Calendar of Events May 2015 Notes: 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. ©2015 Japan National Tourism Organization 2. Dates, times and functions are subject to change without notice. Especially schedule of outdoor events and flower festival may change due to the weather. Be sure to check the latest information in advance. 3. The access shows only major route. Please refer to following URL for alternative transportation from the station where you want to start. http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ 4. Japanese words appearing in the column provide the name of the event, the place and access for you to point out to Japanese passerby when you need help. 5. Please refer to URL (basically in Japanese) for each event. If you have further questions, please call TIC, JNTO at following number. TIC, JNTO Tel : (03)-3201-3331 from overseas +81 3 3201 3331 Tango-no-sekku 端午の節句 Glossary： Tango-no-sekku, Boy's Festival held on May 5. Families with Buddhist saint who is seeking a Bosatsu boys display dolls that depict warriors or heroes, and fly carp state of spiritual enlightenment Special Remarks: streamers to express their hopes that the boys will advance in Bugaku Ancient court dance with music Dates and Times are shown as follows which is common in Japan. life, like strong carps that swim upstream. May 5 has been Kyogen Traditional comic drama Dates : M/D April 3 ⇒ 4/3 changed to become a national holiday called Children's Day to Matsuri Festival, Event celebrate the growth of children regardless of boys or girls. Mikoshi Portable shrine Time : 24 hours system 8:00am ⇒ 8:00 Noh Traditional masked drama 8:00pm ⇒ 20:00 Yamahoko/Yama Float Ukai 鵜飼 Cormorant fishing, 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 from May until October. )

Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: Cherry Blossom Festival with about 2,600 cherry trees on the JR Ou Honsen Line to Hirosaki Sta. From there, Hirosaki Park, ground of and along the castle's moat in Hirosaki JR奥羽本線弘前駅より徒歩 walk 20-30 min. or take http://www.hi Tohoku Aomori Hirosaki Hirosaki Castle Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri Park. The festival period is subject to change depending on 20～30分又は弘前市内循環 4/23 ～ 5/6 Konan 100 yen bus to rosakipark.jp/ 東北 青森県 弘前市 ground 弘前さくらまつり blossoming. 100円バス【弘南バス】で15分 Shiyakushomae Bus Stop 78.html 弘前公園、弘前城跡 市役所前下車、徒歩4分 (15 min.), and then walk Schedule & Key events: 4 min. ●daily 18:30-22:00 Cherry blossoms light up

Summary: Festival in commemoration of the famous warlord " (1530-1578)". Uesugi-jinja Shrine, Schedule & Key events: Yamaga Yoneza Yonezawa Uesugi JR Yamagata Shinkansen http://uesugi. Tohoku Matsukawa River ●5/3 JR山形新幹線米沢駅より徒 4/29 ～ 5/3 ta wa Matsuri Line to Yonezawa Sta., yonezawa- 東北 and others 9:30- Parade of Mikoshi of Uesugi-jinja Shrine and floats, 歩10分 山形県 米沢市 米沢上杉まつり and then walk 10 min. matsuri.jp/ 上杉神社、 through the city's main street 松川河畔ほか 10:20- Uesugi Gundan Gyoretsu (about 1,000 Samurai warriors), through the city's main street 14:00- Kawanaka-jima Gassen (sham battle) at Matsukawa riverside 1/11 Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL Summary: Festival features procession of people playing the roles of historical figures and warriors and En'nen-no-mai (Shinto dance with music to pray for longevity and a good harvest of the year), designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. JR Tohoku Honsen Line to Chuson-ji Templ, Hiraizumi Sta., and then http://hiraizu Hiraizu Schedule & Key events: JR東北本線平泉駅より Tohoku Iwate Motsu-ji Temple Fujiwara Matsuri (1) Chuson-ji Temple: mi.or.jp/event 5/1 ～ 5/5 mi-cho ●5/3 (1) 中尊寺:徒歩25分 東北 岩手県 中尊寺、 藤原まつり walk 25 min. /haru_fujiwara 平泉町 10:00- Procession from Chuson-ji Temple to Motsu-ji Temple (2) 毛越寺:徒歩7分 毛越寺 (2) Motsu-ji Temple: /index.html 13:30- Procession from Motsu-ji Temple to Konjikido in the walk 7 min. precincts of Chuson-ji Temple ●5/4 12:00- Noh performance at Hakusan-jinja Shrine in the precincts of Chuson-ji Temple ●5/5 11:00- En'nen-no-mai at Motsu-ji Temple

Summary: Festival features a parade of Mikoshi , children in fancy attire and warriors followed by 11 Yamahoko and townspeople dancing Suzume Odori (local Japanese dance).

Simin Hiroba, Schedule & Key events: Aoba-jinja Shrine JR Tohoku Shinkansen http://aoba- Tohoku Miyagi Sendai Sendai Aoba Matsuri ●5/16 JR東北新幹線仙台駅より徒 5/16 ～ 5/17 and others Line to Sendai Sta., and matsuri.com/i 東北 宮城県 仙台市 仙台青葉祭り 10:00-20:15 Suzume Odori in Simin Hiroba (civic open space), 歩10分 市民広場、 then walk 10 min. ndex.html 青葉神社ほか Motokajicho Park and other sites in the city ●5/17 9:20- Parade of Mikoshi leaves from Aoba-jinja Shrine to join Jidai-emaki Junko procession 11:20-16:30 Parade of Mikoshi, Yamahoko and Suzume Odori on Ichibancho Street, Higashi-Nibancho Street and Jozenji Street

Summary: Festival with over a 400-year history. The highlight of this festival is a parade of Mikoshi and gorgeous 50 floats which include the eight floats of four pairs of big Shishi-gashira (shaped like a huge Sakata City Hall: Yamaga Sakata City Hall lions' head) along the city's main streets. Many more events are 酒田市役所: http://sakata- Tohoku Sakata Sakata Matsuri JR Uetsu Honsen Line to 5/19 ～ 5/21 ta and others scheduled during the period. JR羽越本線酒田駅より徒歩 kankou.com/e 東北 酒田市 酒田祭り Sakata Sta., and then 山形県 酒田市役所ほか 10～15分 vent/80 walk 10-15 min. Schedule & Key events: ●5/20 12:00- Ritual pray near Sakata City Hall 13:00- Parade of Mikoshi and 50 floats

2/11 Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: Special event, held with the intention of encouraging Tohoku District's people to cheer up, because the Tohoku District suffered extensive damage from the earthquake and tsunami on the March 11, 2011. Six major festivals from each of six prefectures in Tohoku District will participate in the parade, and related events are held in many sites in the city. Sanno-odori Six major festivals are Aomori Pref : Nebuta Matsuri, Akita Pref : Tohoku Akita Akita Tohoku Rokkon Matsuri JR Akita Shinkansen Line http://www.ro 5/30 ～ 5/31 Street and others Kanto Matsuri, Iwate Pref : Morioka Sansa Odori, Yamagata Pref : JR秋田新幹線秋田駅下車 東北 秋田県 秋田市 東北六魂祭 to Akita Sta. kkon.jp/ 山王大通りほか Hanagasa Matsuri, Miyagi Pref : Sendai Tanabata Matsuri, Fukushima Pref : Waraji Matsuri

Schedule & Key events: ●5/30 10:00-20:00 Parade and related events ●5/31 10:00-17:00 Parade and related events

Summary: Oribe Hills (Toki One of the biggest Ceramic Fair in Japan. Mino-yaki ceramic has JR Chuo Honsen Line to Mino-yaki Oroshi a 400-year history and more than 300,000 people come and visit Chubu Gifu Toki Toki Mino-yaki Matsuri Toki-shi Sta. From there, JR中央本線土岐市駅より無 http://www.or 5/3 ～ 5/5 Center) this festival every year. 中部 岐阜県 土岐市 土岐美濃焼まつり take free shuttle bus 料シャトルバス (15分おき) ibe-hills.com/ 織部ヒルズ (土岐美 (every 15 min.) 濃焼卸商業団地） Schedule & Key events: ●daily 9:00-17:00

Summary: Kite Battle Festival. Huge kites are flown by groups of citizens, who compete each other by trying to cut the lines of their rivals' Nakatajima Tako- JR Tokaido Shinkansen kites by skillful maneuvering. JR東海道新幹線浜松駅下 http://hamam Shizuok Hamam age Kaijo and Line to Hamamatsu Sta. Chubu Hamamatsu Matsuri 車、アクトシティイベントホール atsu- 5/3 ～ 5/5 a atsu others From in front of Act-City 中部 浜松まつり Schedule & Key events: 前よりシャトルバス (9:00- daisuki.net/ma 静岡県 浜松市 中田島凧揚げ会場ほ Event-Hall, take shuttle 14:00) tsuri か ●5/3&4 10:00-15:00 Kite Battle bus (9:00-14:00) ●5/5 12:00-15:00 Kite Battle ●daily 18:30-21:00 Parade of about 80 floats, through the city's main streets

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Summary: Cormorant fishing. It will be held every day during the period except on the night of the full moon (9/28 this year) or when the water is excessively muddy. Fee is 3,100 JPY (weekdays) or JR Tokaido Honsen Line to http://www.gi 3,400 JPY (Sat., Sun. and national holidays), without meal. For Chubu Gifu Gifu Nagara River Nagaragawa Ukai Gifu Sta. From there, take JR東海道本線岐阜駅よりバス fucvb.or.jp/sig 5/11 ～ 10/15 reservation, please call 058-262-0104 (Gifu City Ukai Kanransen 中部 岐阜県 岐阜市 長良川 長良川鵜飼 bus to Nagara-bashi Bus で15分長良橋下車 htseeing/ukai. Jimusho), or reserve through major travel agencies, like JTB. Stop (15 min.) php

Schedule & Key events: ●daily (except 9/28) 19:15-20:30 (Boarding time: 18:15)

Summary: Kurofune Matsuri (Black Ship Festival) started in 1934 is an international event that brings together Japanese and Americans and promotes friendly relations between the two nations. This festival was originally named after the historical event in 1854 when the U.S. Commodore Matthew C. Perry came to Shimoda by seven Black Ships (Kurofune in Japanese) in order to demand the opening of Japanese ports to the foreign countries. If it rains, From JR Tokyo Sta, take http://www.sh Shizuok Shimod Shimoda Port and fireworks display will be held on the following day. Chubu Kurofune Matsuri JR Limited Express JR東京駅よりJR特急"踊り子" imoda- 5/15 ～ 5/17 a a others 中部 黒船祭 "Odoriko" to Izu-Kyu で伊豆急下田駅下車 city.info/kurof 静岡県 下田市 下田港ほか Schedule & Key events: Shimoda Sta. une.html ●5/15 20:15-20:40 Fireworks display over Shimoda Port ●5/16 11:30-12:30 Parade of brass bands and people disguised as Perry and his men along the city's main streets ●5/17 11:00-12:00 Parade of brass bands and people disguised as Perry and his men along the city's main streets

Summary: Once in seven years, Zenkoji Temple's Maedachi Honzon - the standing Amida statue is welcomed to the main hall. The statue was made in (1192-1333) as a replica of the temple's hidden principal image and has been designated as an JR Nagano Shinkansen Line to Nagano Sta. From Important cultural property. JR長野新幹線長野駅よりバス http://www.g Hokuriku Nagano Nagano Zenkoji Temple Zenkoji Gokaicho there, take a bus to 4/5 ～ 5/31 で15分 善光寺大門下車、徒 okaicho.com/e 北陸 長野県 長野市 善光寺 善光寺御開帳 Zenkoji-Daimon Bus Stop Schedule & Key events: 歩5分 nglish/ (15min.), and then walk 5 ●5/5 11:30- Hana-matsuri Festival to pray for the health and min. growth of children ●5/17 17:00- Big lions perform a grand and dignified dance ●5/31 10:00- Final special service for veiling the statue ●6/1 13:00- Maedachi Honzon returning ceremony

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Summary: Designated as both the National Important Tangible and Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The highlight of this festival is a procession of seven floats featuring gorgeous goldwork and Katahara-cho Katahara-cho lacquer ware, which are local specialty industry and artifacts, Intersection: 片原町交差点: Hokuriku Toyama Takaoka Mikurumayama Matsuri http://mikuru 5/1 Intersection and escorted by people in traditional attire. JR Hokuriku Honsen Line JR北陸本線高岡駅より徒歩5 北陸 富山県 高岡市 御車山祭 mayama.jp/ others If it rains heavily, the procession will be canceled. to Takaoka Sta., and then ～10分 片原町交差点ほか walk 5-10 min. Schedule & Key events: 11:00-18:00 Procession on the city's main streets 12:00 All floats meet at Katahara-cho Intersection

Summary: Designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties, this festival features 3 huge gorgeously bedecked floats from 3 towns, each 12-meter in length and 20- ton in weight, parading daily during the festival. Otokonushi-jinja Ishikaw Shrine, Misogi JR Nanao Line to Nanao http://www.n Hokuriku Nanao Seihaku-sai Schedule & Key events: JR七尾線七尾駅より徒歩5～ 5/3 ～ 5/5 a River and others Sta., and then walk 5-10 anaoh.net/p10 北陸 七尾市 青柏祭 ●5/4 10分 石川県 大地主神社、御祓川 min. 0.html 河畔ほか 12:30- Floats are gathered at the shrine for the ritual 14:00-19:00 Floats are drawn by townspeople on the main streets of the city to their each town ●5/5 14:30 Floats arrive at the riverside of Misogi River 21:00 Floats return to their each town

Summary: (1) JR Hokuriku Shinkansen Line to Kutani Togei- Pottery Fair of Kutani-yaki Ware with more than 50 stalls. About Kanazawa Sta. (West Exit) http://www.ku Ishikaw mura Tokusetsu 200,000 people visit the fair every year. (1) JR北陸新幹線金沢駅(西 Hokuriku Nomi Kutani Chawan Matsuri From there, take free tani.or.jp/syok 5/3 ～ 5/5 a Kaijo 口)より無料シャトルバス 北陸 能美市 九谷茶碗まつり shuttle bus. umi/index.htm 石川県 九谷陶芸村 特設会 Schedule & Key events: (2) JR北陸本線能美根上駅 (2) JR Hokuriku Honsen l 場 より無料シャトルバス ●5/3&4 8:30-19:30 Line to Nomineagari Sta. ●5/5 8:30-18:00 From there, take free shuttle bus.

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Summary: Designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. The highlight of the festival is Hikiyama Junko , a procession of Mikoshi and Yama . Karakuri Ningyo (mechanically manipulated dolls) and Iori-uta (the folk song native to the Johana area) are performed on Yama. JR Hokuriku Honsen Line Johana, to Takaoka Sta. From JR北陸本線高岡駅よりJR城 Hikiyama Kaikan Johana Hikiyama http://tabi- Hokuriku Toyama Nanto there, take JR Johana Line 端線で城端駅下車、徒歩10 5/4 ～ 5/5 and others Matsuri Schedule & Key events: nanto.jp/event 北陸 富山県 南砺市城 to Johana Sta., and then 分 曳山会館前ほか 城端曳山祭 ●5/4 /post_11.html 端 walk 10 min. 18:00-21:00 Exhibition of 6 gorgeously bedecked Yama with lighted lanterns along the street ●5/5 9:00-22:30 Hikiyama Junko through the towns 14:00-&20:00- Karakuri Ningyo and Iori-uta performance on Yama in front of Hikiyama Kaikan

Summary: Kamigy Kyogen performance at the temple. Admission is free. From JR Kyoto Sta., take o-ku, Senbon Enma-do http://www.ge Kinki Kyoto Enma-do Kyogen municipal bus No. 206 to JR京都駅より市バスNo. 206 5/1 ～ 5/4 Kyoto Temple ocities.jp/e_ky 近畿 京都府 えんま堂狂言 Schedule & Key events: Kenryuko-mae Bus Stop で30分乾隆校下車 京都市上 千本えんま堂 ogen/ (30 min.) 京区 ●5/1&2 19:00- ●5/3&4 13:00-&18:00-

Summary: The highlight of this festival is Kakeuma-Shinji (acrobatic horseback riding with a 1,200-year tradition). Many other events (1) JR Nara Line to Fushimi are scheduled during the festival period. Fujinomori Sta., and then http://www.fu -ku, Fujinomori-jinja (1) JR奈良線藤森駅より徒歩 Kinki Kyoto Fujinomori Matsuri walk 5 min. jinomorijinjya. 5/1 ～ 5/5 Kyoto Shrine and others 5分 近畿 京都府 藤森祭 Schedule & Key events: (2) Keihan Honsen Line to or.jp/fujinomo 京都市伏 藤森神社ほか (2) 京阪本線墨染駅より徒歩 Sumizome Sta., and then risai.htm 見区 ●5/5 7分 9:00-18:00 Procession of 4 Mikoshi and Musha-Gyoretsu walk 7 min. (warriors' processions), through the towns 13:00-&15:00- Kakeuma-Shinji in the precincts of the shrine

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Summary: The Buddhist memorial service for the Emperor Shomu who announced the Imperial Rescript to build the statue of Big Buddha in the temple. If it rains, the procession will be canceled, and JR Nara Line to Nara Sta. Todai-ji Temple, Bugaku and Noh plays will be performed in the Kinsho hall at or Kintetsu Nara Line to http://www.to Shin-Kokaido and Todaiji Culture Center. Kintetsu Nara Sta. From JR奈良線奈良駅又は近鉄奈 daiji.or.jp/cont Kinki Nara Nara Shomu-Tenno-Sai 5/2 others there, take Nara Kotsu 良線近鉄奈良駅より奈良交通 ents/function/ 近畿 奈良県 奈良市 聖武天皇祭 東大寺、 Schedule & Key events: bus to Daibutsuden バスで大仏殿春日大社前下車 04syoumuki.ht 奈良県新公会堂ほか 13:00- Procession of people in ancient costumes from Shin- Kasuga Taisha-mae Bus ml Kokaido (Prefecture New Public Hall) to Daibutsuden in the temple Stop 13:30- Bugaku & Noh play on the makeshift stage on Kagami-ike pond

Summary: Sakyo- Horseback archery, associated with Aoi Matsuri Festival held on From JR Kyoto Sta., take http://www.sh ku, Shimogamo-jinja 5/15. Kinki Kyoto Yabusame-Shinji municipal bus No. 4 or JR京都駅より市バスNo. 4又 imogamo- 5/3 Kyoto Shrine 近畿 京都府 やぶさめ神事 205 to Shimogamo Jinjya- は205で下鴨神社前下車 jinja.or.jp/saiji 京都市左 下鴨神社 Schedule & Key events: mae Bus Stop k.html 京区 13:00- Ritual pray 14:00-15:30 Yabusame in the precincts

(1) JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Kyoto Sta. From there, take Kintetsu Summary: Kashihara Line to (1) JR東海道新幹線京都駅 Kume- Requiem Parade. Procession of 25 people wearing face masks of Kashihara Jingu-mae Sta., http://www.cit より近鉄橿原線で橿原神宮前 cho, Bosatsu crosses a long bridge in the temple, which is believed to and then walk 6 min. y.kashihara.na Kume-dera 駅下車、徒歩6分 Kinki Nara Kashiha Nerikuyo Eshiki link this world with the Pure Land. (2) JR Nara Line to Nara ra.jp/kankou/o 5/3 Temple (2) JR奈良線奈良駅より近鉄 近畿 奈良県 ra 練供養会式 Sta. From there, take wn_kankou/sa 久米寺 奈良線で大和西大寺駅にて近 橿原市久 Kintetsu Nara Line to ijiki/5_kume_n Schedule & Key events: 鉄橿原線に乗り換え橿原神宮 米町 Yamato-Saidaiji Sta., and erikuyou.html 13:00- Ritual pray 前駅下車、徒歩6分 15:00-16:00 Procession of Bosatsu change to Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Kashihara Jingu-mae Sta., and then walk 6 min.

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Summary: Horse racing of olden times. Riders wearing fancy court robes Kita-ku, From JR Kyoto Sta., take http://www.ka Kamigamo-jinja demonstrate courtly horsemanship. Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Kamo Kurabe-Uma municipal bus No. 4 to JR京都駅より市バスNo. 4で migamojinja.jp 5/5 Shrine 近畿 京都府 京都市北 賀茂競馬 Kamigamo Jinja-mae Bus 上賀茂神社前下車 /event/may.ht 上賀茂神社 Schedule & Key events: 区 Stop ml 14:00- Horse racing

Summary: Festival features a parade of priests, maidens, 100 people From JR Kyoto Sta., take Higashiy disguised as warriors, flower venders and the like, and children in http://www.jis municipal bus No. 100 or ama-ku, Jishu-jinja Shrine fancy attire, marching in tune with Gagaku (court music). If it JR京都駅より市バスNo. 100 hujinja.or.jp/ji Kinki Kyoto Jishu-jinja Reitaisai 206 to Kiyomizu-michi 5/5 Kyoto and others rains, the parade will be canceled. 又は206で清水道又は五条坂 shu/gyouji/05 近畿 京都府 地主神社例大祭 Bus Stop or Gojozaka Bus 京都市東 地主神社ほか 下車、徒歩10分 05jishumatsuri Stop, and then walk 10 山区 /index.html Schedule & Key events: min. 13:00- Parade in the neighborhood of the shrine 14:30- Ritual pray at the shrine

(1) JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Kyoto Sta. From there, take Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Kashihara Jingu-mae Sta., and change to Kintetsu (1) JR東海道新幹線京都駅 Summary: Minami Osaka Line to より近鉄橿原線で橿原神宮前 Requiem Parade. Procession of 25 priests wearing masks and Taimadera Sta., and then 駅にて近鉄南大阪線に乗り換 special costumes of Bosatsu crosses a long bridge, which is walk 15 min. え当麻寺駅下車、徒歩15分 http://www.cit Katsura Taima-dera Kinki Nara Neri-kuyo Eshiki believed to link this world with the Pure Land, leading people in (2) JR Nara Line to Nara (2) JR奈良線奈良駅より近鉄 y.katsuragi.nar 5/14 gi Temple 近畿 奈良県 練供養会式 fancy attire. Sta. From there, take 奈良線で大和西大寺駅にて近 a.jp/index.cfm 葛城市 當麻寺 Kintetsu Nara Line to 鉄橿原線に乗り換え橿原神宮 /14,2657,43,2 Schedule & Key events: Yamato-Saidaiji Sta., and 前駅にて近鉄南大阪線に乗り 11,html 16:00-17:00 Procession of Bosatsu change to Kintetsu 換え当麻寺駅下車、徒歩15 Kashihara Line to 分 Kashihara Jingu-mae Sta., and change to Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line to Taimadera Sta., and then walk 15 min.

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Summary: (1) Kyoto Imperial Palace: Hollyhock Festival of the shrines. This 1,400-year old festival Karasuma Subway Line to features a magnificent pageant which colorfully reproduces the Marutamachi Sta. Shimogamo-jinja (1) 京都御所: Imperial procession that used to pay homage to these Shrines in (2) Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, 地下鉄烏丸線で丸太町駅下 ancient days. The procession consists of the ox-drawn carriages, Shrine: From JR Kyoto Kamigamo-jinja 車 courtiers and court ladies clad in ancient court robes, and men Sta., take municipal bus Shrine, (2) 下鴨神社: http://www.ky Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Aoi Matsuri holding flower-decorated umbrellas, all decorated with Hollyhock No. 4 or 205 to 5/15 Kyoto Imperial JR京都駅より市バスNo. 4 又 okanko.or.jp/a 近畿 京都府 京都市 葵祭 leaf. When it rains, the festival will be postponed to the next day. Shimogamo Jinja-mae Bus Palace and は205で下鴨神社前下車 oi Stop others (3) 上賀茂神社: (3) Kamigamo-jinja 下鴨神社、上賀茂神 Schedule & Key events: JR京都駅より市バスNo. 4 で Shrine: From JR Kyoto 社、京都御所ほか 10:30-11:40 Procession from Kyoto Imperial Palace to 上賀茂神社前下車 Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, taking Kawaramachi Street Sta., take municipal bus No. 4 to Kamigamo Jinja- 14:20-15:30 Procession from Shimogamo-jinja Shrine to mae Bus Stop Kamigamo-jinja Shrine, taking Kitaoji Street

Summary: Boat Festival, held on Oi River near Arashiyama. Festival features "Ofuna-asobi" (which literally means playing & pleasure on the Ukyo- boat), in which people wearing various costumes of Heian period Togetsukyo Bridge: Oi River, http://www.ku ku, (794-1185) play and pleasure over 20 kinds of various Japanese Keifuku Arashiyama Kinki Kyoto Togetsukyo Mifune Matsuri 渡月橋周辺: rumazakijinja. 5/17 Kyoto traditional performing arts including Bugaku , tea ceremony and Honsen Line or Hankyu 近畿 京都府 Bridge and others 三船祭 京福嵐山本線または阪急嵐山 or.jp/mifunem 京都市右 the like on the gaily decorated floating boats. Arashiyama Line to 大堰川、 線の嵐山駅より徒歩6分 athuri2.html 京区 Arashiyama Sta., and then 渡月橋ほか Schedule & Key events: walk 6 min. 13:00-15:00 "Ofuna-asobi" on Oi River near Togetsukyo Bridge

Summary: Annual Festival of the shrine. JR San-in Honsen Line to Izumoshi Sta. From there, Schedule & Key events: take JR山陰本線出雲市駅より ●5/14 12:00- (1) Ichibata Railway Kita- (1) 一畑電鉄北松江線で川 Shiman Izumo Taisha Otaue-mai (dance of rice-planting) & Yabusame (horseback matsue Line to Kawato 跡駅にて一畑電鉄大社線に乗 http://www.iz Chugoku Izumo Daisairei 5/14 ～ 5/16 e Shrine and others archery) in the precincts Sta., and change to り換え出雲大社前駅下車、徒 umooyashiro.o 中国 出雲市 大祭礼 島根県 出雲大社ほか ●5/15 12:00- Ichibata Railway Taisha 歩7分 r.jp/ Procession of shrine's Mikoshi and children in fancy attire in the Line to Izumo-Taisha-mae (2) バスで30分出雲大社下 city Sta., and then walk 7 min. 車 ●5/16 12:00- (2) bus to Izumo Taisha Bus Stop (30 min.) Performing arts, such as Shishi-mai (lion dance) and Ise-Dai- Kagura (Shinto dance with music), in the precincts

9/11 Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: Ichijo-jinja Shrine: Festival features an elegant pageant of 200 people in court JR Dosan Line to Kochi Nakamu costumes of the Muromachi period, when the aristocracy Ichijo Sta. From there, take JR 一條神社: ra, https://www.a Ichijo-jinja Shrine Tosa Ichijo Kuge and his family moved into Nakamura from Kyoto in 1468 in order Limited Express to JR土讃線高知駅よりJR特急 Kochi Shimant ttaka.or.jp/kan 5/3 and others Gyoretsu "Fuji Matsuri" to avoid civil wars. Nakamura Sta. via Tosa で土佐くろしお鉄道中村宿毛 四国 高知県 o ko/dtl.php?ID 一條神社ほか 土佐一条公家行列｢藤祭り」 Kuroshio Railway 線経由中村駅下車、徒歩30 四万十市 =5927 Nakamura-Shukumo Line, 分又はタクシーで5分 中村 Schedule & Key events: 12:30-15:00 Procession from Ichijo-jinja Shrine, parading and then walk 30 min. or through the city take taxi (5 min.)

JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line Summary: to Hakata Sta. From there, take JR Limited One of the biggest Ceramic Fair with about 500 stalls held along JR山陽新幹線博多駅よりJR Express "Midori" to Kami- Arita- "Kyudo" route (about 4 km). About one million people visit the 特急"みどり"で上有田駅又は http://www.ar Kyushu Saga "Kyudo" route Arita Toki Ichi Arita Sta. or Arita Sta. 4/29 ～ 5/5 cho fair every year. 有田駅下車 (有田駅まで下り ita- 九州 佐賀県 旧道 有田陶器市 (Walking from Kami-Arita 有田町 坂なので、上有田駅から歩いた toukiichi.or.jp/ Sta. is easier to the fair ほうが良い) Schedule & Key events: site as long downward ●daily 8:00-17:00 slope extends to Arita Sta.)

Summary: Festival features a procession of Dontaku-tai in which three Deities of Good Fortune in disguise, escorted by people wearing traditional clothes in the Muromachi period (1338-1573), and JR Hakata Sta., Meiji Street, children in fancy costumes dancing to the music parade. The Gofukumachi entire city, especially Dontaku Hiroba in front of City Hall is filled Subway Sta., with townspeople singing and dancing with rice paddles in hands, Meiji Street: 明治通り: http://www.d Kyushu Fukuoka Fukuoka Dontaku Hiroba Hakata Dontaku and various entertainments are staged daily in the city. JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line 5/3 ～ 5/4 JR山陽新幹線博多駅より徒 ontaku.fukune 九州 福岡県 福岡市 and others 博多どんたく to Hakata Sta., and then 歩10分 t.or.jp/ JR博多駅前、明治 Schedule & Key events: walk 10 min. 通り、呉服町駅、どん ●5/3 10:00-11:30 & 5/4 10:00-13:00 たく広場ほか Parade of Dontaku-tai on the main street in front of JR Hakata Sta. ●5/3 13:00-19:00 & 5/4 15:00-20:00 Parade of over 100 groups of townspeople along Meiji Street from Gofukumachi Subway Sta. to Dontaku Hiroba

10/11 Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: "Hari" Boat Race, peculiar to Okinawa, in which young men show their strength and skills at sea in Naha Shinko Port.

Schedule & Key events: http://www.n Okinaw Naha Shinko Port ●5/3 Okinawa Naha Naha "Hari" From Naha Airport, take aha- 5/3 ～ 5/5 a 那覇新港 10:15-17:30 Boat race 那覇空港よりタクシーで15分 沖縄 那覇市 那覇ハーリー taxi (15 min.) navi.or.jp/nah 沖縄県 (那覇港新埠頭) ●5/5 ahari.html 10:15-17:00 Boat race ●5/3&4 19:00-20:30 & 5/5 19:40-20:30 Live music shows and entertainments ●daily 20:40-21:00 Fireworks display over the port

11/11 Calendar of Events May 2015 Notes: 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. ©2015 Japan National Tourism Organization 2. Dates, times and functions are subject to change without notice. Especially schedule of outdoor events and flower festival may change due to the weather. Be sure to check the latest information in advance. 3. The access shows only major route. Please refer to following URL for alternative transportation from the station where you want to start. http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ 4. Japanese words appearing in the column provide the name of the event, the place and access for you to point out to Japanese passerby when you need help. 5. Please refer to URL (basically in Japanese) for each event. If you have further questions, please call TIC, JNTO at following number. TIC, JNTO Tel : (03)-3201-3331 from overseas +81 3 3201 3331 Tango-no-sekku 端午の節句 Tango-no-sekku, Boy's Festival held on May 5. Families with boys display dolls that depict warriors or heroes, and fly carp streamers Special Remarks: to express their hopes that the boys will advance in life, like strong Dates and Times are shown as follows which is common in Japan. carps that swim upstream. Glossary： Dates : M/D April 3 ⇒ 4/3 Matsuri Festival, Event May 5 has been changed to become a national holiday called Mikoshi Portable shrine Time : 24 hours system 8:00am ⇒ 8:00 Children's Day to celebrate the growth of children regardless of boys or girls. Noh Traditional masked drama 8:00pm ⇒ 20:00 Otabisho Portable shrine resting place

Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: Tsutsuji (azalea) Flower Festival. You can enjoy viewing of about 3,000 azalea blossoms and art performances. Admission to the garden is 200JPY. (1) Tokyo Metro Chiyoda If it rains, art performances will be canceled. Line to Nezu Sta. (C14) or (1) 東京メトロ千代田線根津駅又 Bunkyo- Bunkyo Tsutsuji Sendagi Sta. (C15), and http://www.n Tokyo Tokyo Nezu-jinja Shrine は千駄木駅より徒歩5分 4/11 ～ 5/6 ku Matsuri Schedule & Key events: then walk 5 min. edujinja.or.jp/ 東京 東京都 根津神社 (2) 東京メトロ南北線東大前駅よ 文京区 文京つつじまつり ●daily (2) Tokyo Metro Namboku tutuji/t.html り徒歩5分 9:00-17:30 Azalea Garden is open Line to Todaimae Sta. ●5/3-5 (N12), and then walk 5 min. 12:00- Gongen-Taiko (Japanese drum) is performed 13:00- Art performances are held

Summary: Fuji (wisteria) Flower Festival. There are over 50 wisteria roots in the Kameido Tenjin precincts of the shrine, and they are usually in full bloom in this season. JR Sobu Line to Kameido http://kameid Tokyo Tokyo Koto-ku Fuji Matsuri JR総武線亀戸駅 (北口) より徒歩 4/18 ～ 5/6 Shrine Sta. (North Exit), and then otenjin.or.jp/i 東京 東京都 江東区 藤まつり 15分 亀戸天神社 Schedule & Key events: walk 15 min. nfo/ ●5/4 13:00-15:30 Ryukyu-Sanshin (banjo-like instrument) performance ●5/5 10:30-12:30 Shakuhachi (bamboo flute) performance

1/8 Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: Annual Spring Festival of the shrine. Several events such as Noh , Kyogen (Noh farce) and Sankyoku (songs and the music of three traditional Japanese musical instruments; Koto (Japanese harp), Shakuhachi (bamboo flute) & Shamisen (banjo-like instrument)) are held in the precincts of the (1) JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Sta., and then shrine. http://www. Shibuya- Meiji-jingu Haru walk 5 min. (1) JR山手線原宿駅より徒歩5分 Tokyo Tokyo Meiji-jingu Shrine meijijingu.or.j 4/29 ～ 5/3 ku no Taisai (2) Tokyo Metro Chiyoda or (2) 東京メトロ千代田線又は副都 東京 東京都 明治神宮 Schedule & Key events: p/news/1504 渋谷区 明治神宮春の大祭 Fukutoshin Line to Meiji- 心線明治神宮前駅より徒歩5分 01.html ●5/2 Jingumae Sta. (C03, F15), 11:45- Noh & Kyogen performance and then walk 5 min. 15:45- Traditional Japanese music and dance ●5/3 12:00- Sankyoku performance 14:30- Satsuma-Biwa (Japanese lute) performance

Summary: Annual Festival of the shrine. The highlight of this festival is a procession of Teppozu Inari- Horen (palanquins) & Mikoshi and Kodomo Kabuki (traditional play by JR Keiyo Line or Tokyo Teppozu Inari-jinja http://teppoz Tokyo Tokyo Chuo-ku jinja Reitaisai boys). Metro Hibiya Line to JR京葉線又は東京メトロ日比谷線 5/1 ～ 5/5 Shrine and others ujinja.or.jp/ne 東京 東京都 中央区 鉄砲洲稲荷神社例大 Hatchobori Sta. (H11), and 八丁堀駅より徒歩5分 鉄砲洲稲荷神社ほか nkan.html 祭 Schedule & Key events: then walk 5 min. ●5/3 10:00- Procession through the neighborhood ●5/5 13:30- Kodomo Kabuki on the Kaguraden stage

Summary: Annual Festival of the shrine named Kurayami Matsuri - "Black Night Festival".

Okunitama-jinja Kurayami Schedule & Key events: (1) Keio Line to Fuchu Sta., https://www. Shrine, Matsuri ●5/3 and then walk 5 min. (1) 京王線府中駅より徒歩5分 ookunitamajin Tokyo Tokyo Fuchu Kyu-Koshu-kaido (Okunitama-jinja 20:00- Komakurabe (demonstration of horseback riding) on Kyu- 5/3 ～ 5/6 (2) JR Nambu or Musashino (2) JR南武線又は武蔵野線府中 ja.or.jp/matsu 東京 東京都 府中市 Street and others Reitaisai) Koshu-kaido Street Line to Fuchu-Hommachi 本町駅より徒歩5分 ri/kurayami.ht 大国魂神社、 くらやみまつり ●5/4 Sta., and then walk 5 min. ml 旧甲州街道ほか (大国魂神社例大祭) 17:00-18:00 Taiko (Japanese drum) performance 18:00-21:00 Parade of 24 Dashi floats through the streets in the city ●5/5 18:00- Parade of eight Mikoshi from the shrine to Otabisho 23:00- Yabusame (horseback archery) performance

2/8 Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: Heiwajima Antique Fair where more than 280 dealers participate in. Admission is free. http://www.k , Heiwajima Kotto Please enter an hour before the closing time on 5/5. Tokyo Monorail Line to Tokyo Tokyo Tokyo Ryutsu Center 東京モノレール流通センター駅より ottouichi.com/ 5/3 ～ 5/5 Ota-ku Matsuri Ryutsu Center Sta., and then 東京 東京都 東京流通センター 徒歩1分 heiwajima/HO 太田区平和 平和島骨董まつり Schedule & Key events: walk 1 min. ME.html 島 ●5/3&4 10:00-17:00 ●5/5 10:00-16:00

Summary: Japanese traditional dance in celebration of Children's Day. Takara-bune (a https://www. ship-shaped float laden with treasure) is drawn by children from Denbo-in Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or city.taito.lg.jp Tokyo Tokyo Taito-ku Senso-ji Temple Takara-no-mai Temple, going through Kaminarimon gate, to Senso-ji Temple. Toei Asakusa Subway Line 東京メトロ銀座線又は都営地下鉄 5/5 /index/event/ 東京 東京都 台東区 浅草寺 宝の舞 to Asakusa Sta. (G19, A18), 浅草線浅草駅より徒歩5分 kanko/takara- and then walk 5 min. Schedule & Key events: no-mai.html 11:00-11:30 13:30-14:00

Summary: (1) JR Chuo Line or Tokyo The festival is one of the three grandest festivals in Tokyo. The highlight of Metro Marunouchi Line to this festival is Shinko-sai . The colorful procession of people in feudal Ochanomizu Sta. (1) JR中央線又は東京メトロ丸ノ costumes holding paper lanterns and drawing Horen (palanquins) starts (M20)(Hijiribashi Exit), and 内線御茶ノ水駅 (聖橋口) より徒 Kanda Matsuri from the shrine, passing through Kanda, Nihombashi and Akihabara areas, then walk 5 min. 歩5分 http://www.k Chiyoda- Kanda Myojin Shrine (Kanda Myojin and returns to the shrine. Tickets for Takigi Noh (open-air torchlight Noh (2) JR Yamanote, Keihin Tokyo Tokyo (2) JR山手線、京浜東北線又は andamyoujin. 5/7 ～ 5/15 ku and others Omikoshi Togyo) play) are sold at the shrine and Lawson convenience stores. (7,500JPY, Tohoku or Sobu Line to 東京 東京都 総武線秋葉原駅 (電気街口) より or.jp/kandam 千代田区 神田明神ほか 神田祭（神田明神御 7,000JPY, 6,500JPY, 4,500JPY, 3,500JPY) Akihabara Sta. (Denkigai 徒歩7分 atsuri/ 神輿渡御） Exit), and then walk 7 min. (3) 東京メトロ千代田線新御茶ノ (3) Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Schedule & Key events: 水駅 (聖橋口) より徒歩5分 ●5/9 8:00-19:00 Procession of Shinko-sai Line to Shin-Ochanomizu Sta. (C12)(Hijiribashi Exit), ●5/10 9:00- Parade of 200 Mikoshi through the town and then walk 5 min. ●5/14 18:00- Takigi Noh performance

3/8 Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Dohyo-iri (the ring- entering ceremonies) by Yokozuna (the grand champions) take place around 15:55 daily. Then the main matches by Maku-uchi (upper-rank (1) JR Sobu Line to Ryogoku Sumo wrestlers) start. Sta. (West Exit), and then (1) JR総武線両国駅 (西口) より Sumida- Ozumou Gogatsu Tokyo Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan Advance tickets are sold at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Ticket Pia, convenience walk 2 min. 徒歩2分 http://www.s 5/10 ～ 5/24 ku Basho 東京 東京都 両国国技館 stores and so on. Unreserved-seat tickets are sold on the day at the Hall (2) Toei Oedo Subway Line (2) 都営地下鉄大江戸線両国駅 umo.or.jp/ 墨田区 大相撲5月場所 from 8:00 every day during the tournament period, on a first-come, first- to Ryogoku Sta. (E12), and より徒歩5分 served basis. The number of the tickets is limited to 350 daily. then walk 5 min.

Schedule & Key events: ●daily 15:55- Dohyo-iri by Yokozuna

Summary: The festival is counted as one of the Tokyo's grandest. Daigyoretsu (a big parade of 1,000 people in traditional attires) to the tune of the festival music, Binzasara-mai (Shinto dance) and Mikoshi parade are the highlights. If it rains, Daigyoretsu parade will be canceled.

Asakusa-jinja Shrine, Schedule & Key events: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or http://www.a Nakamise-dori Street Tokyo Tokyo Taito-ku Sanja Matsuri ●5/15 Toei Asakusa Subway Line 東京メトロ銀座線又は都営地下鉄 sakusajinja.jp 5/15 ～ 5/17 and others 東京 東京都 台東区 三社祭 13:00- Daigyoretsu through the town, proceeding on Nakamise-dori Street to Asakusa Sta. (G19, A18), 浅草線浅草駅より徒歩7分 /sanjamatsuri 浅草神社、 and then walk 7 min. / 仲見世通りほか to the shrine 14:20- Binzasara-mai performance in Shaden Hall 15:00- Binzasara-mai performance on Kaguraden stage ●5/16 12:00- Parade of 100 Mikoshi through the town ●5/17 6:00- Parade of three Mikoshi in the shrine's neighborhood

Summary: Annual Festival of the shrine. Mikoshi parade through the neighborhood, (1) Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Kagura (Shinto dance with music) is performed several times a day. Line to Yushima Sta. http://www.y (1) 東京メトロ千代田線湯島駅 Bunkyo- Yushima Tenjin Yushima Tenjin The festival is rather small in scale this year. (C13)(Exit 3), and then walk ushimatenjin. Tokyo Tokyo (3番出口) より徒歩2分 5/23 ～ 5/25 ku Shrine and others Sai 2 min. or.jp/pc/mats 東京 東京都 (2) 東京メトロ銀座線上野広小路 文京区 湯島天神ほか 湯島天神祭 Schedule & Key events: (2) Tokyo Metro Ginza Line uri/nittei27.ht 駅より徒歩5分 ●5/23&24 to Ueno-hirokoji Sta., and m daytime Parade of Mikoshi then walk 5 min. 10:00-20:00 Kagura performance

4/8 Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: Annual Festival of the shrine. A procession of eight Mikoshi owned by towns Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, http://www.h Shinjuku- Hanazono-jinja Hanazono-jinja parade through the neighborhood. The festival is rather small in scale this Fukutoshin Line or Toei 東京メトロ丸の内線, 副都心線又 anazono- Tokyo Tokyo 5/23 ～ 5/25 ku Shrine and others Reitaisai year. Shinjuku Subway Line to は都営地下鉄新宿線新宿三丁目 jinja.or.jp/mt/ 東京 東京都 新宿区 花園神社ほか 花園神社例大祭 Shinjuku-Sanchome Sta. 駅下車 (E2出口) schedule/inde Schedule & Key events: (M09, F13, S02)(Exit E2) x.html ●5/24 11:30- Parade of Mikoshi

Summary: Memorial service for fire fighters who died on duty, conducted by members https://www. Shobo Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or city.taito.lg.jp of the Shobo Kinen-kai in the compound of the temple. If it rains, the Tokyo Tokyo Taito-ku Senso-ji Temple Junshokusha Toei Asakusa Subway Line 東京メトロ銀座線又は都営地下鉄 /index/event/ 5/25 demonstration of acrobatics on the ladder will be canceled. 東京 東京都 台東区 浅草寺 Irei-sai to Asakusa Sta. (G19, A18), 浅草線浅草駅より徒歩5分 kanko/syoubo 消防殉職者慰霊祭 and then walk 5 min. uzyunsyokusy Schedule & Key events: a.html 11:00 - Ceremony starts before demonstration of acrobatics

Summary: Pottery Fair. About 200 stalls are set up in the park. (1) JR Mito Line to Kasama Kasama-no- Sta., and then walk 30 min. ※Special bus services between the Mashiko Toki Ichi venue and the (1) JR水戸線笠間駅より徒歩30 Geijutsu-no-mori Toensai or take temporary bus (10 Kanto Ibaraki Kasama Kasama-no-Toensai venue on 4/29 and 5/2-5 will be operated by Ibaraki 分又は臨時バスで10分 http://www.hi 4/29 ～ 5/5 Park (Himatsuri) min.) 関東 茨城県 笠間市 Kotsu Bus. (500JPY) (2) JR常磐線友部駅 (北口) より matsuri.net/ 芸術の森公園 笠間の陶炎祭 (2) JR Joban Line to Tomobe シャトルバスで15分 (ひまつり) Sta. (North Exit) From there, Schedule & Key events: take shuttle bus (15 min.) ●daily 9:00-17:00

(1) JR Tohoku Shinkansen Summary: Line to Oyama Sta., and then change to JR Mito Line Pottery Fair. Besides 50 shops, about 500 stalls are set up in the town. (1) JR東北新幹線小山駅よりJR to Shimodate Sta. From http://www. ※Special bus services between the Mashiko Toki Ichi venue and the 水戸線で下館駅にて真岡鉄道線 Mashiko- Mashiko Toki there, take Moka Tetsudo mashiko- Kanto Tochigi Mashiko-machi Kasama-no-Toensai venue on 4/29 and 5/2-5 will be operated by Ibaraki に乗り換え益子駅下車 4/29 ～ 5/6 machi Ichi Line to Mashiko Sta. kankou.org/ce 関東 栃木県 益子町 Kotsu Bus. (500JPY) (2) JR東北新幹線宇都宮駅下車 益子町 益子陶器市 (2) JR Tohoku Shinkansen ramics_bazaar (西口)、14番バス乗り場よりバス益 Line to Utsunomiya Sta. /index.shtml 子行で1時間益子駅下車 Schedule & Key events: (West Exit) From No. 14 Bus ●daily 9:00-17:00 Stop, take bus (for Mashiko) to Mashiko Sta. (1 hour)

5/8 Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: International Masquerade Parade. The main parade leaves Yamashita Park, Yamashita Park, passing by Aka Renga Soko (Red Brick Warehouse) and proceeding on Red Brick Warehouse Yokohama JR Keihin Tohoku or Negishi http://www.y Kanto Kanagawa Yokohama Bashamichi Ave., for Isezakicho 6-chome area. If it rains, the parade will be JR京浜東北線又は根岸線関内駅 5/3 and others Parade Line to Kannai Sta. or okohama- 関東 神奈川県 横浜市 postponed to the following day. 又は桜木町駅下車 山下公園、 横浜パレード Sakuragicho Sta. cci.com/ 赤レンガ倉庫ほか Schedule & Key events: 11:15- Parade in the city

Summary: http://www.ci The main event of this festival is Musha Gyoretsu (a warriors' procession) JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line ty..ka Odawara Castle and Odawara Hojo JR東海道新幹線又は小田急小田 Kanto Kanagawa Odawara from Akagane-mon Gate of the castle, going through the city. or Odakyu Odawara Line to nagawa.jp/ka 5/3 others Godai Matsuri 原線小田原駅 (東口) より徒歩 関東 神奈川県 小田原市 Odawara Sta. (East Exit), nko/event/MA 小田原城ほか 小田原北條五代祭り 10分 Schedule & Key events: and then walk 10 min. Y/houjou5dai. 13:30-15:30 Musha Gyoretsu parade html

(1) Tobu Isezaki Line to Summary: Kasukabe Sta. (East Exit) Nishi- http://www.ci Giant Kite Flying Festival. Flying two smaller kites, each weighing 150 kg From there, take bus to (1) 東武伊勢崎線春日部駅 (東 hoshuban ty.kasukabe.lg Otako-age and two giant kites, each weighing 800 kg are featured. The festival may be Otakokaikan-Iriguchi Bus 口) よりバスで25分大凧会館入口 Kanto Saitama a, Edogawa River .jp/shoukou/k 5/3 & 5/5 Matsuri canceled depending on weather conditions. Stop (25 min.) 下車 関東 埼玉県 Kasukabe 江戸川河川敷 youiku/leisure 大凧あげ祭り (2) Tobu Noda Line to (2) 東武野田線南桜井駅 (北口) 春日部市西 /kankou/ooda Minamisakurai Sta. (North よりシャトルバスで10分 宝珠花 Schedule & Key events: komatsuri/ ●5/3&5 14:00- Exit) From there, take shuttle bus (10 min.)

Summary: Giant Kite Flying Festival on the riverbank near Zakaebashi Bridge over http://www.ci Zakaebashi Bridge, Zama-no-Otako Sagami River. The festival may be canceled depending on weather Odakyu Line to Sobudai-mae ty.zama.kana Kanto Kanagawa Zama Sagami River 小田急線相武台前駅よりシャトル 5/4 ～ 5/5 Matsuri conditions. Sta., and then take shuttle gawa.jp/www 関東 神奈川県 座間市 座架依橋、 バス 座間の大凧まつり bus /contents/124 相模川河川敷 Schedule & Key events: 9366479690/ ●daily 10:00-16:00

6/8 Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: Giant Kite Flying Festival at four venues along Sagami River, mainly at http://www.e Shindo Sports Hiroba. About 100 men wearing Happi coats fly a giant kite of Shindo Sports Hiroba： Sagamiha Shindo Sports Hiroba Sagami-no- 新戸スポーツ広場： - Kanto Kanagawa 14.5 square meters, weighing 950 kg, at each venue. The festival may be JR Sagami Line to Sobudai- 5/4 ～ 5/5 ra and others Otako Matsuri JR相模線相武台下駅より徒歩15 sagamihara.c 関東 神奈川県 canceled depending on weather conditions. shita Sta., and then walk 15 相模原市 新戸スポーツ広場ほか 相模の大凧まつり 分又は無料シャトルバス om/event/ma min. or take free shuttle bus y/0237/ Schedule & Key events: ●daily 10:00-16:00

Summary: Rokusho-jinja Annual festival of Rokusho-jinja Shrine and five other shrines. Parade of six Shrine, Mikoshi and traditional Japanese dance performances are the highlights. Rokusho-jinja Shrine： Mt. Kamisoroi, JR Tokaido Honsen Line to http://www.r Oiso- Sagami- 六所神社： Kanto Kanagawa Bamba Park and Ninomiya Sta. From there, okusho.jp/saij 5/5 machi Kounomachi Schedule & Key events: JR東海道本線二宮駅よりバスで国 関東 神奈川県 others take bus to Kokufu- i/saiji.html#k 大磯町 相模国府祭 12:00-17:00 Mikoshi parade through the town, after "Zamondo " ritual 府新宿下車、徒歩5分 六所神社、 Shinshuku Bus Stop, and ushi 神揃山、 is conducted on Mt. Kamisoroi then walk 5 min. 馬場公園ほか 13:30- & 15:30- Sagi-no-mai (Heron Dance), Shishi-no-mai (Lion Dance) and Ryu-no-mai (Dragon Dance) are performed at Bamba Park

Summary: Grand Spring Festival of the shrine. The festival is large in scale this year and especially notable for the 400th anniversary of the shrine, which enshrines "Tokugawa leyasu" (1542-1616). Procession of over 1,200 armor- Nikko Tosho-gu clad people followed by Mikoshi is the highlight. JR Nikko Line to Nikko Sta. http://www.ni Tosho-gu Shrine and Yonhyaku-nen or Tobu Nikko Line to Tobu- JR日光線日光駅又は東武日光線 Kanto Tochigi Nikko kko- 5/17 ～ 5/19 others Shunki Reitaisai Schedule & Key events: Nikko Sta. From there, take 東武日光駅よりバスで5分神橋下 関東 栃木県 日光市 kankou.org/ev 東照宮ほか 日光東照宮四百年式 ●5/17 bus to Shinkyo Bus Stop (5 車、徒歩8分 ent/944/ 年春季例大祭 13:30- Yabusame (horseback archery) performance min.), and then walk 8 min. ●5/18 11:00- Procession from the shrine to Otabisho near Shinkyo Bridge 12:00- Bugaku (ancient court dance with music) performance at Otabisho 13:00- Procession from Otabisho to the shrine

7/8 Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: Ayame (iris) Flower Festival. A million iris flowers of 500 species are in bloom in the garden. Admission is free. Yomeiri-fune (a boat escorting a http://www.ci Suigo Itako Ayame- Suigo Itako bride) is held every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday during the festival Kanto Ibaraki Itako JR Kashima Line to Itako ty.itako.lg.jp/i 5/23 ～ 6/28 en Ayame Matsuri period. JR鹿島線潮来駅より徒歩3 分 関東 茨城県 潮来市 Sta., and then walk 3 min. ndex.php?cod 水郷潮来あやめ園 水郷潮来あやめ祭 e=1325 Schedule & Key events: ●daily 18:30-22:00 Flowers are lit up ●Sundays 12:00-13:00 Ayame-odori dancing is performed

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