Tokyo Festivals

AUGUST 2019

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

(*) covered events

		FESTIVALS	FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
1	Thu	*Bon Odori at Tsukiji Honganji July 31 through Aug. 3	Koto Hanabi Taikai (Tokyo) (4,000) 03-3647-4963
		*Fussa Tanabata Matsuri Aug. 1-4	Lake Sagami Hanabi Taikai (Kanagawa Prefecture)(4,000) 042-684-2633
		*Hibiya Park Giant Morning Glory Exhibition (July 28-Aug. 3)
2	Fri	*Bon Odori at Tsukiji Honganji July 31 through Aug. 3
		*Fussa Tanabata Matsuri Aug. 2-5
		*Hibiya Park Giant Morning Glory Exhibition (July 28-Aug. 3)
3	Sat	*Bon Odori at Tsukiji Honganji July 31 through Aug. 3	Yugawara (Kanagawa) (6,000) 0465-63-2111
		*Fussa Tanabata Matsuri Aug. 2-5	Itabashi (Tokyo)(12,000) 03-3579-2255
		*Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri Aug. 3-7	Edogawa Hanabi Taikai (Tokyo)(14,000) 03-5662-0523
		*Takasaki Matsuri Aug. 3 and 4	Atsugi (Kanagawa)(10,000) 046-295-5496
		*Hachioji Matsuri Aug. 3 and 4	Ome Hanabi Taikai (Tokyo)(4,100) 0428-24-2481
		*Hibiya Park Giant Morning Glory Exhibition (July 28-Aug. 3)	Asaka (Saitama)(9000) 048-463-2645
			Ichikawa Hanabi Taikai (Chiba)(14,000) 047-711-1142
			Matsudo Hanabi Taikai (Chiba)(8,000) 047-366-7327
			Teganuma (Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture)(13500) 047-162-3325
			Yokosuka Hanabi Taikai (Kanagawa)(5000) 046-822-8301
			Odawara Hanabi Taikai (Kanagawa)(10,000) 0465-22-5002
4	Sun	*Dengaku at Oji Shrine
		*Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri Aug. 3-7
		*Takasaki Matsuri Aug. 3 and 4
		*Hachioji Matsuri Aug. 3 and 4
		*Bon Odori at Ikegami Honmonji Aug. 4 and 5
5	Mon	*Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri Aug. 3-7
		*Bon Odori at Ikegami Honmonji Aug. 4 and 5
6	Tue	*Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri Aug. 3-7
7	Wed	*Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri Aug. 3-7
8	Thu
9	Fri
10	Sat		Saitama City Higashi Urawa (Saitama)(5,000) 0180-99-3144
			Kumagaya (Saitama)(10,000) 048-594-6677
			Jingu Gaien (Tokyo)(10,000)(admission paid) 03-3547-0920
11	Sun	National Holiday (Mountain Day)
12	Mon	Compt Holiday of Aug. 11
13	Tue
14	Wed
15	Thu	*End of The War Memorial Day at Yasukuni Shrine
16	Fri	*Kiraigo at Kosaiji in Yokoshiba, Chiba Prefecture
17	Sat	*Kugenuma Kou Daijingu Festival
18	Sun
19	Mon
20	Tue
21	Wed
22	Thu
23	Fri	*Hibiya Park Marunouchi Bon Odori Aug. 23 and 24
24	Sat	*Hibiya Park Marunouchi Bon Odori Aug. 23 and 24
		*Minami Koshigaya Awa Odori Aug. 24 and 25
		*Harajuku Super Yosakoi Aug. 24 and 25
		*Azabu Juban Noryo Matsuri Aug. 24 and 25
		*Koenji Awa Odori Aug. 24 and 25
		*Tachikawa Suwa Shrine Festival Aug. 24 and 25
25	Sun	*Minami Koshigaya Awa Odori Aug. 24 and 25
		*Harajuku Super Yosakoi Aug. 24 and 25
		*Azabu Juban Noryo Matsuri Aug. 24 and 25
		*Koenji Awa Odori Aug. 24 and 25
		*Tachikawa Suwa Shrine Festival Aug. 24 and 25
26	Mon
27	Tue
28	Wed
29	Thu
30	Fri
31	Sat	*Asakusa Samba Carnival

Bon Odori Dance at Tsukiji Honganji Temple July 31 (Wed) through Aug. 3 (Sat) from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. but on Aug. 3, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tsukiji Honganji in Tsukiji, Chuo-ku Bon Odori (Bon Dance) was originally danced in honor of the dead during the O-Bon season. The Japanese people believed the spirits of the dead return to the homes where they used to live in O-Bon season. The dance varies according to the district, but the general features are that the participants, both men and women as well as children assemble at temples or the village common, form a circle and dance round to the music of flutes and drums, singing as they dance. The dance continues throughout the night at some places. Tsukiji Honganji is a Jodo Shinshu sect buddhism temple. The unique building was designed by Chuta Ito. It was modeled after an ancient Indian temple and constructed in 1934. Tsukiji Honganji Address: 15-1, Tsukiji 3-chome, Chuo-ku Access: Tsukiji Station on Subway Hibiya Line Telephone: ０３-３５４１-１１３１
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FUSSA TANABATA MATSURI Aug. 1 (Thu)-Aug. 4 (Sun) Fussa City, Western Suburbs of Tokyo First Fussa Tanabata Matsuri was held in 1951 when the population of the city was 15,000 (58,000 as of July, 2016). Origin of the festival is the famous Sendai's Tanabata Festival in Miyagi Prefecture. A then-official of Fussa City visited the Festival of Sendai and was greatly impressed by the beauty of Sendai Tanabata and brought it to Fussa for the development of the local shopping district and as a summer event of the city. Today, the Fussa's Tanabata Festival expanded and has become one of the most popular summer event in western suburbs of Tokyo. "Yokota Tanabata Dancers" will join the "Minyo Parade" of the festival on August 2 (Fri) from 5:30 p.m.to 8:40 p.m. The parade consists of 37 groups with 1,700 tanabata dancers. Fussa Tanabata Matsuri Access: Fussa Station on JR Ome Line (40 minutes from Shinjuku) Telephone: 042-551-1699/ 042-552-2405 (during the festival)
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Edogawa Hanabi Taikai August 3, Saturday 7:15 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Place: Edogawa River Bank near Shinozaki, Edogawa-ku Access: 15 minutes walk from Shinozaki Station on Metropolitan Subway Shinjuku Line Telephone (Edogawa Ward Office) 03-5662-0523 The fireworks display at the River Sumida in Tokyo is most famous, yet, it is not recommended since it is very difficult to have fine views of fireworks displays because the area is filled with high rise buildings alongside the river and too many viewers may frustrate you. Recommended places of Hanabi Taikai in Tokyo are Adachi's Hanabi Taikai on July 20 (Sat) at the Arakawa River near Kita Senju, Edogawa-ku Hanabi Taikai on Aug. 3 near Shinozaki at the Edogawa River and Katsushika Hanabi Taikai on July 23 at the Edogawa River near Shibamata. http://hanabi.walkerplus.com/detail/ar0313e00863/
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Most popular swimming beach in Kanto district is Enoshima in Katase, Fujisawa City in Kanagawa Prefecture. The beach is about one hour from Shinjuku, Tokyo by Odakyu Train or 23 minutes from Kamakura by Enoshima Dentetsu Railways. The beach lies on both sides of the bridge connecting Katase and Enoshima Island which is a famous sightseeing spot since the Edo period (1603-1868). The goddess Benten in the island attracted many visitors who believe in Benten's merciful benevolences. The Enoshima beach is today a popular center for surfing, windsurfing and sailing. There are many shops around which will rent surfboards, and offer windsurfing or scuba lessons. Access: Katase Enoshima Station on Odakyu Line from Shinjuku and Enoshima Station on Enoshima Dentetsu Railways from Kamakukra and Fujisawa. Telephone: 0466-24-4141(Katase Enoshima Kanko An-naijo)
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Enoshima is a little island off Katase, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. There was a time when no one was allowed to live on the island in the ancient days and only fishermen went there to fish. Enoshima Shrine was erectred by fishermen as a shrine for their guardian deity. In 1182, Minamoto-no-Yoritomo, founder of the Kamakura shogunate, consecrated a statue of Benten in a cave of the island to pray for his successful pacification of the northern regions. Successive Kamakura generals also paid homage to the Benten. The worship by such great leaders made the public regard Enoshima Benten as the deity granting them happiness and luck. Access: Katase Enoshima Station on Odakyu Line from Shinjuku or Enoshima Station on Enoshima Dentetsu Railways from Kamakukra and Fujisawa. Telephone: 046-622-4020
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Enoshima's Iwaya Caves are situated on the point of the island facing the Pacific ocean. The caves were formed by erosions through wave actions. It is believed that Kobo Daishi (774-835), the founder of Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, visited here to train and also Minamoto-no-Yoritomo (1147-1199) the founder of the Kamakura Shogunate came here to pray for a victory in battle. Inside the caves are centuries old stone statues of Buddhism gods. A small ferry boat carries visitors to the point of the island from the shore for 400 yen and an entrance fee into the caves is 500 yen. Access: Katase Enoshima Station on Odakyu Line from Shinjuku and Enoshima Station on Enoshima Dentetsu Railways from Kamakukra and Fujisawa. Telephone: 0466-24-4141(Katase Enoshima Kanko Annaijo)
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Lotus Flowers　at Shinobazu-no-ike Pond in Ueno Park, Taito-ku. The flowers will be in full bloom toward the end of July to middle of August. The flowers open early in the morning and close in the afternoon. Visitors are recommended to visit in early hours of the day (until 10 a.m.) before the flowers close. In Japan, the roots are eaten as a vegetable "renkon." Lotus is a sacred flower closely connected with Buddhism - many images of the Buddha showing him seated on lotus petals.The temple building at the center of the pond is Benten-do. Address: 3-chome, Ikenohata, Ueno Park, Taito-ku Access: Ueno Station on JR Yamanote Line. Telephone: 03-3828-5644 (Ueno Park Administration Office)
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White Lotus Flowers of Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. Lotus (Hasu in Japanese) grows in ponds and marshes and has very large roots which are eaten as vegetables (renkon). It puts flowers of either pink or white in middle of July to middle of August opening in the early morning and closing in the afternoon. At Tsurugaoka Hachiman, the colors of Hasu flowers are mostly white . Hasu is a sacred flower closely connected with Buddhism. Many images of of the Buddha show him seated on lotus petals or leaves. Address: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura City, Kanagwa Prefecture. Access: Kamakura Station on JR Yokosuka Line and Enoshima Dentetsu Railways. Telephone: 0467-22-0315
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Hachioji Matsuri Aug. 3 (Sat) and 4 (Sun) Hachioji City Hachioji Matsuri (Festival) is the largest festival of Hachioji City located in the western suburbs of Tokyo. The festival is held from the first Friday of August for three days every year and the highlight of the festival comes on Sunday. Parade of more than ten colorful dashi (festival floats) at night on Saturday and Sunday along the Koshu Kaido Highway (the road is closed during the festival days). Beautiful traditional dashi of Hachioji are known throughout the Kanto area. http://www.hachiojimatsuri.jp/ Access: Hachioji Station on JR Chuo Line/ Keio Hachioji Station on Keio Line Telephone: 042-648-1531 (Hachioji Festival Jikko Iinkai)
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Takasaki Matsuri Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture August 3 (Sat) and 4 (Sun) Takasaki is the second largest city next to Maebashi the capital of the prefecturein Gunma Prefecture . Takasaki is located about 100 k.m. north of Tokyo. The city has a population about 370,000 and once prospered for sericultural industry. Takasaki boasts the city has more dashi floats than any other cities in Kanto area. They have as many as 38 and each year about half of them parade the city. The dashi of Takaski are all Edo (Tokyo) style three storied structures having dolls on top. Dolls are legendery emperors and historical heroes of Japan. The festival has various entertainments including mikoshi, taiko drums, fire works display at night etc. http://www.takasaki-matsuri.jp/41/ Access: Takasaki Station on JR Takasaki Line (1 hour and 45 minutes local train trip from JR Ueno Station, Tokyo/ Bullet train from Tokyo Station also stops at the station (40 minutes). Telephone: 027-321-1257 (Festival Committee)
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Tsukuda Sumiyoshi Shrine Grand Festival The grand festival is held once in three years. This year falls on a minor festival year and the next grand festival will be in 2021. Sumiyoshi Shrine is based in Osaka. The Sumiyoshi Shrine in Tsukuda was built by people mostly fishermen who moved from Osaka to Edo (Tokyo) in the early 17th century when Tokugawa shogunate opened its capital in Edo. It is said that the original 30 fishermen who came here were entrusted with the task of supplying the shogun with fish. http://www.sumiyoshijinja.or.jp/reisai.html Tsukuda-jima, Chuo-ku Address: 1-1-14 Tsukuda, Chuo-ku Access: Tsukishima Station on Subway Yurakucho Line Telephone: 03-3531-3500
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Bon Odori at Ikegami Honmonji Temple Aug. 4 (Sun) and 5 (Mon) from 7 p.m. Every year the days of the month. Ikegami Honmonji in Ikegami, Ota-ku. Bon Odori (Bon Dance) is danced in honor of the dead during the O-Bon season. The Japanese people believed the spirits of the dead return to the homes where they used to live in O-Bon season. The dance varies according to the district, but the general features are that the participants, both men and women as well as children assemble at temple or village common, form a circle and dance round to the music of flutes and drums, singing as they dance. The dance continues throughout the night at some places. The mode of dancing is very simple and the songs mostly love ditties or ballads. Ikegami Honmonji is a temple of Nichiren sect of Japanese Buddhism. It is also known as the place Nichiren breathed his last. http://honmonji.jp/foreign/en.html Address: 1-1-1 Ikegami, Ota-ku Access: Ikegami Station on Tokyu Ikegami Line 10 minutes walk Telephone: 03-3752-2331
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Dengaku Aug. 4 (Sun) 4:30 p.m. Oji Shrine in Oji, Kita-ku Dengaku is a type of music and dance associated with agriculture (rice production) to pray for the abundance of the crop. It became popular in Kamakura period (1185-1333) and the ritual is preserved to today. Choreographed dance is performed to the music of the flute, drum and sasara (wooden pieces threaded together to produce a cracking sound when snapped). Dengaku dance at Oji Shrine possesses elegance of antiquity and is designated as an intangible cultural asset of Kita Ward. It will be performed at 4:30 p.m. in the precincts of the shrine after a short parade from a nearby school. http://ojijinja.tokyo.jp/ Address: 1-1-2 Oji Honcho, Oji, Kita-ku Access: Oji Station on JR Keihin Tohoku Line/ Oji Station on Metropolitan Subway Mita Line and Subway Nanboku Line Telephone: 03-3907-7808
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Suneori Amagoi August 7 (Sun) in 2016 The event is held once in four years in the Olympic year. Tsurugashima in Saitama Prefecture In the old time, amagoi (rain prayers) were offered for a rainfall to the god when droughts parched rice-fields, light plants and flowers drying up wells and rivers. At Suneori district of Tsurugashima City in Saitama Prefecture, the farmers believed that rains fall whenever they pray for rains to the god of the Raiden (thunder) shrine of Kandachigaike pond. The villagers thought in the pond, a giant snake or a dragon lives and the dragon being the god of rains listened to their prayers and they had rains. 300 people carry the 36-meter and 3-ton bamboo and straw made dragon from Shirahige shrine to Kandachigaike pond for 2 kilo meters crossing Highway 407. The procession begins at 1 p.m. and the traditional ritual ends at 4:25 p.m. Suijin (the water god) shrines are found in many places of Japan. In the old time, farmers prayed for rains to Suijin which enshrines the dragon god. Suneori Amagoi Access: Wakaba Station on Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro. Telephone: 049-285-2194 (Tsurugashima Kyoiku Iinkai)
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Encho Matsuri Zenshoan Temple, Yanaka, Taito-ku . The festival is discontinued indefinitely. The temple displays paintings of "yurei" (ghosts) of about 30 collected by Encho August 1 through 31. Programs of the discontinued Encho Matsuri at Zenshoan Temple some years ago. Aug. 5 (Sun): 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Many stalls will be set up by rakugo story tellers at Bosai Hiroba behind Zenshoan Temple and foods, beer and goods related to rakugo will be sold. Also various entertainments including singing show are planned. Aug. 11 (Sat): Rakugo storytellers burn their used sensu (Japanese fans) in otakiage ceremony at about 11 a.m. There will be rakugo performances after the memorial service. San-yutei Encho (1839-1900), a professional rakugo storyteller, is said that no one was more skillful in the recitations of ninjo-banashi (compassionate story about human nature) and of tales of the supernatural (yurei - ghost). He is particularly famous for "Botandoro" (The Peony Lantern) a ghost story. Encho died August 11 in 1900 and was buried here. The temple also displays ghost scroll collections of Encho. Address: 5-4-7 Yanaka, Taito-ku Access: Sendagi Station on Subway Chiyoda Line Telephone: 03-3821-4715
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Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri at Asagaya, Suginami-ku Aug. 3 (Sat) through Aug. 7 (Wed) 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily 700 meter long street of Asagaya Pearl Shopping Center is just across a street from JR Asagaya Station. The shopping street is decked out with colorful decorations of Tanabata paper streamers and a large number of giant papier-mache of cute Japanese popular comic and animation characters. The decorations are made by shop owners and school children of the Asagaya area. The streets are packed with families with children as well as general public including senior citizens during the festival. The event is produced and operated totally by the hands of merchants of the shopping center. Asagaya Tanabata Access: Asagaya Station on JR Chuo Line Telephone: 03-3312-6181 (Asagaya Shotengai Shinko Kumiai)
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Annual Festival of Tomioka Hachiman-gu Shrine Aug. 11 through Aug. 15 Tomioka Hachiman-gu Shrine, Fukagawa, Koto-ku. The festival of Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine is popular since the time of Edo period (1603-1868). The festival is counted as one of the three most popular festivals of Edo (Tokyo). This year (2019) falls on a minor festival year and there will not be a grand festivities. Instead on August 11, there will be a parade of many children's mikoshis from 9 a.m. starting from in front of the shrine and parade Eitai dori street until 11a.m. Various entertainments are planned at the stages inside the shrine during the festival days Aug. 11 through Aug. 15. Sunday (Aug. 11): Koto and Shamisen Music at 11 a.m.., Japanese traditional dances at 12:30 p.m., Karate at 3 p.m., Shorinji Kenpo at 4:30 p.m., Jazz at 6 p.m. and Taiko Japanese drum beating at 7:30 p.m. Monday (Aug. 12): Japanese Drums at 3 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 13): Singing Show at 12:30 p.m., Koto Music at 3:30 p.m. and Taiko Japanese Drums at 5 p.m. Wednesday (Aug. 14): Singing Show at 3:30 p.m., Noh at 5 p.m. and Dances at 7 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 15): Bugaku at 2:30 p.m., Marimba at 4 p.m., Koto at 5:30 p.m., Tea Ceremony at 6 p.m. and., Gameran Indonesian music and dance at 8 p.m. http://www.tomiokahachimangu.or.jp/ Access: Monzen Nakacho Station on Subway Tozai Line. Telephone: 03-3642-1315 (Tomioka Hachiman)
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Yasukuni Shrine August 15 (The Day Japan Surrendered in 1945) Every year when August 15 nears, messages and warnings come in from South Korea and China demanding the high officials of the Japanese government not to visit the shrine where Japanese war dead including Class A War Criminals are enshrined. At the Yasukuni shrine, 2.5 million Japanese war dead since Meiji Era are enshrined. This year in 2019, Prime Minister Abe will be withholding visiting the shrine on August 15. Some war veterans appear wearing the imperial army and navy uniforms. Also groups of right wing nationalists are seen creating tense atmospheres in and around the shrine. At the Budokan Hall which is located across the street to Yasukuni Shrine, The 74th Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead will be held with the attendances of Emeror and Empress as well as Prime Minister near noon. Many people also visit Yasukuni Shrine after attending the ceremony at Budokan which is finished at 1 p.m. Kitanomaru Park where Budokan is located will become off-limits from 5 p.m. August 14 to 1 p.m. August 15. Yasukuni Shrine Address: 3-1-1 Kudanshita, Chiyoda-ku Access: Kudanshita Station on Subway Tozai Line and Hanzomon Line. 5 minutes walk. Telephone: 03-3261-8326
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Kiraigo Buddhism Hell Drama at Kosaiji Temple Musho Village, Yokoshiba, Chiba Prefecture August 16 (every year the same day) This unique Buddhism drama which is designated as one the intangible folk cultural assets of Japan has a long history of 800 years since the time of Kamakura period (1185-1333). The play has been preserved and performed by the villagers and the children of Musho every year without a suspended year since then.. Outline of the one hour and half drama is Jutice in hell by Enma Daioh (Ruler and Judge of Hell) and Relief by Kannon Bosatsu - the Buddhist deity of mercy. The play consists of four parts. 1. Prelude 2. Sai-no Kawara. 3. Death punishment in a boiling cauldron. 4. Last journey. Yokoshibahikari Access: Yokoshiba Station on JR Sobu Honsen (2 hours from Chiba Station) Telephone: 0479-85-1010 (Kosaiji Temple)
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Omen Kaburi at Kuhonbutsu (Joshinji Temple), Okuzawa, Setagaya-ku (The event date is changed to May 5 from 2017 and the next event will be May 5, 2020) Joshinji Temple which is commonly known as Kuhonbutsu belongs to the Jodo Sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple was built in 1678 by the 4th Shogun Tokugawa Ietsuna. Jodo-shu was believed by the family of the Tokugawa Shogun and the temple still keeps the grandeur of the time. Omen Kaburi is designated an an intangible cultural asset of Tokyo. "Omen Kaburi" reenacts the coming down of Amitabha to welcome the spirit of his believers to Heaven. Those who pariticipate in the ritual procecession put on masks of buddhism saints and wish Amitabha lead them to Heaven at the time of their deaths. The ceremony is held once in three years. Access: 3 minutes walk from Kuhonbutsu Station on Tokyu Oimachi Line. 03-3701-2029 (Joshinji Temple)
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SHIBUKAWA DASHI MATSURI Aug. 11 (Sat) and 12 (Sun) in 2018 Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture This year falls on a minor festival year and no festivity is planned for this year in 2019. Shibukawa is located about 150 k.m. north of Tokyo with a population of about 80,000. The famous Ikaho Onsen (hot spa) is near to the city. From the city, visitors can enjoy fine views of Mt. Akagi and Mt. Haruna in fair wheather. The city is also known as the "bellybutton" of Japan being the geographical center of Japan. Shibukawa's Dashi (float) Matsuri is held once in two years and the festival is known as the best abare-dashi (frantic float) festival in northern Kanto for being most energetic and powerful. Highlight of the festival comes when they climb a hill pulling the dashi floats to the Shibukawa Hachiman Shrine. The city has as many as 19 dashi floats. http://sdec.web.fc2.com/ Map: http://goo.gl/maps/ZQqs3 Access: Shibukawa Station on JR Joetsu Line Telephone: 0279-22-2111 (Shibukawa City)
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Kugenuma Kou Daijingu Annual Festival Kugenuma, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture August 17 Every year on the same day of the month. The dolls of the nine dashi floats were acquired during the Meiji Era from the precinct towns of Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo. Many beautiful floats were moved out of Tokyo as a result of modernization of the capital of Japan. Electric wires made the floats impossible to parade streets. The floats of the Kou Daijingu represent typical Edo style floats of three-layered structures. The festival is held every year on August 17 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Since the festival lasts only 3 hours, the festival is also called "Ittoki Matsuri" (momentary festival). http://www.koudaijinguu.com/ Access: Take a Bus Fujisawa Route 01 for Takayama Shako at North Exit of JR Fujisawa Station and get off at Shinmeicho. 3 minutes walk from the bus stop. Address: 2-11-5 Kugenuma Shinmei, Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture Telephone: 0466-24-5590 (Kou Daijingu Shrine)
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Grand Festival of Kameido Tenjin Shrine Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Kameido, Koto-ku. Aug. 25 and 26, 2018 Grand festival is held once in four years. The next grand festival will be in 2022. Takigi Kagura is held every year. For the year 2019, it will be announced later. More than hundreds of lanterns in the precincts of the shrine will be lit up from during during the festival days. http://www.kameidotenjin.or.jp/ Access: 15 minutes walk from Kameido Station on JR Sobu Line. Telephone: 03-3681-0010 (Kameido Tenjin)
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The Asakusa Samba Carnival Aug. 31 (Sat) at Asakusa, Taito-ku from 1p.m. to 6 p.m. The festival had its origin in '50s. Before the war, Asakusa was the most popular entertainment area in Tokyo. But after the war, Asakusa lost its power and the center of entertaiment areas moved to other places such as Shinjuku, Shibuya etc. Then-governor of Taito-ku Uchiyama and a famous comedian Banjun who played an active role in theaters in Asakusa conferred and came up with an idea that they bring Samba Carnival to Asakusa to revive liveliness of the district. Asakusa Store Keepers' Association endorsed the proposal and has come to acquire today's popularity. http://www.asakusa-samba.org/ Access: Asakusa Station on Subway Ginza Line, Metropolitan Subway Asakusa Line and Tobu Isezaki Line. Telephone: 03-3842-5566 (Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center)/ 03-3847-0038 (Asakusa Shoten Rengokai)
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Minami Koshigaya Awa Odori August 24 (Sat) and 25 (Sun), 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Minami Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture Awa Odori (dance) originated in Awa, today's Tokushima prefecture in Shikoku island. It is a variation of bon odori dances. Awa Odori is danced in groups called "Ren." Each group has a different name and its own musicians accompanied. The first Awa Odori at Minami Koshigaya was held in 1985 two years after a successful businessman of Koshigaya City Mr. Toshizo Nakauchi ,who was born in Tokushima, Shikoku, appealed the idea to the locals. Today, the Awa Odori taikai of Minami Koshigaya is counted one of the big three Awa Odori taikai in Japan. This year in 2016, total 70 ren (teams) will perform in the festival including on the eve on August 19. Last year 700,000 spectators visited Minami Koshigaya to see the festival. http://www.minamikoshigaya-awaodori.jp/index.html Access: Minami Koshigaya Station on JR Musashino Line/ Shin Koshigaya Station on Tobu Isezaki Line Telephone: 048-986-2266
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The Hibiya Park Bon Odori August 23 (Fri) and 24 (Sat), 2019 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Bon Odori at Hibiya Park was introduced in 2003 commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Hibiya Park which is located in the midst of Tokyo near the Imperial Palace, Marunouchi Business Center and Ginza. Despite its short history, it is already one of the largest Bon Odori event in Japan. In 2016, the Bon Odori gathered 34,000 people in two days. Participants are people who work at Marunouchi and Ginza areas, neighbors, embassy people, foreign tourists, children and people who come to join the dance from other areas of Tokyo. The features of the Hibiya Park Bon Odori are the illuminated colorful big fountain in the center of the park and the British Embassy staff who play the bon odori taiko (Japanese drums). They have been joining the event from the beginning of the festival. Everybody is welcome to join the Bon Odori at Hibiya Park. Access: Hibiya Station on Subways Chiyoda Line, Hibiya Line, Toei Mita Line Telephone: 03-3503-1561
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The 50th Azabu Juban Summer Festival Aug. 24 (Sat) and 25 (Sun) in 2018 Time: 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Nanzan Jazz Band and Azabu Music Joy Band Concert at Stage 10-BANG from 3 p.m. on Saturday. Azabu Juban, Minato-ku Azabu Juban Summer Festival is very different from other traditional festivals of Tokyo reflecting the location of the district. The area is situated in the heart of Tokyo close to Roppongi and many foreign embassies are near the town. At the same time, Azabu-Juban has many time-honored stores and shops. The whole street is both nostalgic as well as international. About 300 outdoor stalls will be there. Not only typical Japanese stalls but also stalls featuring international foods and drinks allowing visitors experience foods and cultures of many nations. Performances are held for the 10-Bang stage set up on Patio-dori street. About 400,000 people visited the festival in two days in 2016. http://www.azabujuban.or.jp/noryo/ Access: Azabu Juban Station on Subway Toei Oedo Line Telephone: 03-3451-5812
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Harajuku Super Yosakoi Aug. 24 (Sat) and 25 (Sun) in 2019 The performances will be held at various stages and streets on both days. Highlight will be on Aug. 25 Sunday at Omote Sando Avenue 11:40 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.. Stages: Meiji Jingu Omote Sanodo near JR Harajuku Station Omote Sando Exit on 24 (11:30-19:30) and 25 (10:00-17:30)/ Jingu Kaikan Stage on 24 (10:30-17:30) and 25 (10:00-17:00)/ Yoyogi Koen Stage on 24 (10:00-20:00) and 25 (10:00-17:00) Streets: Street in front of NHK on 24 (10:00-18:00) and 25 (10:00-17:00)/ Omote Sando Avenue on 25 (11:40-16:45) Today, Yosakoi dance is widely known throughout the nation but it's history is rather short. In 1954, people of Kochi with a purpose of promotion of the city created Yosakoi dance which is a modern version of Awa Odori (a traditional summer dance of Tokushima - neighboring prefecture). The energetic dance - combination of traditional Japanese dance and modern music did not take time to attract attentions of people and has become a popular event since. The choreographed dances are performed by large teams. Styles of dance are free. Only common thing is the use of "naruko" small wooden castanets in their hands of dancers. Naruko were originally used in Kochi to scare birds away from rice fields in the old time. The costumes used are widely varied by teams. http://www.super-yosakoi.tokyo/ Access: Harajuku Station on JR Yamanote Line, Jingu-Mae Station on Subway Chiyoda Line. Telephone: 03-5766-1320
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Koenji Tokyo Awa Odori Festival Aug. 24 (Sat) and 25 (Sun), 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Koenji in Suginami-ku Awa Odori (dance) originated in Awa, today's Tokushima prefecture in Shikoku island. It is a variation of bon odori dances. Awa Odori is danced in groups called "Ren." Each group has a different name and its own musicians accompanied. Awa Odori at Koenji is the largest in scale among many awa odori festivals held in the metropolitan area. About 188 groups (ren), 12,000 dancers perform Awa dance to lively music and parade through the nine routes set up along the shopping promenades located on both north and south side of JR Koenji Station, and Konan Street of the south. Koenji. Each year, the festival attracts 1.2 million spectators. http://www.koenji-awaodori.com/ Access: Koenji Station on JR Chuo Line
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TACHIKAWA SUWA SHRINE FESTIVAL Aug. 24 (Sat) and 25 (Sun) Tachikawa City, Tokyo Tachikawa is a city located in western Tokyo with a population of about 180,000 (August, 2014). There was a Japanese Imperial Army airfield at Tachikawa before the W.W. II. The airfield was requisitioned by the occupation force and U.S. Tachikawa Air Force Base was built on the land. The Tachikawa AB was returned to Japan in 1977 and U.S. Air Force moved to Yokota AFB in Fussa City near Tachikawa. Today, the large ground of former Tachikawa Air Base is used as Showa Memorial Park. The festival is held on Saturday and Sunday. The large mikoshi "Yaburegasa" on Sunday is worth seeing. It takes more than 100 people to carry. Saturday: Parade of Chonai Mikoshi (town mikoshis)/ Sumo/ Manto lantern mikoshi parade/ Dashi floats parade/ Hula dance Sunday: Miyadashi of large mikoshis and a following parade/ Dashi floats parade/ Miyairi of large mikoshis/ Hula dance http://suwajinja.or.jp/ Access: Tachikawa Station on JR Chuo Line Telephone: 042-522-5806
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