Visiting Japan: Next events in Tokyo

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

 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 

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.

 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

 with English subtitles.

This year's programme details are available on the festival website.

link Tokyo International Lesbian & Gay Film 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

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

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,

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.