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FESTIVAL LISTINGS

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

Chrysanthemum Exhibitions in Tokyo Oct. 15 to Nov. 15		Sensoji Temple Kikka-ten at Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku Admission: free Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Station

Chrysanthemum Exhibitions in Tokyo Oct. 16 to Nov. 5		Yasukuni Jinja Kikka-ten at Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda-ku Admission: free Access: The Tozai, Hanzomon, or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Station

Chrysanthemum Festival in Tokyo Oct. 25 to Nov. 22		Kameido Tenjin Kikka-ten at Kameido Tenjin Shrine, Koto-ku Admission: free Access: The JR Sobu Line to Kameido Station, and then walk 10 min.

Chrysanthemum Exhibitions in Tokyo Oct. 25 to Nov. 23		Meiji Shrine Kikka-ten at Meiji Shrine, Shibuya-ku Admission: free Access: (1) The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station. (2) The Chiyoda Subway Line to Meiji-Jingumae Station.

Furuhon Matsuri Oct. 27 to Nov. 3		Furuhon Matsuri (Secondhand Book Fair) at Kanda-Jimbocho secondhand bookstore quarter, Chiyoda-ku, is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (to 6 p.m. on Nov. 3) daily during the festival period. It will be cancelled if it rain. It will be canceled if it rains. Access: (1) The Toei Mita, Toei Shinjuku or Hanzomon Subway Line to Jimbocho Station. (2) The Chiyoda Subway Line to Shin-Ochanomizu Station. (3) The JR Chuo, Sobu Line or the Marunouchi Subway Line to Ochanomizu Station.

Chrysanthemum Exhibitions in Tokyo Oct. 27 to Nov. 23		Jindai Shokubutsu Koen Kikka-ten at Jindai Botanical Garden, Chofu Admission: ¥500 Access: The Keio Line to Chofu Station (North Exit). From there, 15 min. by bus for Mitaka or for Kichijoji, and then get off at Jindai-Shokubutsu-Koen Bus Stop.

Annual Meiji Shrine Autumn Festival Oct. 31 to Nov. 3		Annual Autumn Festival of Meiji Shrine, Shibuya-ku. Performances are given on a makeshift stage in front of the shrine's main hall as follows: on Oct. 31, bugaku (ancient court dance with music) from 11 a.m.; on Nov. 1, hogaku and hobu (Japanese traditional music and dance) from 12 noon, sankyoku (playing three traditional Japanese musical instruments, koto, shamisen and shakuhachi) from 3:45 p.m.; on Nov. 2nd, noh (classical masked drama) and kyogen (noh farce) from 11:45 a.m. On Nov. 3rd, martial arts, such as kyudo (Japanese-style archery) and aikido (martial art of weaponless self-defense) from 9 a.m., kobudo (traditional Japanese martial art) from 10 a.m., momote-shiki (Japanese archery ritual) from 11 a.m. and yabusame (horseback archery) from 1 p.m. are demonstrated near Nishisando in the precincts of the shrine. Access: (1) The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station, or the Chiyoda Subway Line to Meiji-Jingumae Station to see the events on Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and 2. (2) The Odakyu Line to Sangubashi Station to Nishisando to see the events on Nov. 3.

Dream Yosakoi Festival Oct. 31 to Nov. 1		Dream Yosakoi Matsuri (folk dance festival) in Rinkai Fuku-toshin or Odaiba area, Tokyo. Yosakoi (folk dancing native to Kochi Prefecture in Shikoku Island) is presented by about 4,000 participants, some of who come even from overseas to join, at the several sites such as Palette Town, Decks Tokyo Beach, Hotel Grand Pacific Meridian and so on from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 31, and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 1. The festival is carried out regardless of the weather on the day. Access: (1) The Yurikamome originating at Shimbashi Station to Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station, Daiba Station, Funenokagakukan Station, Aomi Station, or Kokusaitenjijo-Seimon Station. (2) The Rinkai Line (the Tokyo Rinkai Kosoku Tetsudo Rinkai Line) to Tokyo-Teleport Station or Kokusaitenjijo Station.

Takaosan Momiji Matsuri Nov. 1 to Nov. 30		Takaosan Momiji Matsuri (Maple Leaf Festival) on Mount Takao, Hachioji on the outskirts of Tokyo. Major events held near Kiyotaki Station on Mount Takao are as follows; on the 1st, a brass band performance from 11 a.m., wadaiko (Japanese drum) performance from 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.; on the 3rd, wadaiko from 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; on the 7th, kuruma ningyo (traditional puppet play staged by puppeteers sitting on the tiny carriages) from 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; on the 21st, daidogei (street performances) from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; on the 23rd, wadaiko from 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., sarumawashi (monkey dance, a popular form of festival entertainment) from 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; on the 28th, sarumawashi from 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; on the 29th, yosakoi soran (folk dancing) from 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.. Many more events are scheduled mainly on Saturdays and Sundays during the period. Access: About 1 hr. by the Keio Takao Line from Shinjuku Station to Takaosanguchi Station (¥370 for one way), and then 12 min. by chair lift from Sanroku Station to Sanjo Station (¥470 for one way), or 5 min. by cable car from Kiyotaki Station to Takaosan Station (¥470 for one way)

Chrysanthemum Exhibitions in Tokyo Nov. 1 to Nov. 15		Shinjuku Gyoen Kikka-ten at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Shinjuku-ku Admission: ¥200 Access: The Marunouchi Subway Line to Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station

Chrysanthemum Exhibitions in Tokyo Nov. 1 to Nov. 23		Tokyo-to Kanko Kikka Taikai at Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku Hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily (10 a.m.-12 noon on the 23rd) Admission: free Access: The Hibiya, Chiyoda, or Toei Mita Subway Line to Hibiya Station.

Chrysanthemum Festivals in Bunkyo-ku Nov. 1 to Nov. 23		Yushima Tenjin Kiku Maturi at Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Bunkyo-ku Life-size dolls made of chrysanthemum flowers are also exhibited. Access: The Chiyoda Subway Line to Yushima Station.

Tokyo Jidai Matsuri Nov. 3		Tokyo Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Eras) around Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku, features a procession of about 1,600 participants clad in costumes representing the historical eras of Tokyo, leaving Hanakawato Koen (park) next to Sangyo-Kaikan (hall), at around 12:30 p.m., going along Umamichi-dori (street), passing by Kaminarimon Gate, and then terminating at Sushiya-dori Iriguchi near Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza Subway Line at around 4 p.m. Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Station.

Shirasagi-no-mai Nov. 3		Shirasagi-no-mai (White Heron Dance) of Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku, with a history of over 1,000 years, is presented in the precincts of the temple from around 11:30 a.m. Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Station.

Tori-no-Ichi Nov. 12 to Nov. 24		Tori-no-Ichi (Good Luck Rake Fair) is held at Otori Shrines and Hanazono Shrine in Tokyo on the "Cock" Days in November every year. Kumade) (bamboo rakes) adorned with ornaments symbolizing good fortune and prosperous business are sold at dozens of stalls at each of those Shrines all day long from midnight to midnight on both days. The biggest Tori-no-Ichi in scale is the one held at Otori Shrine in Taito-ku. Access: (1) Otori Shrine in Taito-ku: The Hibiya Subway Line to Iriya Station, and then walk 10 min. (2) Otori Shrine in Meguro-ku: The JR Yamanote Line, the Namboku or Toei Mita Subway Line to Meguro Station, and then walk 10 min. (3) Otori Shrine in Toshima-ku: The Toden Arakawa Line (streetcar) to Kishibojinmae. (4) Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku-ku: The JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station, and then walk 10 min., or the Marunouchi or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Shinjuku-Sanchome Station, and then walk 3 min.

O-eshiki Festival of Joenji Temple Nov. 12		Joenji O-eshiki Festival of Joenji Temple, Meguro-ku, features Manto-gyoretsu, a parade of people holding 16 lit lanterns varying in size and decorated with paper cherry blossoms, which starts from Yakumo Elementary School at 7 p.m., proceeding through the shopping area and arrives at the temple around 9 p.m. Access: The Tokyu Toyoko Line to Toritsu Daigaku Station, and then walk 5 min.

Zenkoku Seinen Taikai Nov. 14		Zenkoku Seinen Taikai, Kyodo Geino-no-Bu at Nihon Seinenkan Dai-Hall (big hall), Shinjuku-ku Kyodo Geino (folkloric entertainments) such as Japanese drums, traditional folk music and dances, are performed by about 10 groups of people representing their home prefectures in Japan from 10 a.m. to around 6 p.m. Admission is free. Access: (1) The JR Sobu Line to Sendagaya Station or Shinanomachi Station, and then walk 7 min. (2) The Ginza Subway Line to Gaienmae Station, and then walk 7 min. (3) The Toei Oedo Subway Line to Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station, and then walk 7 min.

Shichi-go-san Nov. 15		Shichi-go-san (Children's Shrine-Visiting Day) throughout Japan. "Shichi-go-san" literally means "seven-five-three." On this day, 3-year-old boys and girls, 5-year-old boys and 7-year-old girls, all dressed in their best, are taken to the shrines by their parents to express their thanks to the tutelary deities for their good health and to pray for future blessings. The most popular shrines in Tokyo for this festival are Meiji Shrine, Hie Shrine, and Kanda Myojin Shrine. Many children and their parents usually visit the shrines on Saturdays and Sundays around November 15. Access: (1) Meiji Shrine: The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station, or the Chiyoda Subway Line to Meiji-Jingumae Station. (2) Hie Shrine: The Ginza or Namboku Subway Line to Tameike-Sanno Station, or the Ginza or Marunouchi Subway Line to Akasakamitsuke Station, or the Chiyoda or Marunouchi Subway Line to Kokkai-Gijidomae Station. (3) Kanda Myojin Shrine: The JR Chuo or Sobu Line, or the Marunouchi Subway Line to Ochanomizu Station.

Zenkoku Minzoku Geino Taikai Nov. 21		Zenkoku Minzoku Geino Taikai at Nihon Seinenkan Hall in Meiji Shrine Outer Garden, Shinjuku-ku, features the performances of folkloric arts native to all 47 prefectures of Japan. This year, four kinds of which; shishi-odori (Lion Dance) of Morioka in Iwate Pref., sawara-bayashi (festival music and dance) of Katori in Chiba Pref., performing arts for celebrating a new year of Oshima Island in Tokyo and Okuishi Kagura (Shinto music and dance) of Izumo in Shimane Pref., are to be performed from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Access: (1) The JR Sobu Line to Sendagaya Station or Shinanomachi Station, and then walk 7 min. (2) The Ginza Subway Line to Gaienmae Station, and then walk 7 min. (3) The Toei Oedo Subway Line to Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station, and then walk 7 min.

Issa Matsuri Nov. 23		Issa Matsuri Festival at Entenji Temple, Adachi-ku, is held in commemoration of Issa Kobayashi, a famous Japanese haiku poet (1763-1827), usually at this time of a year. The main event of the festival is a haiku poem contest to be held in the compound of the temple from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anyone is welcome to participate in the contest. An entry fee for the contest is ¥500. Koto (Japanese harp music), daidogei (street performances) and so on are to be demonstrated in the precincts. Hours are still to be arranged. The festival will end at around 3 p.m. Access: The Tobu Isezaki Line or the Hibiya Subway Line to Takenotsuka Station (East Exit), and then walk 10-12 min.

Doburoku Matsuri Nov. 27		Doburoku Matsuri at Koami Shrine, Chuo-ku. Free cups of doburoku (unrefined sake) are served from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sato Kagura-mai (Shinto music and dance) is presented in the precincts of the shrine at around 12:30 p.m. Access: The Hibiya or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Ningyocho Station, and then walk 10 min.

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

Kiku Matsuri Oct. 17 to Nov. 23		Kasama Inari Shrine Kiku Matsuri (chrysanthemum festival) at Kasama Inari Shrine, Kasama, Ibaraki Pref. Potted chrysanthemums are displayed in the precincts of the shrine. An exhibition of chrysanthemum dolls is held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily during the festival period. (Admission is ¥800.). On Nov. 3, yabusame (horseback archery) is held in the horseback-riding grounds near the shrine twice at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Access: The JR Mito Line to Kasama Station, and then walk 20 min. to the shrine, or 10 min. by bus to Inari-mae Bus Stop.

Pottery Fair of Mashiko-yaki Ware Oct. 31 to Nov. 4		Mashiko-yaki Toki Ichi (Mashiko Pottery Fair), Mashiko-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Pref. The fair is held at several sites in Mashiko, such as Kyohan Center, Tsukamoto Seitosho and Togei Mura, from 8 a.m. to around 6 p.m. during the fair period. Access: (1) The JR Tohoku Honsen Line to Oyama Station, and then change to the Mito Line to Shimodate Station. From there, the Mo'oka Railway to Mashiko Station, and then walk 20 min. (2) The JR Tohoku Honsen Line to Utsunomiya Station (West Exit). From No. 14 Bus Stop, 1 hr. by bus for Mashiko and get off at Togei Messe Iriguchi Bus Stop, and then walk 10 min.

Takumi-no Matsuri Festival Oct. 31 to Nov. 3		Takumi-no-Matsuri (Potters Festival) is held at Geijutsu-no-Mori Koen (park) decorated with a number of potted chrysanthemum flowers, Kasama, Ibaraki Pref., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily during the festival period. About 160 stalls selling kasama-yaki (Kasama potteries), Inada-granite products and agricultural products are set up in the park daily. Access: About 10 min. by shuttle bus (¥160 for one way) from JR Kasama Station to the festival site during the festival period.

Fuigo Matsuri Nov. 1		Fuigo Matsuri (Bellows Festival) at Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Pref., features kagura-mai (Shinto music and dance) from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., following the Shinto rites which starts from 5:30 p.m. Access: The Keihin Kyuko Daishi Line originating at Keikyu-Kawasaki Station to Kawasaki-Daishi Station, and then walk 2 min.

Homotsu Kaze-ire Nov. 1 to Nov. 3		Homotsu Kaze-ire (Airing of Art Treasures) takes place at Kenchoji Temple and Engakuji Temple, Kamakura, Kanagawa Pref. on the same days every year. Many treasures including rare masterpieces stored in both temples are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (to 3:30 pm on the 3rd) during the period. Admission is ¥800 for each temple. Access: The JR Yokosuka Line to Kita-Kamakura Station, and then walk 1 min. to Engakuji Temple. From there, walk 10 min. to Kenchoji Temple.

Daimyo Gyoretsu Nov. 3		Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu (Feudal Lord's Procession), Hakone-Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigara-Shimo-gun, Kanagawa Pref. A procession of about 170 people dressed in the costumes of the Edo Period (1603-1867), accompanied by many groups of brass bands and dancers, starts from Yumoto Elementary School near Sounji Temple at 9:45 a.m., parading on Hakone Kyu-kaido (old highway) and returns to Yumoto Fujiya Hotel around 2:20 p.m. The total number of participants in the procession is roughly 450. In the case of heavy rain, the event will be canceled. Access: (1) 15 min. by the Hakone Tozan Railway from Odakyu Station on the Odakyu Railways or Odakyu Station on the JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Hakone-Yumoto Station. (2)1 hr. 30 min. by Odakyu Railway's Limited Express ""Romance Car"" from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Yabusame Nov. 3		Yabusame (horseback archery) at Muroo Shrine, Yamakita-machi, Ashigara-Kami-gun, Kanagawa Pref., is held as one of the events related to an annual festival of Muroo Shrine. Mikoshi (portable shrines) depart from Muroo Shrine at 8:30 a.m., parading through the town, and come back to the shrine at around 2 p.m. Yabusame is held on the road in front of the shrine from 2:30 p.m. to 4:50 p.m., after the Shinto ritual. Access: The JR Gotemba Line to Yamakita Station (South Exit), and then walk 5 min.

Yabusame Nov. 3		Yabusame (horseback archery) at Izumo Iwai Shrine, Moroyama-machi, Iruma-gun, Saitama Pref., is performed by students of three junior high schools from 9 a.m. to around 9:30 a.m., and from 2 p.m. to around 4 p.m. Access: The Tobu Tojo Line originating at Ikebukuro Station to Sakado Station From there, take the Tobu Ogose Line to Higashimoro Station, and then walk 5 min.

Yabusame Nov. 3		Yabusame (horseback archery) at Kasama Inari Shrine, Kasama, Ibaraki Pref., is performed by 12 or 13 people on National Road No. 355 in front of Kasama Elementary School, twice from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Shinto rites are conducted in the precincts of the shrine for 30 min., prior to each Yabusame in the morning and in the afternoon, Access: The JR Mito Line to Kasama Station, and then walk 20 min. or 5-10 min. by bus to Inari-mae Bus Stop.

Kannonzaki Festa Nov. 3		Kannonzaki Festa (lighthouse festival) at Kannonzaki Todai (lighthouse), Yokosuka, Kanagawa Pref., features various kinds of attractions such as Hawaiian dancing, live music and songs, quiz show, games and so on from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Kannonzaki Koen (park) and its vicinity. It will be canceled in the case of rain. Access: The Keihin Kyuko Line to Uraga Station. From there, 15 min. by bus for Kannonzaki, and then get off at Kannonzaki Bus Stop.

Air Show Nov. 3		Kohku Matsuri or Air Show at Iruma Air Base in Iruma, Saitama Pref. A thrilling acrobatic flying show by aircraft is demonstrated from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Access: 40 min. by Seibu Ikebukuro Line's Rapid Train from Ikebukuro Station to Inariyama-koen Station, and then walk 1 min.

Haniwa Matsuri Nov. 8		Shibayama-machi Haniwa Matsuri Festival at Shibayama-machi, Sambu-gun, Chiba Pref., features ancient rituals conducted by participants in costume of the Kofun Period (300-710 AD), and their parade from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Shibayama Koen (park). There are about 500 ancient mounds in this area. Haniwa (clay images) excavated from the Shibayama Mounds, are exhibited at Shibayama Kofun Haniwa Museum, and Shibayama Haniwa Museum in the compound of Shibayama Nioson Kannon-kyo Temple. Access: From Higashi-Narita Station on the Keisei Line, take the Shibayama Railway to Shibayama-Chiyoda Station. From there, free shuttle buses to the festival site are available (9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) during the festival period.

Tori-no-Ichi fair is held at Ohtori Shrine Nov. 12 to Nov. 24		Tori-no-Ichi (Good Luck Rake Fair) at Otori Shrine in Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. Kumade (bamboo rakes), adorned with ornaments symbolizing good fortune and prosperous business, are sold at dozens of stalls from 12 noon to midnight on both days. Access: 20 min. by the Yokohama Shiei (Municipal) Subway from Yokohama Station to Bandobashi Station, and then walk 10 min.