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1. Published by Tourist Information Center of National Tourism Organization and all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. ©2013 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 June 2013

TOKYO 東京

Date Jun. 7 ~ Jun. 9 Annual Festival of Shirahige Shrine, Sumida-ku. Shrine's (a portable shrine) parades continually in the neighborhood of the Shrine from around 7 am to 7 pm on the 9th. Open-air stalls are set up in the precincts from 2 pm to 9 pm during the festival period. Access The Tobu Isezaki Line to Higashi-Mukojima Sta., and then walk 8 min. 所在地 墨田区東向島 白髭神社 白髭神社大祭 最寄駅 東武伊勢崎線 東向島駅より徒歩8分

Date Jun. 7 ~ Jun. 9 ◎ Shinagawa Ten'no-sai (Annual Festival of Shinagawa Shrine and Ebara Shrine), Shinagawa-ku. Shinagawa Shrine: Shrine's Mikoshi (a portable shrine) parades continually in the neighborhood of the Shrine from 7 am to 7:30 pm on the 9th. Ebara Shrine: A parade of Mikoshi (a portable shrine) carried by townspeople marches in the neighborhood of the Shrine continually in the daytime on the 8th and 9th. Open-air stalls are set up in the precincts from 10 am to 8 pm during the festival period.

Access The Keihin Kyuko Line to Shin-Bamba Sta. (North Exit), and then walk 5 min. to each Shrine. 所在地 品川区 北品川 品川神社 南品川 荏原神社 しながわ天王祭 最寄駅 京浜急行新馬場駅(北口)より、各神社へ徒歩5分

Date Jun. 7 ~ Jun. 10 Annual Festival of Suga Shrine, Shinjuku-ku. On the 8th and 9th, Okagura ( dance with music) is continually performed in Kaguraden Hall from 10 am to 4 pm, and open-air stalls are set up in the precincts from 10 am to 8 pm. On the 9th, a procession of Mikoshi (a portable shrine) carried by townspeople parades on Shinjuku Street from 12:30 pm, and returns to the Shrine at around 4:30 pm. http://www.sugajinjya.org/news.html (1) The Marunouchi Subway Line to Yotsuya-sanchome Sta. (M 09), and then walk 10 min. Access (2) The JR Sobu Line to Shinanomachi Sta., and then walk 10 min.

所在地 新宿区 須賀町 須賀神社 須賀神社大祭 (1) 丸の内線四谷三丁目駅より徒歩10分 最寄駅 (2) JR総武線信濃町駅より徒歩10分

1 Date Jun. 7 ~ Jun. 10 ◇ Tsukiji Shishi Matsuri Festival at Namiyoke-Inari Shrine, Chuo-ku. On the 9th, a parade of Mikoshi (a portable shrine, weighing about 4 tons) carried by townspeople, starts from the Shrine at 9 am, and goes through the main streets of the Tsukiji area and returns to the Shrine at 3 pm. The festival is rather small in scale this year. http://www.namiyoke.or.jp/ (1) The Toei Oedo Subway Line to Tsukiji-shijo Sta. (E 18), and then walk 3-4 min. Access (2) The Hibiya Subway Line to Tsukiji Sta. (H 10), and then walk 5 min.

所在地 中央区 波除稲荷神社 つきじ獅子祭 (1) 都営大江戸線築地市場駅より徒歩3~4分 最寄駅 (2) 日比谷線築地駅より徒歩5分

Date Jun. 7 ~ Jun. 17 ◇ Sanno Matsuri Festival of Hie Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. Chigo-Gyoretsu , a procession of children in fancy attire is held in the precincts from 1 pm and from 2 pm on the 8th. -Bayashi (Shinto festival dance with music) is performed in the Kaguraden hall from 6 pm to 8 pm on the 14th, and from 9 am to 4 pm and from 6 pm to 8 pm on the 15th. Nodate ( open-air tea ceremony) takes place in the garden of the Shrine from 11 am to 3 pm on the 14th and the 15th. Many other events are scheduled during the festival period. The festival is rather small in scale this year. (A main festival is held every other year.) http://www.hiejinja.net/jinja/sanoh/nittei/index.html (1) The Ginza or Namboku Subway Line to Tameike-Sanno Sta. (G 06, N 06), and then walk 3 min. Access (2) The Chiyoda or Marunouchi Subway Line to Kokkai-Gijidomae Sta. (C 07, M 14), and then walk 5 min. 所在地 千代田区 永田町 日枝神社 山王まつり (1) 銀座線又は南北線溜池山王駅より徒歩3分 最寄駅 (2) 千代田線又は丸ノ内線国会議事堂前駅より徒歩5分

Date Jun. 8 & Jun. 9 Annual Festival of Torigoe Shrine, Taito-ku. On the 9th, a parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) including Shrine's Sengan-Mikoshi (weighing about 4 tons) carried by 150 to 200 people, marches in the neighborhood of the Shrine continually from 6:30 am to around 9 pm. http://www.city.taito.lg.jp/index/event/kanko/torikoematsuri.html (1) The JR Sobu Line or the Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusabashi Sta. (A 16), and then walk 8 min. Access (2) The Toei Asakusa or Oedo Subway Line to Kuramae Sta. (A 17, E 11), and then walk 5 min.

所在地 台東区鳥越 鳥越神社 鳥越まつり / 鳥越神社大祭

(1) JR総武線又は都営浅草線浅草橋駅より徒歩8分 最寄駅 (2) 都営浅草線又は大江戸線 蔵前駅より徒歩5分

Date Jun. 8 ~ Jun. 16 Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri, Hydrangea Festival at Hakusan Shrine and Hakusan Koen (park) adjoining the Shrine, Bunkyo-ku. Flowers of about 3,000 hydrangeas roots are usually in full bloom in early June. Various events are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays during the period. http://www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp/visitor_kanko_event_ajisai.html (1) The Toei Mita Subway Line to Hakusan Sta. (I 13), and then walk 3 min. Access (2) The Namboku Subway Line to Hon-Komagome Sta (N 13), and then walk 5 min.

所在地 文京区 白山神社 文京あじさいまつり

(1) 都営三田線白山駅より徒歩3分 最寄駅 (2) 南北線本駒込駅より徒歩5分

2 Date Jun. 23 & Jun. 24 Hozuki Ichi, Ground Cherry Fair at , Minato-ku. The fair selling potted ground cherries is held in the precincts of the Shrine from 9 am to around 8 pm on both days. http://www.atago-jinja.com/event/ (1) The Hibiya Subway Line to Kamiyacho Sta. (H 05), and then walk 6 min. Access (2) The Toei Mita Subway Line to Onarimon Sta. (I 06), and then walk 6 min. (3) The Ginza Subway Line to Toranomon Sta. (G 07), and then walk 10 min.

所在地 港区 愛宕神社 千日詣り(ほおずき市) (1) 日比谷線神谷町駅より徒歩6分 最寄駅 (2) 都営三田線御成門駅より徒歩6分 (3) 銀座線虎ノ門駅より徒歩10分

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. Suijo-sai 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. (1) The Toei Asakusa or Oedo Subway Line to Kuramae Sta. (A 17, E 11), and then walk 5 min. to Torigoe Shrine. Access (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 (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 最寄駅 (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

- TOKYO Iris Garden -

Date Jun. 1 ~ Jun. 25 ◎ Shobu Matsuri, Iris Festival at Horikiri Shobuen and at Mizumoto Koen, Katsushika-ku. Horikiri Shobuen (garden): There are 6,000 iris roots which are in full bloom in early June. The garden is open from 8 am to 6 pm daily during the period. Many events such as Taiko drumming, parades of brass bands and Japanese folk dancing are scheduled on Sundays during the period. Mizumoto Koen (park): The garden has 14,000 iris roots, and is open daily from dawn to dusk. Various kinds of entertainment such as pop-music shows and folk dancing are performed on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival period. http://www.katsushika-kanko.com/katsumaru/news/post-101/ (1) Horikiri-Shobuen: the Keisei Line to Horikiri-Shobuen Sta., and then walk 10 min. Access (2) Mizumoto Koen: the JR Joban Line or the Keisei Kanamachi Line to Kanamachi Sta. (South Exit). From there, by bus to Mizumoto Koen Bus Stop, and then walk 5 min. 所在地 葛飾区 堀切菖蒲園 水元公園 菖蒲まつり (1) 堀切菖蒲園: 京成線堀切菖蒲園駅より徒歩10分 最寄駅 (2) 水元公園: JR常磐線又は京成金町線金町駅南口より バスで水元公園下車後、徒歩5分

Date Early June ~ Mid-June Hana-Shobu, Irises at Meiji Shrine, Shibuya-ku. There are about 1,500 iris roots in the garden, which is open from 8 am to 5 pm (to 6 pm on Sat. & Sun.) in June. However, be sure to enter the garden at least 30 min. before the closing time. Admission to the garden is \500. Irises are usually in full bloom in mid-June. http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/hanashobu/ (1) The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Sta. Access (2) The Chiyoda Subway Line to Meiji-Jingumae Sta. (C 03) 所在地 渋谷区 明治神宮 御苑 花菖蒲 (1) JR山手線原宿駅 最寄駅 (2) 地下鉄千代田線明治神宮前駅

3 Date Jun. 13 ~ Jun. 22 Hana-Shobu-ten, Iris Flower Exhibition at Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. Potted irises are exhibited in the precincts of the Shrine daily during the period. The Shrine's gate is open from 6 am to 7 pm in this time of the year. Admission is free. Access The Tozai, Hanzomon or the Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Sta. (T 07, Z 06, S 05) 所在地 千代田区九段北 靖国神社 花菖蒲展 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 May. 18 ~ Jun. 23 ◇ Suigo Itako Ayame Matsuri or Iris Flower Festival at Maekawa Ayame-en or Iris Garden, Itako, Ibaraki Pref. A million iris flowers of 500 species are in bloom in the garden during the festival period. Admission is free. Yomeiri-fune (a boat escorting a bride), festival music and local Japanese dance are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays during the period. http://www.city.itako.lg.jp/index.php?code=1325 Access The JR Kashima Line to Itako Sta., and then walk 3 min. 所在地 茨城県潮来市 前川あやめ園 水郷潮来あやめ祭 最寄駅 JR鹿島線潮来駅より、徒歩3 分

Date Jun. 8 & Jun. 9 Yokohama Kaiko-sai Festival to commemorate the opening of the Yokahama port, mainly in Rinko Park and other sites, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. Various events are scheduled from around 10 am to around 8 pm on both days. A fireworks display is held over the port in front of Rinko Park from about 8:20 pm to 8:50 pm on the 9th. http://www.kaikosai.com/ (1) The JR Negishi Line from Yokohama Sta. or the JR Keihin Tohoku Line from Tokyo Sta. to Sakuragicho Sta. Access (2) The Minatomirai Line to Minatomirai Sta.

所在地 神奈川県 横浜市 臨港パーク 横浜開港祭 (1) 横浜駅よりJR根岸線(東京からはJR京浜東北線が乗り入れ)桜木町駅 最寄駅 (2) みなとみらい線みなとみらい駅下車

4 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. ©2013 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.

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

Calendar Events to be enjoyed in June 2013

HOKKAIDO 北海道

Date Jun. 14 ~ Jun. 16 ◇ Sapporo Matsuri, Annual Festival of Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, Sapporo, Hokkaido. The highlight of the festival comes on the 16th when four Horen (palanquins), eight beautifully bedecked floats and over 1,500 people in traditional attires parade from near Toyohira-koen Sta. on the Toho Subway Line from 9:30 am, passing along the main streets of the city into Odori Park and its vicinity, and eventually return to the Shrine at 4:40 pm. Various performances including Taiko Japanese drumming, Noh (classical masked drama) and Gagaku (court dance with music) are held in the precincts of the Shrine on the 14th and 15th. http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/festival/index.html Access The Tozai Subway Line to Maruyama koen Sta., and then walk 15 min. to the Shrine. 所在地 北海道 札幌市 北海道神宮 大通り公園 札幌まつり(北海道神宮例祭) 最寄駅 北海道神宮へは、地下鉄東西線円山公園駅より徒歩15分

TOHOKU 東北

Date Jun. 1 ~ Jun. 2 ◇◎ Tohoku Rokkon Matsuri Festival, Fukushima,Fukushima Pref. This special event is held with the intention of encouraging Tohoku District's people to cheer up, because the Tohoku District suffered extensive damage from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Six major festivals from each of the six prefectures in the Tohoku District will participate and parade on the Rout No. 4 in the city from 10 am to 6 pm on the 1st., and from 10 am to 5 pm on the 2nd. The festivals are: Aomori Nebuta of Aomori Pref., Akita Kanto Matsuri of Akita Pref., Morioka Sansa Odori of Iwate Pref., Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri of Yamagata Pref., Sendai Tanabata Matsuri of Miyagi Pref. and Fukushima Waraji Matsuri of Fukushima Pref. http://www.rokkon.jp/ Access The JR Tohoku Line or the JR Tohoku Honsen Line to Fukushima Sta. 所在地 福島県福島市 国道4号(気多五老内町交差点~北町交差点) 東北六魂祭 最寄駅 JR東北新幹線又はJR東北本線福島駅

Date Jun. 8 Chagu-chagu Umakko, Horse Festival of Onikoshi Sozen Shrine, Takizawa-mura, Iwate-gun, Iwate Pref., designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. About a hundred of colorfully decorated horses are led to Onikoshi Sozen Shrine by their proud owners, who pray for long life of their horses. And then, they parade from the Shrine to Morioka Hachimangu Shrine, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. http://takizawa-kankou.jp/umako.html The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Morioka Sta., and then free shuttle buses between Morioka Sta. and Onikoshi Access Sozen Shrine are available on the day, every 10 min. from Morioka Sta. (6:30 am - 8:25 am), and from the Shrine (9:50 am - 11:05 am). 所在地 岩手県 岩手郡 滝沢村 鬼越蒼前神社 盛岡八幡宮 チャグチャグ馬コ JR東北新幹線盛岡駅より 鬼越蒼前神社の間を 当日のみ無料シャトルバスが10分間隔で運行、 盛岡駅発(6:30 am - 8:25 am)、鬼越蒼前神社発 最寄駅 (9:50 am - 11:05 am)

1 CHUBU 中部

Date May 31 ~ Jun. 2 ◇ Hyakumangoku Matsuri Festival, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Pref. On the 1st, Hyakumangoku Gyoretsu (a long pageant) in which Shishimai (Lion Dance), Kaga-tobi (acrobatics on ladder by firefighters), sacred Horen (palanquins) and warriers parade from Kanazawa Sta. through the city's main streets to Kanazawa-jo Koen, is held from 2 pm to around 6 pm. Thereafter, Hyakumangoku Odori- nagashi , a parade of 10,000 dancers in Yukat a (cotton Kimono ) is held on the street (Rout No. 157) from 6 pm to 8 pm, and Takigi Noh (classical masked drama under torchlight) is performed in Kanazawa-jo Koen (free admission) from 7 pm to 9 pm. http://100mangoku.net/100-man/hana/index.html Access The JR Hokuriku Honsen Line to Kanazawa Sta., and then 10 min. by bus to Korinbo Bus Stop. Note Taking a stroll is most advisable because of traffic congestion during the festival period. 所在地 石川県 金沢市 百万石まつり 最寄駅 JR北陸本線金沢駅よりバスで10分、香林坊下車

Date Jun. 5 ◇ Atsuta Matsuri, known as Shobu-sai or Annual Festival of Atsuta Jingu Shrine, , Aichi Pref. The ritual is conducted from 10 am, and various performances such as Kyudo (Japanese-style archery), Kendo (Japanese-style fencing), Atsuta-Kagura (Shinto dance with music) and Taiko (Japanese drumming) are presented in the precincts of the Shrine. Five Kento Makiwara , huge altars with 365 lanterns each, are put in place beside the three gates of the Shrine and are lit from 6 pm to 9 pm. A fireworks display is scheduled at Jingu Koen Park from 7:50 pm to 9 pm. When it rains, the fireworks display will be postponed until the 6th. http://www.atsutajingu.or.jp/jingu/shinto/reisai.html (1) The to Jingu-mae Sta., and then 3 min. walk. Access (2) The JR Tokaido Line to Atsuta Sta., and then 8 min. walk. 所在地 愛知県 名古屋市 熱田神宮 神宮公園 熱田まつり(熱田神宮例祭) (1) 名鉄名古屋線神宮前駅下車、徒歩3分 最寄駅 (2) JR東海道線熱田駅より、徒歩8分

Date Jun. 30 & Jul. 1 Fujisan Yama-biraki, the ceremony to open the official climbing season of Mt. Fuji On June 30th, (1) an annual Festival of Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine, Fuji-Yoshida, Yamanashi Pref. Chinowa Shinji (Shinto rites) take place at the Shrine from 3 pm, and then 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, (2) Mt. Fuji Yama-biraki (the ceremony to mark the opening Mt. Fuji's climbing season) is held at Komitake Jinja Shrine on the 5th Stage (Yoshida-guchi trail) in Yamanashi Pref. from 5 am, and also (3) the Yama-biraki ceremony is conducted at Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, Fujinomiya in Shizuoka Pref., from 9:10 am, and (4) Nyuzan-shiki (a ceremony praying for the safety of the climbers) and laying flowers on a monument of Sir Rutherford Alcock are held from 11 am at Murayama Sengen Jinja Shrine in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Pref. http://www.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp/forms/info/info.aspx?info_id=451 http://www.fair-fujinomiya.com/mt.fuji/fujitop.htm http://www.fuji-hongu.or.jp/sengen/festivals/07_09.html#jul05 (1) Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja: The Fuji Kyuko Line to Fujisan-eki Sta., and then walk 20 min. (2) Komitake Jinja: 55 min. by bus from Fujisan-eki Sta. or Kawaguchiko Sta. on the Fuji Kyuko Line to Fuji-san Go-go- Access me (the 5th Stage) Bus Stop (3) Fujisan Hongu Sengen Jinja: JR Minobu Line to Fujinomiya Sta., and then, walk 10 min. (4) Murayama Sengen Jinja: JR Minobu Line to Fujinomiya Sta., and then, 20 min. by taxi. Mt. Fuji: 3,776 meters high above sea level. Note Sir Rutherford Alcock: (1809-1897) British diplomat, the first foreigner to climb Mt. Fuji in 1860. 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) 所在地 静岡県:富士山本宮浅間大社 富士山山開き (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 最寄駅 (3) 富士山本宮浅間大社: JR身延線富士宮駅より徒歩10分 (4) 村山浅間神社:JR身延線富士宮駅より タクシーで20分

2 KINKI 近畿

Date Jun. 1 ◇ Kibune Matsuri Festival of Kibune Shrine, Sakyo-ku, . Mikoshi (a portable shrine) is carried from the Shrine to Okunomiya Shrine, situated 700 meters away from the main hall, from around 1 pm to around 3 pm. Thereafter, Izumo Kagura (a spectacular Shinto dance slaughtering giant serpents) is performed, from around 4 pm. http://kifunejinja.jp/new/diary.cgi?no=48 From Kyoto Sta., by municipal bus No. 4 or 17 to Demachi-yanagi Sta., and change to the Eizan Dentetsu Railway to Access Kibune-guchi Sta., and then walk 30 min. or by Kyoto Bus to Kibune Bus Stop. 所在地 京都市 左京区 貴船神社 貴船祭 最寄駅 京都駅から市バス4番又は17番で出町柳で下車し、叡山電鉄に乗り換え貴船口駅下車、そこから徒歩30分、又は京都バスで貴船下車

Date Jun. 1 & Jun. 2 Takigi Noh, open-air torchlight Noh performance in the precincts of Heian Shrine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, from 5:30 pm to 8:45 pm on both days. Advance tickets (\3,000 each) are sold at the Shrine and ticket offices like Ticket Pia. The day tickets (\4,000 each) are also sold at the door on the day. In case of rain, the performance will be held in Kyoto Kaikan Dai-ichi Hall. http://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/bunshi/page/0000005687.html Access 20 min. by municipal bus No. 5 from Kyoto Sta., and then get off at Kyoto Kaikan Bijutsukan-mae Bus Stop. 所在地 京都市 左京区 平安神宮 薪能 最寄駅 京都駅より市バスNo. 5で約20分、京都会館美術館前下車

Date Jun. 5 ~ Jun. 9 Kaizan-ki at Mie-do Hall of Toshodaiji Temple, Nara Pref. This year is the 1,250th anniversary of Ganjin Wajo's death, and a memorial service is held at 1 pm on the 6th. A wooden image of Ganjin Wajo (a National Treasure), and Fusuma-e (paintings on Fusuma , Japanese sliding door) drawn by a well-known artist, Kaii Higashiyama , are shown to the public at Mie-do Hall from 9 am to 4 pm (please enter by 3:30 pm) during the period. Admission is \1,100. http://www.toshodaiji.jp/about_summer.html Access The Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Nishinokyo Sta., and then walk 10 min. Note Ganjin Wajo (688-763): Chinese Buddhist monk who introduced the Ritsu Sect of Buddhism to Japan 所在地 奈良市 唐招堤寺 開山忌(鑑真和上坐像特別展) 最寄駅 近鉄橿原線西ノ京駅より徒歩10分

Date Jun. 7 Heian Jingu Shin-en Muryo Kokai, opening Shin-en, the sacred garden, to the public for free of charge from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at Heian Shrine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto. The "Iris Garden" with 2,000 roots in the Shrine is noted for its magnificent flowering in this season. (Admission \600 is charged on any other days except June 7th.) (1) 20 min. by municipal bus No. 5 from Kyoto Sta., and then get off at Kyoto Kaikan Bijutsukan-mae Bus Stop Access (2) The Tozai Subway Line to Higashiyama Sta., and then walk 10 min. 所在地 京都市 左京区 平安神宮 神苑 平安神宮神苑無料公開 (1) 京都駅より市バスNo. 5で約20分、京都会館美術館前下車 最寄駅 (2) 地下鉄東西線東山駅より徒歩10分

Date Jun. 10 ◇ Otaue-sai, Rice-planting Festival at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. Priests and groups of worshipers in traditional farmers' costumes plant rice seedlings to the tune of traditional music and songs in the Shrine's paddy field from around 1:30 pm, following Ota-mai Kagura (Shinto dance with music) starts at the main hall from 1 pm. http://inari.jp/rite/?month=6%E6%9C%88 Access The JR Nara Line to Inari Sta., and then walk 7 min. 所在地 京都市 伏見区 伏見稲荷大社 御田植祭 最寄駅 JR奈良線で稲荷駅下車、徒歩7分

3 Date Jun. 14 ◇ Otaue-Shinji, Rice-planting Rites at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka., designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. Women ceremoniously plant rice seedlings in the Shrine's paddy field to the tune of traditional music and songs from 1 pm to around 4 pm. http://www.sumiyoshitaisha.net/calender/otaue.html Access 10 min. by Nankai Honsen Line from Namba Sta. to Sumiyoshi Taisha Sta., and then walk 5 min. 所在地 大阪市 住吉区 住吉大社 御田植神事 最寄駅 難波駅から南海本線で10分、住吉大社駅下車、徒歩5分

Date Jun. 15 ◇ Annual Festival of , Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto. Azuma Asobi , a graceful court dance of the Heian period is performed on the Buden stage, following the ritual which starts at 10 am. http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/org/yasaka/english/event/index.html Access From JR Kyoto Sta., take a municipal bus No. 100 or 206, and then get off at Gion Bus Stop. Note Heian period: 794-1185 所在地 京都市 東山区 八坂神社 八坂神社例祭 最寄駅 京都駅より市バスNo. 100, 206 祇園下車

Date Jun. 17 ◇ Saigusa Matsuri, Lily Festival at Isagawa Shrine, Nara. This elegant festival has a 1,300-year history. The ritual in which young women holding lilies dance, starts from 10:30 am. Women and children in white ancient costume with lilies in their hands proceed onto the streets in the neighborhood of the Shrine from 1:15 pm to around 3 pm. http://www.isagawa-jinja.jp/topics/2404/saikusa.html (1) Kintetsu Nara Sta. on the Kintetsu Nara Line, and then walk 5 min. Access (2) JR Nara Sta. on the Nara Line, and then walk 15 min. 所在地 奈良市 本子守町 率川神社 三枝祭 / ゆりまつり (1) 近鉄奈良線近鉄奈良駅より徒歩5分 最寄駅 (2) JR奈良線奈良駅より徒歩15分

Date Jun. 20 ◇ Takekiri-Eshiki, a bamboo-cutting ceremony at Kuramadera Temple, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, takes place from 2 pm to 3 pm. Two groups of four men in white robes compete against each other in quickly cutting each long bamboo pole (likened to a big serpent) into six pieces with sharp blades.

http://kanko.city.kyoto.lg.jp/detail.php?InforKindCode=2&ManageCode=1000085 Access The Eizan Dentetsu Kurama Line to Kurama Sta., and then walk 20-30 min. 所在地 京都市 左京区 鞍馬寺 竹伐り会式 最寄駅 叡山電鉄鞍馬線鞍馬駅下車、徒歩20~30分

Date Jun. 21 ~ Jun. 23 ◇ Kyoto Grand Antique Fair at PULSE PLAZA, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, is held from 10 am to 5 pm (to 4 pm on the 23rd) during the fair period, with about 350 dealers participating in this bargain-hunting event. Admission is free. The Kintetsu Kyoto Line or the Karasuma Subway Line to Takeda Sta., and then walk 15 min. to PULSE PLAZA. Access (Shuttle buses are available from West Exit of Takeda Sta. to the site during the fair period.) 所在地 京都市 伏見区 パルスプラザ 京都大アンティークフェア 最寄駅 京都駅より近鉄京都線又は地下鉄烏丸線竹田駅より徒歩15分でパルスプラザ(期間中は竹田駅西口より会場までシャトルバス運行)

4 Date Jun. 24 ◇ Izawano-miya Otaue-sai, Rice-planting Rites, designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets, are held at Izawano-miya Shrine, Isobe-machi, Shima, Mie Pref. The ritual is conducted at the Shrine from10 am, and then parishioners in traditional attire plant rice seedlings in tune with the music in the sacred paddy field of the Shrine, praying for bumper crop this year from around 11 am. After rice-planting, they return dancing from the paddy field to the Shrine from 3 pm to 5pm. http://www.kanko-shima.com/saijiki/otauematsuri/otaue.html (1) The Kintetsu to Kaminogo Sta., and then walk 5 min. Access (2) 2 hrs. by Kintetsu Line's Limited Express from Nagoya to Shima-Isobe Sta., and then walk 25 min. 所在地 三重県 志摩市 磯部町 伊雑宮 伊雑宮御田植祭 (1) 近鉄志摩線上之郷駅より徒歩5分 最寄駅 (2) 名古屋より近鉄特急で2時間、志摩磯部駅より徒歩25分

Date Jun. 30 ~ Jul. 02 ◇ Aizen Matsuri Festival at Aizen-do Shoman-in Temple, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, features a parade of five Hoe-kago palanquins with women inside carried by people, and other women in Yukata (cotton Kimono ). They start from Q's MALL (shopping mall) at around 1:20 pm, going in the neighborhood toward the temple arriving around 3:30 pm on June 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

- 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. 19th 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. 27th, Aug. 3rd and Sep. 19th) 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.gifucvb.or.jp/sightseeing/ukai.php http://www.ukai-gifucity.jp/ukai/ 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

5 Date Jun. 1 ~ Oct. 15 Kisogawa Ukai, Kiso River, Aichi Pref. Period of time: Jun. 1st - Oct. 15th (except Aug. 10th), 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 boat ride (without meal) Reservation: Please call 0568-61-2727 (Kisogawa Kanko) or reserve through major travel agencies. http://inuyama.gr.jp/culturalassets-themepark/541 http://www.kisogawa-kankou.com/ 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. 15 ~ Sep. 23 Ujigawa Ukai, Uji River, Kyoto Pref. Period of time: Jun. 15th - Sep. 23rd Departure time: 7 pm (Jun. 15th - 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. (1) The Keihan Uji Line to Keihan Uji Sta., and then walk 5 min. Access (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 (1) 京阪宇治線京阪宇治駅より徒歩5分 最寄駅 (2) JR奈良線宇治駅より徒歩10分

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