Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
38
S
EPTEMBER
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-September.
Respect-for-the-Aged Day,
a national
holiday. Third Monday in September.
Yabusame (Horseback Archery),
Tsu-
rugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kama-
kura. The archery performances by
riders on horseback recall the days of
the samurai. September 16.
Autumnal Equinox Day,
a national
holiday. September 23.
O
CTOBER
Health Sports Day,
a national holiday,
established in commemoration of the
Tokyo Olympic Games. Second Mon-
day in October.
Oeshiki Festival,
Ikegami-Honmonji
Temple, Ikegami (Ikegami or Nishi-
magome station; www.honmonji.jp/
English.html). This is the largest of
Tokyo's commemorative services held
for Nichiren (1222-82), who founded
the Buddhist Nichiren Sect and died at
this temple. A nighttime procession
features lanterns and huge paper deco-
rations joined by the sound of flutes
and drums. October 12 and 13.
Autumn Festival of Toshogu Shrine,
Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. A parade of
warriors in early-17th-century dress are
accompanied by spear-carriers, gun-
carriers, flag-bearers, Shinto priests,
pages, court musicians, and dancers as
they escort a sacred portable shrine.
October 17.
N
OVEMBER
Culture Day,
a national holiday.
November 3.
Daimyo Gyoretsu,
Yumoto Onsen, in
Hakone. On this day the old Tokaido
Hozuki Ichi (Ground Cherry Pod
Fair),
on the grounds of Asakusa's Sen-
soji Temple. Hundreds of street stalls
sell Hozuki (Lantern Plants), colorful
wind bells, and festival snacks. July 9
and 10.
O-Bon Festival,
nationwide. This festi-
val is held in memory of dead ancestors
who, according to Buddhist belief,
revisit the world during this period.
O-Bon Odori folk dances are held in
neighborhoods everywhere. Many Japa-
nese return to their hometowns for the
event, especially if a member of the
family has died recently. As one Japa-
nese, whose grandmother had died a
few months earlier, told me, “I have to
go back to my hometown—it's my
grandmother's first O-Bon.” Mid-July
or mid-August.
Antique Jamboree,
Tokyo Big Sight,
Odaiba. One of Japan's largest antique
shows features 500 Japanese, European,
and American dealers. Weekend in
mid-July.
Maritime Day,
a national holiday. The
holiday commemorates the vital role of
the sea in Japan's livelihood and honors
those involved in the marine industry.
Third Monday in July.
Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display).
Tokyo's largest summer celebration fea-
tures spectacular fireworks displays over
the Sumida River in Asakusa. Get there
early and spread a blanket on the bank
of the river or in Sumida Koen Park
(near Kototoibashi and Komagatabashi
bridges). There are also fireworks dis-
plays over Tokyo Bay in August. Last
Saturday of July.
A
UGUST
Waraku Odori,
in Nikko. This is one
of the most popular events for folk
dances, with thousands of people danc-
ing to music. August 5 and 6.
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