Tokyo’ Spring
Mid- March
s 4 Distinct Seasons
Japan has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Even in Tokyo, where everything is so urbanized, seasonal festivals and events add color to peo- ples’ lives. Why not join in as well and feel the seasons here in Tokyo?
Summer Autumn
Autumn is filled with beautiful red leaves and is perfect for recreation. Recommended activities include hiking while viewing the autumn leaves in Okutama and Takao, and seeing the beautifully illuminated trees at Rikugien and Kiyosumi Gardens.
Mt. Takao Firewalking Festival Location: Mt.Takao Yakuo-in temple p.53
3 4
A mountain priest and participants line up and walk across the remaining fires of a Homa ritual with their bare feet in prayer for good health and the safety of their families.
Early March
Jindaiji Temple
Dharma Doll Fair Location: Jindaiji Temple p.51 A fair dating back to the
Edo era, where a Buddhist monk writes your wish on the left eye of your new Dharma doll in Siddham script.
Sanja Festival Location: Asakusa Shrine p.21
Early May
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Sea Bathing Location: Islands of Tokyo pp.55‒58
August
Go to the Tokyo Islands area with its blue sky and blue water to enjoy marine sports. Surfing can be enjoyed, as well as sea bathing.
August
Harajuku Omote Sando
A major festival that attracts about 1.5 million visitors during its three-day period. Portable shrines are carried around Asakusa and you can feel the atmosphere of the Edo Period.
Late
Genki Festival Location: Around Harajuku and Omote Sando p.15
About 90 teams gather from around the country to perform powerful dances. The “Jiman-ichi” market, where famous local products of various locations throughout Japan can be found, is also held here.
Grand Marunouchi Ondo Bon Dance Festival Mid-
Location: Hibiya Park pp.19・41 The largest Bon dance festival in Tokyo, surrounding the huge fountain in Hibiya Park. Anyone is free to participate.
August
July to
October 11 to 13
Ikegami Honmonji Temple - Oeshiki Location: Ikegami Honmonji Temple p.47
Over 300,000 worshippers visit every year for the Buddhist memorial service commemorating the anniversary of High Priest Nichiren's death. The hundred Mando lanterns are a breathtaking sight.
Tori-no-ichi Fair Location: Throughout Tokyo
(various temples and shrines) A festival offering thanks for a safe
November
Tori Days in
ⒸMeiji Jingu Shrine
Tokyo Marathon Location: Throughout Tokyo A huge citizens’
Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony
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A grand tea ceremony held in an elegant location. Visitors can freely enjoy traditional Japanese tea ceremony here.
Early to mid-
October ⒸChiyoda City Tourism Association
about 36,000 runners all start at the Metropoli- tan Government building and run through the city.
ⒸTOKYO
Location: Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum p.51 Hama-rikyu Gardens pp.19・29
11 Throughout Tokyo
MARATHON FOUNDATION
year and wishes of happiness for the coming year. The rakes sold here are popular as lucky charms for good business.
Winter
The illuminations shine beautifully in various locations in winter. Be sure to see the lit-up townscape in the streets of Marunouchi Center Street, Roppongi Hills, and Shinjuku Southern Terrace.
First Shrine Visit of the Year Location: Throughout Tokyo
(various temples and shrines)
Shrines and temples are crowded with worshippers giving thanks for the past year and praying for safety and happiness in the coming year.
January 1
marathon where
Late February
End of Winter Location:
February 3
At shrines and temples, roasted soybeans are traditionally scattered to ward off evil spirits during the changing of seasons.
12 1 2 ⒸTokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2011 4
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