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FESTIVAL LISTINGS

Japanese festivals and fairs in and around Tokyo (Feb. 2010) 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 January's festival schedule. Festivals around other areas of Kanto

2010 Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition Jan. 27 to Feb. 1		Dento-teki Kogeihin-ten 2010, Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, is held at Nihombashi Takashimaya Department Store from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (to 6 p.m. on Feb. 1). It's a good chance to see and buy many different kinds of Japanese traditional handicrafts; pottery, woven goods, dyed goods, Japanese paper, stationery items, lacquer ware, wood and bamboo ware, from all over Japan. Admission is free. Access: (1) The Ginza, Tozai or Toei Asakausa Subway Line to Nihombashi Station (2) Walk 8 min. from JR Tokyo Station (Yaesu Exit)

Tsubaki Matsuri Jan. 30 to March 28		Tsubaki Matsuri (Camellia Festival) on Oshima Island. Various species of camellia are usually in bloom on this island during the festival period. Main events are scheduled as follows: (1) on Jan. 31, an opening ceremony starts at 9 a.m. and a parade of Edo-mikoshi (portable shrines) goes around the town hall from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (2) on Feb. 11, a beauty contest for Miss Camellia Starts from 10 a.m. (3) on Feb. 21, Camellia marathon races of 5 km and 10 km start from the town hall at 9:30 a.m. Everybody who wants to join the race is asked to call the town hall by Jan. 22 for applications at 04992-2-1446 (speaking in Japanese only). Access: (1) 8 hours by Tokai Kisen ferryboat or 1 hr. 45 min. by hydrofoil boat from Takeshiba Pier to Oshima Island. (The Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Station to Takeshiba Station, and then walk 1 min. to the pier. Or the JR Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Station, and then walk 7 min. to the pier.) (2) 30 min. by air from Tokyo (Haneda Airport) to Oshima Island.

Tako Ichi Feb. 1 to Feb. 13		Tako Ichi (kite fair) at Oji Inari Shrine, Kita-ku. Kites, regarded as a talisman for preventing fire, are sold at some 150 open-air stalls, which are set up in the precincts and along the approach to the shrine from around 9 a.m. to sunset. Access: The JR Keihin Tohoku Line or the Namboku Subway Line to Oji Station, and then walk 7 min.

Setsubun Feb. 3		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 temples and shrines to vie with another for lucky beans that are thrown by priests or celebrities who shout "Fuku-wa-uchi, Oni-wa-soto!" (Fortune in, Devils out!) to drive away imaginary devils. Bean-throwing ceremonies are scheduled at the following major temples and shrines in Tokyo: 1. Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from noon and 2 p.m. After that, celebrities join bean-throwing ceremonies four times from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Station 2. Zojoji Temple, Minato-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) joined by celebrites takes place from around noon to 1 p.m. Access: (1) The Toei Mita Subway Line to Onarimon Station, and then walk 3 min. (2) The Toei Asakusa or Oedo Subway Line to Daimon Station, and then walk 5 min. 3. Gokokuji Temple, Bunkyo-ku. Shishi-mai (Lion Dance) and wadaiko (Japanese drums) are performed from 1 p.m. preceding mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) which takes place from 3:30 p.m. after the rites. Access: The Yurakucho Subway Line to Gokokuji Station 4. Hie Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from noon to 12:20 p.m. following the rites which starts from 11:30 a.m. Access: (1) The Ginza or Namboku Subway Line to Tameike-Sanno Station, and then walk 5 min. (2) The Ginza or Marunouchi Subway Line to Akasaka-mitsuke Station, and then walk 8 min. (3)The Hanzomon, Yurakucho or Namboku Subway Line to Nagatacho Station, and then walk 10 min. 5. Kanda Myojin Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place several times from around 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. following the rites which start at 2 p.m. Access: (1) The Marunouchi Subway Line, the JR Chuo Line or JR Sobu Line to Ochanomizu Station, and then walk 5 min. (2) The Chiyoda Subway Line to Shin-Ochanomizu Station, and then walk 5 min. (3)The Ginza Subway Line to Suehirocho Station, and then walk 5 min. 6. Kameido Tenjin Shrine, Koto-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 5:30 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. following tsuina-shiki (rites of driving away devils) which starts from 5 p.m. Access: The JR Sobu Line to Kameido Station, and then walk 15 min. 7. Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Ota-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 3 p.m. to 3:10 p.m. following the rites which start from 2 p.m. Access: (1) The Tokyu Ikegami Line to Ikegami Station, and then walk 10 min. (2) The Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Nishi-Magome Station, and then walk 10 min. 8. Toyokawa Inari Betsuin, Minato-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. following the rites which start from 2 p.m. Access: The Marunouchi or Ginza Subway Line to Akasaka-Mitsuke Station, 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) The JR Sobu Line or the Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusabashi Station, and then walk 5-10 min. (2) The Toei Asakusa or Toei Oedo Subway Line to Kuramae Station, and then walk 5-10 min. 10. Shibamata Taishakuten Temple (Daikyoji Temple), Katsushika-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. (each lasting for 10 min.). Access: The Keisei Kanamachi Line to Shibamata Station

Daruma-kuyo Feb. 3		Daruma-kuyo, memorial services for used Daruma dolls, at Nishiarai Daishi Temple, Adachi-ku. When people make a wish and it is granted, they paint eyes of Daruma dolls. The memorial service is conducted from 10 a.m. to around noon. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 3 p.m. to around 4:30 p.m. Access: The Tobu Isezaki Line to Nishi-Arai Station, and then take the Tobu Daishi Line to Daishi-mae Station

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 100 open-air stalls selling Daruma olls are set up in and around the compound of the temple. Access: The Keio Line or the Tama-Toshi Monorail to Takahata-Fudo Station

Sohei-Gyoretsu Feb. 3		Sohei-Gyoretsu, the procession of sohei (monk soldiers) at Hosenji Temple, Nakano-ku. About 50 monks and parishioners attired in sohei costumes leave Meitoku Inari Shrine at 3:30 p.m. and arrive at Hosenji Temple around 4 p.m. The 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: The Marunouchi or Toei Oedo Subway Line to Nakano-Sakaue Station, and then walk 5 min.

Ume Matsuri Feb. 6 to Feb. 28		Setagaya Ume Matsuri (Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival) at Hanegi Koen (park), Setagaya-ku. There are nearly 700 apricot trees in the park grounds. On the 21st, matcha (powdered green tea) is served both at the chashitu (tea ceremony room) and open-air from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. On the 28th, sencha (green tea) is served at the chashitu from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free tea tickets for matcha and sencha are distributed twice from 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on both days, on a first-come, first-served basis. Access: The Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Umegaoka Station

Nihon O-Zumo Tournament (32nd Grand Sumo Tournament) Feb. 7		Nihon O-Zumo Tournament, the 34th Grand Sumo Tournament, takes place at Kokugikan Hall, Sumida-ku, from around noon to 5:30 p.m. (The venue is open at 11 a.m.) The admission tickets range from ¥1,000 to ¥14,000. Advance tickets are sold at ticket agencies such as CN Play Guide, Ticket Pia and convenience stores in Greater Tokyo. Tickets are also sold at Kokugikan Hall on the day. For further information, please call Nihon O-Zumo Tournament Jimukyoku at 03-5530-2052 (speaking in Japanese only). Access: The JR Sobu Line or the Toei Oedo Subway Line to Ryogoku Station

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

Ume Matsuri Feb. 8 to 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. Free tea tickets are distributed from 10 a.m. on each day, on a first-come, first-served basis. Access: The Chiyoda Subway Line to Yushima Station

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. Tickets are ¥2,500, ¥4,000, ¥5,500, ¥6,000 & ¥7,000. Advance tickets are sold at Ticket Pia and convenience stores such as Family Mart and Lawson. (Some of the tickets left unsold are put in sale on the day at Kokugikan Hall from 11 a.m.) For further information, call Hello Dial at 03-5405-8686 (in English). Access: The JR Sobu Line or the Toei Oedo Subway Line to Ryogoku Station

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

Ta-asobi Feb. 11		Ta-asobi, a ceremony to pray for bountiful crops, takes place at Tokumaru Kitano Shrine, Itabashi-ku, from about 6 p.m. to around 8 p.m. It is designated as one of National Important Intangible Cultural Properties. About 30 people in traditional attire pantomime the process of rice cultivation on a stage representing a paddy field. Access: (1) The Tobu Tojo Line to Tobu Nerima Station, and then walk 10-20 min. (2) From Narimasu Station, 15 min. by bus bound for Akabane, and get off at Kobai Shogakko Bus Stop, and then walk 5 min.

The 38th Tokyo Folklore Festival Feb. 11		Tokyo Kyodo Geino Matsuri (Folklore Performing Arts Festival) at Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Social Education Center, Tachikawa in the suburbs of Tokyo. Various folk dances, ohayashi (festival music), wadaiko (Japanese drum beating) and the like native to Tama District are staring from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Access: The JR Nambu Line to Nishi-Kunitachi Station, and then walk 10 min.

Hatsu-uma Festival Feb. 13		Hatsu-uma Festival (year's first "Horse Day" festival) at Toyokawa Inari Betsuin Temple, Minato-ku. Open-air stalls are set up from 8:30 a.m. to around 5 p.m. Access: The Marunouchi or Ginza Subway Line to Akasaka-mitsuke Station, and then walk 5 min.

Ta-asobi Feb. 13		Ta-asobi, symbolic or imitative ceremonies to pray for bountiful crop, take place at Akatsuka Suwa Shrine, Itabashi-ku, from 7 p.m. to around 9 p.m. Ta-asobi, designated as one of National Important Intangible Cultural Properties, feature mikoshi (portable shrines), shishi-mai (Lion Dance), tengu mai (dance by men with long red-nosed masks) and okagari (ritual bonfire) in the precincts of the shrine. Access: The Toei Mita Subway Line to Shin-Takashimadaira Station, and then walk 15 min.

The Ome Marathon Feb. 21		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 Station Access: The JR Ome Line to Kabe Station

Tokyo Marathon 2010 Feb. 28		Tokyo Marchthon 2010 starts at Tocho (the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building), Shinjuku-ku at 9:10 a.m. The races pass through Iidabashi, Imperial Palace, Shinagawa, Ginza, Nihombashi, Asakusa Kaminarimon, Tsukiji, Toyosu, and eventually reach the finish line at Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake) in Odaiba. Access: (1) Walk 10 min. from Shinjuku Station (West Exit) on the JR Yamanote Line or walk 2 min. from Tochomae Station (Exit A4) on the Oedo Subway Line to the Metropolitan Government Office. (2) The Yurikamome Line originating at Shimbashi to Ariake Station, and then walk 10 min. to the goal (Tokyo Big Sight).

Edo Nagashibina Feb. 28		Edo Nagashibina is an event to welcome the arrival of spring by floating paper dolls near Shinsui Terrace of Azumabashi Bridge on the Sumida River, wishing safety and good health of children. Nagashi-bina starts at noon and ends around 1 p.m. Anyone can take part in this event for ¥800. Access: The Tobu Isesaki Line, the Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Station, then walk 1 min.

Hina Matsuri Feb. 28		Jingu-no-mori no Hina Matsuri (Dolls' Festival or Girls' Festival) in the precincts of Meiji Shrine, Shibuya-ku, takes place from 10 a.m. to around 2:30 p.m. Nagashi-bina (doll-floating ceremony) is held at Kita-ike (north pond) in front of Homotsuden (treasure house). Hours for Nagashi-bina are still to be arranged. Parents and children who applied in advance will join in some of the activities but all comers are welcome to watch. For further information about prior application, call (03) 3379-9123 (in Japanese only). Access: (1) The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station (2) The Chiyoda Subway Line to Meiji-Jingumae Station

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

Ume Matsuri Jan. 30 to Feb. 28		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 that consist of three gardens; Bessho, Nakagawara and Hara Bairin. Yabusame (horseback archery) is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Feb. 11 at Hara Bairin. If it rains, it will be postponed until Feb. 14. Many other events are scheduled for every Saturdays and Sundays during the festival period. Access: (1) To Odawara Joshi Koen: the JR Tokaido Line to Odawara Station, and then walk 10 min. (2) To Nakagawara and Bessho Bairin: the JR Gotemba Line to Shimo-Soga Station, and then walk 10 min. (3)To Hara Bairin: the JR Gotemba Line to Shimo-Soga Station, and then walk 7 min.

Setsubun Feb. 3		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 temples and shrines to vie with another for lucky beans which are thrown by personalities who shout "Fuku-wa-uchi, Oni-wa-soto!" (Fortune in, Devils out!) to drive away imaginary devils. Bean-throwing ceremonies are scheduled at the following major temples and shrines in Kanagawa Pref. 1. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura (about one hour by train from Tokyo). Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 1 p.m., lasting for 15 min. Access: The JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station, and then walk 10 min. 2. Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from noon to 12:25 p.m. Access: The JR Yokosuka Line to Kita-Kamakura Station, and then walk 20 min. 3. Kamakuragu Shrine in Kamakura. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Access: (1) The JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station, and then walk 25 min. (2) 10 min. by bus from JR Kamakura Station, and then get off at Daitonomiya Bus Stop. 4. Sojiji Temple in Yokohama. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place several times from around noon to 2:30 p.m. Access: The JR Keihin Tohoku Line to Tsurumi Station, and then walk 5 min. 5. Kawasaki Daishi Temple in Kawasaki. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 11 a.m. 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. lasting for about 5 min. respectively. Access: The Keihin Kyuko Line to Keikyu Kawasaki Station From there, the Keikyu Daishi Line to Kawasaki-Daishi Station, then walk 5 min.

Oni-yarai Feb. 3		Oni-yarai (rites of driving away devils) take place at Chichibu Shrine, Chichibu, Saitama Pref. The bean-throwing ceremony is held every 30 min. from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 3 times in the afternoon: 1 p.m. 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Oni-yarai is conducted from around 7:30 p.m. and is concluded by Fukujin-mai (Shinto dance with music) at around 9 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 Station to Seibu-Chichibu Station, and then walk 15 min. (2) The JR Takasaki Line to Kumagaya Station From there, the Chichibu Tetsudo Railway to Chichibu Station, 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 three times from 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.(each lasting for about 5 min.). Access: (1) The JR Sobu Honsen-Narita Line's Rapid Train Airport Narita from Tokyo Station to Narita Station, and then walk 15 min. (2) The Keisei Line from Ueno Station to Narita Station, and then walk 15 min.

Setsubun-e Feb. 3		Setsubun-e 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) The Seibu Shinjuku Line to Hon-Kawagoe Station, and then walk 15 min. (2) The Tobu Tojo Line to Kawagoeshi Station, 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, including 20 of them in court costumes of the Heian Period (794-1185), starts from Ichi-no-Torii at around 10:30 a.m. and arrives at Hakone Shrine around 11:30 a.m. From noon, Tsuina-shiki or Oni-oi-shiki, rites of driving away two torch-bearing devils, take place in the main hall of the shrine, to precede mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony), which lasts for 10 min. Access: 50 min. by bus from Odawara Station, get off at Moto-Hakone Bus Stop, and then walk 5 min. to the shrine. (To go to Odawara Station, take the JR Tokaido Line or the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line from Tokyo Station, or take the Odakyu Railways from Shinjuku Station)

Yoroi Toshikoshi Shuko Feb. 3		Yoroi Toshikoshi Shuko at Bannaji Temple, Ashikaga, Tochigi Pref. Yoroi-gyoretsu (armed warriors' procession) of some 200 participants leaves Orihime Kominkan (public hall) 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) takes place at the temple at around 8:30 p.m. Access: (1) The Tobu Isezaki Line to Ashikaga-shi Station, and then walk 10 min. (2) 40 min. by the JR Ryomo Line from Oyama Station to Ashikaga Station, and then walk 15 min.

Plum blossom Festival at Yugawara Feb. 6 to March 14		Yugawara-bairin Ume-no-Utage, Japanese Apricot Festival, at Makuyama Park in Yugawara, Kanagawa Pref. Visitors can enjoy the blossoms of 4,000 Japanese apricot trees in the park. Various events are also scheduled; Japanese dance from noon on Feb. 6 and March 1, wadaiko (Japanese drums) from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Feb. 13, and from 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on March 6. The blossoms of apricot are lit up from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Feb. 20 to March 7. Access: The JR Tokaido Line to Yugawara Station, and then take a direct bus (10 min.) bound for Makuyama Park which is available during the period.

Ume Matsuri Feb. 13 to March 07		Sankei-en Kanbai-kai or Ume Matsuri (Japanese Apricot Festival) at Sankei-en Garden, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. This Japanese-style landscape garden has about 2,000 Japanese apricot trees and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is ¥500. There are many events scheduled every Sat. and Sun. during the period, such as a performance of koto (Japanese harp) on Feb. 13, 20, 27 and March 6, mochi-tsuki (rice-cake making) and ohayashi (festival music) on Feb. 14, and Jiuta-odori (Japanese classical form of local dance) on Feb. 28 and a performance of Japanese dance on March 7. Hours of those events are still to be arranged. Japanese apricot bonsai are exhibited from Feb. 14-21, and a cup of hot barley tea is served at hatsune-chaya (teahouse) in the garden for free of charge during the period. 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, JR Tokaido or the Tokyu Toyoko Line to Yokohama Station (East Exit). From there, 35 min. by bus to Honmoku Sankeien-mae Bus Stop, and then walk 3 min.

2010 Shunsetsu Feb. 14 to Feb. 28		2010 Shunsetsu, Chinese New Year's Day, Feb. 14th, according to the lunar calendar in Chinatown, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. Shishi-mai (Chinese Lion Dance) is performed throughout the Chinatown from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the 14th. Many Chinese performing arts are demonstrated at Yamasita-koen (park) from 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.on the 20th, from 11 a.m. on the 21st, and from 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on the 27th. The parade of people in traditional attire is held in Chinatown from 2 p.m. on the 21st. Chinatown is decorated with thousands of lanterns after dark, until Feb. 28. Access: (1) The JR Negishi Line from Yokohama or JR Keihin Tohoku Line from Tokyo to Ishikawacho Station, and then walk 10 min. (2) The Tokyu Toyoko Line Minatomirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Station

Ume Matsuri Feb. 20 to March 31		Mito-no-Ume Matsuri (Japanese Apricot Flower Festival) at Kairakuen Japanese Apricot Garden, Mito, Ibaraki Pref. A performance of koto (Japanese harp) is given from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Feb. 21 and March 28. Hina-nagashi (the event of floating dolls down on a stream) is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon on Feb. 28, and from 10:30 a.m. to noon on March 6. Nodate (open-air tea ceremony) is held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 28th, March 7, 14 and 21 respectively. Free of charge. Access: (1) Direct local trains and Limited Express trains to Kairakuen Rinji Station (temporary Station) on the JR Joban Line are operated, leaving Ueno Station from about 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from Feb. 20 until March 22. (2) The JR Joban Line to Mito Station From there, 20 min. by bus to Kairakuen Bus Stop.

Hadaka.m.suri Feb. 25		Hadakamsuri (literally, naked festival) at Mimusubi Shrine, Yotsukaido, Chiba Pref. Young men in loinclothes wrestle one another in a rice paddy near the shrine from around 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Access: The JR Sobu Line to Yotsukaido Station (South Exit), and then walk 10 min.