Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan¨s capital, is a place
of vast proportions where the old and the new merge into a
fabulously detailed cityscape. Upon arrival, visitors are
confronted with the sheer energy that radiates from within
Tokyo. Tokyo's city center is a kaleidoscope of exotic sights
and sounds. The night view brings forth a seemingly endless,
delicate tapestry of
Tokyo lights. Despite two major disasters,
Tokyo, located at the mouth of the Sumida-gawa River, has
remarkably transformed into a modern Japanese metropolis. Tokyo
is an example of a success story in action.
A visit to Tokyo brings a collection
of sights and provides for an animated experience. In such a
city there is so much to see and do, ranging from visits to
shrines, temples, and excellent museums, to trips throughout the
various shopping areas.
Tokyo, in fact, is a shopper's
paradise. An amazing variety of high-quality goods and brand
designer products can be found in elegant specialty shops
located in Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Yurakucho, and
Ikebukuro. The dazzling lights of Ginza, Japan's answer to New
York's Fifth Avenue, and Tokyo's most celebrated shopping
district, attracts both the avid shopper and the window shopper
alike.
In the sports arena, baseball is big
business in Tokyo. The spectacular Korakuen Dome, home of the
popular Giants, features Japanese professional baseball games
which are held regularly. Sport fans will be drawn to Tokyo's
four biggest spectator sports: professional baseball, rugby,
sumo and soccer. Although not among the four, Yankee style
football and martial arts are also quite popular.
If you enjoy sightseeing, make sure
to embark on a relaxing and fascinating 40 minute day cruise on
the Sumida River between Asakusa and the Port of Tokyo. A choice
of five routes are offered: the Canal Cruise (canal district and
Shinagawa Aquarium), the Harbour Cruise (Rainbow Bridge and
Tokyo Port), the Kasai Sea life Park (including a stop at Tokyo
Big Sight), the Museum of Maritime Science (Odaiba Seaside Park
and museum of ships complete with swimming pool and palms), and
the Sumida River (passing beneath a dozen bridges).
In this city of twenty-four-hour
shops and ancient shrines, there is always a showcase
performance for visitors to enjoy. For the art enthusiast, Tokyo
offers many forms of entertainment. In fact,
Japan is focused on
the arts and, with excellent facilities such as the National
Theatre and Opera City in the Shinjuku district, Tokyo appeals
to individuals and groups interested in drama, opera, and the
ballet. For theatregoers there are three unique and powerful
forms of entertainment: Kabuki, Takarazuka, and Noh. As a
standing form of ancient Japanese tradition the Kabuki features
only male performers, whereas Takarazuka is an all-girl revue.
For a more thorough view of Japan¨s
history, visitors can tour the many excellent museums scattered
throughout Tokyo. The most modern is the Edo-Tokyo Museum,
complete with an intriguing 52-meter escalator supported by four
colossal pillars.
Closely tied to the culture of
Japan, the traditional Japanese gardens of Tokyo take visitors a
step back from the frenzied pace of modern life. They find
themselves entering a world of tranquility, an enchanting
setting of gardens outlined by wooden houses landscaped with
neatly clipped bonsai trees. Cobbled lanes lead to tiny
neighborhood shrines shrouded in foliage.
A major advantage of visiting Tokyo
is to participate in the many festivals that take place around
the year. Each year a festival is held during which the passing
seasons are observed by visits to local shrines or temples. With
over 500 annual events, the festivals provide visitors tangible
links to the past and present. The upbeat atmosphere is one of
the things that makes Tokyo so appealing. This vitality has
become part of the popular culture, a culture which seems to be
constantly in the midst of a celebration of life.
Population:
8,280,000.
Languages:
Japanese. English is spoken by many people in Tokyo and is
considered a language necessary for international business. Most
people in the hotel and travel industry will speak some English.
Very few taxi drivers or people working in restaurants and
stores will understand it. Many signs in the Tokyo area also
list the roman spelling (romaji) of Japanese place names
as a courtesy to visitors.
Predominant
Religions:
Buddhist, Christian, Shinto.
Time Zone:
9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+9 GMT). 14 hours ahead of
Eastern Standard time. When it is 12:00 noon EST in New York
City, it is 2:00 in the afternoon of the following day in
Tokyo. Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Weather
Average
Temperatures:
|
Month
|
High |
Low
|
|
January |
47F
|
29F |
|
February |
48F |
31F |
|
March
|
54F
|
36F |
|
April
|
63F |
46F
|
|
May
|
71F |
54F
|
|
June
|
76F |
63F
|
|
July
|
83F |
70F
|
|
August |
86F
|
72F |
|
September |
79F |
66F |
|
October |
69F |
55F |
|
November |
60F |
43F |
|
December |
52F |
33F |
The temperate climate brings dry and mild to cold winters, warm
and humid summers and pleasant springs and autumns. Rainfall is
common March-October. The best times to visit are April-May, for
the blooming cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, and
October-November for changing leaves and similarly enjoyable
weather. It can get hot and muggy in August. Winter seldom
brings snow, but temperatures usually drop below freezing for a
few days.
What to Wear
Very few places have a dress code. When visiting a shrine or
temple, it's best to dress in a respectful manner. T-shirts are
OK, but don't go in cutoff jeans or shorts. Take along warm
socks in winter, because shoes are removed when visiting many
places, and central heating is not common. Hotels may provide
slippers, but they're tailored for smaller people, so you may be
more comfortable if you bring your own.
Holidays
O-Shogatsu
- New Year's day and the first few days of the New Year are the
most important Holidays of the year. They are filled with
customs and traditions to make sure that the year ahead will be
a good one.
Golden Week
- several
days at the end of April and/or the beginning of May which
include observed holidays and other celebration days that
together make up a full week of holidays.
O-Bon
- the Buddhist summer festival to honor the dead or welcome the
spirits of the dead on their annual visits to the earthly world
(July 13-16 in Tokyo and parts of eastern Japan). O-Bon
can also coincide with
O-Chugen,
the annual summer gift-giving time.
New Years Day
- January 1st.
Coming Of Age
Day
- January 15th, in honour of all those who have their 20th
birthday in the new year. All 'new adults' are legally allowed
to smoke, drink and vote after this day.
National
Foundation Day
- February 11th, in commemoration of the founding of the
Japanese nation. Said to be the day the first Emperor ascended
the throne.
Spring
Equinox
- March 20th or 21st, an important period in the Buddhist
calendar for paying respect to one's ancestors.
Greenery Day
- April 29th. The late Emperor Showa's birthday was left as a
national holiday.
Constitution
Day
- May 3rd. Commemorating the establishment of Japan's present
constitution in 1947, based on democratic principles and
peaceful provisions outlawing the possession of armed forces or
military power.
Children's
Day
- May 5th, in celebration of the children of Japan. Huge carp
streamers are hung from flagpoles outside of houses and appear
to be forging their way upstream. The fish represent the courage
and perseverance that young boys should have in life.
Respect For
The Aged Day
- September 15th. To honour the elderly and pay respect to their
knowledge and experience.
Autumn
Equinox
- September 23rd or 24th and similar to the Spring Equinox in
its festivities.
Health -
Sports Day
- October 10th. To promote health and physical development. Also
in commemoration of the 1964 Olympics which were held in Tokyo.
Culture Day
- November 3rd, established in 1948 as a day for appreciating
peace and freedom and to promote culture.
Labour
Thanksgiving Day
- November 23rd. A day to appreciate and thank all those who
support society by their work. Originally, it was a thanksgiving
for the harvest.
Emperor
Akihito's Birthday
- December 23rd, the birthday of the present Emperor.
It should be
noted that holidays may not be observed on the actual date, and
for example, if the holiday falls on a Sunday, it may be
observed on the Monday following.
Voltage
Requirements:
100 volts AC, 50 cycles. Outlets require the type of plug used
in the U.S. Appliances designed for use in North America usually
can be used with no adapter; however, the difference in cycles
means that they'll run about 15% slower. Many of the larger
hotels have a choice of electrical outlets or can supply
adapters.
Telephone
Codes:
81, country code; 3, city code (dial 03 within Japan).
Money
Japanese Money is called Okane.
[pronounced
oh-kah-neh]
The
Yen
is the basic coin in Japan just as the
cent
is the basic coin in America.
The 5 Yen
coin has a hole in the middle of it as does the 50 Yen coin.
[In times past, men carried these coins with a hole in the
middle of them around their necks tied together with a string]
There is also a 10 yen, a 100 yen, and a 500 yen coin. Japanese
paper money usually comes in 1,000 yen and 10,000 yen amounts.
urrency Exchange
Although foreign currency can be used for some transactions at
shops and restaurants that cater to foreign tourists, the yen is
preferred. The most convenient place to exchange money is at the
exchange desk in your hotel. The next easiest place is at a bank
displaying the "Authorized Foreign Exchange Bank" sign. Most
banks in Tokyo can exchange your currency quickly and with
minimum hassle. Many of the larger stores have their own
foreign-exchange counters offering competitive rates. Passports
usually are required when converting currency.
You can
extract yen at the going rate of exchange, using either a bank
or credit card, at an ATM. All of Citibank's ATMs are tied into
the CIRRUS network. They have English-language menus and operate
24 hours a day.
Remember to
choose a numerical PIN: There are no English alphabet keys on
Japanese cash machines.
Taxes
There is a consumption tax of 5% on all purchases. Technically,
foreigners are exempt from the tax, but if you're not dealing
with a shop that has a rebate counter for foreign tourists or
you don't have your passport with you, you' will have to pay the
tax.
Tipping
Tipping isn't practiced. However, restaurants add on a 10%-15%
service charge. Porters aren't as common as they once were, but
expect to pay a few hundred yen per bag. Taxi drivers don't
charge extra for handling baggage.
Communication
Telephone
Public telephones are common, and you'll see many that have data
ports. Some will only accept coins, but newer models take
prepaid phone cards, too. Buy phone cards at vending machines or
kiosks.
If you're
calling a number in Tokyo from inside Japan but outside the
city, add the Tokyo area code (03) to the number. If you're
calling Tokyo from outside Japan, you'll need to dial the
country code (81) and the area code (3) without the leading
zero. Toll-free numbers begin with 0120 or 0088.
Internet
Access
Surfing the Internet is expensive because of high telephone
charges. For that reason, Internet cafes aren't that common in
Tokyo. You'll notice special phone booths on the city streets
that provide high-speed data lines: You plug your laptop
directly into them.Mail
and Package Services
Japan has an extensive and efficient postal system, and all
hotels will provide mail and package service
Transportation
The subway and surface train system is the most efficient way to
get around Tokyo. It is a much better option than taxis, which
are very expensive and get caught in traffic. The secret to the
rail system is knowing the color code of the line that stops
nearest your destination. Just point out your destination on an
English- and Japanese-language map or show fellow
passengers your destination (written out in Japanese by your
hotel staff). They' will almost always help you buy your ticket
and direct you to the right platform.
Air
All international flights to Tokyo, except those of China
Airlines, land at New Tokyo International Airport (NRT) in
Narita. Narita is located some 41 miles east of Tokyo, but
because of the heavy and unpredictable traffic, it takes about
90 minutes to get into the city. During heavy traffica drive to
or from the airport can take three or more hours. Always plan
four to four-and-a-half hours between the city and Narita to
ensure catching an international flight, or book a room near the
airport for your last night. Most domestic flights and China
Airlines' international flights land at Tokyo International
Airport (HND) in Haneda. Haneda is conveniently located between
Tokyo and Yokohama, about a half-hour bus or monorail ride from
downtown Tokyo.
Connecting
Transportation
Travel between Tokyo and Narita is
using the commercial shuttle buses (called limousines). The
Limousine Bus Service counter is in the arrivals lobby, and the
staff speaks English. Destinations to all major hotels, train
stations and the Tokyo City Air Terminal (T-CAT) and Yokohama
City Air Terminal (Y-CAT)！actually bus terminals！are displayed
prominently.
Car
Driving is
not convenient in Tokyo. Traffic jams that back up 20-30 miles,
lasting an entire day, are not uncommon, especially during peak
travel seasons.
Bus
Few foreign travelers use the intercity buses in Japan. Tokyo
can be reached by bus from most major cities on Japan Railways
(JR) highway buses. These leave distant cities in the evening or
late at night, arriving at Tokyo station and a few other
locations around the city early in the morning. For information
in English, phone 3423-0111.Public
Transportation
Tokyo's public transportation is fast, clean, safe and
convenient to use. Most of the yellow and black directional
signs are in both English and Japanese. Start with good maps of
the rail and subway systems. You can pick them up from the Japan
National Tourist Organization (JNTO) or in most subway and train
stations.
Taxi
Taxis are clean, safe and readily available everywhere in Tokyo.
Most hotels and all train stations have a taxi stand. You also
can flag down a taxi by holding out your hand. However, the
taxis may pass you by to pick up Japanese people！most drivers do
not speak English, and they're afraid of communication problems
with foreigners. Because traffic moves on the left-hand side of
the street, enter and leave the taxi using the left-hand door.
But don't open it yourself！it's operated automatically by the
driver.
Train
Japan has some of the best train networks in the world！fast,
safe, efficient and clean. The main network is operated by Japan
Railways (JR), and there are many other privately operated
lines. Stations in the city include Tokyo, Ueno, Shinjuku,
Shibuya and Yurakucho.
Tokyo Disneyland - Amusement Park
1-1 Maihama, Urayasu-Shi
Chiba-Ken, 279, JAPAN
81-4-73 54 0001, 81-33-366 5600, Fax: 81-473-545240
It is a re-creation of Disneyland in California. Open every day
9 am to 10 pm April through August and from 10 am to 6 pm
September through March. (From September through November it
closed on Tuesdays, and from December through February it is
closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays except holidays.
Imperial Palace
The Imperial palace is home to Japan¨s Emperor and the imperial
family; you can walk around the outside of the moat of the
Imperial Palace, and admire the luster of the ancient centuries.
The grounds, however, are only open on two days: on the Emperors
birthday (Dec 23) and Jan 2.
Ueno Park
Surrounding the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno (Tokyo) Zoo, this
park encompasses true Japan in its temples, shrines and it even
features an aquarium. It is well known for being the prime
cherry-blossom-viewing spot.
Tokyo Sea Life Park (Kasai Rinkai
Suizokukan)
6-2-3 Rinkai-cho,
Edogawa-ku, Tokyo
3869-5152
Tokyo Sea Life Park is a giant aquarium that simulates life in
the depths of the ocean. Exhibits featured include the
spectacular rooftop glass shark tanks and much more.
Edo-Tokyo Museum
1-4-1
Yokoami, Sumida-ku
3626-9974
Edo-Tokyo Museum is the newest and one of the best historical
museums, depicting life in Tokyo from the 17th century through
the end of World War II. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10- 6 (Thursday
and Friday until 8 pm). Closed Dec 28-Jan 4.
Wild Blue Yokohama
Heian-cho, Tsurumi-ku,
Yokohama
045-511-2323
Wild Blue Yokohama is an indoor beach that is open year round.
It is a perfect example of Japan¨s ability to harness the forces
of nature in new and innovative ways.
Tokyo National Museum
13-9 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, in Ueno Park
3822-1111
The Tokyo National Museum is the nations largest display of
Japanese history and culture, with more than 100,000 treasured
artifacts and artworks. Exhibits include Chinese and Indian art
as well.
Azabu Museum of Arts and Crafts
4-6-9 Roppongi,
Minato-ku
5474-1371
Azabu Museum of Arts and Crafts emphasizes Japanese artworks,
including glass, ceramics, clothing and paintings.
Drum Museum Taikokan
2-1-1 Nishi Asakusa, Taito-ku
3842-5622
Drum Museum Taikokan presents a hands-on exhibit of drums from
around the world. Very small but interesting personal
collection, housed upstairs in a traditional festival
costume-and-instrument store in an old district of Asakusa.
Fukagawa Edo Museum
1-3-28 Shirakawa, Koto-ku
3630-8625
Fukagawa Edo Museum looks at life during the Edo period (19th
century)
Japanese Sword Museum
4-25-10 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
3379-1386
Visit the Japanese Sword Museum for a display of modern and
ancient swords.
Kogeikan National Museum of Modern Art
3 Kitanomaru Koen, Chiyoda-ku
3214-2561
The National Museum of Modern Art offers a collection of
Japanese art created since the Meiji era (AD 1868-1912). Nearby
Crafts Gallery displays Japanese handicrafts.
Paper Museum
The Paper Museum displays the process and equipment used in
hand-making Japanese paper.
The Silk Museum
1 Yamashitacho, Naka-ku
045-641-0841
The Silk Museum (Yokohama) illuminates the silk-making process
and also displays fine silk fabrics.
The Sony Plaza
3573-2371
Visit the fascinating showrooms of the Sony Building. Visitors
can test many products, as well as some products, which have yet
to be released
Nippon Budokan
2-3 kitano maru Koen
Chidoya-ku
03-3216-5100
The Budokan was built as a martial arts arena for the Tokyo
Olympics of 1964. It still hosts tournaments and exhibitions of
judo, karate, and Japanese fencing, as well, as concerts.
Kotsu Hakubutsukan Transportation
Museum
1-25 Kanda Sudacho
Chidoya-ku
03-3251-8481
This is a great place for children! Exhibits explain the early
development of the railway system and include a miniature layout
of the rail services. This museum also features Japan¨s first
airplane.
Kite Museum
1-12-10 Nihombashi
Chuo-ku
03-3275-2704
Kite flying is an old tradition in Japan, and the kites in this
museum include examples of every shape and variety. For the
children, the museum offers a special kite-making workshop.
Kokuritsu Kagaku Hakubutsukan
(National Science Museum)
7-20 Ueno Koen
Taitoku
03-3822-0111
Everything from dinosaurs to moon rocks is on display at this
conventional natural history museum.
Goto Planetarium
2-21-12 Shibuya
Shibuya
03-3407-7409
The planetarium has daily shows displaying the movements of the
solar system, the constellations, and galaxies projected on a
dome 65 ft. in diameter. Adjacent to the planetarium, visitors
can explore the museum of astronomy.
Koraku-en Amusement Park
1-3-61 Koraku
Bunkyo-ku
03-3811-2111
This amusement park offers attractions that the kids are going
to love! The chief attractions of which are a giant roller
coaster and a ＾circus train￣.
Toshima-en
3-25-1 Koyama
Nerima-ku
03-3990-3131
This large amusement park has four roller coasters, a haunted
house, and seven swimming pools. It also features an authentic
Coney Island carousel, refurbished and rescued by a Japanese
entrepreneur.
Tama Dobutsu Koen
7-1-1 Hodokubo
Hino-shi
0425-91-1611
This wildlife park gives animals freedom to roam, and most
exhibits are separated by moats. Visitors can also take an
adventurous tour of the Lions¨ Park on a minibus
Events
Many of Tokyo's festivals, drawn from ancient roots, are
scheduled according to the lunar calendar. Although many of
Japan's holidays remain fixed from year to year, some are
subject to change and should be confirmed.
January
1 January: New Year's Day. Public holiday. Special
foods: broth, herring roe, black beans, dried chestnuts and
seaweed！are served. Throughout the week, families visit shrines
and temples. Everyone strives to pay debts incurred from the
previous year.
2 January: Kokyo Ippan Sanga. The Imperial Palace opens
its grounds to the public for one of only two open houses during
the year (the other is 23 December, the emperor's birthday). The
royal family makes an appearance before great crowds. 1 Chiyoda,
Chiyoda-ku. For information, call 3213-1111.
6 January: Dezomeshiki Parade. Firemen perform acrobatic
tricks atop tall bamboo ladders. The parade route is along
Harumi Chuo-dori (Ginza Station on the Hibiya, Ginza or
Marunouchi lines). For information, call 3212-2111.
10 January: Coming-of-Age Day. Public holiday. Young
people who have turned 20 during the preceding year are honored.
Late January: Plum Blossom Festivals. These red and white
flowers are believed to offer protection against evil and
various diseases. The plum-blossom festivals reach their peak
mid February-mid March at parks, gardens and shrines throughout
the Tokyo area. For more information about projected times and
viewing sites, call 5321-3307.
Throughout January: Performance. The New National Theatre
is home to many opera, ballet, contemporary dance and theater
performances. 1-1-1 Honcho, Shibuya-ku (Hatsudai Station on the
Keio/Shinjuki line). For information, call 5351-3011. For
tickets, call 5352-9999.
Early January: New Year Holiday Season. Government
offices and some businesses close during this time. Some
companies close as early as 23 December and do not reopen until
the second week of January. Concludes early January
Early January: Tokyo Millenario. This New Year's festival
centers around a dazzling light sculpture and gallery. Tokyo
International Forum, near Tokyo Station. For information, call
5447-0954.
February
Early February: Setsubun. According to the lunar
calendar, this day marks the end of winter. Temples and shrines
throughout Tokyo hold bean-throwing contests to scare away the
devils and bad luck.
Early-Mid February: Tokyo Marathon. Prize money for this
26-mile race through Tokyo suburbs is more than US$50,000. For
information, call 5245-7085.
11 February: National Foundation Day. Public holiday.
March
Early March: Hina Matsuri. During the Doll Festival,
traditional Japanese Hina dolls and miniature household articles
are typically displayed in homes with young girls and at other
locations throughout the city. The dolls represent the emperor,
empress and other members of the court dressed in ancient
costume.
20 March: Vernal Equinox. Public holiday. Buddhist
temples hold special services, and people pray for the souls of
the departed.
Late March: Tokyo International Anime Fair. This annual
event draws approximately 15,000 industry members and 50,000
fans. Weekend events for the public include a competitive film
festival, character shows, live performances, voice-actor
lessons and exhibits from nearly 150 businesses. Tokyo Big
Sight, 3-21-1 Ariake, Koto-ku. For information, call 5530-1111.
For tickets, call Ticket Pia at 983-222.
Late March: Cherry Blossom Viewing. Generally, the cherry
trees in parks and shrines around the city reach full bloom
during late March and the first two weeks in April. Friends and
colleagues gather under the trees to eat, drink and sing
traditional songs into the night hours. The best viewing spots
are the Imperial Palace, which opens its front road for
bicycling on Sundays (phone 3211-5020), and Ueno Park in
Taito-ku (Ueno Station, phone 3827-7752 or 3832-0084).
Chidorigafuchi Minakami Park in Chiyodaku (Kudanshita station,
phone 3264-2111) offers viewing by boat. Sumida Park in Asakusa
(Asakusa Station, phone 5608-1111) is almost as famous as Ueno
Park. For more information about projected times and sites, call
5231-3307. Continues through early May
April
Early-Late April: Baseball. Three professional baseball
teams play in Tokyo. The popular Yomiuri Giants and the Nippon
Ham Fighters share the Tokyo Dome (phone 5800-9999). The Yakult
Swallows play at Meiji Jingu Stadium (phone 3404-8999). Advance
tickets are sold by many hotels' front desk or concierge and
travel agents. Continues through late November
8 April: Hana Matsuri. On the birthday of Buddha, statues
of the diety are shown in temples, and sweet tea (amacha)
is poured over them in a gesture of devotion. Children place
flowers next to statues of the infant Buddha.
29, 30 April: Golden Week. This week of continuous
national holidays includes Greenery Day (April 29), Constitution
Day (May 3), Nation's Holiday (May 4) and Children's Day (May
5). This is one of Japan's busiest holiday seasons, and many
government offices and businesses are closed. Continues through
5 May
Throughout April: Cherry Blossom Viewing. The cherry
trees in parks and shrines around the city reach full bloom
during late March and the first two weeks in April. Friends and
colleagues gather under the trees to eat, drink and sing
traditional songs into the night hours. The best viewing spots
are the Imperial Palace, which opens its front road for
bicycling on Sundays (phone 3211-5020), and Ueno Park in
Taito-ku (Ueno Station, phone 3827-7752 or 3832-0084).
Chidorigafuchi Minakami Park in Chiyodaku (Kudanshita station,
phone 3264-2111) offers viewing by boat. Sumida Park in Asakusa
(Asakusa Station, phone 5608-1111) is almost as famous as Ueno
Park. For more information about projected times and sites, call
5231-3307. Continues through early May.
May
Mid May: Kanda Matsuri. This biannual festival
commemorates the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo
more than 400 years ago. Marked by parades with elaborate
portable shrines and costumes. Celebrated on the weekend nearest
15 May. Kanda Myojin Shrine, 2-16-2 Soto Kanda (Ochanomizu
Station). For more information, call 3254-0753.
1-5 May: Golden Week. This week of continuous national
holidays includes Greenery Day (April 29), Constitution Day (May
3), Nation's Holiday (May 4) and Children's Day (May 5). This is
one of Japan's busiest holiday seasons, and many government
offices and businesses are closed. Concludes 5 May.
21, 22 May: Sanja Festival. This three-day celebration at
Asakusa Shrine is filled with excitement as portable shrines in
lacquer and gold are hoisted and carried around the Asakusa
district by happi-coated men and women. 2-3-1 Asakusa,
Taito-ku. Phone 3844-1575..
June
Early-Late June: Iris Blooming Festivals. Though not as
famous or as widely celebrated as the cherry blossoms, the
irises in parks and gardens throughout the city should not to be
missed. A highlight is the 820-foot trail framed by
approximately 1,500 Edo irises that reach their peak bloom in
mid June at Yoyogi Park, 1-1 Yoyogi-kamizonocho, Shibuya-ku (JR
Harajuku station). Phone 3379-5511. Continues through mid July
July
Mid-Late July: Obon. Most people take a week off during
this time to visit their hometown and pay homage to ancestors or
to vacation overseas. Many shops in Tokyo are closed. This
holiday is based on the lunar calendar, so its date varies
between mid July and mid August. Bon-dance festivals continue
throughout the monthlong period. Continues through mid August
18 July: Maritime Day. Public holiday. Third Monday of
July.
30 July: Fireworks. Tokyo's grandest fireworks display of
the year is launched on the last Saturday in July over the
Sumida River in Asakusa. The best places to watch are between
the Kototol and Shirahige bridges or at the Komagata Bridge. For
information, call 5388-3141 or 5608-1111.
September
15 September: Respect for the Aged Day. Public holiday.
23 September: Autumnal Equinox Day. Public holiday.
October
Early-Late October: Tokyo International Film Festival.
The largest film festival in Asia markets itself as one of the
top 12 major festivals in the world. Features competitive
screenings of international and Asian features, along with works
by new directors, world cinema and classic Japanese films. Also
star guest appearances, industry forums, symposiums, exhibits
and other events. Bunkamura and other cinemas in the Shibuya
district. For information, call 3524-1081.
11 October: Health and Sports Day. Public holiday.
Mid October: Oeshiki Festival. A Buddhist festival
commemorated by a procession toward the Honmonji Temple.
Participants carry large lanterns decorated with paper flowers.
1-1-1 Ikegami, Otoku (Ikegami station on the Tokyu Ikegami
line). Phone 3313-6241.
November
3 November: Culture Day. Public holiday.
Mid- November: Shichi-go-san. During the Children's
Festival, children ages 3, 5 and 7 are dressed in traditional
kimonos and taken to shrines by their parents so that prayers
may be said for good health and future blessings.
23 November: Labor Appreciation Day. Public holiday.
Mid November: Tokyo International Women's Marathon.
Course begins and ends at the National Stadium, 10
Kasumigaoka-machi, Shinjuku-ku (JR Sendagaya Station). For
information, call 5411-7050 or 3542-2682.
Mid November: City Marathon. In conjunction with the
Tokyo International Women's Marathon, the city hosts a marathon
open to the public, both men and women. Participants begin at
Jingu-Gaien circle and join the Women's Marathon course on
Gaien-Higashi Road. For information, call 5411-7050 or
3542-2682.
December
23 December: Emperor's Birthday. Public holiday. One of
only two days in the year when the Imperial Palace is open to
the public. 1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku.
25 December: Christmas. Though not a public or official
religious holiday, it is widely observed in Japan.
14 December: Gishi-sai. To commemorate a famous 1702
samurai vendetta, businessmen costumed as warriors proceed along
Sotobori Street to Sengakuji Temple, where the samurai are
buried. A memorial service also takes place at Honjo
Matsuzaka-cho Park, which was owned by the avenged samurai
master. Sengakuji Temple, 2-11-1 Takanawa, Minato-ku (Sengakuji
Station on the Tozi Asakusa line). Honjo Matsuzaka-cho Park,
3-13-9 Ryogoku, Sumida-ku (Ryogoku station on the JR Sobu Line).
For information, call Sengakuji Temple at 3441-5560 or Honjo
Matsuzaka-cho Park at 5608-1111.
Mid- December: Hagoita-ichi at Asakusa Kannon Temple.
This "ornamental battledore fair" takes place in the compound of
the temple. In the evening, look for the brightly colored
paddles used in the ancient shuttlecock game of hanetsuki;
they're especially beautiful when lanterns illuminate them.
2-31-8 Asakusa, Taito-ku (Asakusa station). Phone 3842-0181.
Late December: Tokyo Millenario. This New Year's festival
centers around a dazzling light sculpture and gallery. Tokyo
International Forum, near Tokyo Station. For information, call
5447-0954. Continues through early January.
Late December: New Year Holiday Season. Government
offices and some businesses close during this time. Some
companies close as early as 23 December and do not reopen until
the second week of January.
|
