Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
37
Because so many factories and busi-
nesses close during the week, this is said
to be the best time of year for a clear
view of the city and beyond from atop
Tokyo's tallest buildings. April 29 to
May 5.
M
AY
Constitution Memorial Day,
a national
holiday. The Japanese Constitution
went into effect on this day in 1947.
May 3.
Greenery Day,
a national holiday. A
new holiday, established in 2007, to
promote and appreciate nature. May 4.
Children's Day,
a national holiday.
This festival is for all children but espe-
cially honors young boys. Throughout
Japan, colorful streamers of carp are
flown from poles to symbolize persever-
ance and strength, considered desirable
attributes for young boys. May 5.
Sumo Tournament,
Kokugikan (sumo
stadium), Tokyo (www.sumo.or.jp; take
the JR or Oedo Line to Ryogoku Sta-
tion). One of three Grand Tournaments
held in Tokyo, held for 15 consecutive
days in mid-May.
Kanda Myojin Festival,
Kanda Myojin
Shrine, Ochanomizu, Suehirocho or
Akihabara station (www.kandamyoujin.
or.jp/English/top.html). This festival,
which commemorates Tokugawa Ieya-
su's famous victory at Sekigahara in
1600, began during the Feudal Period
as the only time townspeople could
enter the shogun's castle and parade
before him. Today, this major Tokyo
festival features a parade of dozens of
portable shrines carried through the
district, plus geisha dances and a tea
ceremony. Held in odd-numbered years
(with a smaller festival held in even-
numbered years) on the Saturday and
Sunday closest to May 15.
Grand Spring Festival of Toshogu
Shrine,
in Nikko. Commemorating the
day in 1617 when Tokugawa Ieyasu's
remains were brought to his mausoleum
in Nikko, this festival re-creates that
drama, with more than 1,000 armor-
clad men escorting three palanquins
through the streets. May 17 and 18.
Design Festa,
Tokyo Big Sight. Tokyo's
biggest (and quirkiest) international art
exhibition (www.designfesta.com) takes
place biannually (2010, 2012, 2014,
and so on), in May and October or
November, with more than 8,500 art-
ists from more than 30 countries work-
ing in mediums ranging from art and
fashion to design, film, and music.
Impromptu street performances, stalls
with working artists, theaters and
indoor and outdoor stages provide lots
of entertainment. Mid-May.
Sanja Matsuri,
Asakusa Shrine. This is
one of Tokyo's best-known and most
colorful festivals, featuring a parade of
100 portable shrines carried through
the streets of Asakusa on the shoulders
of men and women dressed in tradi-
tional garb. Third Sunday and preced-
ing Friday and Saturday of May.
J
UNE
Sanno Matsuri,
Hie Shrine, Akasaka
(Tameike-sanno Station). One of Tokyo's
largest, this first began in the Edo Period
as a festival in which the shogun permit-
ted participants to enter the grounds of
Edo Castle. It features the usual portable
shrines transported through the busy
streets of the Akasaka district and more
than 300 people dressed in ancient cos-
tumes. June 10 to 16.
J
ULY
Tanabata (Star Festival),
celebrated
throughout Japan. According to myth,
the two stars Vega and Altair, represent-
ing a weaver and a shepherd, are allowed
to meet only once a year, on this day. If
the skies are cloudy, however, the celes-
tial pair cannot meet and must wait
another year. July 7.
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