Calendar Events to Be Enjoyed in July 2012

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1. Published by Tourist Information Center of Japan National Tourism Organization and all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. ©2012 Japan National Tourism Organization. 2. Dates and functions are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the latest information in advance. 3. Events marked with ◎ are the major events. 4. Dates of events marked with ◇ are the same every year. 5. Japanese explanation appearing at the bottom of each entry give the name of the event and the nearest railway station in Japanese. Point to this Japanese when you need help from a Japanese passerby. 6. Please refer to URL (basically in Japanese) for each event. 7. The Subway Lines and Station Numbers are indicated in parentheses ( ).

Note: The Internet Website of Japan National Tourism Organization is available at .

Calendar Events to be enjoyed in July 2012

TOKYO 東京

Ｄａｔｅ Jun. 30 & Jul. 1 ◇ ◎ Torigoe Chinowa-kuguri, Torigoe Shrine, Taito-ku. A traditional ceremony to pray for good health and longevity is held at the Shrine from 8 pm to 8:30 pm on June 30th. Suijosai-Katashiro-nagashi, a Shinto purification ceremony of Torigoe Shrine is held on July. 1st. A Gozabune boat carrying Katashiro , paper cut in the shape of dolls, guarded by dozens of boats, departs from Yanagibashi Bridge at around 10 am and goes down the Sumida River as far as Tokyo Bay, where the ritual is held. Access (1) The Toei Asakusa or Oedo Subway Line to Kuramae Sta. (A 17, E 11), and then walk 5 min. to Torigoe Shrine. (2) The JR Sobu Line or the Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusabashi Sta. (A 16), and then walk 1 min. to Yanagibashi Bridge. 所在地台東区鳥越鳥越神社茅の輪くぐり / 水上祭形代流し最寄駅 (1) 鳥越神社へは、地下鉄都営浅草線又は都営大江戸線蔵前駅より徒歩5分 (2) 柳橋へは、JR総武線又は都営浅草線浅草橋駅より徒歩1分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 6 ～ Jul. 8 Kishibojin-no-Natsu-ichi, Summer Fair of Zoshigaya Kishibojin Temple, Toshima-ku, features about 40 stalls selling potted morning glories, wind-bells, gold fishes and others, from around 11:30 am to 10 pm daily during the fair period. Access (1) The JR Yamanote Line to Mejiro Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) The Toden (street car) Arakawa Line to Kishibojin-mae Sta. 所在地豊島区雑司が谷鬼子母神鬼子母神の夏市最寄駅 (1) JR山手線目白駅より徒歩10分 (2) 都電荒川線鬼子母神前駅

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 9 ＆ Jul. 10 ◇ Hozuki Ichi, Ground Cherry Fair at Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. Around 150 to 200 stalls selling ground cherries and wind-bells are set up in the precincts usually from 8 am to 10 pm (or until the time when all are sold out on the 10th). http://www.senso-ji.jp/annual_event/shimanrokusennich.html Access The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta. (G 19, A 18) 所在地台東区浅草寺境内ほおずき市最寄駅地下鉄銀座線又は都営浅草線浅草駅

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 13 ◇ Chidorigafuchi Toro-nagashi or floating lighted lanterns on the water in the Palace Moat at Chidorigafuchi Park, Chiyoda-ku, is held from 6:45 pm to around 8 pm. When it heavily rains, this event will be canceled. Access The Tozai, Hanzomon or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Sta. (T 07, Z 06, S 05) 所在地千代田区千鳥ヶ淵ボート場横千鳥ヶ淵灯籠流し最寄駅地下鉄東西線、半蔵門線、都営新宿線九段下駅

1 Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 13 ～ Jul. 15 Tsukuda Bon Odori, folk dancing, which is open to all, is held at a square near Tsukudakobashi Bridge, Tsukuda, Chuo-ku, from 8 pm to 9:30 pm daily during the period. When it rains, it will be canceled. Access The Yurakucho or Toei Oedo Subway Line to Tsukishima Sta. (Y 21, E 16)(No. 6 Exit), and then walk 10 min. 所在地中央区佃佃盆踊り最寄駅地下鉄有楽町線又は都営大江戸線月島駅(6番出口)より徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 13 ～ Jul. 16 Mitama Matsuri, Soul Festival associated with "Buddhist Bon Festival" is held at Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. Over 30,000 lanterns are lit up along the approach to the Shrine from 6 pm to 9:30 pm daily. Various events and performances, such as traditional dances and Mikoshi (portable shrines) carrying, are scheduled in the precincts of the Shrine daily during the festival period. http://www.yasukuni.or.jp/schedule/mitama.html Access The Tozai, Hanzomon or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Sta. (T 07, Z 06, S 05) 所在地千代田区靖国神社みたままつり最寄駅地下鉄東西線、半蔵門線又は都営新宿線九段下駅

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 13 ～ Aug. 12 Ueno Natsu Matsuri or Ueno Summer Festival, on the banks of Shinobazu Pond and in the compound of the Pagoda in Ueno Park. On the 21st, a parade of local performing arts and folk dancing is held on Chuo-dori Ave. Various events, such as Toro-nagashi (floating lighted lanterns), Ueki Ichi (potted plant fair), Kotto Ichi (antique fair), and an exhibition of ice sculpture will be scheduled during the festival period. http://www.ueno.or.jp/ichioshi/ichioshi_27.html Access JR, Subway Ginza or Hibiya Line to Ueno Sta. to go to the park. 所在地台東区上野公園周辺うえの夏まつり（江戸趣味納涼大会）最寄駅上野公園へはJR又は地下鉄上野駅下車

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 14 ◇ Mizudome-no-mai, the dance of three Shishi lions and two dragons to pray for rain to stop, is presented in the precincts of Gonshoji Temple, Ota-ku, from around 1 pm to 3 pm. As people in this area suffered a catastrophic flood in the old times, this event came into being. Access The Keihin Kyuko Line to Keihin Omorimachi Sta., and then walk 7-10 min. 所在地大田区大森東厳正寺水止舞最寄駅京浜急行大森町駅より徒歩7～10分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 20 ◇ Sumomo Matsuri, Plum Festival of Okunitama Shrine, Fuchu, on the outskirts of Tokyo, a 40- min. train ride from Shinjuku Sta. Stalls selling plums are set up in the precincts of the Shrine from around 8 am. Kagura (Shinto dance with music) is performed three times between 2 pm and 7 pm. Crow-pattern Uchiwa -fans (It is said that a crow drived evil away in the past.) are sold (500 yen) in front of Haiden (hall of worship) from 6 am until the time when all are run out. http://www.ookunitamajinja.or.jp/matsuri/sumomo.html Access (1) The Keio Line to Fuchu Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2) The JR Nambu Line or Musashino Line to Fuchu Honmachi Sta., and then walk 5 min. 所在地府中市大国魂神社李祭（すももまつり）最寄駅 (1) 京王線府中駅より徒歩5分 (2) JR南武線又は武蔵野線府中本町駅より徒歩5分

2 Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 20 ～ Jul. 22 ◇ Heiwajima Antique Fair is held at Heiwajima Tokyo Ryutsu Center, Ota-ku, from 10 am to 5 pm (to 4 pm on the 22nd) daily during the period. A similar fair is scheduled for Sep. (21-23) and Dec. (14-16) this year. Access The Tokyo Monorail Line to Ryutsu Center Sta. 所在地大田区平和島東京流通センター平和島骨董まつり最寄駅東京モノレール流通センター駅

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 24 Katsushika Noryo Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) over Shibamata Yakyu-jo (baseball ground) on the riverside of the Edo River, Katsushika-ku, is held from 7:20 pm to 8:20 pm (about 10,800 fireworks). In case of rain or strong wind, it will be postponed to the 25th. Access (1) The Keisei Kanamachi Line to Shibamata Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) The Hokuso-Kaihatsu Railway to Shin-Shibamata Sta., and then walk 15 min. 所在地葛飾区柴又野球場(江戸川河川敷）葛飾納涼花火大会最寄駅 (1) 京成金町線柴又駅より徒歩10分 (2) 北総開発鉄道新柴又駅より徒歩15分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 25 ～ Jul. 28 Kagurazaka Matsuri Festival in the Kagurazaka area, Shinjuku-ku. Hozuki Ichi or Ground Cherry Pod Fair is held in the compound of Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple from 5:30 pm to 10 pm on the 25th & 26th. Awa Odori folk dancing is presented by townspeople in Yukata （cotton Kimono ) along Kagurazaka-dori Street from 7 pm to around 9 pm on the 27th & 28th. http://www.kagurazaka.in/matsuri/index.html Access (1) The JR Sobu Local Line, the Yurakucho, Tozai, Namboku or Toei Oedo Subway Line to Iidabashi Sta. (Y 13, T 06, N 10, E 06) (2) The Tozai Subway Line to Kagurazaka Sta. (T 05) 所在地新宿区毘沙門天善国寺神楽坂通り神楽坂まつり（ほうずき市/阿波踊り）最寄駅 (1) JR総武線又は地下鉄有楽町線、東西線、南北線、都営大江戸線で飯田橋駅 (2) 地下鉄東西線神楽坂駅

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 28 ◎ Sumidagawa Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) over the Sumida River, Taito-ku, is held from 7:05 pm to 8:30 pm (20,000 fireworks). In case of rain or strong wind, it will be postponed to the 29th. http://sumidagawa-hanabi.com/index_eg.html Access The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta. (G 18, A 18) (There are some other stations close to the sites to see the fireworks, such as Honjo-Azumabashi Sta. (A 19) on the Toei Asakusa Subway Line, Ryogoku & Asakusabashi Sta. on the JR Sobu Line or Narihirabashi Sta. on the Tobu Isezaki Line.) 所在地台東区隅田川（桜橋～言問橋、駒形橋～厩橋）隅田川花火大会最寄駅地下鉄銀座線又は都営浅草線浅草駅（他に地下鉄都営浅草線本所吾妻橋駅、JR総武線両国駅、浅草橋駅又は東武伊勢崎線業平橋駅下車可）

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 28 ～ Aug. 3 ◇ Asagao-ten, an exhibition of potted morning glories is held near the tennis courts in Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, from 7 am daily. Flowers of morning glories are in bloom usually in the morning. Access The Hibiya, Chiyoda or Toei Mita Subway Line to Hibiya Sta. (H 07, C 09, I 08) 所在地千代田区日比谷公園朝顔展最寄駅地下鉄日比谷線、千代田線又は都営三田線日比谷駅

3 Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 31 ～ Aug. 7 Hono Asagao-ten, an exhibition of potted morning glories at Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda-ku, is held from 6 am daily during the period. Flowers of morning glories usually can be seen until around 10 am. A class of making pressed Asagao flowers for children is held from around 8 am every day during the period. Access The Tozai, Hanzomon or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Sta. (T 07, Z 06, S 05) 所在地千代田区靖国神社奉納あさがお展最寄駅地下鉄東西線、半蔵門線又は都営新宿線九段下駅

KANTO 関東

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 6 ～ Jul. 8 ◇ Narita Gion Matsuri Festival of Shinshoji Temple, Narita, Chiba Pref. This festival has a history of 1,000 years, and features Mikoshi (a portable shrine) and ten colorful floats parading along the city's main streets daily during the festival period. On the 8th, the highlight of the festival, Sobiki (carrying Mikoshi and drawing the floats) is held on an approach to the temple from 1 pm, and then Soodori (dancing by townspeople) is performed from 3:40 pm. http://www.nrtk.jp/lang/en/events/05_gion.html Access The JR Sobu Narita Line to Narita Sta. or the Keisei Line to Keisei Narita Sta., and then walk 10 min. 所在地千葉県成田市新勝寺薬師堂成田祇園祭最寄駅 JR総武成田線で成田駅、又は京成線で京成成田駅より徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 6 ～ Jul. 8 ◎ Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri, Star Festival at Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Pref., a 70-min. train ride from Tokyo Sta. Main streets of the city are decorated with Tanabata ornaments and strips of rainbow-colored paper. Some more events are scheduled during the festival period. Access The JR Tokaido Line to Hiratsuka Sta. 所在地神奈川県平塚市湘南ひらつか七夕まつり最寄駅 JR東海道線平塚駅

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 8 Tenno-sai Festival of Yasaka Shrine (Enoshima Shrine), Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Pref. Mikoshi (a portable shrine) is carried into the sea of Enoshima from 11 am. The scene of the youths jostling one another in the sea is always a vigorous and magnificent sight to behold. Mikoshi parades on to Koyurugi Shrine, and returns to Yasaka Shrine at around 6 pm. Access (1) The Odakyu Line to Katase-Enoshima Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2) The Enoshima Dentetsu (Enoden) Railways to Koshigoe Sta., and then walk 5 min. 所在地神奈川県藤沢市八坂神社（江ノ島神社内）小動神社天王祭最寄駅 (1) 小田急線片瀬江ノ島駅より徒歩15分 (2) 江ノ島電鉄腰越駅より徒歩5分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 13 ～ Jul. 15 ◇ Gion Matsuri Festival of Yasaka Shrine, Katori, Chiba Pref. The highlight of the festival is a parade of ten beautiful floats topped by large-size dolls modeled after historical figures, birds & beasts and so on, on the main streets in the city, from 10 am to 10 pm daily during the festival period. http://www.katorishi.com/matsuri.html Access The JR Sobu Line to Sawara Sta., and then walk 15 min. 所在地千葉県香取市佐原八坂神社八坂神社祇園祭最寄駅 JR総武線佐原駅より徒歩15分

4 Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 19 ＆ Jul. 20 ◇ Chichibu Kawase Matsuri Festival of Chichibu Shrine, Chichibu, Saitama Pref. On the 19th, eight colorful floats gather at the Shrine around 7 pm, and a fireworks display is held over Michi- no-eki Chichibu from 8 pm to 9 pm. On the 20th, Mikoshi (a portable shrine) and the floats leave the Shrine at 1 pm for the Arakawa River, and then the festival reaches its climax when Mikoshi is carried into the river at around 3 pm. http://navi.city.chichibu.lg.jp/festival/kawase/index.html Access (1) 1 hr. 10 min. by the JR Takasaki Line from Ueno Sta. to Kumagaya Sta. From there, 50 min. by Chichibu Tetsudo Railway's Express to Chichibu Sta. (2) 1 hr. 30 min by Seibu Railway's Limited Express "Red Arrow" from Ikebukuro Sta. to Seibu-Chichibu Sta. From there, walk 8 min. to the Shrine, and walk about 20 min. to Michi-no-eki Chichibu. 所在地埼玉県秩父市秩父神社秩父川瀬祭最寄駅 (1) 上野駅よりJR高崎線で1時間10分熊谷駅まで行き、秩父鉄道に乗り換えて50分秩父駅下車 (2) 池袋駅から西武鉄道特急レッドアロー号で1時間30分、西武秩父駅下車、秩父神社へは徒歩約8分、道の駅ちちぶへは徒歩約20分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 20 ～ Jul. 22 ◇ Uchiwa Matsuri, Fan-offering Festival of Yasaka Shrine, Kumagaya, Saitama Pref., features a parade of beautifully decorated twelve floats to the tune of festival music daily during the period. On the 22nd, the festival reaches its climax when all the floats gather at the "Omatsuri Hiroba" square, where young men compete in drumming on the floats from around 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. During the festival period, Uchiwa fans are distributed on the streets in the city. http://www.city.kumagaya.lg.jp/kanko/matsuri/kumagayautiwamaturi/index.html Access The JR Takasaki Line to Kumagaya Sta. 所在地埼玉県熊谷市八坂神社うちわ祭最寄駅 JR高崎線熊谷駅

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 25 Kamakura Coast Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Zaimokuza and Yuigahama Beach, Kamakura, Kanagawa Pref., is scheduled from 7 pm to 8 pm (about 2,000 fireworks). When it rains, it will be postponed to the 26th. Access The JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Sta., and then walk 15 min. 所在地神奈川県鎌倉市材木座海岸由比が浜海岸鎌倉花火大会最寄駅 JR横須賀線鎌倉駅より徒歩15分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 30 ◎ Saitama-shi Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Owada Koen Park, Saitama, Saitama Pref., is held from 7:30 pm (5,000 fireworks). In case of rain or strong wind, the fireworks display will be postponed to the 31st. http://www.scvb.or.jp/event/data/oowadahanabi.html Access Owada Koen : The Tobu Noda Line to Omiya Koen Sta., and then walk 15 min. 所在地埼玉県さいたま市大和田公園さいたま市花火大会最寄駅大和田公園会場：東武野田線大宮公園駅より徒歩15分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 31 ◇ ◎ Ashinoko Kosui Matsuri, Lake Festival on Lake Ashi, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa Pref. Follwing the Shinto rites conducted by the Hakone Shrine's priests on the boats at the center of the lake, Toro-nagashi or floating lighted lanterns on the water starts from 7:30 pm. And then, a fireworks display is scheduled. Access 1 hr. by bus from Odawara Sta., and then get off at Moto-Hakone Bus Stop 所在地神奈川県箱根町芦ノ湖芦ノ湖湖水まつり最寄駅小田原よりバスで１時間元箱根下車

5 1. Published by Tourist Information Center of Japan National Tourism Organization and all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. ©2012 Japan National Tourism Organization. 2. Dates and functions are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the latest information in advance. 3. Events marked with ◎ are the major events. 4. Dates of events marked with ◇ are the same every year. 5. Japanese explanation appearing at the bottom of each entry give the name of the event and the nearest railway station in Japanese. Point to this Japanese when you need help from a Japanese passerby. 6. Please refer to URL (basically in Japanese) for each event.

Note: The Internet Website of Japan National Tourism Organization is available at .

Calendar Events to be enjoyed in July 2012

HOKKAIDO & TOHOKU 北海道・東北

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 16 ◇ Shiogama Minato Matsuri, Port Festival of Shiogama, Miyagi Pref., features a parade of two giant Mikoshi (portable shrines of Shiogama Shrine and Shiwahiko Shrine) on each boat escorted by a fleet of 100 boats, leaving the Marine Gate Shiogama pier around 1 pm for sailing in Matsushima Bay. And then Mikoshi are carried through the city to each Shrine, arriving there around 8 pm. http://kankoubussan.shiogama.miyagi.jp/modules/tinyd0/?id=5 Access The JR Senseki Line to Hon-Shiogama Sta., then walk 5 min. to the pier, or walk 7 min. to the Shrine. 所在地宮城県塩釜市塩釜神社志波彦神社塩竃みなと祭最寄駅 JR仙石線本塩釜駅より塩竃港へは徒歩5分、塩竃神社へは徒歩7分

Date Jul. 21 ～ Aug. 20 ◎ Sapporo Summer Festival, mainly at O-dori Koen Park in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Open-air beer halls are set up in O-dori Koen from 12 noon to 9 pm daily from July. 21st to Aug. 15th. A fireworks display is held over the Toyohira River from 7:40 pm to 8:40 pm on July. 27th, and Bon Odori , Japanese folk dancing is scheduled in the O-dori Nishi-2-chome area from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm daily from Aug. 14th to 20th (to 9 pm on the last day). Access (1) For seeing the fireworks display: The Namboku Subway Line to Nakajima Koen Sta., and then walk 5 min. to the Toyohiragawa Minami-Ohashi Joryu area. (2) For Bon Odori site: The Tozai, Toho or Namboku Subway Line to O-dori Sta. 所在地北海道札幌市豊平川南大橋上流、大通公園及び西2丁目付近第59回さっぽろ夏まつり最寄駅 (1) 花火大会会場：地下鉄南北線中島公園駅下車、豊平川南大橋上流へ徒歩5分 (2) 盆踊り会場：地下鉄東西線、東豊線又は南北線大通駅下車

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 22 ～ Jul. 24 ◇ Gion Matsuri Festival of Tadeuga Shrine and Kumano Shrine, Minami-Aizu-machi, Fukushima Pref., is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. O-yatai , four big floats on which children perform Kabuki plays, parade on the town's main streets from 4 pm to 10 pm on the 22nd and the 23rd. On the 23rd, Nanahokai-Gyoretsu (a procession of women in traditional attire) parades from 8 am to 9 am, and then Mikoshi (a portable shrine) parades from 10 am to 3 pm. http://www.minamiaizu.org/gion/index.html Access (1) The Tobu Railways from Asakusa Sta. to Shimo-Imaichi Sta., and change there for the Tobu Railways Aizu-Kinugawa Line (Aizu Railways) to Aizu Tajima Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) 3 hrs. 15 min. by Tobu Railway's Express "Minami Aizu" from Asakusa Sta. to Aizu Tajima Sta., and then walk 10 min.

所在地福島県南会津町田島田出宇賀神社熊野神社祇園祭／会津田島祇園祭最寄駅 (1) 浅草より東武鉄道で下今市駅下車、そこより東武会津鬼怒川鉄道に乗り換えて会津田島駅下車、徒歩10分 (2) 浅草より東武鉄道急行"南会津"で3時間15分の会津田島駅より徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 28 ～ Jul. 30

1 ◇ ◎ Soma Noma-oi, or wild horses chasing, Minami-Soma, Fukushima Pref. This festival has over a 1000-year history and is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. The main events at Hibarigahara Moor in Haramachi-ku held on the 29th are as follows: (1) Ogyoretsu or a procession of warriors on horses marching through the city to the Moor from 9:30 am to 11 am, and there, (2) Kacchu-Keiba or a horse racing show by armored warriors from 12 noon, then (3) Shinki-Sodatsusen , scramble for three Shinki flags of the Shrine by hundreds horsemen in ancient armor and helmets from 1 pm. On the 30th, Nomagake , in which young men in white costumes try to capture the wild horses bare-handed for the dedication to the Shrine, takes place in the precincts of Soma Odaka Shrine in Odaka-ku, from 9 am to 12 noon. http://www6.ocn.ne.jp/~nomaoi/ http://www.city.minamisoma.lg.jp/kanko/03.jsp Access The JR Joban Line to Haranomachi Sta. 所在地福島県相馬市相馬野馬追最寄駅 JR常磐線原ノ町駅下車Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 30 ～ Aug. 5 ◇ Kuroishi Neputa Matsuri Festival, Kuroishi, Aomori Pref. Neputa features a big papier-mache or a fan-shaped lantern with effigies of legendary heroes painted on it. The highlight of this festival is a parade of about 80 carriages of lighted Neputa pulled on the main street accompanied with the sound of drums and flutes from 6:30 pm to 10 pm on July 30th and on Aug. 2nd. http://kuroishi.or.jp/event/summer/kuroishineputa Access The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Shin-Aomori Sta. From there, take a bus to Kuroishi-ekimae Bus Stop, or the JR Ou Honsen Line to Hirosaki Sta., and then take the Konan Tetsudo Line to Kuroishi Sta. 所在地青森県黒石市黒石ねぷた祭り最寄駅 JR東北新幹線新青森駅よりバスで黒石駅前へ、又はJR奥羽本線弘前駅より弘南鉄道黒石駅下車Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 31 ～ Aug. 4 ◇ Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival, Hachinohe, Aomori Pref., with a 290-year history, is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. The main event of the festival is a parade of Mikoshi (three portable shrines) of each Shrine and 27 lavishly adorned floats from 3 pm to 7 pm on Aug. 1st and 3rd. Kiba-dakyu or Japanese polo is held in the precincts of Shinra Shrine from 2 pm to around 4 pm on Aug. 2nd. http://www.city.hachinohe.aomori.jp/kanko/festival/sansya/ Access The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Hachinohe Sta. From there, 20 min. by bus to Jusan-nichi-machi Bus Stop. Note Sansha means three shrines: Ogami Shrine, Shinra Shrine and Shinmei Shrine. 所在地青森県八戸市おがみ神社新羅神社神明宮八戸三社大祭最寄駅 JR東北新幹線八戸駅よりバスで20分、十三日町下車

CHUBU 中部Ｄａｔｅ Jun. 30 ＆ Jul. 1 ◎ Annual Festival of Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine, Fuji-Yoshida, Yamanashi Pref. On June. 30th, Omichi-Biraki (the ceremony of going through Torii Gate by the priests praying for the safety of the climbers) is held from 3:30 pm. On July. 1st, Mt. Fuji Yama-biraki (the ceremony to mark the opening Mt. Fuji's climbing season) is held at Komitake Shrine on 5th Stage (Yoshida-guchi trail) in Yamanashi Pref., from 5 am, and at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, Fujinomiya in Shizuoka Pref., from 9:10 am. http://www.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp/forms/info/info.aspx?info_id=451 http://www.fuji-hongu.or.jp/sengen/festivals/07_09.html#jul05 Access (1) Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine: The Fuji Kyuko Line to Fujisan-eki Sta., and then walk 20 min. (2) Komitake Shrine: 55 min. by bus from Fujisan-eki Sta. or Kawaguchiko Sta. on the Fuji Kyuko Line to Fujisan Go-go- me (5th Stage) Bus Stop (3) Fujisan Hongu Sengen Shrine: JR Minobu Line to Fujinomiya Sta., and then, walk 10 min. Note Mt. Fuji: 3,776 meters high above sea level. 所在地山梨県：北口本宮富士浅間神社及び小御岳神社(富士五合目）静岡県：富士山本宮浅間大社富士山山開き最寄駅 (1) 北口本宮富士浅間神社：富士急行富士山駅より徒歩20分 (2) 小御岳神社：富士急行富士山駅、又は河口湖駅よりバスで55分、富士山5合目下車 (3 )富士山本宮浅間大社： JR身延線富士宮駅より徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 6 ＆ Jul. 7

2 ◎ Murakami Taisai Festival of Haguro Shrine, Murakami, Niigata Pref., features a parade of three Mikoshi (portable shrines) and 19 Oshagiri (beautifully lacquered floats) following children in traditional attire along the city's main streets from 8 am to 11 pm on the 7th. http://www.city.murakami.lg.jp/kanko/murakami/murakamitaisai/murakami_taisai.jsp Access The JR Uetsu Honsen Line to Murakami Sta., and then walk 20 min. 所在地新潟県村上市羽黒神社市役所付近村上大祭最寄駅 JR羽越本線村上駅徒歩20分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 14 ～ Sep. 8 ◇ Gujo Odori or a folk dance meet, open to all, Gujo, Gifu Pref. This is one of the most popular folk dancing events joined by thousands of people in Yukata (cotton Kimono ), to the accompaniment of festival music at several sites in the town. It is held on the following days: July. 14, 16, 21, 22, 27- 30, Aug. 1-26 (except 6, 21-23), Sep. 1, 2 and 8, (from 8 pm to 10:30 pm on weekdays and Sundays, from 8 pm to 11 pm on Saturdays, and from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm on Aug. 12th and 17th, and from 8 pm to around 4 am from Aug. 13th to 16th). http://www.gujohachiman.com/kanko/index_e.htm Access The Nagaragawa Tetsudo Line from Mino Ota Sta. to Gujo-Hachiman Sta., and then 5-10 min. by taxi to the site. 所在地岐阜県郡上市八幡町郡上踊り最寄駅美濃太田駅発長良川鉄道で郡上八幡駅下車、会場までタクシーで5-10分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 27 ＆ Jul. 28 ◇ Enshu Arai Tezutsu Hanabi, Fireworks Display at Arai-cho, Shizuoka Pref., is characterized by the pillars of fire, rising fire exceeding 20 meters up in the air, gushing out of cylinders held in the arms of young men, from 7 pm to 9 pm in the playground of Arai Elementary School on the 27th and Arai Junior High School on the 28th. http://www4.tokai.or.jp/horagai/ Access The JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Araimachi Sta., and then walk 15 min to Arai Elementary School, or walk 20 min. to Arai Junior High School. 所在地静岡県新居町諏訪神社手筒花火最寄駅 JR東海道本線新居町駅下車、そこより新居小学校へは徒歩15分、新居中学校へは徒歩20分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 28 ＆ Jul. 29 ◇ Owari Tsushima Tenno Matsuri Festival of Tsushima Shrine, Tsushima, Aichi Pref., is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. It is highlighted by two parades of magnificent boats on the pond in Tenno-gawa Koen: (1) five Makiwara-bune boats decorated with hundreds of lighted lanterns from around 8:40 pm to 9:30 pm on the 28th, and (2) six Danjiri-bune boats with a doll of Noh play's character placed atop from 8:40 am to 11:30 am on the 29th. http://www.city.tsushima.lg.jp/index.php?dtype=1000&oid=868&pid=143 Access The Meitetsu Tsushima Line to Tsushima Sta., and then walk 20 min. 所在地愛知県津島市津島神社天王川公園尾張津島天王まつり最寄駅名鉄津島線津島駅から徒歩20分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 31 ＆ Aug. 1 Nafune Taisai Festival of Hakusan Shrine, Wajima, Ishikawa Pref. On July. 31st, Mikoshi (a portable shrine) on the boat proceeds on the sea, while Gojinjo-daiko (Japanese folkloristic drumming) is presented by men wearing grotesque masks from 10 pm to 11 pm, and then Mikoshi and Kiriko (tall rectangular lanterns) are carried through the town until midnight. On Aug. 1st, Mikoshi is set afloat again from 3 pm and is returned to the Shrine at 3:50 pm, while Gojinjo-daiko is demonstrated. Access The JR Nanao Line to Wajima Sta. From there, 20 min. by bus to Nafune-machi Bus Stop. 所在地石川県輪島市名舟町白山神社名舟大祭（御陣乗太鼓）最寄駅 JR七尾線輪島駅よりバスで20分、名舟町下車

KINKI 近畿

3 Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 7 ◇ ◎ Sei Daimyojin Reisai or Annual Festival of Shiramine Jingu Shrine, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, is highlighted by a game of Kemari , played by the Shrine priests, who loft a small ball with their insteps from around 3 pm. A Japanese dance is presented by girls in colorful attire in the precincts of the Shrine from 4:30 pm. http://www10.ocn.ne.jp/~siramine/page007.html Access The Karasuma Subway Line to Imadegawa Sta., and then walk 5 min. 所在地京都市上京区白峯神宮精大明神例祭最寄駅地下鉄烏丸線今出川駅より徒歩5分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 7 ◎ Renge-e・Kaeru-tobi or the religious lesson of story-telling at Kimpusenji Temple on Mt. Yoshino, Nara Pref. The ritual of Renge-e (lotus flower offering ceremony) starts at 10 am. The religious lesson is held from 12 noon to 6 pm, in which a man wearing a frog costume pantomimes the story of the impious local man who was transformed into a frog and then transformed back to a human being thanks to the Buddhist Sutra recited by a pious priest from around 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Access The Kintetsu Yoshino Line to Yoshino Sta. From there, 3 min. by ropeway to Sanjo Sta., and then walk 15 min. 所在地奈良県吉野山金峰山寺蔵王堂蓮華会・蛙跳び行事最寄駅近鉄吉野線吉野駅よりロープウェーで3分山上駅下車、徒歩15分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 14 ◎ Nachi-no-Hi-Matsuri, Fire Festival of Kumano Nachi Shrine, Nachi Katsuura-cho, Wakayama Pref., is counted as one of the three grandest fire festivals in Japan. Shinto dances are performed in the precincts of the Shrine from 11 am to 12 noon. Ohgi-Mikoshi (12 portable shrines), each decorated with 32 red fans and 8 mirrors, leave the Shrine at 1 pm for Hiro Shrine (near Nachi Waterfall), where 12 white-robed men, each holding a big flaming torch, meet the Mikoshi at 2 pm and run around the Mikoshi for purification. Eventually, Mikoshi return to the Kumano Nachi Shrine around 3:30 pm. Access The JR Kisei Honsen Line to Kii-Katsuura Sta. From there, 25 min. by bus for Nachisan, and then get off at Taki-mae Bus Stop. 所在地和歌山県那智勝浦町熊野那智大社 (別宮飛瀧神社）那智の火祭（扇祭）最寄駅 JR紀勢本線紀伊勝浦駅より那智山行のバスで25分、滝前下車

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 14 ～ Jul. 24 ◇◎ Gion Matsuri Festival of Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto. The festival, originating in 869, is counted as one of the three grandest festivals in Japan. The festival actually lasts for one month in July. The highlight of this festival is Yama-hoko-Junko or a procession of 32 gorgeous floats （9 Hoko , huge floats mounted on wheels and 23 Yama , smaller floats), parading to the tune of flutes, drums, gongs and other musical instruments through the city from 9 am to 1 pm on the 17th. On the 24th, Hanagasa- Junko or a long colorful pagent, consisting of many dancing groups, children and Geisha , all in traditional costumes, starts from Yasaka Shrine at 10 am, down to the main streets and returns to the Shrine at around 1 pm. Many other events are scheduled during the period. http://www.kyokanko.or.jp/3dai/gion.html http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/org/yasaka/schedule/02.html Access The Karasuma Subway Line to Shijo Sta. to go to Yasaka Shrine and Shijo-Karasuma quarter. 所在地京都市八坂神社京都市内祇園祭(山鉾巡行、花傘道中）最寄駅八坂神社及び四条烏丸へは、地下鉄烏丸線四条駅下車

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 24 ＆ Jul. 25

4 ◇ ◎ Tenjin Matsuri Festival of Tenmangu Shrine, Kita-ku, Osaka. The festival, with over a 1,000-year history, is counted as one of the three grandest festivals in Japan. On the 25th, a procession of Horen (a portable shrine) leaves Tenmangu Shrine at 3:30 pm for Tenjinbashi Bridge, where Horen is moved onto the sacred boat and goes upstream on the river, followed by a fleet of a hundred boats decorated with lighted lanterns from 6 pm to 9 pm. A fireworks display is scheduled over the Okawa River from around 7 pm to 9 pm on the 25th (5,000 fireworks). http://www.tenjinsan.com/tjm.html Access The Tanimachi Subway Line to Minami-Morimachi Sta., and then walk 5 min. to the Shrine. 所在地大阪市北区大阪天満宮大川天神祭最寄駅地下鉄谷町線南森町駅下車、天満宮へ徒歩5分Ｄａｔｅ Jun. 30 ～ Jul. 2 ◇ Aizen Matsuri Festival at Aizen-do Shoman'in Temple, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, features a parade of Hoe-kago palanquins with women inside, and other women in yukata (cotton kimono ) going in the neighborhood of the temple from around 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm on Jun. 30th. http://www.aizendo.com/festival.htm Access The Tanimachi Subway Line to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Sta., and then walk 2 min. 所在地大阪市天王寺区愛染堂勝鬘院愛染まつり最寄駅地下鉄谷町線四天王寺前夕陽丘駅より徒歩2分

CHUGOKU & SHIKOKU 中国・四国

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 20 & Jul. 27 Tsuwano-no-Sagi-mai or Heron Dance performed annually at Tsuwano-cho, Shimane Pref. Two men dressed like herons perform the dance to the tune of leisurely music of drums, pipes and bells. They start dancing at Toya-mae civic center, Yasaka Shrine and many other places from 3 pm to 4:45 pm on the 20th, and from 3 pm to 4:10 pm on the 27th. Access The JR Yamaguchi Line to Tsuwano Sta. 所在地島根県津和野町弥栄神社津和野の鷺舞最寄駅 JR山口線津和野駅Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 22～ Jul. 24 ◇ ◎ Uwajima Ushi-Oni Matsuri Festival of Warei Shrine, Uwajima, Ehime Pref. The major events of the festival are held on the 24th. (1)Togyu (bull fighting) is held at Togyu-jo (bull fighting ground) from 12 noon to 2:30 pm. (2) Oyaushi-oni or three imagenary bull-head monsters parade in the city to the Suka River from 1:20 pm to around 4:30 pm. (3) A parade of Mikoshi (three portable shrines) and floats starts from Warei Shrine at 5:30 pm, going through the city for the Suka River. There, (4) Hashirikomi , in which Mikoshi are carried into the river and men scramble for sacred white strips of paper hanging from a tall bamboo pole standing at the center of the river, is held from 6:50 pm to 9:30 pm. http://ushioni.gaina.ne.jp/ http://www.uwajima.org/event/index5.html Access The JR Yosan Line to Uwajima Sta. 所在地愛媛県宇和島市和霊神社うわじま牛鬼まつり／和霊大祭最寄駅 JR予讃線宇和島駅 KYUSHU & OKINAWA 九州沖縄Ｄａｔｅ Jul.1 ～ Jul. 15 ◇ ◎ Hakata Gion Yamagasa Festival of Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Pref. The highlight of this festival comes on the 15th, when Yamagasa , gorgeously decorated floats topped by elaborate decorations including miniature castles, flowers and historical heros' dolls are drawn one after another by young men starting from the Shrine every 5 min from 4:59 am to around 5:30 am through the crowds of spectators. The floats are on display at 14 different places in the city during the festival period. http://www.hakatayamakasa.com/index.php Access The JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Hakata Sta., and then walk 15 min. to Kushida Shrine. 所在地福岡市櫛田神社博多祇園山笠最寄駅 JR博多駅より徒歩15分で櫛田神社

5 Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 20 ～ Jul. 22 ◎ Kokura Gion Daiko or a drumming festival of Kokura, Kita-Kyushu, Fukuoka Pref. Each town in the city has its own drums, which are beaten by the townspeople going through the neighborhoods during the period. A demonstration of drumming is held at Otemon-mae Hiroba in the Kokura Castle ground from 3:30 pm to 7 pm on the 21st and 12 noon to 4 pm on the 22nd, and at Taiko Hiroba from 6 pm to 9 pm on the 22nd. http://www.kokuragiondaiko.jp/ Access The JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Kokura Sta., and then walk 15 min. to Kokura Castle. 所在地福岡県北九州市小倉小倉城小倉祇園太鼓最寄駅 JR山陽新幹線小倉駅下車、徒歩15分で小倉城

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 27 ～ Jul. 29 ◎ Tobata Gion Yamagasa Festival of Tobata, Kita-Kyushu, Fukuoka Pref., is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. It features a parade of Yamagasa , eight floats decorated with lighted lanterns drawn by hundreds of townspeople daily during the period. The highlight of the festival comes when eight Yamagasa gather in front of City Hall from 6:30 pm to 9 pm on the 28th. http://tobatagion.jp/ Access The JR Kagoshima Honsen Line originating at Kokura Sta. to Tobata Sta. 所在地福岡県北九州市戸畑戸畑祇園山笠／戸畑祇園大山笠最寄駅 JR鹿児島本線小倉駅より戸畑駅下車

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 28 ＆ Jul. 29 Nagasaki Peiron Senshuken Taikai or a boat race of over 70 ancient-Chinese-style boats, at Matsugae Kokusai Kanko Futo Pier of Nagasaki Port, Nagasaki Pref., is held from 9 am to 3:50 pm on Jul. 28th, and from 9 am to 2:50 pm on 29th. http://www.at-nagasaki.jp/nitca/peron/ Access JR Nagasaki Sta. on Nagasaki Line, from there Nagasaki Dentetsu Line to Oura Kaigan Dori Sta., and then walk 2 min. or 5 min. by taxi to the pier. 所在地長崎市長崎港松ヶ枝埠頭長崎ペーロン選手権大会最寄駅松ヶ枝国際観光埠頭へは、長崎電鉄大浦海岸通り駅下車、徒歩2分、又はJR長崎駅よりタクシーで5分

Ukai, Cormorant Fishing

Ukai , Cormorant fishing is an ancient method of catching Ayu (sweetfish or trout-like fish), handling trained cormorants. This takes place at night under the blazing torches fastened to the prows of fishing boats. It will be held every day during the period except on the night of the full moon （Sep. 30th this year) or when the water is excessively muddy.

Ｄａｔｅ May. 11 ～ Oct. 15 ◇ ◎ Nagaragawa Ukai, Nagara River, Gifu Pref. Period of time: May. 11th - Oct. 15th (except Jul. 28th, Aug. 4th and Sep. 30th) Departure time: 7:15 pm (returns around 8:30 pm) Charge: \3,000 (without meal) for weekdays, \3,300 (without meal) for Sat., Sun. and national holidays Reservation: Please call 058-262-0104 (Gifu City Ukai Kanransen Jimusho), or reserve through major travel agencies, like JTB. http://www.ukai-gifucity.jp/ukai/ http://www.gifucvb.or.jp/sightseeing/ukai.php Access The JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Gifu Sta. From there, 15 min. by bus to Nagaragawa-bashi Bus Stop. 所在地岐阜県岐阜市長良川長良川鵜飼最寄駅 JR東海道本線岐阜駅よりバスで15分、長良川橋下車

6 Ｄａｔｅ Jun. 1 ～ Oct. 15 Kisogawa Ukai, Kiso River, Aichi Pref. Period of time: Jun. 1st - Oct. 15th (except Aug. 15th), Departure time: 7 pm (Jun. 1st - Aug. 31st ), 6:30 pm (Sep. 1st - Oct. 15th) Charge: \2,500 (Jun. 1st - Jun. 30th & Sep. 1st - Oct. 15th), or \2,800 (Jul. 1st - Aug. 31st), in either case for a Yukata-fune boat ride (without meal) Reservation: Please call 0568-61-0057 (Kisogawa Kanko) in Japanese, or reserve through major travel agencies. http://www.kisogawa-kankou.com/kiso.html Access The Meitetsu Inuyama Line to Inuyama-Yuen Sta., and then walk 2 min. 所在地愛知県犬山市木曽川木曽川鵜飼最寄駅名鉄犬山線犬山遊園駅より徒歩2分

Ｄａｔｅ Jun. 16 ～ Sep. 23 ◇ ◎ Ujigawa Ukai, Uji River, Kyoto Pref. Period of time: Jun. 16th - Sep. 23rd Departure time: 7 pm (Jun. 18th - Aug. 31st), 6:30 pm (Sep. 1st - Sep. 23rd) Charge: \1,800 (child: \900) without meal Tickets are put on sale an hour before the departure time on the day. No reservation is necessary unless you charter a boat for a group. http://www.kyoto-uji-kankou.or.jp/topics/ukai2012.pdf Access (1) The Keihan Uji Line to Keihan Uji Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2) The JR Nara Line to Uji Sta., and then walk 10 min. 所在地京都府宇治川宇治川鵜飼最寄駅 (1) 京阪宇治線京阪宇治駅より徒歩5分 (2) JR奈良線宇治駅より徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 1 ～ Sep. 17 ◇ Arashiyama Ukai, Oi River, Arashiyama, Kyoto. Period of time: Jul. 1st - Sep. 17th (except Aug. 16th) Departure time: 7 pm and 8 pm (Jul. 1st - Aug. 31st), 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm (Sep. 1st - 17th), both twice a day. Charge: \1,700 (without meal each) Tickets are put on sale on the day from 30 min. before the departure time. No reservation is necessary unless you charter a boat for a group. http://www16.plala.or.jp/kyoto-yakatabune/05.html Access The Keifuku Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Sta. or the Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Hankyu Arashiyama Sta., and then walk about 15 min. 所在地京都府大堰川（嵐山渡月橋付近）嵐山鵜飼最寄駅京福嵐山線嵐山駅又は阪急嵐山線阪急嵐山駅徒歩15分