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FESTIVAL LISTINGS

Japanese festivals and fairs in and around Tokyo (May 2010) Tourist Information Center, Japan National Tourism Organization The Japanese festival information was compiled in cooperation with the Tourist Information Center of the Japan National Tourism Organization. (1st floor, Shin-Tokyo Bldg., 3-3-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo 100-0005). Call (03) 3201-3331 for all your Japan tourist information needs (open 9 a.m to 5 p.m. daily except Jan. 1). Festivals around other areas

Bunkyo Tsutsuji Matsuri April 7 to May 6		Bunkyo Tsutsuji Matsuri, Azalea Festival at Nezu Shrine, Bunkyo-ku. One can enjoy a view of azelea blossoms in the shrine precincts. Performing arts such as Gongen-Taiko, Japanese drumming performance and folk dance are held in the precincts of the Shrine from noon on May 3, 4 and 5. Admission to the Azalea Garden is ¥200. Nezu Shrine website. Access: The Chiyoda Subway Line to Nezu Station (C 14)

Fuji Matsuri April 21 to May 6		Wisteria Festival of Kameido Tenjin (or Tenmangu) Shrine, Koto-ku. There are over 100 wisteria roots in the shrine's precincts, and they are usually in full bloom in this season. Various entertainment is scheduled during the period. Kameido Tenjin website Access: The JR Sobu Line to Kameido Sta., and then walk 15 min.

Annual Spring Festival April 29 to May 3		Annual Spring Festival of Meiji Shrine, Shibuya-ku. Major events held in the precincts are as follows: On April 29, bugaku (ancient court dance with music) from 11 a.m.; on May 2, noh and kyogen from 11:45 a.m., and Japanese traditional music and dance from 3:45 p.m.;and on May 3, kyudo taikai (Japanese archery meet) held at Daini-Kyudo-jo from 9 a.m. to around 4 p.m. Access: (1) The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station (2) The Chiyoda Subway Line to Meiji-Jingumae Station (C 03) (3) Daini-Kyudo-jo: The Odakyu Line to Sangubashi Sta.

Annual Festival May 2 to May 5		Annual Festival of Teppozu Inari Shrine, Chuo-ku. On the 3rd, a procession of horen (palanquins) and mikoshi (portable shrines) parades through the neighborhood from 8:30 a.m. to around 3 p.m. Children in costumes join the procession from 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. On the 5th, traditional kabuki plays are performed by children from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Access: The Hibiya Subway Line or the JR Keiyo Line to Hatchobori Sta.

Heiwajima Antique Fair May 3 to May 5		Heiwajima Antique Fair at Heiwajima Tokyo Ryutsu Center, Ota-ku, is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (to 4 p.m. on the 5th) daily during the period. Access: The Tokyo Monorail Line to Ryutsu Center Sta.

Kurayami Matsuri May 3 to May 6		Kurayami Matsuri (Black Night Festival) of Okunitama Shrine in Fuchu on the outskirts of Tokyo. On the 3rd, komakurabe (a demonstration of horseback riding) is held on Keyaki-namiki Street from 8 p.m. (lasting for about 10 minutes). On the 3rd and 4th, eight dashi floats are drawn in the town in the daytime. On the 5th, a parade of eight mikoshi (portable shrines), some of which weighing as much as a ton each, leaves the shrine at 6 p.m. for otabisho (portable shrine resting place) to arrive there at around 9 p.m. And then, yabusame (horseback archery) is held from 11 p.m. Okunitama Shrine website Access: (1) The Keio Line to Fuchu Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2) The JR Nambu or Musashino Line to Fuchu-Hommachi Sta., and then walk 5 min.

Takara-no-mai May 5		Takara-no-mai, Japanese dance of Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Taito-ku, in celebration of Children's Day. Takara-bune (a ship-shaped float laden with treasure) is drawn by children from Denboin Temple, going through the Kaminarimon gate to Sensoji Temple, twice from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta.

Annual Spring Festival May 5		Annual Spring Festival of Suitengu Shrine, Chuo-ku. Kagura (Shinto dance with music) is performed in the daytime. Access: (1)The Hanzomon Subway Line to Suitengumae Sta. (2)The Hibiya or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Ningyocho Sta., and then walk 5 min.

Grand Sumo Tournament May 6 to May 20		Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan Hall, Sumida-ku. Dohyo-iri, the ring-entering ceremony by yokozuna (the grand champion), takes place around 4 p.m. daily. Then the main tournament by maku-uchi (the upper-rank sumo wrestlers) starts. Advance tickets (¥2100 per person) are sold on the day at the Kokugikan Hall from 8 a.m. every day during the tournament period, on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of the unreserved tickets is limited to 350 per a day. Access: The JR Sobu Line or the Toei Oedo Subway Line to Ryogoku Sta.

Kanda Myojin Omikoshi Togyo or Kanda Matsuri Festival May 15		Kanda Myojin Omikoshi Togyo or Kanda Matsuri Festival at Kanda Myojin Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. The festival is one of the three grandest festivals in Tokyo, but the festival of this year is small in scale. On the 14th, takigi noh (open-air torchlit noh play) is performed from 6 p.m. Admission tickets (¥3,000) are sold at the shrine and Lawson convenience stores. Access: (1) The JR Chuo Line or the Marunouchi Subway Line to Ochanomizu Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2) The JR Yamanote Line, Keihin Tohoku Line or Sobu Line to Akihabara Sta., and then walk 5 min. (3) The Chiyoda Subway Line to Shin-Ochanomizu Sta., and then walk 5 min.

Sanja Matsuri Festival May 18 to May 20		Sanja Matsuri Festival of Asakusa Shrine, Taito-ku. The festival is counted as one of the Tokyo's grandest. On the 18th, Daigyoretsu (a parade of 1,000 people in traditional attires) proceeds to the tune of the festival music on Nakamise-dori Street to Asakusa Shrine from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. And then, Binzasara-mai (Shinto dance) is performed in Haiden Hall from 2:20 p.m., and on the Kaguraden stage from 3 p.m. On the 19th, over 100 town's mikoshi (portable shrines) parade through the town from around noon. On the 20th, three mikoshi owned by Asakusa Shrine parade in the shrine's neighborhood from 6 a.m. to the evening. Access: The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta.

Shobo Junshokusha Irei-sai May 25		Shobo Junshokusha Irei-sai is a memorial service for fire fighters who died on duty, conducted by members of the Edo Shobo Kinen-kai at Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Kannon Temple), Taito-ku. This includes a demonstration of acrobatics on ladders on the temple ground from noon to 12:30 p.m. In the case of rain, the demonstration of acrobatics will be canceled. Access: The Ginza or Subway Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta.

Yushima Tenjin Matsuri May 25 to May 27		Yushima Tenjin Matsuri of Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Bunkyo-ku. On the 26th, the highlight is shinkosai, a procession of floats and shrines drawn by townspeople, parading in the shrine's neighborhood from around 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On the 27th, portable shrines are paraded through the town from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Access: The Chiyoda Subway Line to Yushima Sta.

Annual Festival May 25 to May 28		Annual Festival of Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku-ku. Shinkosai, a procession of mikoshi and floats parades on Yasukuni-dori Street, Shinjuku-dori Street and Meiji-dori Street from around 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the 27th. Access: The Marunouchi Subway Line to Shinjuku-Sanchome Sta.

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

Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri April 23 to May 7		Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri, Cherry Blossom Festival, is held in Hirosaki Park, Hirosaki, Aomori Pref. There are about 2,600 cherry trees on the grounds of Hirosaki Castle and along the castle's moat in the park. Cherry blossoms are lit up in the evening during the festival period. Hirosaki Park website Access: The JR Ou Honsen Line to Hirosaki Sta., and then walk 15-20 min.

Mashiko-yaki Toki Ichi April 28 to May 6		Mashiko-yaki Toki Ichi, Pottery Fair at Mashiko-machi, Tochigi Pref., is held from 9 a.m. to around 5 p.m. at the several venues in Mashiko, such as Kyohan Center, Tsukamoto Seitosho and Togei Mura. http://www.mashiko-kankou.org/mta1/mashikoyaki/toukiiti/tokiichi.htm Access: Togei Mura, Kyohan Center and Tsukamoto Seitosho: About 50 min. by the Toya Bus for Mashiko Station from Tobu Railways' Utsunomiya Station or JR Utsunomiya Sta., and then get off at Togei Mura Bus Stop or Togei-Messe Iriguchi Bus Stop

Kasama-yaki Toki Ichi or Himatsuri April 29 to May 5		Kasama-yaki Toki Ichi or Himatsuri, Pottery Fair at Geijutsu-no-mori Koen (park) in Kasama, Ibaraki Pref., is held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day during the fair period. http://www.himatsuri.net/ Access: 1 hr. 10 min. by JR Joban Line's Limited Express Hitachi (or about 2 hours by local train) from Ueno Station to Tomobe Station From there, the JR Mito Line to Kasama Sta., and then walk 20 min. (or temporary buses to the fair site). A special rapid local train "Kasama de osanpo-go" leaves JR Ueno Station at 8:05 a.m. for Kasama, only on May 3rd.

Yonezawa Uesugi Matsuri Festival in commemoration April 29 to May 3		Yonezawa Uesugi Matsuri Festival in commemoration of the famous warlord "Uesugi Kenshin", Yonezawa, Yamagata Pref. The highlight of the festival is Uesugi Gyoretsu held on May 3rd, in which a procession of Mikoshi (a portable shrine), floats and about 1,000 Samurai warriors goes through the city's main streets to the Matsukawa Riverside, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. And there, Kawanaka-jima Gassen (sham battle) is held from 2 p.m. to around 3:30 p.m. http://uesugi.yonezawa.info/?p=log&l;=228128 Access: The JR Yamagata Shinkansen Line or the JR Ou Honsen Line to Yonezawa Station and then walk 10 min.

Arita Toki Matsuri April 29 to May 5		Arita Toki Matsuri, Ceramic Fair at Arita-cho, Saga Pref. The fair is held around JR Kami-Arita Station and Arita Station from around 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the fair period. http://www.arita-toukiichi.or.jp/open.html Access: 1 hr. 30 min. by JR Limited Express "Midori" from Hakata to Kami-Arita Station or Arita Station The fair is held along "Kyudo" route (about 5 km), between Kami-Arita Station and Arita Station on the JR Sasebo Line. Walking from Kami-Arita Station is an easier access to the fair site as a long downward slope extends to Arita Sta.

Fujiwara Matsuri Festival May 1 to May 5		Fujiwara Matsuri Festival, Hiraizumi, Iwate Pref. On the 3rd, a procession of warriors starts at 10 a.m. from Chusonji Temple to Motsuji Temple, and then returns to Konjikido, from 1:30 p.m. to around 3 p.m. On the 4th, noh from noon and kyogen from 1 p.m. are performed at Hakusan Shrine in the precincts of Chusonji Temple. On the 5th, En'nen-no-mai or Shinto dance with music, designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets, is performed at Motsuji Temple from 11 a.m. to around noon to pray for longevity and a good harvest of this year. http://hiraizumi.or.jp/event/haru_fujiwara/index.html Access: The JR Tohoku Honsen Line to Hiraizumi Sta., and then walk 15-20 min. to Chusonji Temple, or walk 5 min. to Motsuji Temple.

Mikurumayama Matsuri Festival May 1		Mikurumayama Matsuri Festival of Sekino Shrine in Takaoka, Toyama Pref., is designated as one of the National Important Intagible Folk Cultural Assets. A procession of seven floats featuring gorgeous goldwork and lacquer ware, which are local specialty industry and artifacts, escorted by people in traditional attire, parades on the city's main street from 11:20 a.m. to 6 p.m. If it rains heavily, the procession will be canceled. http://mikurumayama.jp/ Access: The JR Hokuriku Honsn Line to Takaoka Sta., and then walk 5-10 min. to Katahara-machi intersection.

Enma-do Kyogen or the comic mime plays May 1 to May 4		Enma-do Kyogen or the comic mime plays at Senbon Enma-do Temple, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, are performed from 7 p.m. on the 1st & the 2nd, and twice from 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on both the 3rd & the 4th. (Each performance lasts for about 2 hours.) Admission is free. Access: 40 min. by municipal bus No. 206 from Kyoto Sta., and then get off at Senbon Kuramaguchi Bus Stop.

Kyogen-to-Saiten or a performance May 1 to May 4		Kyogen-to-Saiten or a performance of Kyogen (comic mime plays) at Shinsen-en, located to the south of Nijo Castle, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, is presented from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the 3rd and 4th. Admission is free. http://www.shinsenen.org/saiten.html Access: The Tozai Subway Line to Nijojomae Station (Exit No. 3), and then walk 2 min.

Fujinomori Matsuri Festival May 1 to May 5		Fujinomori Matsuri Festival of Fujinomori Shrine, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. On the 3rd, Fujinomori-Taiko (drum beating) is demonstrated in the precincts from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. On the 5th, Musha-Gyoretsu (a warriors' procession) following mikoshi (portable shrines) parades through the town from 9 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m., and Kakeuma-Shinji (acrobatic horseback riding) takes place in the precincts at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Fujinomori Shrine website Access: The JR Nara Line to Fujinomori Sta., and then walk 5 min. or the Keihan Line to Sumizome Sta., and then walk 10 min.

Shomu-Tenno-sai Festival May 2		Shomu-Tenno-sai Festival at Todaiji Temple, Nara, Nara Pref. A colorful procession of people in ancient costumes starts from Shin-Kokaido (Prefecture New Public Hall) at 1 p.m., heading for Daibutsuden Temple. And then, bugaku (court dance with music) from 1:30 p.m. and a noh play from 3 p.m. are performed on the makeshift stage on the Kagami-ike Pond. Todaiji Temple website Access: The JR Nara Line to Nara Station or the Kintetsu Line to Kintetsu-Nara Station From there, take a bus to Daibutsuden-mae Bus Stop.

The Yokohama Parade May 3		The main parade of this festival starts from Yamashita Koen at 11:15 a.m., passing by Aka Renga Soko (Red Brick Warehouse), and proceeds on Bashamichi Ave. to Isezakicho 6-chome area, arriving there around 12:15 p.m. In the case of rain, the Yokohama Parade will be postponed to the following day. Access: The JR Negishi Line or the JR Keihin Tohoku Line to Kannai Station or to Sakuragicho Sta.

Odawara Hojo Godai Matsuri Festival May 3		Odawara Hojo Godai Matsuri Festival, Odawara, Kanagawa Pref. The main event of the festival is Musha Gyoretsu a warriors' procession) starting from Akagane-mon Gate of Odawara Castle at 1:30 p.m., going through the city and returning to the Castle at around 3:10 p.m. Access: (1) The JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line or the JR Tokaido Line to Odawara Station (2) The Odakyu Line to Odawara Sta.

Otako-age or a giant kite flying May 3 to May 5		Otako-age, a giant kite flying event, Nishi-hoshubana, Kasukabe, Saitama Pref. Flying two smaller kites, each weighing 150 kg, starts at around 1 p.m., and flying two giant kites, each weighing 800 kg, starts at around 2 p.m., respectively on both days. In the case of rain, the event will be canceled. Access: The Tobu Isezaki Line to Kasukabe Station (East Exit). From there, buses to the site are available (& 165;440).

Nanao Seihaku-sai Festival May 3 to May 5		Nanao Seihaku-sai Festival, Nanao, Ishikawa Pref., is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. Three beautifully decorated floats, each 12 meter in length and 20 tons in weight, are drawn by townspeople on the city's main streets in the daytime on the 4th and 5th. Nanao website. Access: The JR Nanao Line to Nanao Sta., and then walk 5-10 min.

Chawan Matsuri May 3 to May 5		Chawan Matsuri, the Pottery Fair of Kutani-yaki Ware, at Terai-machi, Nomi, Ishikawa Pref. The fair is held along Sun Road Terai Street and at Fureai Hiroba (municipally run open space) from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (to 6 p.m. on the 5th) during the period. Nomi website Access: (1) The JR Hokuriku Honsen Line to Terai Station From there, shuttle buses (¥100) are available to the venue during the fair period. (2) The JR Hokuriku Honsen Line to Komatsu Station From there, 20 min. by bus to Terai-Chosha-mae Bus Stop.

Toki Mino-yaki Matsuri May 3 to May 5		Toki Mino-yaki Matsuri, or Ceramic Fair at Toki Mino-yaki Oroshi Center in Toki, Gifu Pref., is held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the fair period. Access: The JR Chuo Honsen Line to Toki-shi Station. From there, free shuttle buses are available to the site during the fair period.

Hamamatsu Matsuri May 3 to May 5		Hamamatsu Matsuri, Kite Battle Festival, at Nakatajima Tako-age Kaijo, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Pref., is held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day during the festival period. Huge kites are flown by groups of citizens, who compete each other by trying to cut the lines of their rivals' kites by skillful maneuvering. A parade of about 80 floats adds color to the event, passing through the city's main streets from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily during the festival period. Hamamatsu website Access: The JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line or the JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Hamamatsu Station From there, direct buses to the festival site are operated during the festival period (¥250).

yabusame-Shinji May 3		Yabusame-Shinji (horseback archery) at Shimogamo Shrine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. The ritual is conducted from 1 p.m., and then yabusame (horseback archery) takes place in the shrine precincts from around 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Access: Municipal bus No. 4 or No. 205 from Kyoto Sta., and then get off at Shimogamo Jinjya-mae Bus Stop.

Kume-Eshiki May 3		Kume-Eshiki, or Requiem Parade at Kumedera Temple, Kashihara, Nara Pref. Around 2:30 p.m., a procession of 25 people wearing face masks of Bosatsu (Buddhist saint who is seeking a state of spiritual enlightenment) crosses a long bridge, which is believed to link this world with the Pure Land, in the temple compound. Kume-Eshiki website Access: The Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Kashihara-Jingumae Sta., and then walk 6 min.

Hakata Dontaku Festival in Fukuoka May 3 to May 4		Hakata Dontaku Festival in Fukuoka, Fukuoka Pref. Over 100 groups of townspeople in costume dance and march along Meiji-dori Street from Gofukumachi Subway Station to Dontaku Hiroba Square in front of City Hall, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the 3rd and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the 4th. The entire city, especially Dontaku Hiroba, is filled with townspeople singing and dancing with rice paddles in their hands on both days. Festival website Access: The JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line or the JR Kagoshima Honsen Line to Hakata Sta., and then walk 10 min. to Meiji-dori Street.

Naha "Hari" in Naha May 3 to May 5		Naha "Hari" in Naha, Okinawa Pref., features the hari boat race, peculiar to Okinawa, in which young men display their seafaring skill in Naha Shinko Port, from 10 a.m. to around 5 p.m. on the 3rd and the 5th. A fireworks display is scheduled over the port from 8:40 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily during the period. Naha website Access: 15 min. by taxi from Naha Airport to Naha Shinko (Port).

Zama-no-Otako-age May 4 to May 5		Zama-no-Otako-age, a giant kite flying on the riverbank near Zakaebashi Bridge over the Sagami River, Zama, Kanagawa Pref., is held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. In the case of rain, kite flying will be canceled. Access: The Odakyu Railway to Sobudai-mae Station (North Exit). From there, free shuttle buses to the site are available during the period.

Sagami-no-Otako-age Matsuri May 4 to May 5		Sagami-no-Otako-age Matsuri, a giant kite flying festival in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Pref. The festival is held from around 10 a.m. to around 4 p.m. at the four venues, mainly at Shindo Sports Hiroba. About 100 men wearing happi coats fly a giant kite of 14.5 square meters, weighing 950 kg, at each venue. If it rains, the festival will be canceled. Access: Shindo Sports Hiroba: The JR Sagami Line to Sobudai-shita Sta., and then walk 15 min.

Sagami-no-Konomachi Festival May 5		Sagami-no-Konomachi Festival of Rokusho Shrine and five other Shrines, O-isomachi and its vicinity, Kanagawa Pref. Six mikoshi (portable shrines) from six shrines gather at around 10:30 a.m. on the top of Mount Kami-soriyama, where the Zamondo ritual is conducted around noon, and then all the mikoshi parade through the town until 5 p.m. Sagi-no-mai (Heron Dance) is performed at Banba Koen from around 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Access: The JR Tokaido Line to Ninomiya Station From there, 10 min. by bus for Hiratsuka to Makinoki Bus Stop or Kokufu-Shinshuku Bus Stop, and then walk 10 min. to Rokusho Shrine, or 5 min. by taxi from Ninomiya Sta.

Kamo Kurabe-Uma Kamo Kurabe-Uma (horse racing May 5		Kamo Kurabe-Uma (horse racing of olden times) at Kamigamo Shrine, Kita-ku, Kyoto. Riders wearing fancy court robes demonstrate courtly horsemanship. Kurabe-uma (horse racing) takes place starting from 2 p.m. Admission is free. Access: Municipal bus No. 4 from Kitayama Subway Sta., and then get off at Kamigamo -jinja-mae Bus Stop.

Annual Festival May 5		Annual Festival of Jishu Shrine, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto. A parade of 100 people disguised as warriors, flower venders and the like marches in the shrine's neighborhood from around 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. In the case of rain, the parade will be canceled. Jishu Shrine website Access: Municipal bus No. 206 from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop or Gojozaka Bus Stop, and then walk 10 min.

Neri-kuyo Eshiki May 14		Neri-kuyo Eshiki, Requiem Parade at Taimadera Temple, Taimacho, Nara Pref. A procession of 25 priests wearing masks and special costumes, parades in the compound of the temple, leading people in costume, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Taimedra Temple website Access: The Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Kashihara-Jingumae Station From there, the Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line to Taimadera Sta., and then walk 15 min.

Annual Festival of Izumo Taisha Shrine May 14 to May 16		Annual Festival of Izumo Taisha Shrine, Taishacho, Shimane Pref. On the 14th, yabusame (horseback archery) is held on an approach to the Shrine from noon. On the 15th, mikoshi (a portable shrine) and children costumes march in the city from noon to 3 p.m. Access: (1) The Ichibata Dentetsu Railway to Izumo-Taisha-mae Sta. (2) The JR San-in Honsen Line to Izumoshi Station From there, 20 min. by bus to Izumo Taisha Bus Stop.

Aoi Matsuri or Hollyhock Festival May 15		Aoi Matsuri, Hollyhock Festival of Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto. This 1,400-year old festival features a magnificent pageant that colorfully reproduces the Imperial procession that used to pay homage to these shrines in ancient days. The pageant consists of the ox-drawn carriages, courtiers and court ladies clad in ancient court robes, and men holding flower-decorated umbrellas. The procession starts from Kyoto Gosho (Kyoto Imperial Palace) at 10:30 a.m., taking Kawaramachi-dori Ave., and arrives at Shimogamo Shrine at around 11:40 am. Thereafter, the procession leaves Shimogamo Shrine at 2:20 p.m., and arrives at Kamigamo Shrine at 3:30 p.m. In the case of rain, the festival will be postponed to the next day. Festival webiste Access: (1) The Karasuma Subway Line to Marutamachi Station (4th stop from Kyoto Station), and then walk 10 min. to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. (2) The Keihan Railway to Demachi-yanagi Sta., and then walk to Shimogamo Shrine.

Grand Spring Festival May 17 to May 18		Grand Spring Festival of Toshogu Shrine, Nikko, Tochigi Pref. On the 17th, yabusame (horseback archery) is held in the precincts of Toshogu Shrine from around 1 p.m. (lasting for about an hour). On the 18th, a gala procession of over 1,200 armor-clad people followed by three mikoshi (portable shrine) starts at 11 a.m. from Futarasan Shrine to otabisho (portable shrine resting place) near Shinkyo Bridge, where bugaku (court dance with music) is performed from noon. Thereafter, the procession leaves Otabisho at 1 p.m. and returns to Toshogu Shrine at around 1:40 p.m. When it rains heavily, the procession may be canceled. Toshugu Shrine website Access: The Tobu Railways' Nikko Line to Tobu-Nikko Station or the JR Nikko Line to Nikko Sta., and then 5 min. by bus to Shinkyo Bus Stop.

Kurofune Matsuri May 18 to May 20		Kurofune Matsuri, Black Ship Festival in Shimoda, Shizuoka Pref. This is the festival commemorating the first landing of Commodore Perry from his American "black ship." A fireworks display is held over Shimoda Port from 8:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. on the 18th. A parade of brass bands and people disguised as Perry and his men marches along the city's main streets from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the 19th, and from 11 a.m. to noon on the 20th. Access: (1) JR Limited Express Odoriko originating at Tokyo Station to Shimoda Sta. (2) The Izu-Kyuko Railways originating at Ito Station to Shimoda Sta.

Suigo Itako Ayame Matsuri or Iris Flower Festival May 19 to June 24		Suigo Itako Ayame Matsuri, Iris Flower Festival, at Maekawa Ayame-en or Iris Garden, Itako, Ibaraki Pref. A million iris flowers of 500 species are in bloom in the garden during the festival period. Admission is free. Events of yomeiri-fune (a boat escorting a bride), festival music and local Japanese dance are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays during the period. Access: The JR Kashima Line to Itako Sta., and then walk 3 min. to the garden.
Sendai Aoba Matsuri Festival May 19 to May 20		Sendai Aoba Matsuri Festival, Sendai, Miyagi Pref. On the 19th, Suzume Odori (local Japanese dance) is demonstrated on the city's main streets, in Simin Hiroba (civic open space) and Kotodai Park from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. On the 20th, Jidai-emaki Junko, a parade of warriors followed by mikoshi (portable shrines), floats and townspeople dancing Suzume Odori, goes on Higashi-Nibancho-dori Street and on Jozenji-dori Street, from noon to around 4 p.m. Festival website Access: The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Sendai Sta., and then walk 10 min.

Sakata Matsuri Festival in Sakata May 19 to May 21		Sakata Matsuri Festival in Sakata, Yamagata Pref. A parade of gorgeous floats including floats with big Shishi-gashira lions' heads, and mikoshi (portable shrines) starts from Sakata City Hall at noon, and goes along the city's main streets until around 3:30 p.m. on the 20th. Many more events are scheduled during the period. Access: The JR Uetsu Honsen Line or the JR Ou Honsen Line to Sakata Sta., and then walk 10-15 min. to City Hall.

Mifune Matsuri May 20		Mifune Matsuri (Boat Festival) of Kurumazaki Shrine, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto. This charming festival is held on the Oi River near Arashiyama in the suburbs of Kyoto. A procession of people in costumes of the Heian Period (794-1185) starts from Kurumazaki Shrine at 1 p.m., heading for Togetsukyo Bridge. And then, participants go aboard the boats at 1:45 p.m. On the floating boats, over 20 kinds of Japanese traditional performing arts including Bugaku (court dance with music), tea ceremony and the like are demonstrated until around 4 p.m. These in all are referred to as Ofuna-asobi, which literally means playing & pleasure on the boat. If it rains heavily, the procession will be canceled, but Ofuna-asobi will be carried out. Access: (1) The Keifuku Arashiyama Line to Kurumazaki Sta., and then walk to the Shrine. (2) The Keifuku Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station or the Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Hankyu Arashiyama Sta., and then walk to the river around Togetsukyo Bridge.

Tohoku Rokkon Matsuri Festival May 26 to May 27		Tohoku Rokkon Matsuri Festival, Morioka, Morioka Pref. This special event is held with the intention of encouraging Tohoku District's people to cheer up, because the Tohoku District suffered extensive damage from the earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011. Six major festivals from each prefecture in the Tohoku District will come together and parade through the main streets in the city on both days. The festivals are: Aomori Nebuta of Aomori Pref., Akita Kanto Matsuri of Akita Pref., Morioka Sansa Odori of Iwate Pref., Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri of Yamagata Pref., Sendai Tanabata Matsuri of Miyagi Pref. and Fukushima Waraji Matsuri of Fukushima Pref. http://www.rokkon.jp/ Access: The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line or the JR Tohoku Honsen Line to Morioka Sta.

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