and on the shopping streets of Shimokitazawa, Setagaya-ku. On the 28th, a parade of Tengu (men with long red-nosed masks) is held from 2 pm, and then Mamemaki (a bean-throwing ceremony) is held at Shinryuji Temple from 4 pm. Access: The Odakyu Line or the Keio Inokashira Line to Shimokitazawa Sta.

Daruma Ichi Jan. 28		Daruma Ichi, a fair of Dharma dolls at Takahata Fudoson Temple, Hino, on the outskirts of Tokyo. About 100 stalls are set up from around 7:30 am to sunset, selling Dharma dolls which attract many people seeking good luck in the year ahead. Chigo-Gyoretsu, a parade of children in fancy attire is scheduled from around 1:30 pm to 2 pm. Access: The Keio Line to Takahata Fudo Sta.

Tsubaki Matsuri Jan. 29		Tsubaki Matsuri or Camellia Festival on Oshima Island. Various species of camellia are usually in bloom during the festival period on this island. A demonstration of folk dance is held at Motomachi Port from 7:30 pm to 9 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between Feb. 10th and Mar. 18th. Access: (1) 8 hrs. by Tokai Kisen ferryboat or 1 hr. 45 min. by hydrofoil boat from Takeshiba Pier to Oshima Island. (The Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Sta. to Takeshiba Sta., or the JR Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Sta., and then walk 7 min.) (2) 30 min. by air from Tokyo (Haneda Airport) to Oshima Island.

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

Hatsu Daishi or Daruma Ichi (Dharma doll fair) Jan. 3		Hatsu Daishi, the first fair of the year, or Daruma Ichi, Dharma dolls fair at Kawagoe Daishi Temple, Kawagoe, Saitama Pref. Many open-air stalls selling Dharma dolls are set up until dark. Access: (1)The Seibu Shinjuku Line to Hon-Kawagoe Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2)The Tobu Tojo Line to Kawagoeshi Sta., and then walk 20 min. (3)The JR Saikyo Line to Kawagoe Sta., and then walk 25 min.

Joma-Shinji Jan. 5		Joma-Shinji, an archery ritual at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura, Kanagawa Pref. The ceremony is conducted by the members of the Ogasawara-ryu school of Japanese archery, in traditional attires, from 10 am to 11 am Access: The JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Sta., and then walk 10 min.

Daruma Ichi Jan. 6 to Jan. 7		Shorinzan Daruma Ichi, the first fair of Dharma dolls at Shorinzan Darumaji Temple, Takasaki, Gunma Pref., is held from around 12 noon on the 6th, throughout the night and until around noon on the 7th. This fair is one of the biggest of its kind in Tokyo & its vicinities. Access: The JR Joetsu Shinkansen Line to Takasaki Sta.(West Exit). From there, 30 min. by ""Gururin"" Bus for Shorinzan, and then get off at Shorinzan-iriguchi Bus Stop.

Maebashi Hatsu-ichi Jan. 9		Maebashi Hatsu-ichi, the first fair of Dharma dolls, along Honmachi-dori Street in Maebashi, Gunma Pref., 2 hrs. by train from Ueno Sta., is held from around 10 am to 10 pm. A parade of Mikoshi (a portable shrine) followed by many people dressed as Shishi lions and Tengu goblins, is held from 10:30 am to around 11:30 am. Access: The JR Joetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Sta. From there, take the JR Ryomo Line to Maebashi Sta. (North Exit), and then walk 20 min.

Otariya Festival Jan. 15		Otariya Festival of Futaarayama Shrine, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Pref., features a performance of Dengaku-mai (Shinto dance with music) from around 5 pm to 5:30 pm in the precincts of the Shrine. A parade of Mikoshi (a portable shrine) goes through the city from 5:30 pm to 7 pm. Access: (1) 5 min. by bus from JR Utsunomiya Sta. to Futaarayama Jinja-mae Bus Stop. (2)Tobu Utsunomiya Sta., and then walk 10 min.

Hatsu Daishi Jan. 21		Hatsu Daishi, the first fair of the year at Kawasaki Daishi Temple, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Pref. Open-air stalls selling Daruma dolls or Dharma dolls for good luck are set up from 9 am to around 4 pm. Access: The Keihin Kyuko Line to Keikyu Kawasaki Sta. From there, the Keihin Kyuko Daishi Line to Kawasaki Daishi Sta.

2011 Shunsetsu Jan. 23		2012 Shunsetsu, Chinese New Year's Day, a celebration in ""Chinatown,"" Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. Shishimai or Chinese lion dance is performed throughout Chinatown from 4 pm to 8 pm on the 23rd. Chinatown is decorated with thousands of lanterns at night during the period. Access: (1)The JR Negishi Line from Yokohama or JR Keihin Tohoku Line from Tokyo to Ishikawacho Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2)The Tokyu Toyoko Line, Minatomirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Sta.

The following museums, gardens and amusement parks are closed for the New Year's holidays: Tourist Information Center, Japan National Tourist 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 : 12/30-1/1) 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)

New Year's Day (national holiday) Tourist Information Center, Japan National Tourist Organization Festivals around Tokyo

New Year's Day (national holiday) Jan. 1		New Year's Day (national holiday), the ""festival of festivals"" in Japan, is celebrated with solemnity and yet in a joyous mood. The streets are adorned with New Year's decorations of pine and plum branches, bamboo stalks and ropes with paper festoons. People pay homage to shrines and temples, and visit friends and relatives to exchange greetings. Access: -----

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