Calendar of Events April 2019 Notes: 1

Calendar of Events April 2019 Notes: 1. Published by Tourist Information Center of Japan National Tourism Organization and all rights reserved. Hana Matsuri 花まつり Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. ©2019 Japan National Tourism Organization Hana Matsuri, A Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Birthday is held 2. Dates, times and functions are subject to change without notice. Especially schedule of outdoor events and flower festival may change at all Buddhist temples on the days centering around April 8, which is due to the weather. Be sure to check the latest information in advance. said to be the Buddha's Birthday. At the temples, small images of Buddha 3. The access shows only major route. Please refer to following URL for alternative transportation from the station where you want to start. are open to the public and Amacha (sweet tea) is poured over the images http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ as an expression of devotion. Chigo-Gyoretsu, parades of children in 4. Japanese words appearing in the column provide the name of the event, the place and access for you to point out to Japanese passerby fancy attire, pulling a papier-mache white elephant, a sacred animal when you need help. associated with the Buddha, are also held at many temples. 5. Please refer to URL (basically in Japanese) for each event. If you have further questions, please call TIC, JNTO at following number. TIC, JNTO Tel : (03)-3201-3331 from overseas +81 3 3201 3331 Hanami 花見 Glossary︓ Special Remarks: Hanami, Cherry Blossom Viewing is a common sight in the spring in Japan. Chigo-Gyoretsu Procession of children in fancy attire Dates and Times are shown as follows which is common in Japan. When the cherry blossoms - "sakura" are in full bloom, usually from the Matsuri Festival, Event end of March to April, picnic parties among families, friends and Mikoshi Portable shrine Dates : M/D April 3 ⇒ 4/3 colleagues are held under the cherry trees, where everyone merrily Nodate Open air tea ceremony Time : 24 hours system 8:00am ⇒ 8:00 enjoys eating, drinking and socializing. Sakura Cherry blossom Please visit JNTO Cherry blooming forecast site; ⇒ Taiko Japanese drum 8:00pm 20:00 http://www.jnto.go.jp/sakura/eng/index.php Yabusame Horseback archery

Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: Cherry Blossom Festival. You can enjoy viewing of about 1,200 blooming cherry trees even in the evening, as thousands of Bonbori (paper lanterns) http://www.ci JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo ty.taito.lg.jp/i Ueno Sakura are lit up. Tokyo Tokyo Taito-ku Ueno Park Metro Ginza or Hibiya Line to JR山手線、東京メトロ銀座線又は ndex/event/ka 3/21 〜 4/7 Matsuri 東京東京都台東区上野公園 Ueno Sta. (G16, H17), and 日比谷線上野駅より徒歩5分 nko/uenosaku うえの桜まつり Schedule & Key events: then walk 5 min. ramatsuri.htm ●daily l 10:00-20:00 Open-air antique markets are set up 17:00-20:00 Flowers are lit up

Chidorigafuchi︓ (1) Tokyo Metro Tozai, Hanzomon Line or Toei Yasukuni-jinja Summary: 千鳥ヶ淵︓ Shinjuku Subway Line to Shrine, Cherry Blossom Festival. You can enjoy view of cherry blossoms along the (1) 東京メトロ東⻄線、半蔵門線 Chiyoda- Chiyoda-no-Sakura Kudanshita Sta. (T07, Z06, https://visit- Tokyo Tokyo Chidorigafuchi and Chidorigafuchi path and in the precincts of the shrine. 又は都営地下鉄新宿線九段下駅 3/27 〜 4/7 ku Matsuri S05)(Exit 2), and then walk chiyoda.tokyo/ 東京東京都 others (2番出口) より徒歩5分千代田区千代田のさくらまつり 5 min. sakura/ 靖国神社、 (2) 東京メトロ半蔵門線半蔵門駅 Schedule & Key events: (2) Tokyo Metro Hanzomon 千鳥ヶ淵ほか (5番出口) より徒歩5分 ●daily Sunset - 22:00 Flowers are lit up along the path Line to Hanzomon Sta. (Z05)(Exit 5), and then walk 5 min.

Summary: Cherry Blossom Festival. You can enjoy viewing of cherry blossoms in the park. Some events are scheduled on Sakurabashi Bridge over Sumida River and other sites on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival period.

Schedule & Key events: ●3/21 - 4/10 18:30-21:00 Flowers are lit up ●3/30 11:00-11:30 Nankin Tamasudare (traditional Japanese street (1) Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Sumida Park, or Toei Asakusa Subway Line performance using bamboo blinds) (1) 東京メトロ銀座線又は都営地 Sakurabashi Bridge to Asakusa Sta. (G19, A18), Bokutei Sakura 12:00-12:30 & 14:00-14:30 Street performance 下鉄浅草線浅草駅より徒歩5分 http://visit- Tokyo Tokyo Sumida-ku and others and then walk 5 min. 3/30 〜 4/7 Matsuri ●3/31 (2) 都営地下鉄浅草線本所吾妻 sumida.jp/osu 東京東京都墨田区隅田公園、 (2) Toei Asakusa Subway 墨堤さくらまつり橋駅 (A1またはA3出口)より徒歩 sume/22011 桜橋橋上ほか 11:00-11:40 Kappore (traditional Japanese comic dance) Line to Honjo-Azumabashi 10分 12:00-12:30 Nankin Tamasudare (traditional Japanese street Sta. (A19) (Exit A1 or A3) , performance using bamboo blinds) and then walk 10 min. 14:30-15:00 & 15:15-15:45 Street performance ●4/6 10:00-10:30 & 13:45-14:15 Street performance 12:30-13:00 Nankin Tamasudare (traditional Japanese street performance using bamboo blinds) ●4/7 10:00-10:30 Street performance 12:00-16:00 Taiko at Sakurabashi Bridge

Tanashi- Summary: http://www.ci cho, Dharma Doll Fair. Stalls selling Dharma dolls are set up in the compound of Tanashisan Soji-ji Tanashi Daruma Seibu Shinjuku Line to ty.nishitokyo.l Tokyo Tokyo Nishi- the temple. ⻄武新宿線田無駅 (北口) より徒 4/1 Temple Ichi Tanashi Sta. (North Exit), g.jp/daisuki/s 東京東京都 Tokyo 歩5分田無山総持寺田無だるま市 and then walk 5 min. pot/tanasisans ⻄東京市田 Schedule & Key events: ozizi.html 無町 9:00-16:00

Summary:

Buddhist Devotionals in commemoration of Priest Honen's death. Honen (1) Toei Mita Subway Line to Shonin (1133-1212) is a Japanese Buddhist monk, the founder of the Jodo Onarimon Sta. (I06) or Sect of Japanese Buddhism. Shibakoen Sta. (I05), and (1) 都営地下鉄三田線御成門駅 http://www.z Tokyo Tokyo Minato-ku Zojo-ji Temple Gyoki Daie then walk 3 min. 又は芝公園駅より徒歩3分 ojoji.or.jp/eve 4/2 〜 4/7 東京東京都港区増上寺御忌大会 (ぎょきだいえ) Schedule & Key events: (2) Toei Asakusa or Oedo (2) 都営地下鉄浅草線又は大江 nt/ev_gyokidai ●daily 12:30- Bugaku (ancient court dance with music) Subway Line to Daimon Sta. ⼾線大門駅より徒歩5分 e.html performance (A09, E20), and then walk 5 min. ●4/5-7 13:30-14:00 Oneri-Gyoretsu (procession including children in fancy attire)

Summary: Tsutsuji (azalea) Flower Festival. You can enjoy viewing of about 3,000 azalea blossoms and art performances. Admission to the garden is 200JPY. Stalls selling potted plants, antiques and others are set up in the precincts of the shrine. If it rains, art performances will be canceled. (1) Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Nezu Sta. (C14) or (1) 東京メトロ千代田線根津駅又 Nezu-jinja Shrine and Bunkyo Tsutsuji Sendagi Sta. (C15), and then http://www.n Tokyo Tokyo Bunkyo-ku Schedule & Key events: は千駄木駅より徒歩5分 4/6 〜 5/6 others Matsuri walk 5 min. edujinja.or.jp/ 東京東京都文京区 ●daily 9:00-17:30 Azalea garden is open (2) 東京メトロ南北線東大前駅より根津神社ほか文京つつじまつり (2) Tokyo Metro Namboku tutuji/t.html 徒歩5分 ●4/7 11:00- Mikoshi parades in the precincts of the shrine Line to Todaimae Sta. (N12), ●4/27 13:00- Demonstration of Naginata (long-handled sword) and then walk 5 min. ●4/28 - 30 12:00- Taiko performance ●4/28 14:00-16:00 Parade of Kappore (traditional Japanese comic dance) on Sendagi 2cho-me shopping street

Summary: Spring Festival which consists of two festivals, Goju-no-to Festival - five story pagoda is open to the public, and Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Birthday. "Hana-no-sei" , a parade of children pulling a papier-mache white elephant, is the highlight. (1) Tokyu Ikegami Line to Ikegami Sta., and then walk Schedule & Key events: (1) 東急池上線池上駅より徒歩 http://honmo Ikegami Honmon-ji 10 min. Tokyo Tokyo Ota-ku Haru Matsuri ●daily 10分 nji.jp/news/im 4/6 〜 4/7 Temple and others (2) Toei Asakusa Subway 東京東京都大田区春まつり 10:00-15:00 Nodate in front of Oodo (2) 都営地下鉄浅草線⻄⾺込駅 g/schedule/20 池上本門寺ほか Line to Nishi-Magome Sta. （南口）より徒歩12分 190406.pdf ●4/6 (A01)(South Exit), and then 10:00-15:00 Five story pagoda is open walk 12 min. 13:30-14:00 Ikegami-daiko (Japanese drum) ●4/7 10:00-15:00 Five story pagoda is open 13:00-13:40 "Hana-no-sei" leaves Ikegami shopping street for the temple

Summary: Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Birthday. Chigo-Gyoretsu is the http://www.g Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Tokyo Tokyo Bunkyo-ku Gokoku-ji Temple Hana Matsuri highlight. 東京メトロ有楽町線護国寺駅より okokuji.or.jp/i 4/7 to Gokokuji Sta. (Y11), and 東京東京都文京区護国寺花まつり徒歩1分 nformation/28 then walk 1 min. Schedule & Key events: 9 14:00- Chigo-Gyoretsu

Summary: (1) JR Yamanote Line to Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Birthday. Chigo-Gyoretsu is the Sugamo Sta., and then walk https://www.s Toshima- (1) JR山手線巣鴨駅より徒歩5分 Tokyo Tokyo Kogan-ji Temple Hana Matsuri highlight. 5 min. ugamo.or.jp/p 4/7 ku (2) 都営地下鉄三田線巣鴨駅東京東京都高岩寺花まつり (2) Toei Mita Subway Line to rayer_detail01 豊島区 (A3出口) より徒歩2分 Schedule & Key events: Sugamo Sta. (I15)(Exit A3), .html 13:00- Chigo-Gyoretsu and then walk 2 min.

Summary: Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Birthday. Chigo-Gyoretsu is the highlight. Tsukiji Hongan-ji Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to https://tsukiji Tokyo Tokyo Chuo-ku Hana Matsuri 東京メトロ日比谷線築地駅 (1番 4/7 Temple Tsukiji Sta. (H10)(Exit 1), hongwanji.jp/ 東京東京都中央区花まつり Schedule & Key events: 出口)より徒歩1分築地本願寺 and then walk 1 min. news/ 10:00-16:00 Food booths and other stalls are set up 11:00- Chigo-Gyoretsu 12:00- Taiko performance

Summary: Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Birthday. Parade of local children Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or http://www.s Tokyo Tokyo Taito-ku Senso-ji Temple Hana Matsuri pulling a papier-mache white elephant, is the highlight. Toei Asakusa Subway Line to 東京メトロ銀座線又は都営地下鉄 enso- 4/8 東京東京都台東区浅草寺花まつり Asakusa Sta. (G19, A18), 浅草線浅草駅より徒歩5分 ji.jp/annual_e Schedule & Key events: and then walk 5 min. vent/09.html daytime Parade of local children

Summary: Fuji (wisteria) Flower Festival. There are over 50 wisteria roots in the precincts of the shrine, and they are usually in full bloom in this season. Several events are held during the festival period. http://kameid (1)JR Sobu Line to Kameido otenjin.or.jp/i Schedule & Key events: Sta. (North Exit), and then (1)JR総武線⻲⼾駅 (北口) より nfo/wp- Kameido Tenjin ●4/13, 14 & 29 walk 15 min. 徒歩15分 content/uploa Tokyo Tokyo Koto-ku Fuji Matsuri 4/13 〜 5/6 Shrine 10:00-15:00 Cha-kai (tea ceremony) (2)JR Sobu Line or Tokyo (2)JR総武線又は東京メトロ半蔵 ds/sites/3/201 東京東京都江東区藤まつり⻲⼾天神社 ●4/14 9:00-16:00 Edo-hayashi (festival music) performance Metro Hanzomon Line to 門線錦糸町駅 (北口) より徒歩15 9/03/ice_scre ●4/20 daytime Monkey show Kinshicho Sta.(Z13)(North 分 enshot_20190 Exit), and then walk 15 min. ●4/21 9:00-16:00 Tenjin-hayashi (festival music) performance 318- 161835.png ●4/28 9:00-16:00 Tatekawa-hayashi (festival music) performance ●4/29 11:00-12:30 Koto (Japanese harp) performance 13:30-14:30 Tsugaru-shamisen (Japanese banjo) performance 15:30-16:30 Kappore (traditional Japanese comic dance)

Summary: Shirasagi (white heron) Dance with a history of over 1,000 years is performed twice a day. Various characters in traditional attire including Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or http://www.s dancers parade from Denboin Tempe via Nakamise street to the Main Hall, Tokyo Tokyo Taito-ku Senso-ji Temple Shirasagi-no-mai Toei Asakusa Subway Line to 東京メトロ銀座線又は都営地下鉄 enso- 4/14 and Shirasagi-no-mai is performed with Japanese musical instrumets on the 東京東京都台東区浅草寺⽩鷺の舞 Asakusa Sta. (G19, A18), 浅草線浅草駅より徒歩5分 ji.jp/annual_e ground of the temple. and then walk 5 min. vent/23.html

Schedule & Key events: 11:30- & 14:00-

Summary: Hono Ozumo featuring Sumo matches dedicated by some 100 Rikishi (Sumo wrestlers). This event is open to the first 6,000 people. Admission is free. Tokyo Metro Tozai, Hanzomon Line or Toei http://www.y Chiyoda- 東京メトロ東⻄線、半蔵門線又は Tokyo Tokyo Yasukuni-jinja Shrine Hono Ozumo Shinjuku Subway Line to asukuni.or.jp/ 4/15 ku Schedule & Key events: 都営地下鉄新宿線九段下駅 (1 東京東京都靖国神社奉納大相撲 Kudanshita Sta. (T07, Z06, news_detail.ht 千代田区番出口) より徒歩5分 9:00- Ritual starts S05)(Exit 1), and then walk ml?id=136 10:40- Matches by Maku-shita (low-ranking) Rikishi start 5 min. 14:00- Maku-uchi (high-ranking) Rikishi including Yokozuna (grand champions) enter the ring

Summary: Kusajishi (Japanese archery, targeting on a fake deer) and Yabusame are (1)Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to http://www.ci held in the park. Please be reminded that space for Yabusame is limited. If it Asakusa Sta.（G19）, and (1)東京メトロ銀座線浅草駅より徒 ty.taito.lg.jp/i Tokyo Tokyo Taito-ku Sumida Park Asakusa Yabusame heavily rains, events will be canceled. then walk 8 min. 歩8分 4/20 ndex/event/ka 東京東京都台東区隅田公園浅草流鏑⾺ (2)Toei Asakusa Subway (2)都営地下鉄浅草線浅草駅より nko/asakusay Line to Asakusa Sta. (A18), 徒歩10分 Schedule & Key events: abusame.html 11:45-12:45 Kusajishi and then walk 10 min. 13:00-14:30 Yabusame

Takaosan Yakuoin Temple︓ Keio Line to Takaosan-guchi Summary: Sta., and then walk 3 min. to Takaosan Yakuo-in 高尾山薬王院︓ Annual Spring Festival of Mt. Takao featuring Chigo-Gyoretsu , Yamabushi (1) Kiyotaki Sta. From there, Temple, 京王線高尾山口駅より徒歩3分の Takaosan Shunki (mountain priests in their traditional attire) and a corps of fife & drum. take cable car to Takaosan http://takaosa Tokyo Tokyo Hachioji Jyuichi-chome Jaya (1)清滝駅よりケーブルカーで5分高 4/21 Taisai Sta. (5 min.), and then walk n.or.jp/spring 東京東京都八王子市 and others 尾山駅下⾞、徒歩20分高尾山春季大祭 20 min. _ochigo.html 高尾山薬王院、 Schedule & Key events: (2)山麓駅よりエコーリフトで12分山 (2) Sanroku Sta. From there, ⼗⼀丁目茶屋ほか 11:10-12:30 Procession starts from Jyuichi-chome Jaya (tea house) to 上駅下⾞、徒歩30分 the temple take chair lift to Sanjo Sta. (12 min.), and then walk 30 min.

Summary: Annual Spring Festival. Daidai Kagura (sacred Shinto music and dance) to https://shinag Shinagaw Shinagawa-jinja pray for a good harvest and a good health of the year is presented in the Keikyu Line to Shin-Bamba Tokyo Tokyo Daidai Kagura 京急線新⾺場駅 (北口) より徒歩 awajinja.tokyo 4/21 a-ku Shrine main hall of the shrine. Sta. (North Exit), and then 東京東京都太太神楽 1分 /treasure/#ka 品川区品川神社 walk 1 min. gura Schedule & Key events: 14:00- Daidai Kagura

Summary: Tokyo Metro Tozai, Annual Spring Festival. Many traditional dance and martial arts performances Hanzomon Line or Toei http://www.y Chiyoda- Yasukuni-jinja 東京メトロ東⻄線、半蔵門線又は Tokyo Tokyo Yasukuni-jinja Shrine are scheduled during the festival period. Shinjuku Subway Line to asukuni.or.jp/ 4/21 〜 4/23 ku Shunki Reitaisai 都営地下鉄新宿線九段下駅 (1 東京東京都靖国神社 Kudanshita Sta. (T07, Z06, schedule/saiji. 千代田区靖国神社春季例大祭番出口) より徒歩5分 Schedule & Key events: S05)(Exit 1), and then walk html Details are still to be arranged 5 min.

Summary: Masked priests perform sacred dances to the tune of drum music for driving http://www.ci away the bad luck and wishing a good harvest of the year. If it rains, the Tokyu Ikegami Line to ty.ota.tokyo.jp Tokyo Tokyo Ota-ku Tenso-jinja Shrine Negi-no-mai 4/21 dance will be performed indoors. Ontakesan Sta., and then 東急池上線御嶽山駅より徒歩５分 /kuseijoho/gy 東京東京都大田区天祖神社禰宜の舞 walk 5 min. ouji/nrginomai Schedule & Key events: .html 15:00-

Summary: (1) JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Sta.(Omotesando Annual Spring Festival of the shrine. Many Japanese performing arts are (1) JR山手線原宿駅（表参道 Exit), and then walk 5 min. Shibuya- Meiji-jingu Haru-no performed during the festival period. 口）より徒歩5分 http://www.m Tokyo Tokyo Meiji-jingu Shrine (2) Tokyo Metro Chiyoda or 4/27 〜 5/3 ku Taisai (2) 東京メトロ千代田線又は副都 eijijingu.or.jp/i 東京東京都明治神宮 Fukutoshin Line to Meiji- 渋谷区明治神宮春の大祭心線明治神宮前駅（2番出口）よ ndex.html Schedule & Key events: Jingumae Sta. (C03, り徒歩5分 ●4/27 F15)(Exit 2), and then walk 11:00- Bugaku (Ancient court dance with music) 5 min.

Summary: Memorial service for fire fighters who died on duty, conducted by members of http://www.y Shobo Junshokusha the Edo Shobo Kinen-kai in the compound of the temple. If it rains, the Tokyo Tokyo Meguro-ku Yuten-ji Temple Tokyu Toyoko Line to Yutenji utenji.or.jp/inf 4/29 Irei-sai demonstration of acrobatics on the ladder will be canceled. 東急東横線祐天寺駅より徒歩8分東京東京都目⿊区祐天寺 Sta., and then walk 8 min. o/gyouji/page 消防殉職者慰霊祭 -month-4/ Schedule & Key events: 11:00- Demonstration of acrobatics after the ceremony

Summary: Cherry Blossom Festival. You can enjoy viewing of cherry blossoms at many Joshi Park︓ 城址公園︓ http://www.o Odawara Joshi Park Odawara Sakura spots in the city, such as Odawara Joshi Park, Shiroyama Park and so on. JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line Kanto Kanagawa Odawara JR東海道新幹線又は小田急小田 dawara- 3/16 〜 4/7 and others Matsuri or Odakyu Odawara Line to 関東神奈川県小田原市原線小田原駅（東口）より徒歩 kankou.com/s 小田原城址公園ほか小田原桜まつり Odawara Sta.(East Exit), and Schedule & Key events: 10分 akura/ ●daily 18:00-22:00 Flowers are lit up in Odawara Joshi Park then walk 10 min. ●4/7 13:00-14:30 Chigo-Gyoretsu

Summary: Kanayama-jinja Fertility Festival. The shrine is noted for its Menkake Gyoretsu , a parade of Shrine masked people carrying the sacred palanquins containing symbols of phallic Keikyu Daishi Line to https://twitter Kanto Kanagawa Kawasaki (Wakamiya Kanamara Matsuri gods. Shinto dance by shrine maidens, festival music will be also performed 京急大師線川崎大師駅より徒歩5 4/7 Kawasaki Daishi Sta., and .com/kanaya 関東神奈川県川崎市 Hachiman-gu Shrine) かなまらまつり in the precincts of the shrine. 分 then walk 5 min. majinjya ⾦山神社 (若宮八幡宮) Schedule & Key events: 11:30- 14:30 Menkake Gyoretsu

Summary: The festival is with over a 1,200-year history. Parade of Hanayatai (11 house-shaped floats, colorfully embellished with artificial cherry blossoms and paper lanterns) and three Mikoshi are the highlight. Futarasan-jinja JR Nikko Line to Nikko Sta. Shrine, Schedule & Key events: or Tobu Nikko Line to Tobu- JR日光線日光駅又は東武日光線 http://www.fu Kanto Tochigi Nikko Takino-jinja Shrine Yayoi Sai ●4/14 Nikko Sta. From there, take 4/13 〜 4/17 東武日光駅よりバスで7分⻄参道 tarasan.jp/yay 関東栃木県日光市 and others 弥生祭 13:00- Parade of Mikoshi from Futarasan-jinja Shrine bus to Nishi-Sando Bus Stop 下⾞、徒歩7分 oi/ 二荒山神社、 ●4/16 (7 min.), and then walk 7 滝尾神社ほか 8:00-18:00 Parade of Hanayatai min. 9:00- Parade of Mikoshi from Takino-jinnja Shrine ●4/17 9:00-19:30 Parade of Hanayatai 12:00- Parade of Mikoshi from Futarasan-jinja Shrine

Summary: Traditional Japanese Taiko Festival. "Sengan Hana-Daiko" , drum beating taken part in by about 800 parishioners, and "Naritasan Sennen Yobutai" , a millennium night stage show of drum-beating under torchlights in the compound of the temple, are the highlight. Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple︓ 成田山新勝寺︓ Naritasan Shinsho-ji Schedule & Key events: (1) JR Sobu Honsen Line (1) JR総武本線快速 (成田空港 Temple, Narita Taiko ●daily Rapid Train (for Narita Kanto Chiba Narita ⾏)で成田駅(東口)下⾞、徒歩10 http://www.nr 4/13 〜 4/14 Omotesando Street Matsuri 10:00- "Sengan Hana-Daiko " Airport) to Narita Sta.(East 関東千葉県成田市分 tm.jp/ 成田山新勝寺、成田太鼓祭 Exit), and then walk 10 min. ●4/13 (2) 京成線京成成田駅(中央口) 表参道 (2) Keisei Line to Keisei- 11:00-19:00 Drum beating performances on 9 stages along Omotesando より徒歩10分 Narita Sta.(Central Exit), and Street then walk 10 min. 17:00-19:00 "Naritasan Sennen Yobutai" ●4/14 11:00-17:00 Drum beating performances on 9 stages along Omotesando Street 15:00- Parade of drum-beating on Omotesando Street

Summary: Spring Festival to cerebrate the beginning of sightseeing season in Kamakura since 1959. If it heavily rains, events will be canceled. Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine: Schedule & Key events: https://www.c Tsurugaoka JR Yokosuka Line to 鶴岡八幡宮︓ ●4/14 ity.kamakura. Hachiman-gu Shrine, Kamakura Sta. (East Exit), JR横須賀線鎌倉駅 (東口)より徒 10:00- Parade of Mikoshi , float and people in traditional attire on kanagawa.jp/ Kanto Kanagawa Kamakura Kotoku-in Temple Kamakura Matsuri and then walk 10 min. 歩10分 4/14 〜 4/21 Wakamiya-oji Street kamakura- 関東神奈川県鎌倉市 and others 鎌倉まつり高徳院: kankou/event/ 鶴岡八幡宮、 14:30- Shizuka-no-mai (Japanese dance) on the Mai-den stage of Kotoku-in Temple: 江ノ島電鉄線（江ノ電）⻑谷駅よ 0410kamakur 高徳院ほか the shrine Enoshima Dentetsu (Enoden) り徒歩７分 amaturi.html ●4/20 Line to Hase Sta., and then 10:00-15:00 Nodate in the precincts of the shrine walk 7 min. ●4/21 10:00-15:00 Nodate in the precincts of the temple 13:00- Yabusame in the precincts of the shrine

(1) JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Oyama Sta., and then change to JR Mito Line Summary: to Shimodate Sta. From (1) JR東北新幹線小山駅よりJR Pottery Fair. Besides 50 shops, about 500 stalls are set up in the town. there, take Moka Tetsudo ⽔⼾線で下館駅にて真岡鉄道線に http://www.m ※Special bus services between the Mashiko Toki Ichi venue and the Kasama- Line to Mashiko Sta. 乗り換え益子駅下⾞ Mashiko- ashiko- Kanto Tochigi Mashiko-machi Mashiko Toki Ichi no-Himatsuri venue on 4/29-5/5 will be operated by Ibaraki Kotsu Bus. (2) JR Tohoku Shinkansen (2) JR東北新幹線宇都宮駅下⾞ 4/27 〜 5/6 machi kankou.org/ce 関東栃木県益子町益子陶器市 (500JPY) Line to Utsunomiya Sta. (⻄口)、14番バス乗り場よりバス益益子町 ramics_bazaar (West Exit) From No.14 Bus 子駅⾏で1時間益子駅下⾞ /index.shtml Schedule & Key events: Stop, take bus (for Mashiko (3) 秋葉原バスターミナルより高速 Sta.) to Mashiko Sta.(1 hour) バスで2時間半益子駅下⾞ ●daily 9:00-17:00 (3) From Akihabara Bus Terminal, take Highway bus to Mashiko Sta. (2.5 hours)

(1) JR Mito Line to Kasama Summary: Sta., and then walk 30 min. or take temporary bus (10 Pottery Fair. Over 200 stalls are set up in the park. (1) JR⽔⼾線笠間駅より徒歩30 min.) ※Special bus services between the Mashiko Toki Ichi venue and the Kasama- 分又は臨時バスで10分 Kasama Geijutsu-no- Kasama-no- (2) JR Joban Line to Tomobe Kanto Ibaraki Kasama no-Himatsuri venue on 4/29-5/5 will be operated by Ibaraki Kotsu Bus. (2) JR常磐線友部駅 (北口) より http://himats 4/29 〜 5/5 mori Park Himatsuri Sta. (North Exit) From there, 関東茨城県笠間市 (500JPY) シャトルバスで15分 uri.net/ 笠間芸術の森公園笠間の陶炎祭 (ひまつり) take shuttle bus (15 min.) (3) 秋葉原バスターミナルより高速 (3) From Akihabara Bus バスで1時間40分やきもの通り下⾞ Schedule & Key events: Terminal, take Highway bus ●daily 9:00-17:00 to Yakimono-dori Bus Stop (1 hour 40min.)

©2019 Japan National Tourism Organization 8/8 Calendar of Events April 2019 Notes: Hana Matsuri 花まつり Hana Matsuri 花まつり 1. Published by Tourist Information Center of Japan National Tourism Organization and all rights reserved. Hana Matsuri, A Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. ©2019 Japan National Tourism Organization BirthdayHana is Matsuri, held at allA Floral Buddhist Festival temples to celebrate on the day thes centering 2. Dates, times and functions are subject to change without notice. Especially schedule of outdoor events and flower festival may change due to aroundBuddha's April 8, Birthday which is is said held to at be all the Buddhist Buddha's temples Birthday. on the At the the weather. Be sure to check the latest information in advance. temples,days smallcentering images around of Buddha April 8, are which open is tosaid the to pub be licthe and 3. The access shows only major route. Please refer to following URL for alternative transportation from the station where you want to start. AmachaBuddha's (sweet Birthday. tea) is poured At the temples,over the imagessmall images as an expressionof http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ of devotion.Buddha areChigo-Gyoretsu, open to the public parades and of Amacha children (sweet in fancy tea attire,) 4. Japanese words appearing in the column provide the name of the event, the place and access for you to point out to Japanese passerby when you need help. pullingis poured a papier-mache over the imageswhite elephant, as an expression a sacred of ani devotmal ion. 5. Please refer to URL (basically in Japanese) for each event. If you have further questions, please call TIC, JNTO at following number. associatedChigo-Gyoretsu, with the Buddha, parades areof children also held in at fancy many attire temples., TIC, JNTO Tel : (03)-3201-3331 from overseas +81 3 3201 3331 pulling a papier-mache white elephant, a sacred animal

Hanami 花見 Special Remarks: Hanami, Cherry Blossom Viewing is a common sight in the Glossary︓ Dates and Times are shown as follows which is common in Japan. spring in Japan. When the cherry blossoms - "sakura" are in full Dashi/Yatai/Yama Float ⇒ Gyoretsu Procession Dates : M/D April 3 4/3 bloom, usually from the end of March to April, picnic parties Karakuri Ningyo Mechanically manipulated dolls Time : 24 hours system 8:00am ⇒ 8:00 among families, friends and colleagues are held under the Matsuri Festival, Event cherry trees, where everyone merrily enjoys eating, drinking 8:00pm ⇒ 20:00 Mikoshi Portable shrine and socializing. Otabisho Portable shrine resting place Please visit JNTO Cherry blooming forecast site; http://www.jnto.go.jp/sakura/eng/index.php

Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: JR Ou Honsen Line to Hirosaki Park, Cherry Blossom Festival with about 2,600 cherry trees on the ground Hirosaki Sta. From JR奥羽本線弘前駅より徒 Hirosaki Castle Hirosaki Sakura of Hirosaki Castle and along the castle's moat in Hirosaki Park. The there, walk 20-30 min. 歩20〜30分⼜は弘前市内 http://www. Tohoku Aomori Hirosaki 4/20 〜 5/6 ground Matsuri festival period is subject to change depending on blossoming. or take Konan 100 yen 循環100円バス【弘南バス】 hirosakipark.j 東北⻘森県弘前市弘前公園、弘前さくらまつり bus to Shiyakushomae で15分市役所前下⾞、徒 p/sakura/ 弘前城跡 Schedule & Key events: Bus Stop (15 min.), and 歩4分 then walk 4 min. ●daily sunset-23:00 Cherry blossoms light up

Summary: Festival in commemoration of the famous warlord "Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578)". Uesugi-jinja Shrine, Matsukawa River Yonezawa Uesugi Schedule & Key events: JR Yamagata Shinkansen http://uesugi Tohoku Yamagata Yonezawa JR山形新幹線米沢駅より 4/29 〜 5/3 and others Matsuri ●5/3 Line to Yonezawa Sta., .yonezawa- 東北山形県米沢市徒歩10分上杉神社、米沢上杉まつり 9:30- Parade of Mikoshi of Uesugi-jinja Shrine and floats, through and then walk 10 min. matsuri.jp/ 松川河畔ほか the city's main street 10:20- Uesugi Gundan Gyoretsu (a parade of about 1,000 Samurai warriors), through the city's main street 14:00- Kawanaka-jima Gassen (sham battle) at Matsukawa riverside

Summary: Cherry Blossom Festival in commemoration of the famous feudal lords "Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616)" - the founder of the Tokugawa Iga Hachiman-gu Shogunate in Edo (present-day Tokyo). The period of light up is Okazaki Park: Shrine, subject to change depending on blooming. JR Tokaido Shinkansen Okazaki Park, Okazaki Sakura Matsuri Line to Toyohashi Sta. https://okaza 岡崎公園: Chubu Aichi Okazaki Otogawa River and & Ieyasu Gyoretsu From there, take ki- 3/27 〜 4/12 Schedule & Key events: JR東海道新幹線豊橋駅よ中部愛知県岡崎市 others 岡崎桜まつりと Meitetsu Nagoya Honsen kanko.jp/eve り名鉄名古屋本線で伊賀八幡宮、家康⾏列 ●daily Line to nt 東岡崎駅下⾞、徒歩15分岡崎公園、 18:00-22:00 Cherry blossoms light up at Okazaki Park Higashi-Okazaki Sta., 乙川堤ほか ●4/7 and then walk 15 min. 13:30-15:00 Gyoretsu of Shogun Ieyasu and about 700 Samurai warriors from Iga Hachiman-gu Shrine to Otogawa riverbed 15:30- Sham battle at Otogawa riverbed

Summary: Festival in commemoration of the famous feudal lords "Takeda Shingen (1521-1573)". Kofu Sta., http://www.y Maizuru-jo Park Schedule & Key events: JR Chuo Honsen Line to amanashi- Chubu Yamanashi Kofu Shingen-ko Matsuri JR中央本線甲府駅より徒 4/5 〜 4/7 and others ●4/6 Kofu Sta., and then walk kankou.jp/shi 中部山梨県甲府市信玄公祭り歩5分甲府駅前、 16:20-16:50 Shutsujin-shiki (a ceremony of prayer for victory) in 5 min. ngen/schedul 舞鶴城公園ほか Maizuru-jo Park e.html 16:50-19:00 Jidai-gyoretsu (a procession of 1,500 Samurai warrior) from Kofu Sta. to Maizuru-jo Park, going through the main streets of the city

Summary: Festival, registered as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, featuring 13 gorgeously decorated Yama with Karakuri Ningyo , parading on the city's main streets. JR Tokaido Shinkansen Schedule & Key events: Line to Nagoya Sta. Haritsuna-jinja JR東海道新幹線名古屋駅 https://inuya Chubu Aichi Inuyama Inuyama Matsuri ●4/6 From there, take 4/6 〜 4/7 Shrine and others より名鉄犬山線で犬山駅 ma.gr.jp/eve 中部愛知県犬山市犬山祭 8:00-21:45 Parade of 13 floats Meitetsu Inuyama Line 針綱神社ほか (⻄⼝)下⾞ nts/49736 12:00-15:10 Performance of Karakuri Ningyo on the floats at the to Inuyama Sta. (West shrine Exit) ●4/7 8:00-21:45 Parade of 13 floats 9:50-14:30 Performance of Karakuri Ningyo on the floats at the shrine

Summary: Festival featuring leisurely-drawn Dashi , Mikoshi and folk dancers going between Ushikubo Hachimansha Shrine and Tennosha Shrine. Ushikubo Ushikubo- Hachimansha Schedule & Key events: JR Tokaido Shinkansen http://www.t cho, Shrine, Line to Toyohashi Sta. JR東海道新幹線豊橋駅よ oyokawa- Chubu Aichi Unagoji Matsuri ●4/6 4/6 〜 4/7 Toyokawa Tennosha Shrine From there, take JR Iida りJR飯田線で牛久保駅下 map.net/festi 中部愛知県うなごうじ祭 15:30-20:00 Parade of Dashi and Mikoshi between two shrines 豊川市 and others Line to Ushikubo Sta., ⾞、徒歩5〜10分 val/wakabasa 牛久保町牛久保八幡社、 ●4/7 and then walk 5-10 min. i.php 天王社ほか 12:10-20:30 Parade of Dashi and Mikoshi between two shrines 20:30- Mikomai (Shinto dance by children) and Karakuri Ningyo performance on the floats and Ohayashi festival music and a folk dance in the precincts of Ushikubo Hachimansha Shrine

Summary: Ceramic Festival. About 150,000 people come to buy "Mino" ceramic JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Nagoya Sta. every spring. Many other events are held in the city during the festival JR東海道新幹線名古屋よ http://www.t Honmachi Oribe From there, take JR Chubu Gifu Tajimi Tajimi Toki Matsuri period. りJR中央本線で多治⾒駅 ajimi- 4/13 〜 4/14 Street and others Chuo Honsen Line to 中部岐阜県多治⾒市たじみ陶器まつり下⾞、徒歩15分⼜は無料 pr.jp/event/e 本町オリベストリートほか Tajimi Sta., and then シャトルバス vent.htm Schedule & Key events: walk 15 min. or take ●4/13 9:00-18:00 free shuttle bus ●4/14 9:00-17:00

Summary: One of the grandest festival in Japan, registered as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. 11 gorgeously embellished floats parade along the streets in the city, escorted by people in gay attire. The festival reaches its climax when all the floats lit up with lanterns are drawn in the city from the evening on 14th.

Schedule & Key events: http://kanko u.city.takaya Hie-jinja Shrine ●4/14 JR Takayama Honsen Chubu Gifu Takayama Takayama Matsuri JR高山本線高山駅より徒 ma.lg.jp/200 4/14 〜 4/15 and others 9:30-16:00 Parade of 11 floats in the city Line to Takayama Sta., 中部岐阜県高山市高山祭歩15分 0002/200002 日枝神社ほか and then walk 15 min. 11:00- & 14:30- Performance of Karakuri Ningyo on three of the 4/2001064.h floats at Otabisho tml 13:00-16:00 Parade of Mikoshi from the shrine to Otabisho 18:30-21:00 Parade of all floats lit up with lanterns in the city ●4/15 9:30-16:00 Parade of 11 floats in the city 10:00- & 14:00- Performance of Karakuri Ningyo on three of the floats at Otabisho 12:30-16:00 Parade of Mikoshi from Otabisho to the shrine

Summary: Annual Festival of the shrine, designated as one of the National Intangible Folk-Cultural Property, and registered as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The highlight of this festival is Okoshi- daiko , in which hundreds of partially clothed men parade on the Furukawa- Keta Wakamiya- streets beating drums and singing folk songs. JR Takayama Honsen https://www. cho, jinja Shrine Chubu Gifu Furukawa Matsuri Line to Hida-Furukawa JR高山本線飛騨古川駅よ hida- 4/19 〜 4/20 Hida and others 中部岐阜県古川祭 Schedule & Key events: Sta., and then walk 5 り徒歩5分 kankou.jp/ev 飛騨市気多若宮神社 min. ent/1313/ 古川町ほか ●daily morning to evening Parade of nine gorgeously decorated Yatai and Mikoshi , and performance of Karakuri Ningyo and Kodomo Kabuki (traditional play by boys) on them a few times a day ●4/19 20:00-0:30 Okoshi-daiko performance

(1) JR Chuo Honsen Line to Okaya Sta. From http://www. Summary: there, take JR Iida Line (1) JR中央本線岡谷駅より nagano- Local puppet play, designated as National Important Tangible Folk- to Iida Sta., and then JR飯田線で飯田駅下⾞、タ Kamisato- tabi.net/mod Shimokuroda Cultural Property. take taxi (10 min.) クシーで10分 Hokuriku Nagano kuroda, Iida Kuroda Ningyo Joruri ules/event/in 4/13 〜 4/14 Suwa-jinja Shrine (2) Highway Bus from (2) 新宿駅南⼝新宿高速北陸⻑野県飯田市⿊田⼈形浄瑠璃 dex.php?actio 下⿊田諏訪神社 Shinjuku Sta. Bus バスターミナルより高速バスで上郷⿊田 Schedule & Key events: n=View&eve Terminal (South Exit) to 4時間15分飯田駅前下 ●4/13 18:00-21:00 nt_id=00000 Iida Eki-mae Bus Stop ⾞、タクシーで10分 ●4/14 13:00-16:30 07010 (4 hrs. 15 min.), and then take taxi (10 min.)

Summary: Japanese traditional dance by Geiko (professional female entertainers From JR Kyoto Sta., take Kamigyo-ku, Kamishichiken in Kyoto) . Admissions are 4,300 JPY or 4,800 JPY. For further municipal bus No. 50 or JR京都駅より市バスNo. 50 http://www. Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Kitano Odori 3/25 〜 4/7 Kaburenjo information, call 075-461-0148 at Kamishichiken kabukai. 101 to Kamishichiken ⼜は101で30分上七軒下 maiko3.com/i 近畿京都府京都市北野をどり上七軒歌舞練場 Bus Stop (30 min.), and ⾞、徒歩3分 ndex.html 上京区 Schedule & Key events: then walk 3 min. ●daily 13:30- & 16:00-

(1) Keihan Honsen Line Summary: to Gionshijo Sta., and Higashiyama Traditional Kyoto Dance. Admissions are 2,200 JPY, 2,800 JPY, 4,200 then walk 7 min. (1) 京阪本線祇園四条駅 http://www. -ku, Miyagawa-cho JPY or 4,800 JPY, sold at major travel agencies. For further (2) From JR Kyoto Sta., より徒歩7分 Kinki Kyoto Kyo Odori miyagawacho 4/1 〜 4/16 Kyoto Kaburenjo information, call 075-561-1151 at Miyagawa-cho kabukai. take municipal bus No. (2) JR京都駅より市バス近畿京都府京おどり .jp/kyoodor.h 京都市宮川町歌舞練場 205, 4 or 17 to No.205, 4⼜は17で河原 tml 東山区 Schedule & Key events: Kawaramachi-Matsubara 町松原下⾞、徒歩7分 Bus Stop, and then walk ●daily 12:30-, 14:30-, 16:30- 7 min.

Summary: Higashiyama Cherry Dance performed by Maiko (Apprentice Geiko) and Geiko. (1) Keihan Honsen Line (1) 京阪本線祇園四条駅 http://miyak -ku, Admissions are 4,000 JPY or 5,500 JPY. For further information, call Kinki Kyoto Minamiza Theater Miyako Odori to Gionshijo Sta. (Exit 6) 下⾞ (6番出⼝) o- 4/1 〜 4/27 Kyoto 075-541-3391 at Kobu kabukai. 近畿京都府南座都をどり (2) From JR Kyoto Sta., (2) JR京都駅よりタクシーで odori.jp/speci 京都市 take taxi (15 min.) 15分 al/ 東山区 Schedule & Key events: ●daily 12:30-, 14:30-, 16:30-

Summary: Cherry Blossom Festival in Himeji Castle. Please enter by 20:30 for night cherry blossom viewing. If it rains, Koto and Taiko music performances will be postponed to the following day.

Schedule & Key events: https://himeji Himeji-jo Yozakura-kai JR Sanyo Shinkansen Kinki Hyogo Himeji Himeji Castle ●daily JR山陽新幹線姫路駅より - 4/3 〜 4/7 & Kan-ou-kai Line to Himeji Sta., and 近畿兵庫県姫路市姫路城 18:00-21:00 Night cherry blossom viewing in Nishinomaru Teien 徒歩20分 kanko.jp/eve 姫路城夜桜会と観桜会 then walk 20 min. Garden nt/399 ●4/6 11:50-13:10 Koto (Japanese 13-stringed harp) performance in Sannomaru Hiroba 15:05-16:00 Taiko (Japanese drum) performance in Sannomaru Hiroba

(1) JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Kyoto Sta. From there, Summary: (1) JR東海道新幹線京都 take Kintetsu Kyoto Line Serving tea in a giant bowl. Japanese tea is made with huge tea 駅より近鉄京都線で⼤和⻄ to Yamato-Saidaiji Sta., http://saidaiji Kinki Nara Nara Saidai-ji Temple Ochamori utensils and served in a giant bowls. Admission is 3,000 JPY. ⼤寺駅下⾞、徒歩3分 4/13 〜 4/14 and then walk 3 min. .or.jp/event/ 近畿奈良県奈良市⻄⼤寺⼤茶盛 (2) JR奈良線奈良駅より近 (2) JR Nara Line to Nara p1.html 鉄奈良線で⼤和⻄⼤寺駅 Schedule & Key events: Sta. From there, take 下⾞、徒歩3分 ●daily 9:00-15:00 Kintetsu Nara Line to Yamato-Saidaiji Sta., and then walk 3 min.

Summary: Festival designated as one of the National Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and registered as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, featuring 13 beautifully bedecked floats, on which JR Tokaido Shinkansen Nagahama Kodomo Kabuki (traditional play by boys) are performed, being Line to Maibara Sta. http://www. Nagahama Hikiyama JR東海道新幹線米原駅よ Kinki Shiga Nagahama Hachiman-gu exhibited daily along the streets in the city. From there, take JR nagahama- 4/13 〜 4/16 Matsuri りJR北陸本線で⻑浜駅下近畿滋賀県⻑浜市 Shrine and others Hokuriku Honsen Line to hikiyama.or.j ⻑浜曳山まつり⾞、徒歩15分⻑浜八幡宮ほか Schedule & Key events: Nagahama Sta., and p/ ●4/15 then walk 15 min. 9:45-20:15 Procession of four floats from the shrine to Otabisho and Kodomo Kabuki performance on the floats at the several sites 21:30- All floats leave Otabisho for their each town

Summary: Festival in commemoration of " Yoshino Tayu" , considered to be one of Karasuma Subway Line to Kita-Oji Sta. From Kita-ku, Josho-ji Temple, the most famous female entertainers in the 17th century. If it rains, http://tsakae Yoshino Tayu Hana- there, take municipal 地下鉄烏丸線北⼤路駅より Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Genko-an Temple the procession will be canceled. .justhpbs.jp/j 4/14 kuyo bus Kita-No. 1 to 市バス北系統No. 1で鷹峯近畿京都府京都市常照寺、 oshoji/revinfo 吉野太夫花供養 Takagamine Genkoan- 源光庵前下⾞、徒歩2分北区源光庵 .html Schedule & Key events: mae Bus Stop, and then 10:20-10:50 Procession of Tayu (female entertainers) from in front of walk 2 min. Genko-an Temple to Josho-ji Temple

Summary: Imamiya-jinja Shrine: Festival designated as one of the National Important Intangible (1) From JR Kyoto Sta., Cultural Properties, originates from a legend of the shrine having take municipal bus Imamiya-jinja abated a serious epidemic in ancient times. The highlight of this No.205 or 206 to 今宮神社: Shrine, Funaoka-yama Bus (1) JR京都駅より市バス Konen-ji Temple, festival is a procession of parishioners holding Hanagasa (big Stop, and then walk 7 No.205⼜は206で船岡山 Kita-ku, Kawakami Dai- umbrellas decorated with flowers), devils and children dancing to the min. 下⾞、徒歩7分 http://www.i Kinki Kyoto Kyoto jingu Shrine and Yasurai Matsuri accompaniment of Japanese drums and gongs. If it rains, the 4/14 (2) Karasuma Subway (2) 地下鉄烏丸線北⼤路 mamiyajinja. 近畿京都府京都市 others やすらい祭 procession will be canceled. Line to Kitaoji Sta. From 駅より市バスNo. 1, 北8, org/ 北区今宮神社、 there, take municipal 12, M1, 204, 205⼜は光念寺、 Schedule & Key events: bus No. 1, Kita-8, 12, 206で船岡山下⾞、徒歩7 川上⼤神宮 12:00-15:00 Procession from Konen-ji Temple and Kawakami Dai- M1, 204, 205 or 206 to 分ほか jingu Shrine to Imamiya-jinja Shrine Funaoka-yama Bus 15:00- Yasurai-mai (Shinto dance with music) in the precincts Stop, and then walk 7 of Imamiya-jinja Shrine min.

(1) From JR Kyoto Sta., take JR Tokaido Honsen Summary: Line to Yamashina Sta., (1) JR京都駅よりJR東海 and change to Tozai 道本線で山科駅にて地下鉄 Cherry-blossom viewing Procession, featuring a parade of people clad http://www.d Fushimi-ku, Subway Line to Daigo 東⻄線に乗り換え醍醐駅下 Ho-Taiko Hanami in gorgeous costumes of Momoyama period (1573-1603?) marching aigoji.or.jp/e Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Daigo-ji Temple Sta.(Exit 2), and then ⾞（2番出⼝）、徒歩10 4/14 Gyoretsu under the cherry blossoms. vents/events 近畿京都府京都市醍醐寺 walk 10 min. 分豊太閤花⾒⾏列 _detail2_e.ht 伏⾒区 (2) From JR Kyoto Sta., (2) JR京都駅より徒歩1分 ml Schedule & Key events: walk 1 min. to Hotel のホテル京阪前から京阪バス 13:00-15:00 Parade in the compound of the temple Keihan, and then take で30分醍醐寺下⾞ Keihan bus to Daigoji Bus Stop (30 min.)

Summary: (1) From JR Kyoto Sta., take municipal bus No. 9 Annual Festival of the shrine, highlighted by a game of Kemari, played http://shiram Kamigyo-ku, to Horikawa Imadegawa (1) JR京都駅より市バス Shiramine-jingu by the shrine priests, who loft a small ball with their insteps. inejingu.or.jp Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Shunki Reitaisai Bus Stop No. 9で堀川今出川下⾞ 4/14 Shrine /event/jyun- 近畿京都府京都市春季例⼤祭 (2) Karasuma Subway (2) 地下鉄烏丸線今出川白峯神宮 nin-tennou- 上京区 Schedule & Key events: Line to Imadegawa Sta. 駅 (4番出⼝)より徒歩8分 sai/ 11:30- Kemari game (Exit 4), and then walk 8 min.

Summary: Medieval pantomime, designated as one of National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. Mibu Kyogen , 30 pantomime skits, From JR Kyoto Sta., take Nakagyo-ku, http://www. have been handed down, and 5 kinds of which, are performed. municipal bus No. 26 or JR京都駅より市バスNo. 26 Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Mibu-dera Temple Mibu Kyogen mibudera.co 4/29 〜 5/5 Admission is 1000 JPY. 28 to Mibudera-michi ⼜は28で壬生寺道下⾞、近畿京都府京都市壬生寺壬生狂言 m/kyougen.h Bus Stop, and then 徒歩3分中京区 tm Schedule & Key events: walk 3 min. ●4/29-5/4 13:00-17:30 ●5/5 13:00-17:30 / 18:00-22:00

(1) JR Sanyo Honsen Line to Miyajima-guchi Sta., and then walk 5 min. to Miyajima-guchi Pier. From there, take (1) JR山陽本線宮島⼝駅 Summary: ferryboat to Miyajima より徒歩5分の宮島⼝桟橋 Miyajima- Hi-watari Shiki , rigorous religious practice of walking on burnt Pier (10 min.), and then からフェリーで10分宮島桟橋 http://www. cho, charcoals in the temple's ground. walk 30 min. 下船、徒歩30分 miyajima.or.j Chugoku Hiroshima Daisho'in Temple Hi-watari Shiki 4/15 Hatsukaichi (2) JR Sanyo Shinkansen (2) JR山陽新幹線広島駅 p/event/even 中国広島県⼤聖院火渡り式廿日市市 Schedule & Key events: Line to Hiroshima Sta., より市電⼜はバスで30分広 t_shiwatari.ht 宮島町 11:00- Ritual pray for protection from illness and disaster and then take streetcar 島宇品港下⾞、高速船で ml or bus to Hiroshima 22分宮島桟橋下船、徒歩 14:00- 15:00 Hi-watari Shiki Ujina Port (30 min.) 30分 From there, take hydrofoil to Miyajima Pier (22 min.), and then walk 30 min.

(1) JR Sanyo Honsen Line to Miyajima-guchi Sta., and then walk 5 min. to Miyajima-guchi Summary: Pier. From there, take (1) JR山陽本線宮島⼝駅 Peach Blossom Festival. Tokasai Bugaku (ancient court dance with ferryboat to Miyajima より徒歩5分の宮島⼝桟橋 Miyajima- music) and Shin-Noh (traditional masked drama) performances are Pier (10 min.), and then からフェリーで10分宮島桟橋 http://www. cho, Itsukushima-jinja dedicated to the shrine. walk 10 min. 下船、徒歩10分 Chugoku Hiroshima Tokasai & Shin-Noh miyajima.or.j 4/15 〜 4/18 Hatsukaichi Shrine (2) JR Sanyo Shinkansen (2) JR山陽新幹線広島駅中国広島県桃花祭と神能 p/event/even 廿日市市厳島神社 Line to Hiroshima Sta., より市電⼜はバスで30分広 Schedule & Key events: t02.html 宮島町 ●4/15 17:00- Bugaku performance and then take streetcar 島宇品港下⾞、高速船で or bus to Hiroshima 22分宮島桟橋下船、徒歩 ●4/16-18 9:00- Shin-Noh performance Ujina Port (30 min.) 10分 From there, take hydrofoil to Miyajima Pier (22 min.), and then walk 10 min.

Summary: Spring Festival to enjoy cherry blossom viewing at Matsuyama Castle. The highlight of this festival is Daimyo & Musha Gyoretsu (a procession Matsuyama Castle, of a feudal lord & Samurai warriors). Many more events are scheduled http://www.c Matsuyama-jo during the festival period. If it rains, the procession route will be JR Yosan Line to ity.matsuyam 4/4, Ropeway Sta. Matsuyama Haru Matsuyama Sta. From JR予讃線松山駅より市電で a.ehime.jp/ka Shikoku Ehime Matsuyama changed. 4/6 & 4/7 and others Matsuri there, take streetcar to 10分⼤街道下⾞、徒歩5 nko/kankogui 四国愛媛県松山市松山城、松山春まつり Okaido (10 min.), and 分 de/matsuriev ロープウェイ駅 Schedule & Key events: then walk 5 min. ent/oshirohar ほか ●4/7 u.html 11:40 - 13:15 Procession from Matsuyama-jo Ropeway Sta. to the intersection with Chifunemachi-dori Street, marching the main shopping street of the city

Summary: Girl's Festival. Sagemon are handsewn ornaments which are displayed all over the city for this festival. When a baby girl is born, her mother JR Sanyo Shinkansen and grandmothers sew Sagemon stitch by stitch wishing her to grow Line to Hakata Sta. From Yanagawa http://www.y up healthy, and decorate them at both sides of Hina dolls to celebrate there, take JR JR山陽新幹線博多駅より Hina Matsuri anagawa- Kyushu Fukuoka Yanagawa Yanagawa her first Girl's Festival. The festival features Nagashibina (floating paper Kagoshima Honsen Line JR⿅児島本線で瀬高駅下 2/11 〜 4/3 Sagemon Meguri net.com/new 九州福岡県柳川市柳川市 dolls ceremony). Many more events are scheduled during the festival to Setaka Sta., and then ⾞、バスで15分⻄鉄柳川下柳川雛祭り s_event_deta take bus to Nishitetsu ⾞さげもんめぐり period. il.php?id=28 Yanagawa Bus Stop (15min.) Schedule & Key events: ●4/3 10:00- Nagashibina around Yanagawa Bridge

JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Hakata Sta. From there, (1) take JR Limited Express "Midori" to Arita Sta., and change to JR山陽新幹線博多駅より Summary: Matsuura Tetsudo Line (1) JR特急"みどり"で有田 Okawachi- Spring Ceramic Fair where 31 Kamamoto (kilns) in this area to Imari Sta., and then 駅にて松浦鉄道線に乗り換 http://www.i cho, Imari Haru-no participate in. Many stalls selling ceramics at bargain prices are set up take bus to Okawachi- え伊万⾥駅下⾞、バスで15 Kyushu Saga Okawachi-yama mari- 4/5 〜 4/7 Imari Kamamoto Ichi at the main fair site. yama Bus Stop (15 分⼤川内山下⾞九州佐賀県⼤川内山 ookawachiya 伊万⾥市伊万⾥春の窯元市 min.) (2) 徒歩1分の博多バス ma.com/ ⼤川内町 Schedule & Key events: (2) walk 1 min. to ターミナルから高速バスで1時 Hakata Bus Terminal. 間40分伊万⾥駅下⾞、バ ●daily 8:30-17:00 From there, take スで15分⼤川内山下⾞ Highway Bus to Imari Sta. (1h 40min.), and then take bus to Okawachi-yama Bus Stop (15min.)

Summary: Festival with a 100-year history to pray for a good harvest of the year. Hayama-jinja http://www.t Hayama Matsuri A horse attractively adorned with artificial flowers, rice stalks and flag- Kabayama, Shrine, JR Nippo Honsen Line to own.mimata.l Kyushu Miyazaki (Jankan Uma Odori) shaped decoration steps on the ground to the sound of music, been JR日豊本線三股駅より無 4/29 Mimata-cho Hayama Park Mimata Sta., and then g.jp/kanko/h 九州宮崎県早馬まつり followed by people performing local dance. 料シャトルバス三股町樺山早馬神社、 take free shuttle bus ayama- (ジャンカン馬踊り) 早馬公園 festival/ Schedule & Key events: 9:00-14:30

Summary: One of the biggest Ceramic Fair with about 500 stalls held along JR Sanyo Shinkansen http://www.a "Kyudo" route (about 4 km). About one million people visit the fair Line to Hakata Sta. From JR山陽新幹線博多駅より Kyushu Saga Arita-cho "Kyudo" route Arita Toki Ichi rita- 4/29 〜 5/5 every year. there, take JR Limited JR特急"みどり"で有田駅下九州佐賀県有田町旧道有田陶器市 toukiichi.or.jp Express "Midori" to Arita ⾞ / Schedule & Key events: Sta. ●daily 8:00-17:00