Return to Top Page
Return to INDEX


APRIL 2024


(Please confirm information before you go at the phone numbers listed)


(*) covered events
1 Mon *Ueno Sakura Matsuri March 16-April 7
    *Tatebayashi Koinobori Matsuri March 23-May 10 See March
    *Special Opening of Imperial Palace Inui Street during the Cherry Blossom Season See March Date To be announced for 2024
2 Tue  
     
3 Wed *Gyoki (Buddhism Devotion) at Zojoji Temple April 5-7
4 Thu *Gyoki (Buddhism Devotion) at Zojoji Temple April 5-7
5 Fri *Gyoki (Buddhism Devotion) at Zojoji Temple April 3-7
6 Sat *Gyoki (Buddhism Devotion) at Zojoji Temple April 5-7
    *Wisteria Festival at Kameido Tenjin Shrine April 6-April 30
7 Sun *Hana Matsuri (Buddha's Birthday) at Gokokuji Temple
    *Gyoki (Buddhism Devotion) at Zojoji Temple April 5-7
    *Kanamara Matsuri at Kawasaki April 7 in 2024
8 Mon *Hana Matsuri (Buddha's Birthday) at Asakusa
    *Tatebayashi Azalea Festival April 8-May 6
9 Tue  
10 Wed *Peony Festival at Ueno Toshogu Shrine April 10-May 9 in 2023, Schedule for this year 2024 is to be announced
11 Thu  
12 Fri  
13 Sat *Oiran Dochu (Reenacted parade of oiran courtesans in Edo Era) Cancelld in 2024
14 Sun *Shirasagi no Mai at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
    *SOKEI Regatta Boat Race at Sumida River To be announced
15 Mon *Yasukuni Shrine Hono Sumo
16 Tue  
17 Wed  
18 Thu  
19 Fri  
20 Sat *Noge Street Performances April 20 and 21
21 Sun *Daidai Kagura at Shinagawa Jinja Shrine in Shinagawa-ku
    *Yasukuni Shrine Annual Spring Festival April 21-23
    *Noge Street Performances April 20 and 21
22 Mon  
23 Tue  
24 Wed  
25 Thu  
26 Fri  
27 Sat *Konkon Kutsu Ichi (Shoe festival and sales) at Tamahime Shrine April 27 and 28
    *Mashiko Pottery Fair April 27-May 6
28 Sun *Confucian Festival at Yushima Seido (Confucian Sacred Hall) in Yushima, Bunkyo-ku from 10 a.m.
    *Konkon Kutsu Ichi (Shoe festival and sales) at Tamahime Shrine April 27 and 28
29 Mon National Holiday - Day of Showa
    *Kobudo at Katori Shrine in Kameido from 10:30 a.m.
    *Firemen's Memorial Service at Yutenji Temple from noon
    *Yokonakaba Shishimai Choenji Temple
30 Tue  


POPULAR PLACES OF SAKURA

Garden of Denbou-in (Denpou-in), Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
Sakura Matsuri at Meguro River (Naka Meguro Area)
Ueno Cherry Blossoms Festival
Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossoms (Chiyoda Sakura Matsuri)
Cherry Blossoms at Sankeien Garden in Yokohama
Cherry Blossoms at the Sumida Park on both sides of the Sumida River
Cherry Blossoms in Kamakura
Cherry Blossoms at Koganei Park
Cherry Blossoms, Mt. Fuji and Pagoda at Arakura Sengen Shrine, Fujiyoshida in Yamanashi Prefecture
Cherry Blossoms, Mt. Fuji and Pagoda at Kanukiyama Park, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Tokyo National Museum Garden (Open all days when the museum is opening 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

The Museum Garden behind the Honkan main building is open during the spring. Museum invites you to enjoy strolling among the five teahouses, each with their own history, as well as the cherry blossoms, which about 10 varieties bloom from one from to another. The flourishing garden is most beautiful at this time of the year. (Quoted from the museum website)

URL: http://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en
Address: 13-9 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku
Access: Ueno Station on JR Yamanote Line (Ueno Park Exit)
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/1gauv
Admission: 620 yen
Time: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed Mon - if Monday is a holiday on Tuesday, Dec. 24-Jan. 1 closed)
Telephone: 03-3822-1111
more photos
KOGANEI METROPOLITAN PARK

Koganei Metropolitan Park situated along the Tamagawa River water supply is an enormous 80 hectres. 1.5 times that of Ueno Park. It is a park full of variety. A broad expanse of grass, groves of trees around that, a cherry tree garden, children's field, Japanese archery range, SL (C57) steam locomotive display and 16 tennis courts are just some of the park's features. The park's cherry tree garden is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo with more about 1,700 cherry trees planted in the park.

Adjacent to the cherry tree garden is Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum which was established in 1993 by the Metropolitan Government as part of the Edo-Tokyo Museum. The museum exhibit historical buildings of great cultural value.

URL: Koganei Park
Access: Koganei-Koen-Nishiguchi bus stop on Seibu Bus from Musashi-Koganei Station (JR Chuo Line)
Telephone: 042-385-5611
more photos
Garden of Denbou-in (Denpou-in), Sensoji Temple in Asakusa
The garden is not opening in 2022 due to construction works.

Denbou-in (Denpou-in) is a place where priests of Sensoji Temple do Buddhist training. Denbou-in was also used as the residence of Kansu, the top priest of Sensoji Temple. The guest room and the entrance of the building was constructed in 1777. When Shoguns and nobles visited Sensoji Temple, they would often rest in Denbou-in. Garden of Denbou-in, Sensoji Temple in Asakusa is believed designed by Kobori Enshu, an eminent gardener in early 17th century.

The garden is not usually opened to the public. The garden has been exceptionally opening to the public in spring since 2012 to collect money for the victims of the earthquake in Tohoku in 2011. Also exhibited in the treasure house are many giant "ema" made during the Edo period and treasures of Sensoji Temple.

URL: Sensoji

Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku (located inside the compound of Sensoji Temple)
Admission: 300 yen
Access: Asakusa Station on Subway Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Tsukuba Express, Tobu Sky Tree Line
Telephone: 03-3842-0181/ 03-3842-5566 (Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center)
more photos
Sakura Matsuri at Meguro River (Naka Meguro Area)

Viewing Sakura is OK. No festival event planned
Place: Along the Meguro River near Naka Meguro Station

The Meguro River (canal) begins from Setagaya-ku and runs into Tokyo Bay via Meguro-ku and Shinagawa-ku for 8 k.m. About 830 somei yoshino cherry trees are planted on both sides of the river from Ikejiri Ohashi to Meguro Station for about 3.8 k.m.

Festivity events will be held on April 10 at a square near Naka Meguro Station and night light up of sakura is done during the festival period March 24-April 10.

URL: Megurogawa Sakura
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/jWYTp
Access: Naka Meguro Station on Subway Hibiya Line
Telephone: 03-5722-6850/ 03-3715-1111 (Meguro Kuyakusho)
more photos
Hono Sumo at Yasukuni Shrine
April 15 in 2024. 9:00 a.m.-3 p.m. (Yokozuna Grand Champion Dohyoiri will be 2 p.m.)
Admission: Free

Every year in April, the Yasukuni shrine holds an event of Hono Sumo (sumo exhibition matches dedicated to the shrine).

Sumo is believed to have originated as a dedication to the Shinto gods. The Imperial court encouraged wrestling bouts in olden times and experts in the art were summoned to the court to wrestle for a prize. The sumo is recognized as the national sport the emperor occasionally honoring the championship bouts with his presence.

URL: Yasukuni Shrine
Access: Kudan-shita Stn. on Subways Tozai Line and Hanzomon Line.
Telephone: 03-3261-8326
more photos
Ueno Cherry Blossoms Festival
March 16-April 7 in 2024. Ueno Park, Taito-ku.

The Ueno Park is probably the most well known cherry blossom viewing (hanami) spot in Tokyo and it is most crowded during the period of the festival.

Hanami loosens up Japanese and turns the park into a big outdoor hanami party place where people are allowed to drink and sing songs.

It is reported half of the visitors are foreigners this year in 2016.

URL: Ueno Park
Nearest Stn. JR Ueno Station. A few minutes walk from Ueno Koen-guchi Exit.
Telephone: 03-3828-5644 (Ueno Park)
more photos
Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossoms
Chidorigafuchi Moat near Tayasu-mon gate of the Imperial Palace in Chiyoda-ku.
March 22 through April 2 (Chiyoda Sakura Matsuri)

Chiyoda Sakura Matsuri will also be held at Yasukuni Shrine located across the Yasukuni Street to Chidrorigafuchi

Sakura is considered the national flower of Japan. The flower seldom lasts more than three or four days, it is compared to the spirit of samurai who are prepared to die with a grace for his lord at a moment's notice.

URL: Chiyoda Sakura Matsuri
Access: Kudan-Shita Station on Subways Tozai Line and Hanzomon Line.
Telephone: 03-3264-2111 (Chiyoda-ku)
more photos

Cherry Blossoms at the Sumida Park on both sides of the Sumida River
Viewing Sakura OK

The sumida river runs between Taito-ku and Sumida-ku. On the side of the Taito-ku is Asakusa and the other side Mukojima which is a district known as one of the geisha districts in Tokyo.

Tokyo Sky Tree standing near the Sumida River is on the side of Sumida-ku The tower has become a new tourists spot of Tokyo.

URL: Sumida Park Sakura
Access: Asakusa Station on Subway Ginza Line, Subway Toei Asakusa Line and Tsukuba Express.
Telephone: 03-3844-1221 (Asakusa Kanko Renmei)
more photos
Cherry Blossoms in Kamakura
Late March to Early April

Kotokuin Temple - Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Kotokuin Temple was cast in 1252. In 1495, a tidal wave swept away the great temple of the Buddha leaving only its foundation stones but did not injure the Buddha's body.
URL: Kotokuin
Address: 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura City
Access: Hase Station on Enoshima Dentetsu Railway
Telephone: Kotoku-in Temple 0467-22-0703

Engakuji Temple in Kita Kamakura is the head temple of the Engakuji branch of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism. The temple was founded in 1282 by a Chinese Zen monk Mugaku Sogen at the request of Hojo Tokimune - eighth regent of the Kamakura shogunate.
Address: 409 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City
URL: Engakuji
Access: 1 minute from Kita Kamakura Station on JR Yokosuka Line
Telephone: 0467-22-0478
Admission: 300 yen

Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura is the headquarter of the Kenchoji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. The temple was founded in 1249 by the fifth Kamakura shogunal regent Hojo Tokiyori (1227-1263).
Address: 8 Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kangawa Prefecture
URL: Kenchoji
Access: 15 minutes walk from Kita Kamakura Station on JR Yokosuka Line
Telephone: 0467-22-0981
Admission: 300 yen
(Photos taken April 6, 2010)
more photos
Cherry Blossoms at Sankeien Garden in Yokohama
Late March to Early April

Sankeien Garden is a traditional and typical Japanese-style garden designed and landscaped by Sankei Hara (1868-1939) a wealthy businessman in the silk trade. He reconstructed buildings of historic importance relocated from places such as Kyoto and Kamakura in this garden and opened to the public as "Sankeien" in 1906. In the garden of 1,750,000 square meters, seven old buildings of high historic value are skillfully arranged in harmony with the seasonal changes of the natural scenery. (from Sankeien English pamphlet)

URL: Sankeien
Address: 58-1 Sannotani, Honmoku, Naka-ku, Yokohama.
Access: Take any one of the municipal buses labeled Route 58,99 or 101From JR Negishi Station (Keihin Tohoku Line) at bus stop No. 1. Get off at Honmoku and 10 minutes walk.
Telephone: 045-621-0634/5; Admission: 500 yen; Open: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Closed Dec. 29,30 and 31.
(photos taken April 6, 2010)
more photos
SAKURA, PAGODA & MT. FUJI at Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Numazu is a city located in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture. It is 80 miles west of Tokyo. The city has a population of about 200,000 and enjoys a mild climate. Numazu is a major center of Shizuoka prefecture's fishery industry.

Mt. Kanuki of Numazu City is 193 meters above the sea level and is located only 2.5 km from the center of the city making it a popular hiking spot for the citizens of Numazu. Scenes of the pagoda against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji in cherry blossom season produces magnificent beauty. This year in 2019, the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom toward the end of the first week of April. (Check Numazu City about it). The Pagoda was built in 1965 in memory of the 3,384 war dead since the Meiji era at the place commanding a view of the entire city of Numazu. The pagoda is administered by Numazu City.

Access to Kanukiyama Park: Take a bus No. 4 from south exit of JR Numazu Station.
Telephone: 055-931-2500 (Numazu City)
more photos
SAKURA, PAGODA & MT. FUJI at Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Arakura Sengen Shrine at Arakura, Shimoyoshida
Sakura Festival April 1-April 16 in 2023

According to Fujiyoshida Sightseeing Promotion Service official, cherry blossoms will probably be in full around April 10th this year in 2019
.
The prominent sight-seeing spot for Mt. Fuji is located on the halfway up of Mt. Arakura (650-850 meters high and 400 stone steps) where Arakura Sengen Shrine is located. Visitors can have a splendid view of Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms during the season and beautiful Chureito pagoda.

The Chureito Pagoda was built in 1962 at the place overlooking entire city of Fujiyoshida by the local people in memory of the 1,055 war victims since the Meiji era.

The spot has become very popular among foreign tourists since the place was introduced in a school textbook of Thailand and became the cover page of Michelin Green Guide Japon in 2009.

Access: Take a bus for Lake Kawaguchi at the west exit of JR Shinjuku Station and get off at Shimoyoshida bus stop, 45 minutes ride by bus from Shinjuku. Bus fare is 1,750 yen. Every 30 minutes during the season./ .30 minutes walk from Shimoyoshida Station of Fujikyu Railway from JR Otsuki Station.on JR Chuo Line.

Telephone: 0555-21-1000 (Fuji Yoshida Sightseeing Promotion Service for cherry blossoms)/ 0555-22-1111 (Fujiyoshida City)
more photos
Gyoki (Buddhism Devotion)
April 3 through 7 in 2024. This year 2024 is the 850th anniversary of opening the Zojoji temple.
(In ordinary year Gyoki is held on the same days of the Month April 5,6 and 7). .
Zojoji Temple, Minato-ku.

Zojoji is the temple of Jodo-shu (Pure Land Sect) buddhism which was founded by Honen (1130-1212). The temple was the family temple of the Tokugawa shogunate which ruled Japan during the Edo period.

Gyoki (Buddhism Devotion) commemorates the death of Honen. A great parade of buddhism priests will be held on April 5,6 and 7 from 1:30 p.m. (10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on 7) including children in colorful wardrobes (ochigosan gyoretsu). Bugaku (ancient court music and dance) is performed every day from April 2 to 7 at 12:30 p.m. for 30 minutes.

The giant cedar tree near the San Gedatsumon gate was planted by the 18th American President Ulysses S. Grant when he visited the temple in 1879.

URL: http://www.zojoji.or.jp/en/
Address: 4-7-35 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku
Access: Hamamatsu-cho Stn. on JR Yamanote Line and Onarimon Stn. on Subway Toei Mita Line.
Telephone: 03-3432-1431

more photos

Kanamara Matsuri (Fertility Festival)
April 7 in 2024. Every year on the 1st Sunday.
Kanayama Shrine (inside Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine) in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.

The fertility festival enjoys increased popularity recently thanks to foreign visitors who are interested in the unusual ritual of Japan. The shrine was originally the guardian god of blacksmiths. The district was once thrived with metal industry. Today, some believe the deity, the steel made phallus, guards people from AIDS.

Many ema depicting babies inside the precincts of the shrine are brought by those who want to be blessed with babies. (Ema is a woooden tablet painted with a picture in thanks or in pray for the god).

Shinto rituals begin at 10 a.m. and the parade of mikoshi carrying kanamara follows at 12 noon.

Address: 2-13-16 Daishi Ekimae, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Acces: Kawasaki Daishi Station on Keikyu Daishi Line from Kawasaki.
Telephone: 044-222-3206 (Wakamiya Jinja Shrine)
more photos
Nyugakushiki (School Entrance Ceremony)

April is a special month for Japanese. In Japan, a fiscal year runs April 1 through March 31, so is the academic year. Nyugakushiki means "school entrance ceremony." For children who are 7 or 8 years old, it is the first day for them to attend a primary school. In the ceremony, a principal makes a welcoming speech. Each student is called by his or her name and they answer "hai" (yes!).

The new elementary school students are also introduced to various faculties of the school helping them adjust to their new academic life. In the ceremony, most of the new students' parents attend.

In beginning a school, every child is presented by parents a backpack called "randoseru" (came from Dutch word ransel) which is intended to last the full six years of elementary school.
.
It also is the day for many people they start new jobs, or transfers. Japanese companies have Nyushashiki (company introduction ceremony) and government offices Nyushoshiki (government offices entry ceremony) for new employees. Thus, April 1 becomes the day they begin their new life for many Japanese. Nyugakushiki is usually held on April 6 or 7 differient in regions.
more photos
Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival - Buddha's Birthday
April 7 (Sun) in 2024, at 2 p.m. Chigosan Gyoretsu (procession of gaily dressed sacred children
Gokokuji Temple in Otowa, Bunkyo-ku.

Gokokuji Temple was founded by the mother of the fifth Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi in 1680.

Today in Japan, April 8 - Buddha's Birthday, does not remind people very much that it is the Buddha's Birthday. Yet, the memorial ceremony is held at Buddhist temples throughout Japan. Hana Matsuri is also called Kanbutsu-e, a rite of pouring amacha (sweet tea) over Buddha statues. It is believed that drinking tea served by temples on Buddha's birthday will not only stimulate their religious faith but also ensure good health.

Chigosan Gyoretsu (procession of gaily dressed children) makes the festival bright and colorful. In the old time, they were carefully chosen, for example, they have to live with living parents etc. Today, it is free and open to everybody who want to join but the children's ages must be under eight.

URL: http://www.gokokuji.or.jp/
Address: 5-40-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku
Access: Gokokuji Station on Subway Yurakucho Line.
Telephone: 03-3941-0764
more photos

Hana Matsuri (Kanbutsue - Buddha's Birthday)
April 8
Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Taito-ku.

Kanbutsue (Hanamatsuri) is the festival commemorating the Nativity of Buddha and is observed at all Buddhist temples in Japan. Kanbutsu means pouring amacha (sweet tea) on over Buddha statues decorated with flowers.

It is believed that Buddha upon his birth, stood erect, walked a few steps and shouted "I am my own lord throughout heavens and earth" with his one hand pointing heaven and the other toward the earth.

It was on Buddha's birthday that children first learn to taste tea in traditional Japan. About the white elephant, on the eve of giving birth to Buddha, his mother Maya had a dream a white elephant carrying a white lotus entered her womb.

Children's procession with a white elephant begins at 9:10 a.m. from the Sensoji Kindergarten (Cancelled) along the Nakamise Shopping Street. Pouring tea on the statue of Buddha by visitors continues all day.

URL: Sensoji
Aceess: Asakusa Stn. on Subway Ginza Line, Toei Subway Asakusa Line and Tobu Isezaki Line.
Telephone: 03-3842-0181 (Sensoji Temple)/ 03-3842-5566 (Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center)
more photos
Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival - Buddha's Birthday) April 8 , Chigosan Gyoretsu (procession of gaily dressed sacred children) at 1:30 p.m.
Taishakuten Temple in Shibamata, Katsushika-ku.

In today's Japan, April 8 does not remind people very much that it is the Buddha's Birthday. Yet, the memorial ceremony is held at Buddhist temples throughout Japan. Hana Matsuri is also called Kanbutsu-e, a rite of pouring amacha (sweet tea) over Buddha statues. It is believed that drinking tea served by temples on Buddha's birthday will not only stimulate their religious faith but also ensure good health.

Joining the festival at major temples is Chigosan Gyoretsu (procession of gaily dressed sacred children) which makes the festival bright and colorful. In the old time, they were carefully chosen, for example, they have to live with living parents etc. Today, it is free and many of them are students of the temple affiliated kindergartens. Ages must be under eight.

URL: Taishakuten
Access: Shibamata Station on Keisei Kanamachi Line.
Telephone: 03-3657-2886 (Taishaku-ten Temple)
more photos
The Peony Garden of Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine in Kamakura
Late April to early May

The Peony Garden of Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine is open two times a year from New Year's Day to the middle of February, and from the beginning of April until the middle of May. Please check opening dates with the shrine since they differ each year based on the flowering of the peonies. The peony garden was completed in 1980 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

URL: Tsurugaoka Hachiman
Time: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: 500 yen
Telephone: 0467-22-0315
Access: The Peony Garden is located inside the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine
more photos
Peony (Botan) Garden of Nishi-Arai Daishi Temple

Late April to early May

Peony is the national flower of China. The plant originally came to Japan from China where it was used for medicinal purposes. The plant grows to a height of six feet and puts gorgeous flowers. The main colours are red, pink, white, violet-red and black-red. The Peony Garden of Nishi Arai Daishi is the largest of its kind in Tokyo.

URL: Nishi Arai Daishi
Admission: Free
Access: Nishi-Arai Daishi Station on Daishi Line (extension from Nishi Arai Station) of Tobu Isezaki Line from Asakusa.
Telephone: 03-3890-2345 (Nishi Arai Daishi Temple)
more photos
Botan (Peony) Festival at Ueno Toshogu Shrine
April 10 through May 9 in 2023. Schedule for this year 2024 is to be announced
.
The Botan Garden is located inside the compound of Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Ueno Park in Taito-ku

The Botan flowers at the garden are covered with umbrellas and shelters made of marsh-reeds. It is to protect the flowers from strong sunlights and rains according to the official.

200 kinds 3,000 plants some of them donated from China are opening their gorgeous flowers. Peony is the National flower of China.

URL: Ueno Toshogu
Access: Ueno Station on JR Yamanote Line. A few minutes walk from the Ueno Dobutsuen (Zoo) Exit of the station
Admission: 600 yen
Telephone: 03-3822-3575 (Peony Garden)/ Ueno Toshogu Shrine 03-3822-3455
more photos
Tsutsuji Matsuri (Azalea Festival)
March 30-April 30 in 2024
Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo-ku.

The shrine is well known for its wealth of azaleas. About 3,000 bushes of 50 different kinds densely cover a gentle slope of the shrine compound. On Sundays and national holidays Japanese drum beatings, a koto concert, traditional dances are scheduled for visitors during the festival.

URL: http://www.nedujinja.or.jp/
The garden opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: 200 yen. Access: Sendagi or Nezu Station on Subway Chiyoda Line. 10 minutes walk.
Telephone: 03-3822-0753/03-3822-8753
more photos
Tatebayashi Azalea Festival
April 8-May 6, 2024
Tsutsuji-ga-oka Azalea Garden, Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture

From the middle of April through to the beginning of May, over fifty varieties of azaleas, some 10,000 plants in all. Among them are old trees and plants more than four meters tall, and a group of giant Yamatsutsuji azaleas that are more than 800 years old, a variety not found elsewhere in the world. The place is specified as scenic place of Japan. (from Tatebayashi Tourism Association Pamphlet)

URL: http://www.city.tatebayashi.gunma.jp/tsutsuji/ (Japanese)
URL: http://www.utyututuji.jp/world/en.html (English)

Address: 3278 Hanayama-cho, Tatebayashi
Access: 40 minutes walk from Tatebayashi Station on Tobu Isezaki Line (shuttle bus during the azalea festival period April 10-May 10)
Admission: 620 yen
Telephone: 0276-74-5233 (Tatebayashi Sightseeing Association)
more photos
Oiran Dochu (Reenacted parade of oiran courtesans in Edo Era) at Oku-Asakusa Komatsubashi Dori Street Yoshiwara area of Taito-ku
Cancelled this year in 2024.

Yoshiwara (now part of the Senzoku, Taito-ku) was from the early years of the Edo period (1600-1868) until 1958 (prostition banned in Japan), the location of the most famous government licensed quarter of prostitutions in Japan.

It was not a simple collection of brothels, rather a highly sophisticated level of entertainment was offered here. New genres of music, art and literature developed around this place played a great role in the cultural history of Edo period.

Oiran, a high-class courtesans were expected to have a high level of culture to associate with customers of high ranking personnels in the society and wealthy merchants of Edo.

See also: Yoshiwara

Access: Subway Asakusa Station (10 minutes walk from behind the Sensoji Temple) or Subway Hibiya Line Iriya Station 15 minutes walk
Telephone: 03-5811-1929/ 03-3842-5566 (Taito-ku Kanko Center in front of Kaminarimon)
more photos
Shirasagi-no-mai (White Heron Dance)
Apri14 (Sun) in 2024 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Taito-ku.

The dance was a ritual of Shintoism and has its roots in the Gion Festival of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto back in the Heian Period (794-1185). The dance was recorded in Sensoji Keian Engi Emaki, an ancient picture scroll of the Sensoji temple. In 1968, the Asakusa Tourist Federation restored the dance in an event commemorating the 100th anniversary of Tokyo as the nation's capital.

The dance troup consists of 8 white heron dancers, 3 samurai warriors, 1 baton twirler, 1 grand umbrella holder, 19 musicians and guardian children of Sensoji Temple Kindergarten in traditional costumes. The parade starts from Denpoin Area.

The Shirasagi-no-mai is also performed in Sanja Matsuri in May and Tokyo Jidai Matsuri on Nov. 3.

URL: Sensoji
Access: Asakusa Station Subway Ginza Line, Toei (Metropolitan) Subway Asakusa Line and Tobu Isezaki Line.
Telephone: 03-3842-0181 (Sensoji Temple)/ 03-3842-5566 (Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center)
more photos
The SO-KEI Regatta
April 16 (Sun) in 2023. For this year in 2024 schedules to be announced.
Course: The Sumida River from Ryogoku Bridge to Sakura Bridge near Asakusa

The three-kilo-meter race between the two prestigious private univiersities of Japan starts from the Ryogoku Bridge at 2:50 p.m. for the goal, Sakurabashi Bridge near Asakusa.

More than 10 races preceding the final race between the two colleges will be held starting at 9 a.m. The races will be between the teams of the two colleges - affiliated high schools, departments, female students, graduates, etc. plus a guest race between Tokyo University and Hitotsubashi University. Specutacular performances of cheering sections of the two opposing colleges will enjoy the spectators.

URL: http://www.the-regatta.com/
Access: Asakusa Station on Subway Ginza Line, Toei Subway Asakusa Line, Tsukuba Express and Tobu Isezaki Line.
Telephone: 03-3842-5566 (Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center)/ 048-442-4064
more photos

Asakusa Yabusame
April , 1 p.m. (Date To be announced)
Sumida Park in Taito-ku

Sumida Park is located on both sides of the Sumida River and Yabusame takes place on Asakusa side of the park at 1 p.m.
Preceding the Yabusame, "Kusajishi" Japanese traditional archery from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. near the Sakurabashi Bridge.

Horseback archers depart Denpoin Temple at noon and parade to Sumida Park near Azumabashi Bridge. Yabusame is a warrior's form of religious exercise performed in shrine precincts by mounted archers who shoot at three stationary targets while riding a horse at a full gallop. The first recorded instance of yabusame goes back to 1096 performed in the presence of the retired emperor Shirakawa. The excitement and spectacle of yabusame are heightened by the riders' elegant attire. There are three families to inherit this history long art of Yabusame - the Miura, the Ogasawara and the Takeda.
Yabusame at Asakusa was performed by the members of the Ogasawara.

URL: Asakusa Yabusame
Nearest Stn: Asakusa on Subway Ginza Line, on Toei Subway Asakusa Line and Tobu Isezaki Line.
Telephone: 03-3842-5566 (Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center)

 a
more photos
Daidai Kagura
April 21 (Sun) at 2 p.m.
Shinagawa Jinja Shrine in Shinagawa-ku

The daidai kagura of Shinagawa Shrine is a designated as an important cultural asset of Tokyo. Kagura is sacred music and dance indispensable to shrine festivals. Its history is as old as the country. It first appeared in Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters written in the 8th century) in which God Ameno Uzume-no-Mikoto gave dance and song to urge God Amaterasu Omikami to reappear from the cave in which she was hiding.

There are two types of kagura. One is kagura-mai and the other sato-kagura. Kagura-mai is the original song and dance held to amuse the kami (shinto gods), and sato-kagura is to amuse the people visiting the shrine festivals. Daidai kakura of Shinagawa shrine belongs to the former.

URL: Shinagawa Shrine
Access: Shinbanba Station on Keikyu. 1 minute walk from the station.
Telephone: 03-3474-5575 (Shinagawa Shrine)
more photos
Fuji (Wisteria) Matsuri
April 6-April 30, 2024
Kameido Tenjin Shrine, Koto-ku.

The wisteria of the shrine was first planted about 350 years ago the same time when the shrine was built. It became popular among the people of Edo (Tokyo) during the Edo period (1603-1867).

Wisteria is a rapid growing vine and is used for covering courts, trellises, and passage ways. The blossoms hang down in festoon-like pendants and they are usually of a violet colour.

URL: Kameido Tenjin
Access: Kameido Station on JR Sobu Line. 15 minutes walk.
Telephone: 03-3681-0010 (Kameido Tenjin)
more photos
Annual Spring Festival of Yasukuni Shrine
April 21,22 and 23
Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda-ku.

The shrine honors those who had fought and gave their lives for Japan. It often stirs up an international controversy when the prime minister and cabinet members visit the shrine on this occasion.

The shrine was founded in 1869 and is dedicated to 2.5 million war-dead soldiers and other personnel.

URL: Yasukuni Shrine
Access: Kudan-shita Stn on Subways Tozai Line and Hanzomon Line.
Telephone: 03-3261-8326
more photos
Annual Spring Festival of Yasukuni Shrine
April 21 and April 23
Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda-ku.

All the shinto shrines in Japan hold annual festivals in spring and autumn. In spring, they pray for a good harvest and in autumn, they thank for it to god.

Scenes visitors find different from other shrines at Yasukuni are figures of the veterans and bereaved family members of the deceased of former Japan's Imperial Army and Navy. The veterans and the survivors are aging and sooner or later people will not be able to see them at the shrine. It is throwing shadows on the future of the Yasukuni shrine.

URL: Yasukuni Shrine
more photos

Noge Street Performances
April 20 and 21 in 2024
URL: http://nogedaidogei.com/

One of the biggest street performance festivals in Japan. The Yokohama Daidogei Street Performances and Noge Daidogei Street Performances provide a vast variety of colors contributing towards a holiday atmosphere. The Yokohama Daidogei event is held at various places in Yokohama and Noge Daidogei at Noge near Sakuragicho Station.

Access to Noge Street Performances: JR Negishi Line Sakuragicho Station or Keikyu Line Hinodecho Station
Telephone: 045-662-0931 (Yokohama Street Performances)/ 045-262-1234 (Noge Street Performances)
(picture at Noge Daidogei)
more photos
Shoes Festival (Konkon Kutsu-ichi)
April 27 and 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Shoe Mikoshi at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Tamahime Inari Shrine
Kiyokawa, Taito-ku

This unique festival is held at Tamahime Inari Shrine in Kiyokawa, Taito-ku two times a year in April and November each on the last Saturday and Sunday by manufacturers of shoes, bags etc. to thank god and pray for their good businesses.
Also, a memorial service is held for the old footwears which people brought to the shrine for the repose of them. Around the shrine are many shoe manufacturers and during the festival, inside the compound of the shrine about 30 manufacturers and traders open shops and shoes are sold at bargain prices.
Women carry a mikoshi decorated with Cinderella's shoe. Each year about 50,000 people visit the shrine for the festival.

URL: Konkon Kutsu Ichi
Address: 2-13-20
Access: 10 minutes walk from Minami Senju Station on JR Joban Line and Subway Hibiya Line
Telephone: 03-3872-3411 (Festival Committee)/ 03-3872-3411 (Tamahime Inari Shrine)
more photos
Confucian Festival at Yushima Seido (Confucian Sacred Hall) in Yushima, Bunkyo-ku.
April 28 (4th Sunday) from 10 a.m.

The festival dedicated to Confucious has its origin in ancient China where people made sacrificial offerrings of cows and sheep to Confucious and other saints. Today, at Yushima Seido they offer sake (rice wine), carp, fruits and vegetables to the saints. The first ceremony in Japan was performed personally by Hayashi Razan (confucian scholar) at his residence in 1633. In 1690, the Tokugawa shogunate founded Yushima Seido at this place as a national center for studies of Confucianism and the first Confucian festival took place in the following year.
The program of the ceremony included a greeting by the present 18th Tokugawa family head Tokugawa Tsunenari and a lecture on the Analects of Confucious by the professor emeritus of Tokyo University Yoshio Togawa.

URL: Yushima Seido
Confucian Hall Admission: Free
Open 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (4 in winter)
Main Hall opens only on Saturday and Sunday.
Closed Aug. 13 through 17 in summer and Dec. 29 through 31 in the year-end
Address: 1-4-25 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku
Access: Ochanomizu Station on JR Chuo-Sobu Line, Ochanomizu Station on Subway Marunouchi Line and Shin Ochanomizu Station on Subway Chiyoda Line.
Telephone: 03-3251-4606 (Shibunkai)
more photos
Kobudo (old martial arts of Japan)
April 29 (Every year the same day on the Showa-no-Hi National Holiday)
Shinto ritual will be held at 10:30 a.m. and performances of kobudo from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m
Katori Jinja Shrine in Kameido, Koto-ku.

Katori Shrine of Kameido is very close to Kameido Tenjin Shrine. It would be nice to visit Kameido Tenjin also where Fuji (Wisteria) Matsuri Festival is going on now.

In the Edo peiriod (1600-1868), samurai warriors were required to learn six martial arts: sword play (kenjutsu now known as kendo), spearmanship, archery, horseback riding, jujutsu (now known as judo), and firearms.
After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the content of martial arts changed greatly and traditional budo was almost forgotten as not keeping up with the times. But, Kobudo did not follow the modern changes and continued to practice techniques preserving the original spirits and styles. Kobudo carries aspect of danger of real combat while modern martial arts put emphasis more on sports.

URL: Katori Jinja
Access: Kameido Station on JR Sobu Line. 15 minutes walk.
Telephone: 03-3684-2813 (Katori Jinja Shrine)
more photos
Firemen's Annual Memorial Service
Yutenji Temple in Meguro

April 29 (Mon) from noon
The event was moved from Sensoji Temple in Asakusa to Yutenji Temple in Meguro-ku from 2016.

The event is the memorial service for the 120 firemen who lost their lives in firefightings from the Edo period to the early Showa. Following the memorial service, a parade of "matoi" - traditional firemen's standard bearers and "hashigo nori" - acrobatic performances on bamboo ladders by the Edo Firemen's Culture Preservation Group.

URL: http://www.yutenji.or.jp/index.asp
Access: Yutenji, Toyoko Line from Shibuya
Telephone: 03-3712-9960 (Yutenji)/ 03-5269-7210 (Edo Firemen's Kinenkai)
more photos
Firemen's Annual Memorial Service
At Yutenji Temple in Yutenji, Meguro-ku
Date: April 29, Time: noon.
The event moved from Sensoji Temple in Asakusa to Yutenji Temple in Meguro-ku in 2016

The event is the memorial service for the 120 firemen who lost their lives in firefightings from the Edo period to the early Showa. Following the memorial service, a parade of "matoi" - traditional firemen's standard bearers and "hashigo nori" - acrobatic performances on bamboo ladders by the Edo Firemen's Culture Preservation Group.

URL: http://www.yutenji.or.jp/index.asp
Access: Yutenji, Toyoko Line from Shibuya
Telephone: 03-3712-9960 (Yutenji)/ 03-5269-7210 (Edo Firemen's Kinenkai)
more photos
Annual Spring Festival of Meiji Shrine
May 2 and 3
Bugaku will be performed preceding the Annual Festival toward the end of April from 11 a.m. on the day but the date is to be announced for the year 2024.
Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku

The shrine is dedicated to the momory of the Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken. The shrine which is in the beautiful environment was built on November 1, 1920 after Emperor Meiji passed away in 1912 and his wife in 1914.

May 2 - Morning Ceremony at 10 a.m./Noh and Kyogen (classical Japanese dance) at 11:45 a.m./ Afternoon Ceremony at 3:45 p.m../ Hogaku and Hobu (classical Japanese theater) at 3:45 p.m.
May 3 - Archery at 9 a.m./ Grand Ceremony at 10 a.m./ Sankyoku (traditional Japanese theater) at 12 noon/ Satsuma Biwa (Japanese lute) at 2:30 p.m.

URL: Meiji Jingu
Address: 1-1 Kamizono-cho, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
Access: Harajuku Station on JR Yamanote Line and Meiji Jingue Mae Station on Subway Chiyoda Line
Telephone: 03-3379-5511
more photos
Mashiko Pottery Fair/Festivals
April 27-May 6, 2024
9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Everyday during the festival)

The pottery fair or festival at Mashiko started in 1966. It is held two times a year in spring during the Golden Week holidays (late April to early May) and in autumn in November. Approximately 500 tents dealers and about 50 permanent pottery stores line the main street of Mashiko's Jonaizaka Street for about 500 meters. Mashiko potteries are sold from traditional Mashiko earthen wares such as daily necessities cups and dishes to artistic pottery products. Last spring in 2015, 350,000 people visited the festival for eight days.

URL: Mashiko Pottery Fair (Japanese)
URL: Mashiko Pottery Fair (English)

Access: Mashiko Station on Mouka Railways
Telephone: 0285-70-1120 (Mashiko Kanko Kyokai)
more photos
Yokonakaba Shishimai
Choenji Temple in Musashi Murayama City
April 29 (Every year the same day of the month) 2024 April 29 (Mon) at Choenji Temple from 9 a.m.

The origin of the Yoko-Naka-Ba shishimai (lion dance) goes back to the year in 1752 when an epidemic broke out in the area and the villagers of three - Yokota, Nakamura and Baba offered a shishimai to god in pray for the suppression of the plague. Starting from Choenji Temple at 9 a.m., the shishimai troupe visits three shrines of each village.

Uniqueness of the shishimai here is the materials used for the hairs of shishi. They are made from wood shavings produced at the Ise Shrine to build new shrine buildings. Pieces of wood shavings picked up by people are believed to bring a good luck to them. People keep them as a good-luck charm.

Musashi Murayama is located in the western suburbs of Tokyo. The area used to be a farming area and now is a bed town of Tokyo.

Access: Tachikawa Bus from North Exit of JR Tachikawa Station (30 minutes bus ride, get off at Choenji Temple).
Telephone 042-560-6620 (Musashi Murayama History and Folk Arts Museum)/ 042-560-3900 (Choenji temple)
more photos
Fuji Matsuri (Wisteria Festival)
April 12-May 6 Cancelled
Tojotei in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture

The Tojotei, a well preserved residence and a garden, was a villa of the younger brother (Tokugawa Akitake) of the 15th and the last Tokugawa Shogun (Tokugawa Keiki). It is now owned by Matsudo City and is a nice picnic spot for the citizens of Matsudo.

Wisteria displayed here are all grown in pots. The Tojotei is located on top of a hill from where people can view the Edogawa River running just below and Mt. Fuji in front when the weather is fine.

URL: https://www.city.matsudo.chiba.jp/tojo
Open: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed on Mon)
Access: 15 minutes walk from Matsudo Station on JR Joban Line.
Admission: 150 yen.
Telephone: 047-362-2050 (Tojotei)/ 047-361-0056
more photos
Wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park
Late April to Early May Best to see
Time: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

The park contains eight thematic gardens delighting visitors with beautiful flowers all seasons. Must-see sights are the four large wisteria trellises.

The giant 130 year wisteria tree was first located at the Hayakawa Farm of Horigome-cho in the midst of Ashikaga City but due to the urban developement plan of Ashikaga City, the jumbo wisteria tree was moved to the present site of Hasama-cho, Ashikaga, suburban areas of the city in 1997 and became the symbol of the newly opened park. Besides the wisterias, visitors can enjoy azaleas in full bloom at this time of the year.

Visitors at the park are also recommended to call at Kurita Museum. They have great collections of Imari and Nabeshima wares. Location is just across the train lines of JR Ryomo Line from the flower park.

URL: Ashikaga Flower Park
Address: 607 Hasama-cho, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture
Admission: 1,800 yen (varies depending on blooming of the flowers)
Access: Tomita Station on JR Ryomo Line
Telephone: 0284-91-4939
more photos

Return to top of this page