Drawn from ancient roots, many of Tokyo's festivals are scheduled according to the lunar calendar. The religious origins of these celebrations should not discourage visitors from experiencing and enjoying them. Although many of Japan's holidays remain fixed from year to year, some are subject to change and should be confirmed.
For details about upcoming events in Tokyo, contact the Tokyo Tourist Information Center. Phone 5321-3307. http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp. Alternatively, contact JNTO's Tourist Information Center. Phone 3201-3331. http://www.jnto.go.jp.
If you're dialing the Tokyo phone numbers listed in this calendar from outside Japan, you must first dial your country's international access code, then Japan's country code, 81, then Tokyo's city code, 3.
Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.
August, 2008
13-15 Aug—Bon Festival. The Bon festivals are an important time for Japanese Buddhists, when the spirits of one's ancestors return to visit. Fires are lit in homes to guide the spirits and the smell of incense fills the air.
22-24 Aug—Summer Festival of Azabu Juban Shopping Streets. The festival along a popular shopping street features bon odori (folk dancing) and extended hours by street vendors for the event. A short walk from the Azabujuban or Roppongi stations. http://www.japantimes.co.jp.
Early August—Asagao-ten. Morning glories fill Hibiya Park in Chiyoda-ku. The park can be reached via the Hibiya Station, Subway Hibiya, Chiyoda or Toei Mita lines. Concludes early August
Early August—Fussa Tanabata Matsuri. This star festival features parades of floats, shrines and folk dancers throughout the city. Other events are also scheduled. The festival is held in Fussa, a 90-minute train ride from Tokyo from the Fussa Station, JR Ome Line.
Early-Mid August—Obon. Most people take a week off during this time to visit their hometowns 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. Concludes mid August
Throughout August—Baseball. Three professional baseball teams play in Tokyo. The popular Yomiuri Giants (http://www.giants.jp) and the Nippon Ham Fighters (http://www.fighters.co.jp) share the Tokyo Dome (phone 5800-9999). The Yakult Swallows (http://www.yakult-swallows.co.jp) play at Meiji Jingu Stadium (phone 3404-8999). Advance tickets are sold by many hotels' front desks or concierges and travel agents. You can also buy tickets from one of the many ticket agencies downtown, including those in many Lawson convenience stores (phone 3569-9900). Continues through late November
September, 2008
12-14 Sep—Grand Festival at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Three-day festival that honors the god of war, with archers displaying their skill while astride galloping horses. There is also a portable shrine parade, tea ceremony, Judo exhibition match, dancing and floral arrangments. In Kamakura, about an hour from Tokyo on the JR Yokosuka line (depart from Tokyo Station). http://www.asahi-net.or.jp.
15 Sep-Respect for the Aged Day. Public holiday.
23 Sep-Autumnal Equinox Day. Public holiday.
Early-Late September—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. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Continues through early July 2009
Throughout September—Baseball. Three professional baseball teams play in Tokyo. The popular Yomiuri Giants (http://www.giants.jp) and the Nippon Ham Fighters (http://www.fighters.co.jp) share the Tokyo Dome (phone 5800-9999). The Yakult Swallows (http://www.yakult-swallows.co.jp) play at Meiji Jingu Stadium (phone 3404-8999). Advance tickets are sold by many hotels' front desks or concierges and travel agents. You can also buy tickets from one of the many ticket agencies downtown, including those in many Lawson convenience stores (phone 3569-9900). Continues through late November
October, 2008
11-13 Oct—Oeshiki Festival. A Buddhist festival observed 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. http://www.honmonji.or.jp.
13 Oct—Health and Sports Day. Public holiday.
18-26 Oct—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 appearances, industry forums, symposia, exhibits and other events. Bunkamura and other cinemas in the Shibuya district. For information, call 3524-1081. http://www.tiff-jp.net.
Mid October—Yasukuni Shrine Festival. This celebration is held at the Yasukuni Shrine, which is a memorial to the Japanese who died in World War II. Entertainment includes dancing, drumming and Kabuki-inspired performances. Kitanomaru 3-1-1, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo. For more information, call 3261-8326. http://www.yasukuni.or.jp.
Throughout October—Baseball. Three professional baseball teams play in Tokyo. The popular Yomiuri Giants (http://www.giants.jp) and the Nippon Ham Fighters (http://www.fighters.co.jp) share the Tokyo Dome (phone 5800-9999). The Yakult Swallows (http://www.yakult-swallows.co.jp) play at Meiji Jingu Stadium (phone 3404-8999). Advance tickets are sold by many hotels' front desks or concierges and travel agents. You can also buy tickets from one of the many ticket agencies downtown, including those in many Lawson convenience stores (phone 3569-9900). Continues through late November
Throughout October—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. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Continues through early July 2009
November, 2008
3 Nov-Culture Day. Public holiday.
15 Nov-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 Nov—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 for 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.
Throughout November—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. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Continues through early July 2009
Throughout November—Baseball. Three professional baseball teams play in Tokyo. The popular Yomiuri Giants (http://www.giants.jp) and the Nippon Ham Fighters (http://www.fighters.co.jp) share the Tokyo Dome (phone 5800-9999). The Yakult Swallows (http://www.yakult-swallows.co.jp) play at Meiji Jingu Stadium (phone 3404-8999). Advance tickets are sold by many hotels' front desks or concierges and travel agents. You can also buy tickets from one of the many ticket agencies downtown, including those in many Lawson convenience stores (phone 3569-9900). Concludes late November
December, 2008
14 Dec-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.
23 Dec-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 Dec-Christmas. Though not a public or official religious holiday, it is widely observed in Japan.
31 Dec—Tokyo Millenario. This New Year's festival features a dazzling light sculpture and gallery. Tokyo International Forum, near Tokyo Station. For information, call 5447-0954. http://www.nifty.com/millenario.
Mid December—Hagoita-ichi at Asakusa Kannon Temple. This ornamental 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. http://www.japan-guide.com.
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. Continues through early January 2009
Throughout December—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. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Continues through early July 2009
January, 2009
1 Jan—New Year's Day. Public holiday. Shinto talismans adorn the entranceways of homes, symbolizing prosperity, purity, longevity and protection from evil spirits. Special foods—broth, herring roe, black beans, dried chestnuts and seaweed—are served. Because factories are closed this day and smoke and fumes reduced, you may get a view of Mount Fuji from Tokyo. Throughout the week, families visit shrines and temples. Everyone strives to pay debts incurred from the previous year.
2 Jan-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 Jan-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.
12 Jan—Coming-of-Age Day. Public holiday. Young people who have turned 20 during the preceding year are honored.
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
Late January—Plum Blossoms. These red and white flowers are the first heralds of spring and are believed to offer magical protection against evil and various diseases. The plum-blossom festivals reach their peak mid-February to mid-March at parks, gardens and shrines throughout the Tokyo area. For more information about projected times and viewing sites, call 5321-3307. Continues through mid March
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. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Continues through early July
February, 2009
11 Feb—National Foundation Day. Public holiday.
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.
Throughout February—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. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Continues through early July
Throughout February—Plum Blossoms. These red and white flowers are the first heralds of spring and are believed to offer magical protection against evil and various diseases. The plum-blossom festivals reach their peak mid-February to mid-March at parks, gardens and shrines throughout the Tokyo area. For more information about projected times and viewing sites, call 5321-3307. Continues through mid March
March, 2009
3 Mar-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.
18-21 Mar—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-over 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. http://www.tokyoanime.jp/en.
20 Mar—Vernal Equinox. Public holiday. Buddhist temples hold special services, and people pray for the souls of the departed.
22 Mar—Tokyo Marathon. Prize money for this 26-mi/42-km race through Tokyo suburbs is more than US$50,000. For information, call 5245-7085. http://www.tokyo42195.org.
Early-Mid March—Plum Blossoms. These red and white flowers are the first heralds of spring and are believed to offer magical protection against evil and various diseases. The plum-blossom festivals reach their peak mid-February to mid-March at parks, gardens and shrines throughout the Tokyo area. For more information about projected times and viewing sites, call 5321-3307. Concludes mid March
Throughout March—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. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Continues through early July
April, 2009
8 Apr-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.
Early-Late April—Baseball. Three professional baseball teams play in Tokyo. The popular Yomiuri Giants (http://www.giants.jp) and the Nippon Ham Fighters (http://www.fighters.co.jp) share the Tokyo Dome (phone 5800-9999). The Yakult Swallows (http://www.yakult-swallows.co.jp) play at Meiji Jingu Stadium (phone 3404-8999). Advance tickets are sold by many hotels' front desks or concierges and travel agents. You can also buy tickets from one of the many ticket agencies downtown, including those in many Lawson convenience stores (phone 3569-9900). Continues through late November
Mid-Late April—Cherry Blossom Viewing. The cherry trees in parks and shrines around the city usually 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 Sunday (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.
Throughout April—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. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Continues through early July
May, 2009
16, 17 May—Sanja Matsuri 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. More than 2 million people attend the street parade. 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku. Phone 3844-1575.
Mid May—Kanda Matsuri Festival. This festival, held every odd-numbered year, 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. http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp.
Throughout May—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. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Continues through early July
Throughout May—Baseball. Three professional baseball teams play in Tokyo. The popular Yomiuri Giants (http://www.giants.jp) and the Nippon Ham Fighters (http://www.fighters.co.jp) share the Tokyo Dome (phone 5800-9999). The Yakult Swallows (http://www.yakult-swallows.co.jp) play at Meiji Jingu Stadium (phone 3404-8999). Advance tickets are sold by many hotels' front desks or concierges and travel agents. You can also buy tickets from one of the many ticket agencies downtown, including those in many Lawson convenience stores (phone 3569-9900). Continues through late November
June, 2009
Throughout June—Baseball. Three professional baseball teams play in Tokyo. The popular Yomiuri Giants (http://www.giants.jp) and the Nippon Ham Fighters (http://www.fighters.co.jp) share the Tokyo Dome (phone 5800-9999). The Yakult Swallows (http://www.yakult-swallows.co.jp) play at Meiji Jingu Stadium (phone 3404-8999). Advance tickets are sold by many hotels' front desks or concierges and travel agents. You can also buy tickets from one of the many ticket agencies downtown, including those in many Lawson convenience stores (phone 3569-9900). Continues through late November
Throughout June—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. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Continues through early July
July, 2009
20 Jul—Maritime Day. Public holiday.
Early July—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. http://www.nntt.jac.go.jp. Concludes early July
Throughout July—Baseball. Three professional baseball teams play in Tokyo. The popular Yomiuri Giants (http://www.giants.jp) and the Nippon Ham Fighters (http://www.fighters.co.jp) share the Tokyo Dome (phone 5800-9999). The Yakult Swallows (http://www.yakult-swallows.co.jp) play at Meiji Jingu Stadium (phone 3404-8999). Advance tickets are sold by many hotels' front desks or concierges and travel agents. You can also buy tickets from one of the many ticket agencies downtown, including those in many Lawson convenience stores (phone 3569-9900). Continues through late November