SANNO MATSURI
Jun 2008 (biennial)
Where:Hie Shrine
Cost:
Free
Opening Hours:
All day
Sanno Matsuri is the most sophisticated of Tokyo's three big festivals.
Renowned for its elegance and pageantry, the highlight is a majestic parade
of some 500 people clad in historic costumes.
The event has been held on alternate years since 1681 and has changed very
little in all that time. Carriages and portable shrines are carried along in dignified
procession by Shinto priests and honoured participants. Winding its way around the
streets of central Tokyo for a distance of 30 kilometres, the parade finally reaches
its destination - The Imperial Palace. As a general rule the palace is closed to all
but the Imperial Family, so it is quite a privilege for those in the procession
to be allowed inside.
In contrast to the Kanda and Sanja festivals, which were traditionally celebrated by
the common townspeople, Sanno Matsuri has always been the preserve of the nobility.
During the Edo period (1603-1868) the Shogun himself was always in attendance.
The history of Hie Shrine is intimately connected with that of the Palace.
Originally built within the grounds of Edo Castle (now The Imperial Palace)
in order to protect the castle and its inhabitants from enemies, the shrine was
moved to its current location in 1659. To this day, it has maintained its role as
protector of the castle and those living within it, with Sanno Matsuri being
organised to honour the Imperial family and to pray for their continuing
peace and prosperity.
TOGO SHRINE MARKETS
6 Jul 2008; Sun only (monthly)
Where:
Togo Shrine Markets
Cost:
Free
Opening Hours:
1st Sun of the month 5am-3pm
The lively Togo Shrine Markets occur twice a month in Jingumae.
From dawn onwards, locals browse through old plates, folk arts,
traditional dolls, and junk, with the shrine as a backdrop.
There are great bargains amongst the second-hand kimono racks.
Antique/flea markets are held every Sunday throughout the year at Shinto
shrines around Tokyo. From masses of cheap curios and collectables to real
antiques (with prices to match), there's almost nothing that you can't find
if you're willing to put in the time and effort searching.
The shrines give the markets an exotic backdrop and are worth a look
The shrines give the markets an exotic backdrop and are worth a look
in themselves - entrance is free. Be sure to throw a "lucky" five yen coin
in the collecting box and ring the bell to tell the deities your wish.
The largest and liveliest market is held at Togo Shrine, but all of these
The largest and liveliest market is held at Togo Shrine, but all of these
markets have plenty of interest. They're great places for souvenir shopping,
people watching and learning about Japanese culture - go early and take your camera!
The markets start around dawn and vendors start to pack up by early afternoon.
The markets start around dawn and vendors start to pack up by early afternoon.
Get there early for the best pickings, or at the end for the greatest bargains.
Some bargaining is fine, but you'll quickly cause offence and lose the sale if
you are at all rude or aggressive. A smile and a polite "best price"
("ma-ke-te ku-da-sai") request usually gets good results.
The markets are cancelled in the case of heavy rain.
Other Dates
3 Aug 2008; Sun only (monthly)
7 Sep 2008; Sun only (monthly)
5 Oct 2008; Sun only (monthly)
2 Nov 2008; Sun only (monthly)
7 Dec 2008; Sun only (monthly)
4 Jan 2009; Sun only (monthly)
1 Feb 2009; Sun only (monthly)
1 Mar 2009; Sun only (monthly)
5 Apr 2009; Sun only (monthly)
3 May 2009; Sun only (monthly)
7 Jun 2009; Sun only (monthly)
5 Jul 2009; Sun only (monthly)
2 Aug 2009; Sun only (monthly)
6 Sep 2009; Sun only (monthly)
4 Oct 2009; Sun only (monthly)
1 Nov 2009; Sun only (monthly)
6 Dec 2009; Sun only (monthly)
3 Jan 2010; Sun only (monthly)
7 Feb 2010; Sun only (monthly)
7 Mar 2010; Sun only (monthly)
4 Apr 2010; Sun only (monthly)
2 May 2010; Sun only (monthly)
6 Jun 2010; Sun only (monthly)
4 Jul 2010; Sun only (monthly)
1 Aug 2010; Sun only (monthly)
5 Sep 2010; Sun only (monthly)
3 Oct 2010; Sun only (monthly)
7 Nov 2010; Sun only (monthly)
5 Dec 2010; Sun only (monthly)
2 Jan 2011; Sun only (monthly)
Tokyo International Lesbian
& Gay Film Festival
When:
Jul 2008 (annual)
Where:
Aoyama Spiral Hall
Cost:
Various
Opening Hours:
Various
The Tokyo International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival is the largest
event of its kind in Asia.
Around 45 films from 13 different countries are screened at
Aoyama Spiral Hall and Tokyo Women's Plaza Hall.
Attracting around 10,000 people, the event appeals to all persuasions with,
according to a recent survey, a third of the audience composed
of straight females.
Most non-Japanese films are screened with Japanese subtitles and non-English films
Most non-Japanese films are screened with Japanese subtitles and non-English films
with English subtitles.
This year's programme details are available on the festival website.
This year's programme details are available on the festival website.
SUMIDA RIVER FIREWORK FESTIVAL
In Tokyo's biggest fireworks display,
Hanabi Taikai, 20,000 rockets are fired
from two bases along the
Sumida River in a visual feast that lasts
over an hour.
Visit the nearby street stalls for hot sake
and corn on the cob.
The display includes a competition between
rival firework
companies, so expect some state
-of-the-art pyrotechnics.
The best viewing locations are the boats on the river,
but places are limited.
Most of the 900,000 spectators head for Asakusa's Sumida
Most of the 900,000 spectators head for Asakusa's Sumida
Park, which gets incredibly busy, but is worth a bit
of crowd barging for the amazing atmosphere.
Like green tea, Chinese characters and silk, fireworks
Like green tea, Chinese characters and silk, fireworks
first arrived in Japan from China. Since then, they have
very much become part of the culture, with firework
parties taking place up and down the country during summer.
The Japanese word for firework, hanabi, means fire-flower,
The Japanese word for firework, hanabi, means fire-flower,
and the short-lived beauty of a firework has much in common
with that of the celebrated cherry blossom, so it's no surprise
that the Japanese turn out in their droves to firework
festivals. The Sumida Gawa event however, is the biggest
and most spectacular in Tokyo, so it's well worth a look.
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