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. Date of events marked with ◇ are the same every year. 5. Japanese explanations appearing at the bottom of each entry give the names of the event and the nearest railway station in Japanese. Point to this Japanese when you need help from a Japanese passerby. 6. Please refer to URL (basically in Japanese) for each event. 7. The subway ｌines and ｓtation numbers are indicated in parentheses ( ).

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

Calendar Events to be enjoyed in March 2013

TOKYO 東京

Date Feb. 8 ～ Mar. 8 Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri , Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival at Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Bunkyo-ku. Nodate (an open-air tea ceremony) is held from 11 am every Sunday during the festival period. A tea ticket is \500. Access The Chiyoda Subway Line to Yushima Sta. (C 13) 文京区 湯島 湯島天神 湯島天神梅まつり 最寄駅 千代田線湯島駅

Date Mar. 1 Tanashi Daruma Ichi , Dharma Doll Fair at Tanashisan Soji-ji Temple, Tanashicho, Nishitokyo in the suburbs of . Stalls selling Dharma dolls are set up in the temple compound from around 9 am to sunset. Access 30 min. by the from Seibu Shinjuku Sta. to Tanashi Sta. (North Exit), and then walk 5 min. 西東京市田無町 田無山総持寺 田無だるま市 最寄駅 西武新宿駅より西武新宿線で30分、田無駅（北口）下車、徒歩5分

Date Mar. 3 ＆ Mar. 4 Jindaiji Daruma Ichi , Dharma Doll Fair at Jindaiji Temple, Chofu in the suburbs of Tokyo. About 300 stalls selling Dharma dolls, temple charms, trinkets and so on are set up on the approach to the temple from 9 am to around 5 pm on both days. Access (1) The Keio Line to Tsutsujigaoka Sta. (North Exit) or Chofu Sta. (North Exit). From there, 15 min. by bus for Jindaiji, and get off at Jindaiji Bus Stop. (2) The JR Chuo Line to Kichijoji Sta. (South Exit) or Mitaka Sta. (South Exit). From there, 30 min. by bus for Jindaiji, and get off at Jindaiji Bus Stop. 調布市 深大寺境内 深大寺だるま市 最寄駅 (1) 京王線つつじヶ丘駅北口又は調布駅北口より深大寺行バスで15分、深大寺下車 (2) JR中央線吉祥寺駅（南口）又は三鷹駅（南口）より深大寺行きバスで30分、深大寺下車

Date Mar. 10 Hi-watari-Sai , rigorous religious practice of walking on burnt charcoals at Takaosan Yakuoin Temple, Hachioji on the outskirts of Tokyo. This is believed to drive away the sins and filth of the world. Following the lighting ceremony, Yamabushi (mountain priests) walk barefoot on the burning embers from 1 pm. Anyone may participate in this practice toward the end of the event. http://www.takaosan.or.jp/hiwatari/index.html Access The Keio Line from Shinjuku Sta. to Takaosan-guchi Sta., and then walk 5 min. to Jidosha Kitoden-Hiroba . 八王子市 高尾町 高尾山薬王院自動車祈祷殿広場 火渡り祭 最寄駅 新宿駅より京王線高尾山口駅下車、徒歩5分で自動車祈祷殿広場

1 Date Mar. 17 Kanbai Shimin Matsuri , Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival at Yoshino Baigo in Ome on the outskirts of Tokyo. There are about 25,000 Japanese apricot trees usually in full bloom on the day. Various events such as Japanese drumming, Shishimai (lion dance) and a tea ceremony are held at Jindaibashi-dori Street and Ume-no-Koen Park from 10 am to 4 pm. If it rains, all the events will be postponed to the 24th. Access The JR Ome Line to Hinatawada Sta., and then walk 15 min. to the park. 青梅市梅郷 梅の公園 神代橋周辺 観梅市民まつり 最寄駅 JR青梅線日向和田駅より公園へ徒歩15分

Date Mar. 18 Kinryu-no-mai , Golden Dragon Dance at Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. The dance to pray for a rich harvest of the year is performed three times at 11:30 am, 2 pm and 3:30 pm on the temple grounds. When it rains, it will be canceled. Access The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta. (G 19, A 18) 台東区 浅草寺境内 金竜の舞 最寄駅 地下鉄銀座線又は都営浅草線浅草駅

Date Mar. 21 ～ Mar. 24 Tokyo International Anime (animation) Fair 2013 is held at Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba. The fair is the world's largest in scale of this kind and brings together anime-related Japanese and overseas companies. The fair is open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm (enter by 5:30 pm) on the 23rd and 24th. Ticket costs \1,000 at the venue on the day. (Advance ticket \800 is available at LAWSON and MINI STOP, and ANIMATE stores until Mar. 22nd.) http://www.tokyoanime.jp/en Access (1) The Line from Shimbashi Sta. to Kokusaitenjijo-seimon Sta. (2) The to Kokusaitenjijo Sta., and then walk 7 min. (3) About 30 min. by Toei Bus from Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal to Tokyo Big Sight. 江東区東京ﾋﾞｯｸﾞｻｲﾄ 東1・2・3ﾎｰﾙ他 東京国際ｱﾆﾒﾌｪｱ2013 最寄駅 (1) ゆりかもめ新橋駅から国際展示場正門駅下車 (2) りんかい線国際展示場駅より徒歩7分 (3) 浜松町バスターミナルより都営バスで約30分東京ビックサイト下車

Date Mar. 22 ～ Mar. 24 Heiwajima Zenkoku Komingu Kotto Matsuri or Heiwajima Antique Fair is held at Heiwajima Tokyo Ryutsu Center, Ota-ku, from 10 am to 5 pm (to 4 pm on the 24th) daily during the period. (Please enter an hour before the closing time.) More than 280 dealers participate in this fair. Admission is free. http://www.kottouichi.com/heiwajima/HOME.html Access The Line from Hamamatsucho Sta. to Ryutsu Center Sta. 大田区 平和島 平和島東京流通センタービル 展示ホール 平和島全国古民具骨董まつり 最寄駅 浜松町駅より東京モノレール流通センター駅

Date Mar. 23 ～ Apr. 7 Ueno Sakura Matsuri , Cherry Blossom Festival at Ueno Park, Taito-ku. People can enjoy viewing about 1,200 cherry trees in bloom even in the evening, as thousands of Bonbori (paper lanterns) are lit up from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Some events are scheduled around Shinobazu-no-ike Pond in the park daily during the period. Note The festival period could vary depending on cherry flowering. Access The JR , the Ginza or Hibiya Subway Line to Ueno Sta. (G 16, H 17) 台東区 上野公園 うえの桜まつり 最寄駅 JR山手線、地下鉄銀座線又は日比谷線上野駅

2 Date Mar. 25 Shinkisai or Taimatsu Matsuri , Torchlight Festival at Kameido Tenjin (Tenmangu) Shrine, Koto-ku, features a torchlight parade of about 40 children & adults from around 6 pm to 7 pm. When it rains, the parade will be canceled, and only the Shinto ritual will be held indoors. Access The JR Sobu Line to Kameido Sta. or Kinshicho Sta., and then walk 15 min. 江東区 亀戸天神 神忌祭 又は たいまつまつり 最寄駅 JR総武線亀戸駅または錦糸町駅より徒歩15分

Date Late Mar. ～ Early Apr. Chiyoda-no-Sakura Matsuri , Cherry Blossom Festival at Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. One can enjoy a view of cherry blossoms along the Chidorigafuchi path and in the precincts of Yasukuni Shrine until around 10 pm, as flowers are lit up in the evening. Note The festival period could vary depending on cherry flowering. Access The Tozai, Hanzomon or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Kudanshita Sta. (T 07, Z 06, S 05) , and then walk 5 min. to Yasukuni Shrine & Chidorigafuchi. 千代田区 靖国神社 千鳥ヶ淵 千代田のさくらまつり 最寄駅 地下鉄東西線、半蔵門線又は都営新宿線で九段下駅、徒歩5分で靖国神社と千鳥ヶ淵

Date Late Mar. ～ Early Apr. Bokutei Sakura Matsuri, Cherry Blossom Festival at Sumida Koen Park, Sumida-ku. Some events are scheduled on Sakurabashi Bridge over the Sumida River on Saturdays and Sundays during the period. Note The festival period could vary depending on cherry flowering. Access The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta. (G 19, A 18) 墨田区 隅田公園 桜橋橋上 墨堤さくらまつり 最寄駅 銀座線又は都営浅草線浅草駅

KANTO 関東

Date Feb. 9 ～ Mar. 3 ◇Sankei-en Kanbai-kai or Ume Matsuri , Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival at Sankei-en Garden, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. This Japanese-style landscape garden has about 2,000 Japanese apricot trees, and is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Admission is \500. Access (1) The JR to Negishi Sta. From there, 10 min. by bus to Honmoku Bus Stop, and then walk 7 min. (2) The JR Keihin Tohoku, JR Tokaido or the Tokyu Toyoko Line to Yokohama Sta. (East Exit). From there, 35 min. by bus to Honmoku Sankeien-mae Bus Stop, and then walk 3 min. 神奈川県 横浜市 三渓園 三渓園観梅会 最寄駅 (1) JR根岸線根岸駅よりバスで10分、本牧下車 、徒歩7分 (2) JR京浜東北線、JR東海道線又は東急東横線横浜駅（東口）よりバスで35分、本牧三渓園前下車、徒歩3分

Date Feb. 9 ～ Mar. 10 Yugawara-bairin "Ume-no-Utage", Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival at Makuyama Park in Yugawara, Kanagawa Pref. Visitors can enjoy viewing 4,000 Japanese apricot trees in blossom, lit up until 8:30 pm daily from Feb. 23rd to Mar. 3rd. Access The JR Tokaido Line to Yugawara Sta., and then take a direct bus (about 10 min.) for Makuyama Park, which is available during the period.

神奈川県 足柄下郡 湯河原温泉町 幕山公園 湯河原梅林「梅の宴」 最寄駅 JR東海道線湯河原駅 から幕山公園まで、期間中は直通バス（約10分）あり

3 Date Feb. 20 ～ Mar. 31 Mito-no-Ume Matsuri, Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival at Kairakuen Garden, Mito, Ibaraki Pref. Various events are scheduled, such as (1) Hina-nagashi , the event of floating paper dolls down on a stream from 10:30 am on Mar. 2nd, and from 11 am on Mar. 3rd, and (2) Nodate (an open-air tea ceremony) from 10 am to 3 pm on Mar. 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th. Admission to this garden is free. Access (1) The JR Joban Line to Kairakuen Rinji Sta. (temporary station). Direct local trains & Limited Express trains leaving Ueno Sta. from 9:10 am to 3:30 pm are operated on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the period. (2) The JR Joban Line to Mito Sta., and then 20 min. by bus to Kairakuen Bus Stop. 茨城県 水戸市 偕楽園 水戸の梅まつり (1) まつり期間中の土、日、祝日に、上野駅発午前9時10分から午後3時30分迄のＪR常磐線特急及び普通列車は偕楽園臨時駅に停車する 最寄駅 (2) JR常磐線水戸駅よりバスで20分偕楽園下車

Date Mar. 3 Nagatoro Hi-Matsuri , Fire Festival at Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Pref. Lengyo (a parade of mountain priests) leaves the grounds in front of Nagatoro Sta. at 12:30 pm for the parking lot, where Hi-watari (rigorous religious practice of walking on burnt charcoals) takes place from 1 pm to around 2:30 pm. Anyone may participate in this practice toward the end of the event. Access (1) The Tobu Tojo Line to Yorii Sta. From there, the Chichibu Tetsudo Railway to Nagatoro Sta., and then walk 15 min. to the site. (2) 1 hr. 30 min. by 's Limited Express, "Red Arrow," from Ikebukuro Sta. to Seibu Chichibu Sta., and then walk about 5 min. to Ohanabatake Sta. From there, take the Chichibu Tetsudo Railway to Nagatoro Sta., and then walk 15 min. to the site.

埼玉県 秩父郡 長瀞町 宝登山ロープウェイ山麓駅 長瀞火祭り 最寄駅 (1) 東武東上線寄居駅より、秩父鉄道に乗り換え長瀞駅下車、会場まで徒歩15分 (2) 池袋より西武池袋線特急"レッドアロー"で1時間30分西武秩父駅下車後、徒歩約5分のお花畑駅より秩父鉄道で長瀞駅下車、会場まで徒歩15分

Date Mar. 27 ◇Yudate-no-Shishi-mai , Lion Dance of Suwa Shrine, -machi, Ashigara-Shimo-gun, Kanagawa Pref., from 1 pm to 3 pm. One of Shishimai lion dances, Kama-Meguri-no-mai is distinguished for its dance of splashing hot water with bamboo leaves over visitors. It is said that people getting splashed by water is a sign to be in good health through the year.

Access TheJR Tokaido Line, JR Tokaido Line or the Odakyu Line to Sta. From there, about 50 min. by Hakone Tozan Tetsudo Bus to Sengoku Bus Stop., and then walk 5 min. to the Shrine. 神奈川県 足柄下郡 箱根町 諏訪神社 湯立の獅子舞 最寄駅 JR東海道新幹線、JR東海道線又は小田急線小田原駅より、箱根登山鉄道バスで約50分、仙石下車後神社まで徒歩5分

Date Mar. 29 ～ Apr. 7 Kan-ou-no-Yube , Cherry Blossom-viewing Festival at night, at Sankei-en Garden, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. This Japanese-style landscape garden has about 500 cherry trees. One can enjoy cherry blossom-viewing even in the evening, since the garden is lit up until 9 pm during the period. Admission to the garden is \500. Note The festival period could vary depending on cherry flowering. Access (1) The JR Negishi Line to Negishi Sta. From there, 10 min. by bus to Honmoku Bus Stop, and then walk 7 min. (2) The JR Keihin Tohoku, JR Tokaido or the Tokyu Toyoko Line to Yokohama Sta. (East Exit). From there, 30 min. by bus to Honmoku Sankeien-mae Bus Stop, and then walk 3 min. 神奈川県横浜市 三渓園 観桜の夕べ 最寄駅 (1) JR根岸線根岸駅よりバスで10分、本牧下車、徒歩7分 (2) JR京浜東北線、 JR東海道線又は東急東横線横浜駅（東口）よりバスで30分、本牧三渓園前下車、徒歩3分

4 Date Late Mar. ～ Early Apr. Odawara Sakura Matsuri , Cherry Blossom Festival at Joshi Koen Park, Odawara, Kanagawa Pref. One can enjoy viewing the 350 blooming cherry trees in the garden even in the evening, as flowers are lit up during the period. Chigo-Gyoretsu (a parade of children in fancy attire) is held from 1 pm to around 2 pm on Apr. 7th. Note The festival period could vary depending on cherry flowering. Access (1) The JR Tokaido Shinkansen or the JR Tokaido Line to Odawara Sta., and then walk 7 min. (2) 1 hr. 10 min. by Odakyu Railways' Limited Express, "Romance Car" or 1 hr. 40 min. by Odakyu Railways' Express from Shinjuku Sta. to Odawara Sta., and then walk 7 min. 神奈川県小田原市 城趾公園 小田原桜まつり 最寄駅 (1) JR東海道新幹線又はJR東海道線小田原駅より徒歩７分 (2) 新宿駅より小田急線特急“ロマンスカー”で1時間10分又は小田急線(急行)で1時間40分、小田原駅下車、徒歩７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. ©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.

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

Calendar Events to be enjoyed in March 2013

HOKKAIDO & TOHOKU 北海道・東北

Ｄａｔｅ Dec. 29 ～ Mar. 3

Zao Juhyo Light-up at Zao Onsen Ski Ground, Zao Onsen, Yamagata, Yamagata Pref., features the lights lit over Juhyo , trees covered with frost, along the Zao Ropeway Sancho Line and around Jizo Sancho Sta., from 5 pm to 9 pm daily on the following days; Dec. 29th-Jan. 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th-Mar. 3rd. On Feb. 2nd, an event in which skiers and snowboarders holding torchlights descend on the Uwanodai ski slope under a fireworks display is held from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

http://www.zao-spa.or.jp/node/837 Access The JR Ou Honsen Line or JR Line to Yamagata Sta. From there, 45 min. by bus to Zao Onsen Bus Stop, and then walk 15 min. to Uwanodai Gelande Ropeway Sta. 所在地 山形県 山形市 蔵王温泉 蔵王樹氷ライトアップ 最寄駅 JR奥羽本線又はJR山形新幹線山形駅より、バスで45分蔵王温泉下車、上ノ台ゲレンデ ロープウェイ駅へ徒歩15分

Ｄａｔｅ Mar. 10 ◇ Hote Matsuri Festival at Shiogama Shrine, Shiogama, Miyagi Pref. This festival has a 300-year history. A parade of a gigantic Mikoshi (portable shrine, weighing 1 ton) carried by sixteen young men attired in white costume and accompanied by about 500 people departs from the Shrine at 12:30 pm, marching through the city, and returns at 8 pm. http://www.shiogamajinja.jp/annualevent/01.shtml Access The JR from Sendai Sta. to Hon-Shiogama Sta., and then walk 10 min. 所在地 宮城県 塩釜市 塩釜神社 帆手祭 最寄駅 仙台駅よりJR仙石線で本塩釜駅下車徒歩10分

CHUBU 中部

Ｄａｔｅ Jan. 12 ～ Mar. 3 ◇ Baien Ume Matsuri , Japanese Apricot Festival at Atami Baien (Japanese apricot garden), Atami, Shizuoka Pref. There are about 450 Japanese apricot trees of 60 species in the garden and they begin to bloom usually from the middle of January. The garden is open from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Admission is \300. Various events are scheduled during the period. http://www.ataminews.gr.jp/ume/ Access (1) The JR Ito Line to Kinomiya Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) The JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line or JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Atami Sta. From there, 15 min. by bus bound for Ainohara-Danchi or Baien, and then get off at Baien-mae Bus Stop. 所在地 静岡県 熱海市 熱海梅園 熱海梅園梅まつり 最寄駅 (1) JR伊東線来宮駅より徒歩10分 (2) JR東海道新幹線又は東海道本線 熱海駅へ、そこより相ノ原団地行バス 又は 梅園行バスで15分、梅園前下車

1 Ｄａｔｅ Feb. 5 ～ Mar. 10 ◎ Kawazu-zakura Matsuri , Cherry Blossom Festival in Kawazu, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Pref. Rich pink blossoms are distinctive of Kawazu-zakura which come into bloom in February. One could enjoy seeing the cherry blossoms along the Kawazu River, even at night until 9 pm, since the blossoms are lit up daily during the period. http://www.kawazu-onsen.com/eng/index.php Access (1) 2 hrs. 30 min. by JR Limited Express "" from Tokyo Sta. to Kawazu Sta. (2) 50 min. by the Izukyuko Line from Ito Sta. on the JR Ito Line to Kawazu Sta. 所在地 静岡県賀茂郡河津町 河津桜まつり 最寄駅 (1) JR特急踊り子号で東京駅から河津駅まで2時間30分 (2) JR伊東線伊東駅から伊豆急行で河津駅まで50分

Ｄａｔｅ Mar. 2 Yuzawa Onsen Yuki Matsuri , Snow Festival at Nunoba Skiing Ground in Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen, Minami-Uonuma, Niigata Pref., features a parade of about 100 skiers with torchlights from around 8:40 pm and a fireworks display from 8:50 pm to 9 pm. Some other events such as a parade of Mikoshi and Japanese drumming are scheduled from 6 pm. Access The JR Joetsu Line or JR Joetsu Shinkansen Line to Echigo-Yuzawa Sta., and then walk 15 min. 所在地 新潟県 南魚沼市 湯沢温泉 布場スキー場 湯沢温泉雪まつり 最寄駅 JR上越線又はJR上越新幹線越後湯沢駅より徒歩15分

Ｄａｔｅ Mar. 2 ◇◎ Wakasa-no-Omizu-okuri , an offering sacred water ritual at Wakasa Jinguji Temple, Obama, Fukui Pref. The Shinto rituals start from 11 am at the Shrine, including Yumiuchi (Japanese archery shooting) from 1 pm and Dattan (priests brandishing torchlights) from 6 pm, both to exorcise evil spirits. The highlight of the rites is a torchlight procession called Taimatsu Gyoretsu , which departs from Jinguji Temple at around 7 pm and arrives around 8 pm at the place called "Unose ", where solemn rites take place until 9 pm. http://www.city.obama.fukui.jp/maturi/omizu.htm Access The JR Obama Line originating from Tsuruga to Obama Sta. From there, 20 min. by temporary buses (Rinji-basu, \500) operated between 5:30 pm and 6 pm on Mar. 2nd. 所在地 福井県 小浜市 若狭神宮寺 鵜の瀬 若狭のお水送り 最寄駅 敦賀駅発JR小浜線で小浜駅下車、そこから神宮寺まで臨時バス(500円）で20分（当日のみ 5：30 pm- 6 pmの間運行）

Date Mar. 3 Hadaka Oshiai Matsuri , Naked Festival at Bishamondo of Fukoji Temple, Minami-Uonuma, Niigata Pref. The festival with a 1,200-year history is to pray for a rich harvest of the year, and is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Properties. The highlight of this festival is Hadaka-oshiai in which about 500 young men only in loincloths purify themselves in the cold water, and then jostle one another for catching Kifuda , wooden tablets of prize coupons, in Bishamondo Hall for several times from 7 pm to around 11 pm. Some other events are scheduled from 8:30 am to around 11:30 pm. http://enjoyniigata.com/english/03/urasa-bishamon-shrine-naked-shoving-festival.html Access The JR Joetsu Line or JR Joetsu Shinkansen Line to Urasa Sta., and then walk 6 min. 所在地 新潟県 南魚沼市 普光寺 浦左毘沙門堂 本町丸山前 裸押し合い祭り 最寄駅 JR上越線又はJR上越新幹線浦佐駅より徒歩6分

2 KINKI 近畿

Ｄａｔｅ Mar. 1 ～ Mar. 14 ◇◎ Shuni-e or Omizu-tori , Sacred Water-drawing Festival, at Nigatsu-do, Todaiji Temple, Nara, Nara Pref. The festival has over a 1,250-year history and symbolizes the arrival of spring. The highlight of this festival is Otaimatsu in which temple priests brandish huge burning torches to produce a shower of sparks on the balcony of the Nigatsu-do from around 7 pm for 20 min. daily (from 7:30 pm for 45 min. on the 12th, and from 6:30 pm for 10 min. on the 14th). As sparks are believed to have magic power against evils, devout people make a rush to catch them. http://www.todaiji.or.jp/contents/function/02-03syunie2.html Access The Kintetsu Nara Line to Kintetsu-Nara Sta. From there, 5 min. by bus to Daibutsuden-mae Bus Stop, and then walk 15 min. to Nigatsu-do. 所在地 奈良市 東大寺 二月堂 修二会（お水取り又はおたいまつ） 最寄駅 近鉄奈良駅より循環バスで5分、大仏殿前下車、二月堂までは徒歩15分

Ｄａｔｅ Mar. 16 ＆ Mar. 17 ◎ Sagicho Matsuri Festival, at Himure Hachiman Shrine, Omi-Hachiman, Shiga Pref. Thirteen Sagicho , beautiful floats bedecked with foods and grains, are carried through the city by men disguised in women's dresses and makeup from 2 pm to around 5:30 pm on both days. The highlight of the festival comes on the 17th, when all the floats are gathered in the precincts of the Shrine around 6 pm, and are burnt out one after another for dedication to the Shrine from around 8 pm to 10:40 pm. http://www.omi8.com/maturi/sagicho.htm Access The JR Tokaido Line to Omi-Hachiman Sta. (North Exit), and then walk 30 min., or temporary buses to the shrine operated form 10 am to 5 pm on both days. 所在地 滋賀県 近江八幡市 日牟礼八幡神社 左義長祭 最寄駅 JR東海道線近江八幡駅（北口）より徒歩30分、又は 二日間 神社行き臨時バスが午前10時から午後5時まで運行

Ｄａｔｅ Mar. 29 ～ Mar. 31 Kyoto Grand Antique Fair at PULSE PLAZA, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, is held from 10 am to 5 pm (to 4 pm on the 31st) during the fair period, with about 330 dealers participating in this bargain-hunting event. Admission is free. http://www.gomoku-do.com/ Access The Kintetsu Kyoto Line or the Karasuma Subway Line to Takeda Sta., and then walk 15 min. to PULSE PLAZA. (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 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）

Ｄａｔｅ Mar. 30 ～ Apr. 5 ◇ Yakushiji Shuni-e Hana-e-shiki , Flower Offering Ceremony at Yakushiji Temple, Nara, Nara Pref. This festival symbolizes the arrival of spring. The interior of the temple's main hall is lavishly decorated with a variety of flowers. Various events are scheduled such as Chigo-Gyoretsu (a procession of children in fancy attire) from 1 pm on Mar. 31st, Noh performance from 1 pm on Apr. 2nd, and Oni-oi-shiki (rites of dispelling the five rampaging devils) from around 8:30 pm on Apr. 5th.

http://www.nara-yakushiji.com/contents/hanaesiki/ Access The Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Nishinokyo Sta., and then walk 2 min. 所在地 奈良市 薬師寺 金堂 薬師寺修二会花会式 最寄駅 近鉄橿原線西ノ京駅より徒歩2分

3 KYUSHU & OKINAWA 九州 沖縄

Ｄａｔｅ Mar. 9 & Mar. 19 ◎ Aso-no-Hi-Matsuri , Fire Festival in Aso National Park, Kumamoto Pref. On the 9th, Hi-moji-yaki , Grass Fire in the shape of the Chinese character "火" meaning "Fire" being kindled, starts from 6 pm and a fireworks display is held from 7:30 pm. On the 19th, Hifuri-shinji , Shinto ritual in which parishioners brandish burning torches to pray for a good harvest of this year, takes place in the precincts of Aso Shrine from 6 pm to around 8 pm. It is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. http://www.aso-aso.com/006event/himatsuri/ http://www.aso-aso.com/006event/hihuri/ Access (1) Hi-moji-yaki : The JR Hohi Line to Aso Sta. From there, take a bus bound for Uchinomaki Onsen, and then get off at Hana-aso-bi Bus Stop. (2) Hifuri-shinji : The JR Hohi Line to Miyaji Sta., and then walk 15 min. or 5 min. by taxi to Aso Shrine. 所在地 熊本県 阿蘇市 一の宮町 宮地 阿蘇神社 はな阿蘇美(往生岳） 阿蘇の火まつり 最寄駅 (１) 火文字焼き: JR豊肥線阿蘇駅から内牧温泉行きバスではな阿蘇美下車 (2) 火振り神事: JR豊肥線宮地駅より徒歩15分 又は、タクシーで5分で阿蘇神社

Ｄａｔｅ Mar. 30 ～ Apr. 3 ◎ Imari Haru-no Kamamoto Ichi or Imari Kamamoto Matsuri , Ceramic Fair at Ohkawachi, Imari, Saga Pref., is held at the Ohkawachi-yama area in the city from around 9 am to around 5 pm during the period. 30 Kamamoto (kilns) in the area participate in this event.

Access (1) 1 hr. 30 min. by JR Limited Express "Midori" from Hakata Sta. to Arita Sta., and then take the Matsuura Railways (the Nishi Kyushu Line) to Imari Sta. From there, 10 min. by bus to Ohkawachi-yama Bus Stop. (2) From Hakata Kotsu Center, 1 hr. 40 min. by Highway Bus to Imari Bus Center. From there, 10 min. by bus to Ohkawachi-yama Bus Stop. 所在地 佐賀県 伊万里市大川内町 大川内山（窯元群） いまり春の窯元市 最寄駅 （1) 博多よりJR特急"みどり"で有田駅まで行き(1時間半)、松浦鉄道・西九州線に乗り換えて伊万里駅下車、そこよりバスで10分、大川内山バス停下車 （2) 博多交通センターから高速バスで1時間40分、伊万里バスセンター下車、そこよりバスで10分、大川内山（おおかわちやま）バス停下車

4