Japanese festivals and fairs in and around Tokyo (Jan. 2011)

New Year's ceremonies
Jan. 1 to Jan. 5 Yasukuni Jinja Nento Gyoji, New Year's ceremonies and entertainment, at Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. At midnight on Jan. 1, as the gate of the shrine opens and the drum heralding a New Year is beaten, many people begin to enter the shrine to pay homage. Main performances are scheduled as follows: (1) on the 1st;kobudo (traditional martial arts) from 9:30 a.m. and noon,mai-bayashi, noh dance with traditional music from 1 p.m., Shishi-mai Lion Dance from 2 p.m., and taiko drumming from 2:30 p.m., (2) on the 2nd; koto performance from 1 p.m., and shamisen from 3 p.m., (3) on the 3rd; yumi-hajime, the first practice of the year demonstrated by Ogasawara-ryu school of Japanese archery from 10 a.m., Japanese dance from noon, ohayashi (traditional Japanese music) from 2 p.m., and (4) on the 4th and the 5th; Japanese dance from around 1 p.m. on both days.
Access: The Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Station (T 07, Z 06, S 05)

Tokyo Tower "The sunrise on New Year's Day"
Jan. 1 Tokyo Tower Hatsuhi-no-de ("The first sunrise of the year") event to celebrate New Year's Day on the Special Observatory (250 meters in height) of Tokyo Tower starts from 6 a.m. on Jan. 1. As the number of people is limited to 80 persons, numbered tickets are distributed from 4 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Fee is ¥1,420. However, the number of people to the Main Observatory (150 meters high), which is also open from 6 a.m., is not limited. Fee is ¥820.
Access: 7 min. walk from Kamiyacho Station (H 05) on the Hibiya Subway Line or Onarimon Station (I 06) on the Toei Mita Subway Line.

Ippan Sanga Palace)
Jan. 2 Kokyo Ippan Sanga, New Year's Congratulatory Visit to the Imperial Palace, Chiyoda-ku, by people who are allowed to pass Nijubashi Bridge on this special occasion. The Imperial family is scheduled to appear on the balcony to respond to the homage of people five times from around 10:10 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. The entrance gate is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.
Access: (1) The Chiyoda Subway Line to Nijubashi-mae Station (C 10)
(2) The Hibiya, Chiyoda or Toei Mita Subway Line to Hibiya Station (H 07, C 09, I 08)
(3) The Yurakucho Subway Line to Sakuradamon Station (Y 17)

Tako-age Taikai
Jan. 2 Shin-nen Tako-age Taikai, the New Year's kite-flying festival is held at Arakawa Todabashi Ryokuchi (recreation grounds) in Itabashi-ku, from 10 a.m. to around 2 p.m.
Access: The Toei Mita Subway Line to Takashimadaira Station (I 25), and then walk 20 min.

Daruma Ichi
Jan. 2 to Jan. 3 Haijima Daishi Daruma Ichi, a fair of daruma dolls at Haijima Daishi Temple, Akishima, on the outskirts of Tokyo. About 600 open-air stalls selling daruma dolls of all types and sizes and others are set up in the temple precincts and along the approach to the temple from around 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.
Access: (1) The JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa Station (North Exit), and then take a bus to Haijima Daishi-mae Bus Stop.
(2) The JR Ome Line to Akishima Station (South Exit), and then walk 20 min.
(3) The JR Ome Line to Haijima Station, and then take a bus to Haijima Daishi-mae Bus Stop.

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

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

Hatsu Suitengu
Jan. 5 Hatsu Suitengu, the first fair of the year at Suitengu Shrine, Chuo-ku, is held from around 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Access: (1) The Hanzomon Subway Line to Suitengu-mae Station (Z 10), and then walk 1 min.
(2) The Hibiya or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Ningyocho Station (H 13, A 14), and then walk 5 min.

Dezome-shiki
Jan. 6 Dezome-shiki, the new year's event presented by the Tokyo Metropolitan Fire Brigade at the Higashi parking lot of Tokyo Big Sight, Koto-ku. A mass display of the high-tech fire-fighting equipments is held, and acrobatics are demonstrated by hikeshi, fire fighters of Edo Firemanship Preservation Association Incorporation, from 9:45 a.m. to around 11:50 a.m..
Access: (1) The Yurikamome Line originating at Shimbashi Station to Kokusai-Tenjijo-Seimon Station
(2) The Tokyo Rinkai Kosoku Railway Rinkai Line originating at Shin-Kiba Station to Kokusai-Tenjijo Station

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

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

Kagami-biraki
Jan. 9 Kodokan Kagami-biraki-shiki, a cutting of large round rice-cakes for New Year's ceremony on the first training session day of the New Year at Kodokan (Judo Hall), Bunkyo-ku. Practice sessions are held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.. After that, shiruko, sweet red-bean soup, is served to visitors from around 11:20 a.m. to around 12 noon.
Access: (1) The Toei Mita or Oedo Subway Line to Kasuga Station (I 12, E 07), and then walk 2 min.
(2) The Marunouchi or Namboku Subway Line to Korakuen Station (M 22, N 11), and then walk 5 min.

Kanchu Suiyoku
Jan. 9 Kanchu Suiyoku (midwinter bathing), a purification ceremony at Teppozu Inari Shrine, Chuo-ku. Men wearing only loincloths are purified first by priest's prayer, and then again when they enter into the icy water in a big tank on the shrine grounds, from around 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m..
Access: (1) The JR Keiyo Line or the Hibiya Subway Line to Hatchobori Station (H 11), and then walk 7 min.
(2) The Yurakucho Subway Line to Shintomicho Sta (Y 20).

The first Grand Sumo Tournament
Jan. 9 to Jan. 23 O-Zumo Hatsu Basho, the first Grand Sumo Tournament of the year, at Ryogoku Kokugikan Hall, Sumida-ku. Dohyo-iri, the ring-entering ceremony, takes place around 4 p.m. daily except for the very last day of the tournament, on which Dohyo-iri starts around 3 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. Main bouts by the upper-rank or makuuchi sumo wrestlers start after that. Advance tickets might be sold out before the tournament starts, but unreserved seat tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Kokugikan Hall every day during the tournament period. The number of unreserved seat tickets is limited to about 400 daily.
Access: The JR Sobu Line or the Toei Oedo Subway Line to Ryogoku Station (E 12)

Festivals around other areas of Kanto

Hatsu Daishi or Daruma Ichi (Dharma doll fair)
Jan. 3 Hatsu Daishi, the first fair of the year, or Daruma Ichi, Dharma dolls Fair, at Kawagoe Daishi Temple, Kawagoe, Saitama Pref. Many open-air stalls selling daruma dolls are set up in and around the temple until dark.
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.
(3) The JR Saikyo Line to Kawagoe Station, and then walk 25 min.

Joma-Shinji
Jan. 5 Joma-Shinji, an archery ritual at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura, Kanagawa Pref. The ceremony is conducted from around 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. by the members of Ogasawara-ryu school of Japanese archery in traditional attires. They shoot arrows at a target of 156 cm in diameter set on the shrine grounds.
Access: The JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station, and then walk 10 min.

Daruma Ichi
Jan. 6 to Jan. 7 Shorinzan Daruma Ichi, the first fair of Dharma dolls at Shorinzan Darumaji Temple, Takasaki, Gunma Pref., is held from around 12 noon on the 6th, throughout the night and until around 2 p.m. on the 7th. This fair is one of the biggest of its kind in Tokyo and its vicinities.
Access: The JR Joetsu Shinkansen Line to Takasaki Station(West Exit). From there, 30 min. by ""Gururin"" Bus for Shorinzan, and then get off at Shorinzan-iriguchi Bus Stop.

Mochitsuki Odori
Jan. 9 Mochitsuki Odori, a demonstration of a dance involving the pounding rice-cakes, which has a history of over 200 years, at Saifukuji Temple, Kawagoe, Saitama Pref., is held four times from around 12:30 p.m. to around 2:30 p.m. in the compound of the temple.
Access: The Seibu Shinjuku Line to Minami-Otsuka Station, and then walk 7-8 min.

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

Hatsu Konpira
Jan. 10 Hatsu Konpira, the first fair of the year at Kotohiragu Shrine, Minato-ku. Satokagura, sacred dance with music, is performed at Kaguraden a few times between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A parade of Shichifukujin, the seven Gods of Good Fortune, is held on Sando Street from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The open-air stalls are set up in the precincts from the morning to around 6 p.m.
Access: The Subway Ginza Line to Toranomon Station (G 07)

Momote-shiki
Jan. 10 Momote-shiki, an archery ritual to commemorate Seijin-no-hi (Coming-of-Age Day) in the precincts of Meiji Shrine, Shibuya-ku. The ceremony is held in front of Homotsuden (treasure house) from around 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Access: (1) The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station
(2) The Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Subway Line to Meiji-Jingumae Station (C 03, F 15)

Kagami-biraki
Jan. 10 Kagami-biraki, a cutting of large round rice-cakes for New Year's ceremony on the first training session day of the New Year at Nippon Budokan Hall, Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku. The opening ceremony starts from noon, and a demonstration of budo, various martial arts are held from 1 p.m. And then, Shiruko, sweet red-bean soup with small pieces of mochi, is served to 2,000 visitors from 3:15 p.m. to around 4 p.m.
Access: The Tozai, Hanzomon or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Station (T 07, Z 06, S 05)

Daruma Ichi
Jan. 12 Ome Daruma Ichi, a fair of Dharma dolls along Ome-Kaido Avenue, Ome, on the outskirts of Tokyo, is held from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Hundreds of open-air stalls selling Daruma (Dharma dolls), foods, potted plants and other items are set up along the streets.
Access: The JR Ome Line to Ome Station

Manaita-biraki
Jan. 12 Manaita-biraki ritual is held at Ho'onji Temple, Taito-ku. The head master of Shijo-ryu school of Japanese culinary arts, dressed in traditional attire demonstrates the art of skillfully slicing a large carp on the chopping board, using only a knife and chopsticks, from around 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Access: The Subway Ginza Subway Line to Inaricho Station (G 17), and then walk 5 min.

Onza Hiho Daranie rite
Jan. 12 to Jan. 18 Onza Hiho Daranie or Moja Okuri, the Buddhist rite at Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. On the 18th, two devils, symbolizing pestilence and evil spirits, with burning torches, emerge at around 5 p.m. and run around in the compound of the temple for about 15 minutes, and then disappear into the darkness. It is believed that those who are showered by the sparks of the burning torches are assured of good health throughout the year.
Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Station (G 19, A 18)

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

Kagura-hajime
Jan. 14 Kagura-hajime at the main hall of Kanda Myojin Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. Dai-dai Kagura, Shinto dance with music of drums, flutes and other musical instruments, is performed from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Access: The JR Chuo, Sobu Line or the Marunouchi Subway Line to Ochanomizu Station (M 20), and then walk 5 min.

Tori-oi Matsuri Festival
Jan. 14 Tori-oi Matsuri Festival at Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Pref. This festival has a 400-year history. People beat drums in order to drive away harmful birds for a good harvest of the new year. Ten floats march through the town from around 10 a.m. to 8:20 p.m., accompanied by young people dressed in festival attire beating the drums placed on the floats.
Access: 54 min. by the JR Agatsuma Line from Takasaki Station to Nakanojo Station

Daikoku Matsuri
Jan. 15 to Jan. 16 Daikoku Matsuri Festival at Kanda Myojin Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. On the 15th, a purification ceremony, in which people newly coming of age pour icy water out of wooden buckets over themselves, takes place from 10 a.m.. On the 16th, Hocho-shiki ritual is conducted by Shijo-ryu school of Japanese culinary arts to demonstrate the technique or the art of using a Japanese knife from 12 noon to around 1 p.m., in which the head master of Shijo-ryu school dressed in traditional attire skillfully slices a large carp on the chopping board, using only a knife and chopsticks. Masakado-daiko, a demonstration of drum beating, and Kanda-bayashi, festival music, are performed continually in the shrine precincts on both days.
Access: The JR Chuo Line, Sobu Line or the Marunouchi Subway Line to Ochanomizu Station (M 20), and then walk 5 min.

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

Chakkirako local dance performance
Jan. 15 Chakkirako, local dance at Kainan Shrine, Misaki, Kanagawa Pref. Chakkirako is designated as one of National Important Intangible Cultural Properties. It is performed in the shrine precincts from around 10 a.m. to around 11:30 a.m. by girls dressed in traditional costumes with fans in their hands, and on the main streets in the city from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Access: The Keihin Kyuko Line to Misaki-guchi Station From there, 20 min. by bus for Misaki-ko, and then get off at Misaki-ko Bus Stop (terminal).

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

Mochitsuki-kai
Jan. 16 Mochitsuki-kai, rice-cake pounding in the precincts of Daita Hachiman Shrine, Setagaya-ku, is held from around 1 p.m. to around 4 p.m.
Access: The Odakyu Line to Setagaya-Daita Station, and then walk 5-6 min.

Kori Chokoku-ten
Jan. 16 to Jan. 17 Zenkoku Kori Chokoku-ten, an exhibition of ice sculptures is held along the approach to Meiji Shrine, Shibuya-ku, from 6:40 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. on both days. About 40 ice sculptures are created by the members of the All Japan Ice Sculpture Association.
Access: (1) The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station
(2) The Chiyoda or Fukutoshin Subway Line to Meiji-Jingumae Station (C 03, F 15)

Yukake Matsuri
Jan. 20 Yukake Matsuri Festival at Kawarayu Onsen, Naganohara-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Pref. Young men wearing only loincloths splash one another with hot spring water from 5 a.m. to around 7 p.m.
Access: The JR Agatsuma Line to Kawarayu Onsen Station, and then walk 15 min.

Hatsu Daishi
Jan. 21 Hatsu Daishi, the first fair of the year is held at Nishi-Arai Daishi Temple, Adachi-ku. About 300 open-air stalls sell Daruma dolls, sweets, clothes and other items in the precincts of the temple and its vicinities from around 9 a.m. to around 6 p.m.
Access: The Tobu Isezaki Line to Nishi-Arai Station, and then take the Tobu Daishi Line to Daishi-mae Station

Hatsu Daishi
Jan. 21 Hatsu Daishi, the first fair of the year, at Kawasaki Daishi Temple, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Pref. Open-air stalls selling daruma dolls for good luck are set up from 10 a.m. to around 6 p.m.
Access: The Keihin Kyuko Line to Keikyu Kawasaki Station From there, the Keihin Kyuko Daishi Line to Kawasaki Daishi Station

Grand Festival of Togenuki Jizo Temple
Jan. 24 Togenuki Jizo Taisai or Grand Festival of Togenuki Jizo (Koganji Temple), Toshima-ku. About 200 street stalls selling sweets, clothes and other items are set up in the compound of the temple and its vicinities from around 8 a.m. to sunset.
Access: The JR Yamanote Line or the Toei Mita Subway Line to Sugamo Station (I 15), and then walk 5 min.

Usokae Festival
Jan. 24 to Jan. 25 Usokae, the bullfinch exchange ritual of Kameido Tenjin Shrine, Koto-ku, is held from 8:30 a.m. on both days. People exchange old carved wooden bullfinches for new ones. Bullfinches, which are called uso in Japanese, are regarded as symbols of good luck. On the 25th, Hatsu Tenjin, the first fair of the year, is scheduled, and Okagura, Shinto dance with music, is performed from 9 a.m. in the shrine precincts.
Access: The JR Sobu Line to Kameido Station, and then walk 15 min.

Daruma Ichi
Jan. 28 Daruma Ichi, a fair of Dharma dolls at Takahata Fudoson Temple, Hino, on the outskirts of Tokyo. Hundreds of stalls are set up from around 7 a.m. to sunset, selling daruma dolls which attract many people seeking good luck in the year ahead. Chigo-Gyoretsu, a parade of children in fancy attire, will be held in the precincts from around 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Access: The Keio Line to Takahata Fudo Station

Tengu Matsuri
Jan. 28 to Jan. 30 Shimokita Tengu Matsuri, Long Red-nosed Goblins Festival, is held at Shinryuji Temple, and on and around the shopping streets of Shimokitazawa, Setagaya-ku. On the 29th, mamemaki, bean-throwing ceremonies are held from noon to 2 p.m. with about 200 children participating on the streets near North Exit of Shimokitazawa Station A parade of Tengu, men with long red-nosed masks, starts from Shinryuji Temple at 2 p.m., goes through the shopping streets throwing beans and comes back to the temple, where mamemaki is held in the compound from 4 p.m. .
Access: The Odakyu Line or the Keio Inokashira Line to Shimokitazawa Station

Tsubaki Matsuri
Jan. 30 Tsubaki Matsuri (Camellia Festival) on Oshima Island. Various species of camellia are usually in bloom during the festival period on this island. On Jan. 30, an opening ceremony starts at 9 a.m., and a parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) goes around the town hall from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.. On Feb. 12, a beauty contest for Miss Camellia starts from 10 a.m. A demonstration of folk dance and taiko drumming is held in the waiting room of Motomachi Port from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays from Feb. 11th to Mar. 21st, and daily from Feb. 25th to Mar. 13th.
Access: (1) 8 hrs. by Tokai Kisen ferryboat or 1 hr. 45 min. by hydrofoil boat from Takeshiba Pier to Oshima Island. (The Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi 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.