Calendar Events to Be Enjoyed in August 2014

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. ©2014 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 ( ).

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

Calendar Events to be enjoyed in August 2014

TOKYO 東京

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 12 ～ Aug. 10 ◇ Ueno Natsu Matsuri or Ueno Summer Festival, on the banks of Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park, Taito- ku. Various entertainments and Kotto Ichi (antique fair) are scheduled during the festival period. URL http://www.ueno.or.jp/ichioshi/ichioshi_36.html Access The JR Yamanote Line，the Ginza or Hibiya Subway Line to Ueno Sta. (G 16, H 17) 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 JR山手線、地下鉄銀座線又は日比谷線上野駅下車

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 27 ～ Aug. 3 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 11 am. Access The Tozai, Hanzomon or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Sta. (T 07, Z 06, S 05)(No. 1 Exit), and then walk 5 min. 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(1番出口)より徒歩5分

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

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 30 ～ Aug. 2 ◇ Tsukiji Honganji Noryo Bon Odori Taikai or a folk dancing meet, open to the public at Tsukiji Honganji Temple, Chuo-ku. After Wadaiko drumming performances, Bon Odori folk dancing is held from around 7 pm to 9 pm daily (from 6 pm to 8:30 pm on the 2nd). When it rains, hours of Wadaiko drumming and folk dancing will be subject to change, or will be canceled.

URL http://tsukijihongwanji.jp/2014/07/2722?fr=top_info Access The Hibiya Subway Line to Tsukiji Sta. (H 10) 所在地中央区築地本願寺築地本願寺納涼盆踊り大会最寄駅日比谷線築地駅

1 Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 1 ～ Aug. 3 ◎ Hachioji Matsuri Festival, Hachioji in the suburbs of Tokyo, a one-hour train ride from Shinjuku Sta. Major events are as follows: (1) On the 2nd, a demonstration of Kanto-Taiko drumming from 2 pm to 4 pm, Min'yo-nagashi (a folk dancing parade) from 4 pm to 6 pm, and a parade of floats & Mikoshi (portable shrines) from 6 pm to 9:30 pm, all held on Koshu-kaido, old Highway, (2) On the 3rd, Shishi- mai (Lion Dance) on Yu-road from 4 pm to 6 pm, Hachiman Yakumo Shrine's Mikoshi parading from Fudanotsuji intersection to Hachiman Yakumo Shrine from 2 pm to 5 pm, and Taga Shrine's Mikoshi , weighing 4 tons, being carried by people on Koshu-kaido from 3 pm to 5:30 pm. URL http://www.hachiojimatsuri.jp/ Access The JR Chuo Line or the Keio Line to Hachioji Sta. 所在地八王子市多賀神社八幡八雲神社八王子まつり最寄駅 JR中央線又は京王線八王子駅

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 2 Edogawa Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) is held over the Edogawa River, Edogawa-ku, from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm (14,000 fireworks). In case of rain or a strong wind, it will be postponed to the 3rd. URL http://www.city.edogawa.tokyo.jp/hanabi/ Access (1) The Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Shinozaki Sta. (S 20), and then walk 15 min. (2) The JR Sobu Line to Koiwa Sta., and then walk 25 min. 所在地江戸川区江戸川河川敷江戸川区花火大会最寄駅 (1) 都営新宿線篠崎駅より徒歩15分 (2) JR総武線小岩駅より徒歩25分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 2 Itabashi Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) over the upstream of the Arakawa River near Toda-bashi Bridge, Itabashi-ku, is scheduled from 7 pm to 8:30 pm (11,000 fireworks). In case of rain or a strong wind, it will be postponed to the 3rd. URL http://itabashihanabi.jp/ Access (1) The Toei Mita Subway Line to Nishidai Sta. (I 24), Hasune Sta. (I 23) or Takashimadaira Sta. (I 25), and then walk 30 min. (2) The JR Saikyo Line to Ukima-Funado Sta., and then walk 30 min. 所在地板橋区戸田橋上流の荒川いたばし花火大会最寄駅 (1) 都営三田線西台駅、蓮根駅又は高島平駅より徒歩30分 (2) JR埼京線浮間船渡駅より徒歩30分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 4 ＆ Aug. 5 ◇ Mitama Matsuri, Soul Festival of Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Ota-ku, features Bon Odori , a folk dancing meet in the precincts, from 7 pm to 9 pm on both days. When it rains, it will be postponed to the 6th. URL http://honmonji.jp/01what/03cal/ca_08.html Access (1) The Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Nishi-Magome Sta. (A 01), and then walk 10 min. (2) The Tokyu Ikegami Line to Ikegami Sta., and then walk 10 min. 所在地大田区池上本門寺みたままつり最寄駅 (1) 都営浅草線西馬込駅より徒歩10分 (2) 東急池上線池上駅より徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 4 ～ Aug. 6 Setomono Ichi, Ceramic Fair is held on Ningyocho O-dori street between Suitengu-mae and Ningyocho intersections, Chuo-ku, from 9 am to 9 pm during the period. URL http://www.ningyocho.or.jp/ Access (1) The Hibiya or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Ningyocho Sta. (H 13, A 14) (2) The Hanzomon Subway Line to Suitengu-mae Sta. (Z 10) 所在地中央区日本橋人形町大通りせともの市最寄駅 (1) 日比谷線、都営浅草線人形町駅 (2) 半蔵門線水天宮前駅

2 Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 7 ～ Aug. 10 Fussa Tanabata Matsuri or Star Festival, Fussa, about a 90-min. train ride from Tokyo Sta., features a parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) and floats from 3:15 pm to 6 pm, and Min'yo-odori (a folk dancing) from 5:20 pm to 8:40 pm, on the city's main streets on the 8th. Various decorations of colored paper streamers and strips along the shopping streets delight the eyes of people. Some more events are scheduled during the festival period. URL http://www.fussa-tanabata.com/ Access The JR Ome Line to Fussa Sta. 所在地福生市福生七夕まつり最寄駅 JR青梅線福生駅

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 10 ◎ Tokyo Bay Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Harumi Pier, from 6:50 pm to 8:10 pm (12,000 fireworks). In case of rain or a strong wind, it will be canceled. URL http://www.city.chuo.lg.jp/bunka/event/toukyouwanndaihanabisaimeinn.html Access (1) The Toei Oedo Subway Line to Kachidoki Sta. (E 17) (2) The Yurakucho Subway Line to Tsukishima Sta. (Y 21) or Toyosu Sta. (Y 22) 所在地中央区晴海埠頭東京湾大華火祭最寄駅 (1) 都営大江戸線勝どき駅 (2) 有楽町線月島駅又は豊洲駅

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 13 ～ Aug. 17 Fukagawa Hachimangu Matsuri or Annual Festival of Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, Koto-ku. This festival is one of the Tokyo's Three Greatest Summer Festivals and called Mizukake Matsuri , literally meaning a festival in which local people scatter water drops over Mikoshi (portable shrines) carriers. On the 16th, a procession of Horen (sacred palanquins) is held throughout the town from 8 am to 4 pm. On the 17th, the highlight of the festival is a Mikoshi parade in which big 53 Mikoshi are carried by townspeople in the neighborhood from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. Many other events in the precincts are scheduled as follows; (1) On the 14th, Noh (classical Japanese stage art performance) from 4:30 pm, and a folk dance performance from 6:30 pm, (2) On the 15th, Taiko drumming from 2:30 pm, and Koto (Japanese harp) music performance from 5:30 pm, (3) On the 16th, a demonstration of Karate and Shorinji-Kenpo (Japanese martial arts) from 3 pm and 6 pm. URL http://www.tomiokahachimangu.or.jp/ Access The Tozai Subway Line to Monzen-Nakacho Sta. (T 12) 所在地江東区富岡八幡宮富岡八幡宮例大祭（深川八幡宮祭、別名水かけ祭）最寄駅東西線門前仲町駅

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 16 Jingu Gaien Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) is held at Jingu Kyujo Baseball Stadium, Shibuya-ku, from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm (10,000 fireworks), which is preceded by the music concerts in its vicinty, (1) at Jingu Kyujo Baseball Stadium, (2) at Chichibunomiya Rugby & Football Ground, (3) at Jingu Nanshiki Kyujo Baseball Park, and so on. Tickets are available at Seven-Eleven, Circle K Sunkus, or Ticket Pia counters. In case of rain, it will be postponed to the 17th. URL http://jinguhanabi.com/ Access (1) The Toei Oedo Subway Line to Kokuritsu Kyogijo Sta. (E 25) (2) The JR Sobu Line to Shinanomachi Sta. or Sendagaya Sta. (3) The Ginza Subway Line to Gaien-mae Sta. (G 03) 所在地新宿区神宮球場神宮外苑花火大会最寄駅 (1) 都営大江戸線国立競技場駅 (2) JR総武線信濃町駅又は千駄ヶ谷駅 (3) 銀座線外苑前駅

3 Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 22 ～ Aug. 25 Kameido Tenjin Taisai or Annual Summer Festival of Kameido Tenjin, Koto-ku. Horen , a gorgeous palanquin (cart) is drawn by local people in the neighborhood from 7 am to 5:30 pm on the 23rd. A parade of 25 towns' Mikoshi (portable shrines) goes on Kuramae-dori street from early morning to around 1 pm on the 24th. About 1,000 Kentomyo (lighted lanterns) are lit up in the precincts from around 7 pm, and Takigi-kagura (torch-lighted Shinto dance) is performed to the accompaniment of the music in the precincts of the Shrine from 7 pm on the 25th. URL http://www.kameidotenjin.or.jp/ Access The JR Sobu Line to Kameido Sta., and then walk 15 min. 所在地江東区亀戸天神亀戸天神大祭最寄駅 JR総武線亀戸駅より徒歩15分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 23 Asakusa Samba Carnival, or a samba dancing parade, Asakusa, Taito-ku. About 4,700 participants in samba attire parade on Kaminarimon-dori and Umamichi-dori streets near Sensoji Temple, from 1 pm to 6 pm. URL http://www.asakusa-samba.org/ Access The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta. (G 19, A 18) 所在地台東区浅草寺界隈(雷門通）浅草サンバカーニバル最寄駅銀座線又は都営浅草線浅草駅

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 23 ＆ Aug. 24 ◇ Koenji Awa Odori, folk dancing originated in the Awa region in Tokushima Pref., is demonstrated by people to the tune of merry music on the streets around Koenji Sta., Suginami-ku, from 5 pm to 8 pm on both days. URL http://www.koenji-awaodori.com/index.html Access The JR Chuo Line to Koenji Sta. 所在地杉並区高円寺駅前商店街高円寺阿波踊り最寄駅 JR中央線高円寺駅

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 23 ＆ Aug. 24 ◇◎ Super Yosakoi 2014, a big folk dancing event similar to that of Kochi Pref. on Shikoku Island, is held in Tokyo, and is participated by about 5,000 people from all over Japan. The event is held on Harajuku- Omotesando Street, at Meiji-Jingu Shrine, in Yoyogi Koen Event Square, and on Keyaki-Namiki-dori Street in front of NHK, from 10 am to around 6:30 pm on the 23rd and from 10 am to around 5:30 pm on the 24th, regardless of the weather conditions.

URL https://www.yosakoi-harajuku.com/ Access The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Sta., the Chiyoda Subway Line to Meijijingu-mae Sta. (C 03), the Chiyoda, Ginza or Hanzomon Subway Line to Omotesando Sta. (C 04, G 02, Z 02) 所在地渋谷区原宿表参道、明治神宮境内、代々木公園ｲﾍﾞﾝﾄ広場、NHK前ｹﾔｷ並木通り原宿表参道元気祭ｽｰﾊﾟｰよさこい2014 最寄駅 JR山手線原宿駅、地下鉄千代田線明治神宮前駅、又は千代田線、銀座線、半蔵門線表参道駅

4 KANTO 関東

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 1 ～ Aug. 3 Mito Komon Matsuri Festival, Mito, Ibaraki Pref., features (1) a fireworks display over the Semba-ko lake from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm on the 1st; (2) Komon Parade in the Shimoichi area from 10:30 am to 12 noon, and in the Uwaichi area from 3:10 pm to 4:10 pm, both on the 2nd; (3) a parade of floats on the main streets from 10 am to 9 pm in the Uwaichi area on the 2nd and 3rd; and (4) a parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) in the Shimoichi area from 10 am to 12:30 pm, and in the Uwaichi area from 2 pm to 6 pm, both on the 3rd. URL http://www.mitokoumon.com/festival/mitokoumon.html Note Mito Komon : Mito Mitsukuni (1628 - 1701) One of the feudal lords in the Edo period. Access (1) A fireworks display (Semba-ko): walk 10-15 min. from Mito Sta. (South Exit) on the JR Joban Line. (2) Uwaichi: walk 5 min. from Mito Sta. (North Exit) on the JR Joban Line. (3) Shimoichi: about 10 min. by bus bound for Hommachi to Hommachi-1chome Bus Stop from Mito Sta. (South Exit) 所在地茨城県水戸市千波湖上市下市水戸黄門まつり最寄駅 (1) 花火大会会場(千波湖）へはJR常磐線水戸駅南口から徒歩10-15分 (2) 上市会場へはJR常磐線水戸駅北口から徒歩5分 (3) 下市会場へは水戸駅南口から本町行バスに乗車(約10分）、本町1丁目バス停下車Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 3 ～ Aug. 5 ◇◎ Numata Matsuri Festival, Numata, Gunma Pref., features 10 Mando (beautifully adorned floats) and Mikoshi (portable shrines) drawn through the city daily during the period. Two huge Tengu Mikoshi (portable shrines each decorated with a Japanese folkloristic creature having a long nose) are carried by about 200 women from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm on the 3rd and the 5th. Two Mikoshi , one from Haruna Shrine and the other from Suga Shrine, are carried in the town from 5 pm, and return to each Shrine at around 10 pm on the 5th. URL http://www.city.numata.gunma.jp/matsuri/matsuri.html Access The JR Joetsu Line to Numata Sta., and then walk 15 min. to Numata City Hall or Honcho-dori Street. 所在地群馬県沼田市須賀神社榛名神社本町通りなどの市街地沼田まつり最寄駅 JR上越線沼田駅より市役所又は本町通りへは徒歩15分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 9 ＆ Aug. 16 ◇ Saitama-shi Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) is scheduled at two sites in Saitama, Saitama Pref., (1) at Omagi Koen (park) from 7:30 pm on the 9th (5,000 fireworks), and (2) at Iwatsuki-bunka Koen (park) from 7:30 pm on the 16th (3,600 fireworks). In case of rain or a strong wind, the fireworks display on the 9th will be postponed to the 10th, and the fireworks display on the 16th will be postponed to the 18th. URL http://www.stib.jp/hanabi/index.shtml Access (1) Omagi Koen: The JR Musashino Line to Higashi-Urawa Sta., and then walk 20 min. (2) Iwatsuki-bunka Koen: The Tobu Noda Line to Iwatsuki Sta., and then walk 40 min. 所在地埼玉県さいたま市大間木公園岩槻文化公園さいたま市花火大会最寄駅 (1) 大間木公園会場：JR武蔵野線東浦和駅より徒歩20分 (2) 岩槻文化公園会場：東武野田線岩槻駅より徒歩40分

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. ©2014 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 August 2014

HOKKAIDO 北海道

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 18 ～ 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 18th to Aug. 15th. A fireworks display is held over the Toyohira River from 7:40 pm to 8:30 pm on July 25th, and Bon Odori , Japanese folk dancing in the O-dori Nishi-2-chome area from 6 pm to 9 pm daily from Aug. 14th to 20th. Access (1) For the fireworks display site: The Namboku Subway Line to Nakajima Koen Sta., and then walk 5 min. to the Toyohiragawa Minami-Ohashi bridge. (2) For Bon Odori site, The Tozai, Toho or Namboku Subway Line to O-dori Sta. URL http://www.sapporo-natsu.com/ 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61回さっぽろ夏まつり最寄駅 (1) 花火大会会場：地下鉄南北線で中島公園駅下車、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

TOHOKU 東北

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 30 ～ Aug. 5 ◇ Kuroishi Neputa Matsuri Festival, Kuroishi, Aomori Pref. Neputa features a huge 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 around 10 pm on July 30th and Aug. 2nd. Access (1) The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Shin-Aomori Sta. (South Exit). From there, take Konan Bus to Kuroishi Eki-mae Bus Stop. (2) The JR Ou Honsen Line to Hirosaki Sta., from there change to the Konan Tetsudo to Kuroishi Sta. URL http://kuroishi.or.jp/event/summer/kuroishineputa 所在地青森県黒石市名称黒石ねぷた祭り最寄駅 (1) JR東北新幹線新青森駅（南口）より弘南バスで黒石駅前下車 (2) 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. This is the gorgeous festival of Sansha (three Shrines; Ogami Shrine, Shinra Shrine and Shinmei Shrine), and is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. The main event of the festival is a parade of Mikoshi （portable shrines) of each Shrine and 27 colorful huge floats proceeding between the City Hall and the center in the Kaji-cho area from 3 pm to 5:30 pm on Aug. 1st and 3rd. Kiba-dakyu or Japanese polo is held in the precincts of Chojasan Shinra Shrine from 2 pm to around 4 pm on Aug. 2nd. Many other events are scheduled during the period. Access The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Hachinohe Sta. From there take the JR Hachinohe Line to Hon-Hachinohe Sta. URL http://www.city.hachinohe.aomori.jp/kanko/festival/sansya/ 所在地青森県八戸市おがみ神社新羅神社神明宮名称八戸三社大祭最寄駅 JR東北新幹線八戸駅より JR八戸線で本八戸駅下車

1 Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 1 ＆ Aug. 2 ◎ Fukushima Waraji Matsuri Festival, Fukushima, Fukushima Pref., features a parade of people carrying a huge Waraji (a straw sandal made of straw ropes, and 2 tons in weight & 12 meters in length) as a symbol of being a good walker, and folk dancing on Shinobu Street and National Road No. 13 from 6 pm to 9:30 pm on the 1st, and from 7:30 pm to 9 pm on the 2nd. Some more events are scheduled during the period. Access The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line or the JR Tohoku Honsen Line to Fukushima Sta., and then walk 5 min. URL http://www.fmcnet.co.jp/waraji/ 所在地福島県福島市信夫通り福島わらじまつり最寄駅 JR 東北新幹線又は東北本線福島駅より徒歩5分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 1 ～ Aug. 3 ◇ Kitakami Michinoku Geino Matsuri, or the festival of performing arts native to Tohoku District, at Kitakami, Iwate Pref., features various demonstrations of local performing arts such as Taiko Japanese drumming, Kagura (Shinto dance with music), and Shishi-odori (dance by men wearing deer-like hoods) performed at several sites in the city. The performances are held from around 6 pm to 8:30 pm on the 1st, from 9 am to 8:30 pm on the 2nd, and from 10 am to 4 pm on the 3rd. Torokko-nagashi (floating lighted lanterns) and a fireworks display are scheduled respectively on or over the Kitakami River from 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm on the 3rd. Access The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line or the JR Tohoku Honsen Line to Kitakami Sta. URL http://www.kitakami.org/maturi/ 所在地岩手県北上市諏訪神社まつり広場北上川河畔詩歌の森北上みちのく芸能まつり最寄駅 JR東北新幹線又はJR東北本線北上駅

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 1 ～ Aug. 4 ◇◎ Morioka Sansa Odori, or Dance Festival, Morioka, Iwate Pref. A parade of Sansa Odori , traditional folk dancing, is held on Chuo-dori Street daily from 6 pm to 9 pm. The festival is also noted for the world's largest drumming parade with the highest number of participants held from 7 pm to 7:40 pm on the 4th. Access The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line or the JR Tohoku Honsen Line to Morioka Sta. and then walk 10 min. URL http://www.sansaodori.jp/pdf/pamphlet_english.pdf 所在地岩手県盛岡市中央通り盛岡さんさ踊り最寄駅 JR東北新幹線又はJR東北本線盛岡駅より徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 1 ～ Aug. 7 ◇◎ Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri Festival, Hirosaki, Aomori Pref., is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. Neputa is a huge fan-shaped lantern with a depicted image of warlords or legendary heroines set on the carriage. Totally, over 80 carriages of lighted Neputa are pulled to the sound of drums and flutes from 7 pm to around 10 pm daily from the 1st to the 6th, and a parade of Neputa is held along the main streets in the city from 10 am to 12 noon on the 7th. Access The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Shin-Aomori Sta. From there, take the JR Ou Honsen Line to Hirosaki Sta. URL http://www.hirosakipark.jp/80.html 所在地青森県弘前市弘前ねぷたまつり最寄駅 JR東北新幹線新青森駅より JR奥羽本線で弘前駅下車

2 Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 2 ＆ Aug. 3 Kesennuma Minato Matsuri, or the port festival at Kesennuma Port, Kesennuma, Miyagi Pref. On the 2nd, a parade of brass-bands, baton twirlers, floats, Mikoshi (portable shrines), Tora-mai-odori (dance by men wearing tiger-like hoods) and folk dancing is held on the Tanaka-mae-odori street from 3 pm to 5 pm, and Hamarain-ya Odori , a local folk dancing meet by groups is scheduled from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. On the 3rd, while a demonstration of Taiko Japanese drumming by 26 groups takes place from 5 pm to 8:15 pm intermittently, Kaijo-Unzura (floating lighted papier-maches on the sea) from 5 pm, a fireworks display from 7:45 pm (2,400 fireworks in total), and Toro-nagashi (floating lighted lanterns) from 8:15 pm until around 8:45 pm, are held on and over Minatomachi Rinko Road. Access The JR Kesennuma （BRT) Line to Minami Kesennuma Sta., and then walk 10 min. URL http://www.kesennuma.or.jp/minatomatsuri/ 所在地宮城県気仙沼市気仙沼みなとまつり最寄駅 JR気仙沼線（BRT) 南気仙沼駅より徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 2 ～ Aug. 7 ◇◎ Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Festival, Aomori, Aomori Pref., one of the three biggest festivals in Tohoku District, is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. Nebuta , a huge papier-mache with effigies of men, animals or birds, lighted from inside, is placed on each carriage. About 20 carriages are pulled by people called Haneko in colorful costumes on the main streets of the city from 7:10 pm to 9 pm on the 2nd through the 6th. On the 7th, the parade is held from 1 pm to 3 pm, and six most-highly-evaluated Nebuta are set on the boats and afloat on the sea, while a fireworks display (8,000 fireworks) is held over Aomori Bay from 7:15 pm to 9 pm. Access The JR Shinkansen Line to Shin-Aomori Sta. From there 17 min. by bus to Aomori Sta. or by the JR Ou Honsen Line to Aomori Sta., and then walk 10 min. URL http://www.atca.info/nebuta_en/ 所在地青森県青森市青森ねぶた祭最寄駅 JR東北新幹線新青森駅より、バスで17分で青森駅下車、又は JR奥羽本線に乗り換え青森駅下車、徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 3 ～ Aug. 6 ◇◎ Akita Kanto Matsuri Festival, Akita, Akita Pref., is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. Kanto is a long bamboo pole with nine horizontal ribs on which lighted lanterns are hung. The highlight of this festival is a parade of young men in colorful attire trying their skill in balancing Kanto on their foreheads, shoulders, hips and chins without using their hands on Kanto O-dori Street from 6:45 pm to 8:25 pm daily during the festival period. Access The JR Akita Shinkansen Line or the JR Ou Honsen Line to Akita Sta., and then walk 10 min. URL http://www.kantou.gr.jp/english/index.htm 所在地秋田県秋田市秋田竿灯祭り最寄駅 JR秋田新幹線又は、JR奥羽本線秋田駅より徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 4 ～ Aug. 8 ◇ Goshogawara Tachi-Neputa Festival, Goshogawara, Aomori Pref., features a parade of gigantic Tachi-Neputa (papier-maches with effigies of legendary heroes, 23 meters high each) set on the carriage. About 15 lighted Neputa are pulled by people on the main streets in the city from 7 pm to 9 pm daily. Access The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Shin-Aomori Sta. From there take the JR Ou Honsen Line to Kawabe Sta., and there change to the JR Gono Line to Goshogawara Sta. URL http://www.tachineputa.jp/festival/index.html 所在地青森県五所川原市五所川原立佞武多最寄駅 JR東北新幹線新青森駅より奥羽本線で川部駅へ、そこよりJR五能線に乗り換えて五所川原駅下車

3 Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 5 ～ Aug. 7 ◇◎ Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri or Floral Sedge-hat Festival, Yamagata, Yamagata Pref. More than 10,000 townspeople, each wearing a low and round sedge-hat adorned with brightly colored artificial flowers, dance their way through the city's main streets from 6 pm to about 9:30 pm daily during the festival period. Access The JR Yamagata Shinkansen Line or the JR Ou Honsen Line to Yamagata Sta. URL http://www.hanagasa.jp/ 所在地山形県山形市山形花笠まつり最寄駅 JR山形新幹線又はJR奥羽本線山形駅Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 6 ～ Aug. 8 ◇◎ Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival), Sendai, Miyagi Pref. The festival is the largest of its kind in Japan. The city's busy streets are filled with various decorations and bamboo trees lavishly adorned with strips of colored paper, streamers and other glittering materials of fancy designs from 11 am to 9 pm daily. A fireworks display is held over the Hirose River, near Nishi Koen (park), from 7 pm to 8:30 pm on the 5th as Star Festival Eve. Access (1) The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line or the JR Tohoku Honsen Line to Sendai Sta., and then take the Shiei Subway to Kotodai Koen Sta. (Koen 2 Exit or Minami 1 Exit). (2) The fireworks display site: Walk 20 min. from JR Sendai Sta to Nishi Koen. URL http://www.sendaitanabata.com/ 所在地宮城県仙台市仙台七夕まつり最寄駅 (1) JR東北新幹線又はJR東北本線仙台駅より、市営地下鉄で勾当台公園駅下車（公園2出口又は南1出口） (2) 花火会場：JR仙台駅より徒歩20分で西公園へ

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 7 ～ Aug. 9 Koriyama Uneme Matsuri Festival, Koriyama, Fukushima Pref. The festival was originated in a legend of Uneme (court lady) in the 8th century. The main street to Koriyama Sta. is decorated with lighted lanterns in the evening daily. The highlights are a parade of Miss Uneme Beauty Queen from 12:00 noon to 12:45 pm on the 7th, and a dancing parade by about 5,000 girls from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, both on the main street in the city on the 8th and 9th. Access The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line or Tohoku Honsen Line to Koriyama Sta. URL http://www.ko-cci.or.jp/event/maturi/uneme.html 所在地福島県郡山駅前郡山うねめまつり最寄駅 JR東北新幹線又は東北本線郡山駅

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 16 ～ Aug. 18 Nishimonai Bon-Odori , Folk Dancing Meet at Nishimonai, Ugo-machi, Akita Pref. This elegant dancing has been handed down for generations more than 700 years, and is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. Villagers in various kinds of colorful Yukata (cotton Kimono ) and sedge-hats or black hoods perform dancing by the light of bonfires set along the Honcho street, to the sound of Taiko (drums), Yokobue (wooden flute) and Shamisen (three- stringed banjo) played by men on Yagura (tall stage) situated in the center of the street, daily from 7 pm to 11 pm (to 11:30 pm on the 18th). Access The JR Ou Honsen Line to Yuzawa Sta., and then 25 min. by bus to Nishimonai URL http://ugo.main.jp/ 所在地秋田県羽後町西馬音内盆踊り最寄駅 JR奥羽本線湯沢駅よりバスで25分で西馬音内

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 23 ◇◎ Zenkoku Hanabi Kyogi Taikai (Fireworks Display Contest), noted for the biggest of its kind in Japan, is held over the Omono River, Omagari, Akita Pref., from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm, and from 6:50 pm to 9:30 pm (18,000 fireworks in total). When it rains heavily, the date and hours of the fireworks display are subject to change. Access The JR Akita Shinkansen Line or the JR Tazawako Line to Omagari Sta., and then walk 30 min. URL http://www.oomagari-hanabi.com/ 所在地秋田県大曲市雄物川全国花火競技大会最寄駅 JR秋田新幹線又はJR田沢湖線大曲駅下車、徒歩30分

4 Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 24 ～ Aug. 26 ◇◎ Shinjo Matsuri Festival, Shinjo, Yamagata Pref., with a 250-year history and is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. The festival features a parade of floats bedecked with historical figures, castles and artificial flowers, going on the city's main streets from 7 pm on the 24th, from 10 am on the 25th. On the 25th, Mikoshi (portable shrine) accompanied by people in traditional costumes starts from Tenman-gu Shrine from 8:30 am, parading through the city and returns at 3:30 pm. On the 26th, Shishi-odori (local dance by men wearing deer-like hoods) to be dedicated to the Shrine is performed in Mogami Koen (park) from 10 am to 12:30 pm, and on the Minami Honcho-dori street from 3:30 pm to 4 pm. The floats are displayed on the main street in the city from 3 pm to 5 pm. Access The JR Yamagata Shinkansen Line or the JR Ou Honsen Line to Shinjo Sta. URL http://shinjo-matsuri.jp/mikoshi 所在地山形県新庄市天満神社最上公園新庄まつり最寄駅 JR山形新幹線又は、JR奥羽本線新庄駅

CHUBU 中部

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 12 ～ Sep. 6 ◇◎ 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 12, 16, 19, 20, 26- 28, 30, Aug. 1-5, 7-20, 23, 24, 30, 31, (from 8 pm to 10:30 pm on weekdays and Sundays, from 8 pm to 11 pm on Saturdays, and from 8 pm through 4-5 am from Aug. 13 to 16), and Sep. 6 (from 11 pm). Access The Nagaragawa Tetsudo Line from Mino-Ota Sta. to Gujo-Hachiman Sta. From there, 5-10 min. by taxi to the site. URL http://www.gujohachiman.com/kanko/index_e.htm 所在地岐阜県郡上市八幡町郡上踊り最寄駅美濃太田駅より長良川鉄道郡上八幡駅へ、そこより会場までタクシーで5-10分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 20 ～ Aug. 18 ◇ Fuefuki-shi Natsu Matsuri, Summer Festival of Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Pref. Isawa Ukai , cormorant fishing on foot which is an ancient method catching Ayu (sweetfish or trout-like fish), handling trained cormorants specially native to the Isawa area. Ukai is scheduled from 8 pm to 8:50 pm on the Fuefuki River every Wed., Thu., Sat. and Sun. during the festival period. Admission is free. A fireworks display is held over the river from 8:50 pm to 9 pm daily. Access The JR Chuo Honsen Line to Isawa Sta., and then walk 20 min. URL http://www.fuefuki-kanko.jp/detail/index_224.html#snpoint 所在地山梨県笛吹市笛吹川笛吹市夏まつり最寄駅 JR中央本線石和駅より徒歩20分

Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 31 ＆ Aug. 1 ◇ Nafune Taisai, Festival of Hakusan Shrine, Wajima, Ishikawa Pref. On July 31st, Mikoshi (portable shrine) on the boat proceeds through the Torii gate standing in the sea near the Shrine, 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 to Okariya (portable shrine resting place) in the town around midnight. On Aug. 1st, Mikoshi is set afloat again from 2:40 pm and is returned to the Shrine at 3:20 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. URL http://kimassi.net/notomaturi/nahune.html 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

5 Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 1 ～ Aug. 3 ◇◎ Nagaoka Matsuri Festival, Nagaoka, Niigata Pref. A parade of Taiko (Japanese drumming), brass band, Min'yo-nagashi (folk dancing) by townspeople, and Mikoshi (portable shrines) is held along the main streets from 6 pm to 10 pm on the 1st. The main event of this festival is a fireworks display held over the Shinano River from 7:15 pm to 9:10 pm, on both the 2nd and the 3rd (10,000 fireworks each day). Access The JR Joetsu Shinkansen Line or the JR Shin'etsu Line to Nagaoka Sta., and then walk 20 min. URL http://nagaokamatsuri.com/index.html 所在地新潟県長岡市信濃川長岡まつり最寄駅 JR上越新幹線又はJR信越線長岡駅、徒歩20分Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 1 ～ Aug. 5 ◇ Fuji-goko Matsuri, Summer Festival of the Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanashi Pref., features the five fireworks displays scheduled as follows: (1) Lake Yamanaka from 7:30 pm to 9 pm on the 1st (8,000 fireworks), (2) Lake Sai from 7:30 pm to 8 pm on the 2nd (700 fireworks), (3) Lake Motosu from 8 pm to 8:45 pm on the 3rd (1,000 fireworks), (4) Lake Shoji from 8 pm to 9 pm on the 4th (300 fireworks) and (5) Lake Kawaguchi from 7:45 pm to 9 pm on the 5th (9,000 fireworks). Access Bus services are available to the Fuji five lakes area from Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal, or Fuji-Kyu Railway to Fujisan-eki Sta., and then take a bus for each site. 所在地山梨県富士五湖富士五湖祭最寄駅新宿高速バスターミナルより、富士五湖行きバスが運行、又は富士急富士山駅よりバスで各会場へＤａｔｅ Aug. 1 ～ Aug. 7 ◇ Takaoka Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival), Takaoka, Toyama Pref., features a thousand of bamboo trees beautifully adorned with glittering materials set along the city's main streets, and lit up from 6:30 pm to 11 pm (to 8 pm on the 7th) during the period. Many events are scheduled on the main streets in the city daily, especially on Sat. & Sun. during the period. A fireworks display is held over the Shogawa River from 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm on the 4th. Access The JR Hokuriku Honsen Line to Takaoka Sta. （For the fireworks display site: shuttle buses are available from Takaoka Sta.） URL http://www.info-toyama.com/event/20024/ 所在地富山県高岡市小矢部川国東橋庄川高岡大橋高岡七夕祭り最寄駅 JR北陸本線高岡駅 (花火会場へは、高岡駅よりシャトルバス運行）

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 8 ～ Aug. 10 ◎ Niigata Matsuri Festival, Niigata, Niigata Pref. On the 8th, a parade of folk dancing is held on the city's main streets from 7 pm to 9 pm. On the 9th, Sumiyoshi Gyoretsu or a procession of people in traditional attire and Mikoshi (portable shrine), followed by a Bandai-Taiko Japanese drumming band, takes place twice from 10 am and 2:20 pm, and Mikoshi on Gozabune (sacred boat) escorted by 50 boats is carried to the other side of the Shinano River from 12:40 pm to 1:30 pm. On the 10th, Sumiyoshi Gyoretsu parades again on the main street to Hakusan Shrine intermittently from 10 am and from 1:20 pm. A fireworks display is scheduled over the River from 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm on the 9th, and from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm on the 10th. Access The JR Joetsu Shinkansen Line or the JR Shin'etsu Honsen Line to Niigata Sta. URL http://niigata-matsuri.com/ 所在地新潟県新潟市中心部白山(住吉）神社新潟祭最寄駅 JR上越新幹線又はJR信越本線新潟駅Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 8 ～ Aug. 10 ◇ Anjin Matsuri Festival in memory of William Adams, Ito, Shizuoka Pref. William Adams (1564-1620), a naturalized British shipwright, called "Anjin Miura " in Japanese name, a great contributor to the early development of Japanese ship-building industry. Main events are Toro-nagashi , floating lighted lanterns on the Matsukawa River from 7:30 pm on the 8th, and a demonstration of Taiko Japanese drumming at Nagisa Koen (park) from 6 pm on the 9th. A fireworks display is held at the Ito Kaigan beach from 8 pm to 9 pm on the 10th. Access The JR Limited Express "Odoriko" or the JR Ito Line to Ito Sta. URL http://itospa.com/%e6%8c%89%e9%87%9d%e7%a5%ad/ 所在地静岡県伊東市松川渚公園伊東海岸按針祭最寄駅 JR特急“踊り子”又はJR伊東線伊東駅

6 Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 12 ＆ Aug. 13 ◇ Annual Festival of Yaizu Shrine, Yaizu, Shizuoka Pref., is highlighted by a parade of Mikoshi (two portable shrines) carried by thousands of young people wearing traditional costumes and white robes, jostling with one another through the city, as well as a pair of Shishi-gashira (shaped like a big lion head) floats pulled by girls dancing to the sound of Kiyari songs, from 10 am to 11 pm on the 13th. Yabusame-shinji or a ritual of a horseback archery is held at Yaizu-Otabisho (portable shrine resting place) from 8:10 pm to 10 pm on the 13th. Access The JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Yaizu Sta., and then walk 10 min. URL http://shizuoka-jinjacho.or.jp/shokai/jinja.php?id=4407001 所在地静岡県焼津市焼津神社焼津神社例祭最寄駅 JR東海道本線焼津駅より徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 15 ～ Aug. 17 ◇ Mishima Natsu Matsuri, Summer Festival of Mishima Shrine, Mishima, Shizuoka Pref., is highlighted by a parade of floats in the daytime through the city and jostling each other at the Shrine around 8 pm daily. Musha Gyoretsu (a warriors' procession) from around 3 pm to 5 pm on the 16th, and a parade of folk dancing from 3 pm to 5 pm on the 17th, are held on the main street leading to the Mishima Shrine. Yabusame or a horseback archery is held at the Shrine from around 1 pm to 3 pm on the 17th. Many more events are scheduled during the period. Access The JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line or JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Mishima Sta., and then walk 10 min. to Mishima Shrine. URL http://www.mishima-kankou.com/entertain/maturi.html 所在地静岡県三島市三嶋大社三島夏まつり最寄駅 JR東海道新幹線又はJR東海道本線三島駅、徒歩10分で三嶋大社

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 26 ＆ Aug. 27 ◇◎ Yoshida-no-Hi-Matsuri or Fire Festival of Fuji Sengen Shrine and Suwa Shrine, Fuji-Yoshida, Yamanashi Pref., designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets, is held to mark the end of the Mt. Fuji climbing season. On the 26th, a parade of two Mikoshi (portable shrine) starts from Sengen Shrine to Otabisho (portable shrine resting place) from 5 pm to 6:30 pm, and then Himatsuri , the main event of this festival in which about 80 giant torches placed along the National Road No. 139 (near Fujisan-eki Sta.) are set on fire, is held from 6:30 pm to around 10 pm. On the 27th, these Mikoshi start from Otabisho at 2 pm and return to the Shrine around 7 pm. Access The Fuji Kyuko Line to Fujisan Sta., and then walk 3 min. URL http://www.mfi.or.jp/himatsuri/ 所在地山梨県富士吉田市北口本宮富士浅間神社諏訪神社吉田の火まつり最寄駅富士急行富士山駅下車、徒歩3分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 26 ＆ Aug. 27 ◇ O-Chochin Matsuri or the huge lantern festival at Suwa Shrine, Ishiki-cho, Aichi Pref. On the 26th, O-Chochin , twelve huge paper lanterns, 10 meters in length and 5 meters in diameter each, painted with colorful designs, are hung and lighted up at the Shrine from around 7 pm until around the midnight. Kagura (Shinto dance with music) is performed in the precincts twice from 3 pm and from 8 pm on the 26th, and once from 3 pm on the 27th.. Access The Meitetsu Honsen Line to Shin-Anjo Sta., and then take the Meitetsu Nishio Line to Nishio Sta. From there 20 min. by bus to Taihobashi Bus Stop, and then walk 5 min. URL http://www.katch.ne.jp/~suwa-jinja//reisai.html 所在地愛知県幡豆郡一色町諏訪神社大堤灯まつり最寄駅名鉄本線新安城駅から名鉄西尾線西尾駅下車、そこからバスで20分大宝橋下車、徒歩5分

7 KINKI 近畿

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 1 ～ Aug. 3 Himeji Oshiro Matsuri, Himeji Castle Festival, Himeji, Hyogo Pref. On the 1st, Takigi Noh (an open-air masked drama by torchlights) is performed at San'nomaru Hiroba (square) from 6:20 pm to 9 pm. On the 2nd, "Grand Parade" including brass-bands, Miss Oshiro Beauty Queens, Taiko drumming, folk dancing and a warriors' parade of 1,500 townspeople is held on the Otemae-dori street from 2:30 pm to 8 pm, and then So-odori , folk dancing parade by 1,000 townspeople, is held from 8 pm to 9 pm. On the 3rd, a performance of folk dancing by groups is demonstrated on the stage in Otemae Koen (park) from 9 am to 9 pm. Many more events are scheduled during the period.

Access The JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line or the JR Sanyo Honsen Line to Himeji Sta., and then walk 10 min. URL http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/contents/oshirofes/event/index.html 所在地兵庫県姫路市姫路城姫路お城まつり最寄駅 JR山陽新幹線又はＪＲ山陽本線姫路駅より徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 7 ～ Aug. 10 ◇ Gojozaka Toki Matsuri, Ceramic Fair on Gojozaka Street near Kiyomizu Temple, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto. About 400 stalls, selling Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics at bargain prices, are set up from around 9 am to 10 pm during the fair period.

Access (1) From Kyoto Sta. take City Bus No. 205 to Kawaramachi-Gojo Bus Stop, or City Bus No. 206, No. 207 to Gojozaka Bus Stop. (2) The Keihan Railway to Kiyomizu Gojo Sta. URL http://www.toukimaturi.gr.jp/index.html 所在地京都市東山区五条坂一円五条坂陶器まつり最寄駅 (1) 京都駅より市バスNo. 205で河原町五条、又は市バスNo. 206、No. 207で五条坂 (2) 京阪電気鉄道清水五条駅

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 8 ◇ Biwako Dai-Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Lake Biwa, Otsu, Shiga Pref., is scheduled from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm (10,000 fireworks). When it rains heavily, it may be postponed to the 11th. Access (1) The Keihan railway to Hama-Otsu Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2) The JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Otsu Sta. or Zeze Sta., and then walk 15 min. URL http://www.biwako-visitors.jp/hanabi/outline.html 所在地滋賀県琵琶湖畔びわ湖大花火大会最寄駅 (1)京阪電車浜大津駅から徒歩5分 (2)JR東海道本線大津駅又は膳所駅より徒歩15分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 9 ～ Aug. 16 ◇ Mando Kuyo-e, or a ceremony of lighted lanterns at Mibu Temple, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto. About 1,200 decorative lanterns hung in the corridor of Hondo (main hall) of the temple are lighted up to console the ancestors' souls from sunset to around 9:30 pm daily during the period. Rokusai Nenbutsu-odori (National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset) or a traditional folk dancing to the tune of a Buddhist chant, drums and flutes music is performed in front of the Hondo from 8 pm on the 9th, and from 8:30 pm on the 16th. Access From Kyoto Sta. take City bus No. 26 or No. 28, and then get off at Mibuderamichi Bus Stop 所在地京都市中京区壬生寺万灯供養会最寄駅京都駅より市バスNo. 26、又は No. 28で壬生寺道下車

8 Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 14 ＆ Aug. 15 ◇◎ Kasuga Man-toro, or a ceremony of lighted lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara, Nara Pref. Some 3,000 lanterns in total including stone lanterns on the approach from the second Torii Shrine's gate to the south gate for the occasion, are lighted up to console the ancestors' souls from 7 pm to 9:30 pm on both days. Bugaku (court dance with music) on the 14th, and Kagura (Shinto dance with music) on the 15th, are performed at Honden (main hall), both from 6:30 pm to 7 pm. Access 10 min. by bus from Kintetsu Nara Sta. to Kasuga Taisha Honden-mae Bus Stop. URL http://www.kasugano.com/kankou/mantourou/ 所在地奈良市春日大社春日万灯籠最寄駅近鉄奈良駅よりバスで10分、春日大社本殿前下車Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 15 ◇ Dai-monji Okuri-bi, or Bonfire Event lit on Mt. Takamado, Nara, Nara Pref. The ceremony starts at 6:50 pm at the Tobihino ground in the precincts of the Shrine, and then a spectacular bonfire in the shape of the Chinese character "Dai (大） " meaning "large" or "space" is kindled on the slope of the mountain from around 8 pm, and lasts for about 20 min. Access The Kintetsu Nara Line to Kintetsu Nara Sta. or the JR Nara Line to JR Nara Sta., and then walk 10 min. to Nara Park. URL http://narashikanko.or.jp/event/index.php?m=d&id=97 所在地奈良市春日野町高円山大文字送り火最寄駅近鉄奈良駅、又はJR奈良駅から奈良公園へ徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 16 ◇◎ Dai-monji Gozan Okuri-bi, or Great Bonfires lit on the Kyoto's five mountains. Great spectacular bonfires in the shape of the Chinese character "Dai (大） " meaning "large" or "space" on the slope of Mt. Higashiyama, and also in the shape of four other Chinese characters on the four other mountains are kindled around 8 pm. This is the most spectacular event of the Bon Festival in Kyoto. The schedule of this event is subject to change in case of a heavy rain. Access The Keihan Dentetsu Railway to Demachi-Yanagi Sta. URL http://www.kyokanko.or.jp/3dai/daimonji.html 所在地京都府京都五山大文字五山送り火最寄駅京阪電鉄出町柳駅

CHUGOKU & SHIKOKU 中国・四国

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 6 ◇◎ Toro-nagashi, or an event of floating lighted lanterns, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Pref. About 10,000 lighted lanterns are set adrift on the Motoyasu River by Hiroshima citizens with prayers for world peace from 6 pm to 9:30 pm. Since August 6th, 1945, Hiroshima has suffered the world's first atomic bombing. For the repose of souls of the atomic bomb victims, a ceremony is conducted at Peace Memorial Park from 8 am to 8:45 am. Access About 20 min. by streetcar from JR Hiroshima Sta. to Genbaku Dome-mae URL http://www.urban.ne.jp/home/tourou/ 所在地広島県広島市元安川平和記念公園付近灯籠流し最寄駅 JR広島駅より路面電車で約20分、原爆ドーム前下車

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 9 ～ Aug. 11 ◇◎ Awa Odori or the folk dancing festival, Naruto, Tokushima Pref., on Shikoku Island. Awa Odori , folk dancing native to the Awa (Tokushima Region), is one of the most popular folk dancing in Japan. Awa Odori dancing to the sound of the merry music is held at several sites in the city from 7 pm to 10 pm daily. Access The JR Naruto Line to Naruto Sta. URL http://www.narutocci.or.jp/awaodori.html 所在地徳島県鳴門市阿波踊り最寄駅 JR鳴門線鳴門駅

9 Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 9 ～ Aug. 12 ◇◎ Kochi Yosakoi Matsuri Festival, Kochi, Kochi Pref., features a parade of Yosakoi Odori , folk dancing native to the Kochi Region, and one of the most popular folk dancing in Japan. The dancing parade is held at Chuo Koen (park) from 5:15 pm to 10 pm on the 9th, along Obiyamachi Arcade, Chuo Koen and many other sites in the city from around 11 am to 10 pm on the 10th & the 11th. Dancing Contests are scheduled on Obiyamachi and Ottesuji-dori Streets, at Chuo Koen (park), and at the square of Kochi-jo Castle, all from 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm on the 12th. Access Kochi Castle: The JR Dosan Line to Kochi Sta., and then walk 20 min. URL http://www.cciweb.or.jp/kochi/yosakoiweb/schedule/ 所在地高知県高知市中央公園帯屋町高知城名称高知よさこい祭り最寄駅高知城へは、JR土賛線高知駅より徒歩20分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 9 ～ Aug. 15 Tottori Shan-Shan Matsuri Festival, Tottori, Tottori Pref., features a dancing parade by townspeople in fancy attire or Yukata (cotton Kimono ), each holding a colorful Kasa (umbrella) with small bells. While dancing, the bells sound "shan-shan ", that comes to the name of this festival. The dancing parade is held daily in the evening, but the highlight of its parade takes place by 4,000 participants on the main street from 4 pm to 9 pm on the 14th. A fireworks display is held over the Sendai-gawa River from 8 pm to 9 pm on the 15th. Access The JR San'in Honsen Line to Tottori Sta., and then walk 10 min. URL http://tottori-shanshan.jp/ 所在地鳥取県鳥取市鳥取しゃんしゃん祭最寄駅 JR山陰本線鳥取駅より徒歩10分

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 12 ～ Aug. 15 ◇◎ Awa Odori, or the folk dancing festival, Tokushima, Tokushima Pref. Awa Odori folk dancing, native to the Awa (Tokushima) Region, is the biggest of its kind in Japan. The entire city is enlivened with singing and dancing. Day and night, groups of people in fancy attire dance to the accompaniment of merry music of Shamisen (three-stringed Japanese musical instruments), Japanese drums and flutes, from 6 pm to 10:30 pm every day during the festival period. Access The JR Kotoku Line to Tokushima Sta. URL http://www.city.tokushima.tokushima.jp/kankou/awaodori/ 所在地徳島県徳島市阿波踊り最寄駅 JR高徳線徳島駅

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 21 ～ Aug. 25 ◎ HIROSHIMA 2014, International Animation Festival at Aster Plaza, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Pref. The festival has been held every other year, since its start in 1985 under the spirits of LOVE & PEACE. It is a big international animation film competition, in which the 59 selected titles are shown to the public from around 6 pm to 9 pm from the 21st to 24th, and the result will be announced on the evening of the 25th. There are many other programs such as HIROSHIMA 30th Anniversary Special Program (film show and exhibition), "Frame-in" for students and non- professionals, and "Nexus Point" for professionals and production companies, from around 9 am to 9 pm, and "Kid's Clip" animation for children from around 10 am to 6 pm, all daily during the festival period. Advance admission tickets cost \1,000 (\1,200 on the day) each for a program, or \2,500 (\3,000 on the day) each for 1-Day Pass, and can be purchased at ticket agencies, convenience stores in Japan such as Lawson, Family Mart, Seven-Eleven, CircleKSunkus. Access (1)JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Hiroshima Sta. From there, take a street car No. 1 (via Kamiya-cho) bound for Ujina Port and get off at Shiyakusho-mae, and then walk 10 min. (2)From Hiroshima Sta. (South Exit) Bus Stop No. A3, take the Hiroshima bus No. 24 bound for Yoshijima-Eigyosho, and then get off at Kakocho Bus Stop. URL http://hiroanim.org 所在地広島市中区アステールプラザ第15回広島国際アニメーションフェスティバル最寄駅 (1)JR山陽新幹線広島駅より宇品港行き市電No. 1（紙屋町駅経由）で市役所前下車、徒歩10分、 (2)広島駅南口バス乗り場A3より広島バスNo.24吉島営業所行きで、加古町下車

10 KYUSHU & OKINAWA 九州沖縄

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 15 ◇ Shoro-nagashi Festival, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Pref. Hundreds of Shoro-bune (sacred boats made of bamboo and straws, and beautifully decorated with lighted lanterns) set on the carriages, are drawn by townspeople along the city's main streets with the sounds of bells and firecrackers exploded from around 6 pm to around 10 pm. Access Walk 10-15 min. from JR Nagasaki Sta. to the main shopping area of the city. URL http://www.at-nagasaki.jp/archives/002/09.html?css=theme.css 所在地長崎県長崎市名称精霊流し最寄駅 JR長崎駅より徒歩10-15分で市街中心部Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 15 & Aug. 16 ◇◎ Yamaga Toro Matsuri Festival, Yamaga, Kumamoto Pref., features Toro Odori folk dancing by women, each wearing a Yukata (cotton Kimono ) and a lantern on her head. On the 15th, Toro Odori is performed at Omiya Shrine from 6:30 pm to 6:50 pm, and at Omatsuri-Hiroba (square) from around 6:30 pm to 11 pm, while a fireworks display is held over the Kikuchigawa River from 8 pm to 9 pm. On the 16th, the highlight of this festival is Sennin Toro Odori folk dancing by 1,000 women in the playground of Yamaga Elementary School twice from 6:45 pm to 8:15 pm, and from 9 pm to 10 pm. In between, Taimatsu Gyoretsu (a parade of people with torch-lights) is held on the main streets to the school from 8:45 pm to 9:10 pm. Access (1) The JR Kagoshima Honsen Line to Tamana Sta., and then 50 min. by bus to Yamaga Bus Center Bus Stop. (2) The JR Kyushu Shinkansen Line or Kagoshima Honsen Line to Kumamoto Sta., and then 90 min. by bus to Yamaga Bus Center Bus Stop. URL http://www.yamaga-kankoh.hinokuni-net.jp/specials/summer/ 所在地熊本県山鹿市大宮神社菊池川山鹿小学校名称山鹿灯籠祭り最寄駅 (1) JR鹿児島本線玉名駅からバスで50分、山鹿バスセンター下車 (2) JR 九州新幹線又は、鹿児島本線熊本駅よりバスで90分、山鹿バスセンター下車

Date Aug. 15 ～ Aug. 17 Okinawa Zento Ei-sah Matsuri Festival, Okinawa, Okinawa Pref. Ei-sah is a traditional folk dancing native to Okinawa main island, and is performed to the accompaniment with drumming. Groups of young people from all over Okinawa Pref., parade dancing Ei-sah on the street in the Goya-Jujiro area from 6:20 pm to 9 pm on the 15th, and perform at Okinawa-shi Koza Undo Koen (park) from 3 pm to 9 pm, both on the 16th and 17th. Access (1) By bus No.111 or No.113 from Naha Airport to Okinawa-shi Undo Koen Bus Stop, and then walk 3 min., or by bus No.23 or No.123 to Sonda Bus Stop, and then walk 10 min. (2) By bus No. 123, No. 124 or No. 125 from Naha Airport to Goya Bus Stop. URL http://www.zentoeisa.com/index.php 所在地沖縄県沖縄市胡屋十字路コザ運動公園名称沖縄全島エイサーまつり最寄駅 (1) 那覇空港よりバス（No. 111 又は No. 113)で、沖縄市運動公園下車、徒歩3分又はバス（No. 23 又は No. 123)で園田（そんだ)下車、徒歩10分 (2) 那覇空港よりバス( No.123, No.124 又は No.125)で胡屋下車

Ｄａｔｅ Aug. 23 & Aug. 24 Honba Tsurusaki Odori Taikai or the Japanese Folk Dancing Meet at Tsurusaki, Oita, Oita Pref. People in fancy attire gather in Tsurusaki Koen Ground and dance in a ring to the sound of Yokobue (Japanese flute) and Kokyu (Chinese fiddle) from 7:15 pm to 9:30 pm on both days. Access The JR Nippo Honsen Line to Tsurusaki Sta., and then walk 10-15 min. URL http://www.oishiimati-oita.jp/event/tsurusaki.php 所在地大分県大分市鶴崎名称本場鶴崎踊大会最寄駅 JR日豊本線鶴崎駅より、徒歩10-15分 Date Aug. 23 & Aug. 24 Seinen Furusato Ei-sah Matsuri Festival of Local Performing Arts, Naha, Okinawa Pref., features Ei-sah or local folk dancing with drumming by groups of young people at Okinawa Cellular Stadium in Onoyama Koen (park) from 4 pm to 9 pm on both days. Admission is \500 valid for both days. Access Yui Rail (Okinawa Urban Monorail) to Onoyama-Koen Sta., and then walk 12min. URL http://www.furusatoeisa.com/ 所在地沖縄県那覇市沖縄セルラースタジアム（奥武山野球場）名称青年ふるさとエイサー祭り最寄駅ゆいレール（沖縄都市モノレール）奥武山公園下車、そこより徒歩12分

11 - 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. 9th 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. 26th, Aug. 2nd and Sep. 9th) Boarding time: 6:15 pm Departure time: 7:15 pm, returning around 8:30 pm Charge: \3,100 (without meal) for weekdays, \3,400 (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. Access The JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Gifu Sta. From there, 15 min. by bus to Nagaragawa-bashi Bus Stop. URL http://www.gifucvb.or.jp/sightseeing/ukai.php 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

Ｄａｔｅ Jun. 1 ～ Oct. 15 Kisogawa Ukai, Kiso River, Aichi Pref. Period of time: Jun. 1st - Oct. 15th (except Aug. 10th), Boarding time: 7:20 pm, returning around 8:10 pm (Jun. 1st - Aug. 31st ), 6:50 pm, returning around 7:45 pm (Sep. 1st - Oct. 15th) Charge: \2,600 (Jun. 1st - Jun. 30th & Sep. 1st - Oct. 15th), or \2,900 (Jul. 1st - Aug. 31st), in either case for a boat ride (without meal) Reservation: Please call 0568-61-2727 (Kisogawa Kanko) or reserve through major travel agencies. Access The Meitetsu Inuyama Line to Inuyama-Yuen Sta.（East Exit), and then walk 3 min. URL http://kisogawa-ukai.jp/?plan=no-meal 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（東口）より徒歩3分

Ｄａｔｅ Jun. 14 ～ Sep. 21 Ujigawa Ukai, Uji River, Kyoto Pref. Period of time: Jun. 14th - Sep. 21st Boarding time: 6:30 pm, returning around 8 pm (Jun. 14th - Aug. 31st), 6 pm, returning around 7:30 pm (Sep. 1st - Sep. 21st) Charge: \2,000 (child: \1,000) without meal Tickets are put on sale 30 min. before the boarding time on the day. No reservation is necessary unless you charter a boat for a group. Access (1) The Keihan Uji Line to Keihan Uji Sta., and then walk 10 min. to Ujibashi Bridge. (2) The JR Nara Line to Uji Sta., and then walk 15 min. to Ujibashi Bridge. URL http://www.kyoto-uji-kankou.or.jp/topics/ukai2014 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10分 (2) JR奈良線宇治駅より徒歩15分

12 Ｄａｔｅ Jul. 1 ～ Sep. 15 ◇ Arashiyama Ukai, Oi River, Arashiyama, Kyoto. Period of time: July 1st - Sep. 15th (except Aug. 16th) Departure time: 7 pm and 8 pm (July 1st - Aug. 31st), 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm (Sep. 1st - 15th) Charge: \1,700 (without meal) The cruising to watch Ukai takes about one hour. 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. Access The Keifuku Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Sta. or the Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Hankyu Arashiyama Sta., and then walk about 15 min. URL http://www16.plala.or.jp/kyoto-yakatabune/05.html 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より、徒歩15分