Calendar of Events April 2016 花まつり Notes: Hana Matsuri 1

Calendar of Events April 2016 花まつり Notes: Hana Matsuri 1. Published by Tourist Information Center of Japan National Tourism Organization and all rights reserved. HanaHana Matsuri, Matsuri A Floral 花まつり Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. ©2016 Japan National Tourism Organization BirthdayHana is Matsuri, held at allA Floral Buddhist Festival temples to celebrate on the days the centering 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. aroundBuddha's April 8, Birthday which is is said held to at be all the Buddhist Buddha's temples Birthday. on the At Be sure to check the latest information in advance. the temples,days centering small imagesaround of April Buddha 8, which are openis said to to the be publicthe 3. The access shows only major route. Please refer to following URL for alternative transportation from the station where you want to start. and Buddha'sAmacha (sweet Birthday. tea) At is thepoured temples, over smallthe images images as of an http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ expressionBuddha of are devotion. open to Chigo the public-Gyoretsu, and Amacha parades (sweet of children tea) in 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. fancyis attire,poured pulling over the a papier images-mache as an whiteexpression elephant, of devotion. a sacred 5. Please refer to URL (basically in Japanese) for each event. If you have further questions, please call TIC, JNTO at following number. animalChigo associated-Gyoretsu, with parades the Buddha, of children are also in fancy held attire,at many TIC, JNTO Tel : (03)-3201-3331 from overseas +81 3 3201 3331 temples.pulling a papier-mache white elephant, a sacred animal

Hanami 花見 Special Remarks: Glossary： Hanami, Cherry Blossom Viewing is a common sight in the Dates and Times are shown as follows which is common in Japan. Dashi/Yatai/Yama Float spring in Japan. When the cherry blossoms - "sakura" are in Gyoretsu Procession Dates : M/D April 3 ⇒ 4/3 full bloom, usually from the end of March to April, picnic Karakuri Ningyo Mechanically manipulated dolls Time : 24 hours system 8:00am ⇒ 8:00 parties among families, friends and colleagues are held under Matsuri Festival, Event the cherry trees, where everyone merrily enjoys eating, Mikoshi Portable shrine 8:00pm ⇒ 20:00 drinking and socializing. Otabisho Portable shrine resting place Please visit JNTO Cherry blooming forecast site; http://www.jnto.go.jp/sakura/eng/index.php

Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

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

Summary: Festival in commemoration of the famous warlord "Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578)". Uesugi-jinja Shrine, JR Yamagata Yonezawa Uesugi Schedule & Key events: http://uesugi Tohoku Yamagata Yonezawa Matsukawa River Shinkansen Line to JR山形新幹線米沢駅より 4/29 ～ 5/3 Matsuri ●5/3 .yonezawa- 東北山形県米沢市 and others Yonezawa Sta., and 徒歩10分米沢上杉まつり 9:30- Parade of Mikoshi of Uesugi-jinja Shrine and floats, through matsuri.jp/ 上杉神社、 then walk 10 min. 松川河畔ほか the city's main street 10:20- Uesugi Gundan Gyoretsu (a parade of about 1,000 Samurai warriors), through the city's main street 14:00- Kawanaka-jima Gassen (sham battle) at Matsukawa riverside

Summary: Cherry Blossom Festival in commemoration of the famous feudal lords "Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616)" - the founder of the Tokugawa JR Tokaido Shinkansen Iga Hachiman-gu Shogunate in Edo (present-day Tokyo). The period of light up is Line to Toyohashi Sta. Shrine, Okazaki subject to change depending on blooming. Okazaki Sakura From there, take Park, Otogawa JR東海道新幹線豊橋駅よ Chubu Aichi Okazaki Matsuri & Ieyasu Meitetsu Nagoya http://okazak 4/1 ～ 4/15 River and others Schedule & Key events: り名鉄名古屋本線で東岡中部愛知県岡崎市 Gyoretsu Honsen Line to i-kanko.jp/ 伊賀八幡宮、 ●daily 崎駅下車、徒歩15分岡崎桜まつりと家康行列 Higashi-Okazaki Sta., 岡崎公園、 18:00-22:00 Cherry blossoms light up at Okazaki Park and then walk 15 min. 乙川堤ほか ●4/10 13:30-15:00 Gyoretsu of Shogun Ieyasu and about 800 Samurai warriors from Iga Hachiman-gu Shrine to Otogawa riverbed 15:30- Sham battle at Otogawa riverbed

Summary: Festival features 13 gorgeously decorated Yama with Karakuri Ningyo , parading on the city's main streets.

Schedule & Key events: JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Nagoya Sta. Haritsuna-jinja ●4/2 JR東海道新幹線名古屋駅 http://inuya Chubu Aichi Inuyama Inuyama Matsuri From there, take 4/2 ～ 4/3 Shrine and others 8:00-21:45 Parade of 13 floats より名鉄犬山線で犬山駅下 ma.gr.jp/eve 中部愛知県犬山市犬山祭 Meitetsu Inuyama Line 針綱神社ほか 12:00-15:30 Performance of Karakuri Ningyo on the floats at the 車、徒歩15分 nts/43363 to Inuyama Sta., and shrine then walk 15 min. ●4/3 8:00-21:45 Parade of 13 floats 9:50-14:30 Performance of Karakuri Ningyo on the floats at the shrine

Summary: Festival in commemoration of the famous feudal lords "Takeda Shingen (1521-1573)". Kofu Sta., http://www.y Maizuru-jo Park Schedule & Key events: JR Chuo Honsen Line to amanashi- Chubu Yamanashi Kofu Shingen-ko Matsuri JR中央本線甲府駅より徒 4/8 ～ 4/10 and others ●4/9 Kofu Sta., and then kankou.jp/shi 中部山梨県甲府市信玄公祭り歩5分甲府駅前、 16:30-17:00 Shutsujin-shiki (a ceremony of prayer for victory) in walk 5 min. ngen/schedul 舞鶴城公園ほか Maizuru-jo Park e.html 17:00-18:50 Jidai-gyoretsu (a procession of 1,500 Samurai warrior) from Kofu Sta. to Maizuru-jo Park, going through the main streets of the city

Summary: Ceramic Festival. About 150,000 people come to buy "Mino" ceramic JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Nagoya Sta. every spring. Many other events are held in the city during the JR東海道新幹線名古屋よ Honmachi Oribe From there, take JR Chubu Gifu Tajimi Tajimi Toki Matsuri festival period. りJR中央本線で多治見駅 http://www.t 4/9 ～ 4/10 Street and others Chuo Honsen Line to 中部岐阜県多治見市たじみ陶器まつり下車、徒歩15分又は無料 ajimi-pr.jp/ 本町オリベストリートほか Tajimi Sta., and then シャトルバス Schedule & Key events: walk 15 min. or take ●4/9 9:00-18:00 free shuttle bus ●4/10 9:00-17:00

Summary: Festival features leisurely-drawn Dashi , Mikoshi and folk dancers going between Ushikubo Hachimansha Shrine and Tennosha Shrine. Ushikubo JR Tokaido Shinkansen Ushikubo- http://www.t Hachimansha Schedule & Key events: Line to Toyohashi Sta. cho, JR東海道新幹線豊橋駅よ oyokawa- Chubu Aichi Shrine, Tennosha Unagouji Matsuri ●4/9 From there, take JR Iida 4/9 ～ 4/10 Toyokawa りJR飯田線で牛久保駅下 map.net/festi 中部愛知県 Shrine and others うなごうじ祭 15:30-20:00 Parade of Dashi and Mikoshi between two shrines Line to Ushikubo Sta., 豊川市車、徒歩5～10分 val/wakabasa 牛久保八幡社、 and then walk 5-10 牛久保町 ●4/10 i.php 天王社ほか 12:20-20:30 Parade of Dashi and Mikoshi between two shrines min. 20:30-21:00 Mikomai (Shinto dance by children) and Karakuri Ningyo performance on the floats and Ohayashi festival music and a folk dance in the precincts of Ushikubo Hachimansha Shrine

Summary: One of the grandest festival in Japan. 12 gorgeously embellished floats parade along the streets in the city, escorted by people in gay attire. The festival reaches its climax when all the floats lit up with lanterns are drawn in the city from the evening on 14th.

Schedule & Key events: http://kankou ●4/14 .city.takayam Hie-jinja Shrine JR Takayama Honsen Chubu Gifu Takayama Takayama Matsuri 9:30-16:00 Parade of 12 floats in the city JR高山本線高山駅より徒 a.lg.jp/20000 4/14 ～ 4/15 and others Line to Takayama Sta., 中部岐阜県高山市高山祭 11:00- & 15:00- Performance of Karakuri Ningyo on three of the 歩15分 02/2000024/ 日枝神社ほか and then walk 15 min. floats at Otabisho 2001064.htm 13:00-16:00 Parade of Mikoshi from the shrine to Otabisho l 18:30-21:00 Parade of all floats lit up with lanterns in the city ●4/15 9:30-16:00 Parade of 12 floats in the city 10:00- & 14:00- Performance of Karakuri Ningyo on three of the floats at Otabisho 12:30-16:00 Parade of Mikoshi from Otabisho to the shrine

Summary: Sham Battles of famous "Kawanakajima Kassen" battle fought http://www.i Isawa-cho, Kawanakajima between famous warlords, "Takeda Shingen" and "Uesugi Kenshin", in JR Chuo Honsen Line to sawa- Chubu Yamanashi Fuefuki Fuefuki River Kassen Sengoku the 16th century. The battles are held by 900 people on the riverbeds JR中央本線石和温泉駅よ 4/17 Isawa-Onsen Sta., and kankou.org/si 中部山梨県笛吹市笛吹川河畔 Emaki of Fuefuki River, in front of Fuefuki city hall. り徒歩20分 then walk 20 min. ghtseeing/ka 石和町川中島合戦戦国絵巻 wanakajima/ Schedule & Key events: 13:30- Sham battle

Summary: Annual Festival of the shrine, designated as one of the National Intangible Folk-Cultural Property. The highlight of this festival is Okoshi-daiko , in which hundreds of partially clothed men parade on Furukawa- the streets beating drums and singing folk songs. Keta Wakamiya- JR Takayama Honsen http://www.h cho, Chubu Gifu jinja Shrine and Furukawa Matsuri Line to Hida-Furukawa JR高山本線飛騨古川駅よ ida- 4/19 ～ 4/20 Hida Schedule & Key events: 中部岐阜県 others 古川祭 Sta., and then walk 5 り徒歩5分 kankou.jp/ev 飛騨市 ●daily 気多若宮神社ほか min. ent/1313/ 古川町 morning to evening Parade of nine gorgeously decorated Yatai and Mikoshi , and performance of Karakuri Ningyo and Kodomo Kabuki (traditional play by boys) on them a few times a day ●4/19 20:00-0:10 Okoshi-daiko performance

JR Joetsu Shinkansen Line to Niigata. From there, take bus to Summary: Niigata Port - Sado- JR上越新幹線新潟駅より Local folk dances and other local performing arts of Sado Island are Kisen (15min.), and http://www.n バスで15分新潟港佐渡汽 Haru-no staged at the park. If it rains, these performing arts will be performed change to Jetfoil to iigata- Chubu Niigata Sado Mano Park 船乗場下車、ジェットホイル 4/23 ～ 4/24 Sado Geino-sai in the "Ibuki-21" gymnasium. Ryotsu Port in Sado kankou.or.jp/ 中部新潟県佐渡市真野公園に乗り換え1時間両津港下春の佐渡芸能祭 Island (1h.) sys/data?pag 船、南線バスで佐渡歴史伝 From there, take e-id=13035 Schedule & Key events: 説館下車、徒歩2分 ●daily 13:30-15:00 Minami-sen Bus to Sado Rekishi Densetsu-kan Bus Stop, and then walk 2 min.

Summary: Sacred pillars Festival, held every seven years for over 1,200 years. This festival is held over two months, consisting of the two parts: ・ Yamadashi - pulling Onbashira trees out of the mountains. Suwa Taisha ・ Satobiki - hauling Onbashira trees to the shrine. Shimosuwa- Shrine - JR Chuo Honsen Line to Hokuriku Nagano Onbashira Matsuri Preceding this festival, similar "Onbashira Matsuri" festival is also held JR中央本線下諏訪駅より http://www.o 4/8 ～ 5/16 machi Shimosha Shimosuwa Sta., and 北陸長野県御柱祭 at Suwa Taisha Shrine - Kamisha with Yamadashi on 4/2-4, and with 徒歩10分 nbashira.jp/ 下諏訪町諏訪大社 then walk 10 min. 下社 Satobiki on 5/3-5.

Schedule & Key events: ●4/8-10 Yamadashi ●5/14-16 Satobiki

(1) JR Chuo Honsen Line to Okaya Sta. http://www.n Summary: From there, take JR Iida (1) JR中央本線岡谷駅よ agano- Local puppet play, designated as National Important Tangible Folk- Line to Iida Sta., and りJR飯田線で飯田駅下 Kamisato- tabi.net/mod Shimokuroda Cultural Property. then take taxi (10 min.) 車、タクシーで10分 Hokuriku Nagano kuroda, Iida Kuroda Ningyo Joruri ules/event/in 4/16 ～ 4/17 Suwa-jinja Shrine (2) Highway Bus from (2) 新宿駅西口新宿高速北陸長野県飯田市黒田人形浄瑠璃 dex.php?actio 下黒田諏訪神社 Schedule & Key events: Shinjuku Sta. Bus バスターミナルより高速バスで上郷黒田 n=View&eve Terminal (West Exit) to 4時間15分飯田駅前下 ●4/16 18:00-21:00 nt_id=00000 Iida Eki-mae Bus Stop 車、タクシーで10分 ●4/17 13:00-16:30 00120 (4 hrs. 15 min.), and then take taxi (10 min.)

Summary: Japanese traditional dance by Geiko (professional female entertainers From JR Kyoto Sta., Kamigyo-ku, take municipal bus No. http://www. Kamishichiken in Kyoto). Admissions are 4,300 JPY or 4,800 JPY. For further JR京都駅より市バスNo. Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Kitano Odori 50 or 101 to maiko3.com/ 3/25 ～ 4/7 Kaburenjo information, call 075-461-0148 at Kamishichiken kabukai. 50 又は101で30分上七近畿京都府京都市北野をどり Kamishichiken Bus Stop event/ev- 上七軒歌舞練場軒下車、徒歩3分上京区 (30 min.), and then 4.html Schedule & Key events: walk 3 min. ●daily 13:30- & 16:00-

Summary: Cherry Blossom Festival in Himeji Castle. Please enter by 20:30 for night cherry blossom viewing. If it rains, Koto and Taiko music performances will be postponed to the following day.

Schedule & Key events: http://www.h Himeji-jo Yozakura- JR Sanyo Shinkansen imeji- Kinki Hyogo Himeji Himeji Castle ●daily JR山陽新幹線姫路駅より 4/1 ～ 4/7 kai & Kan-ou-kai Line to Himeji Sta., and kanko.jp/eve 近畿兵庫県姫路市姫路城 18:00-21:00 Night cherry blossom viewing in Nishinomaru Teien 徒歩20分姫路城夜桜会と観桜会 then walk 20 min. nt/index.php? Garden month=4 ●4/2 11:30-13:00 Koto (Japanese 13-stringed harp) performance in Sannomaru Hiroba 15:00-16:00 Taiko (Japanese drum) performance in Sannomaru Hiroba

Summary: (1) Keihan Honsen Line to Gion-Shijo Sta., and Higashiyama Cherry Dance performed by Maiko (Apprentice Geiko) and Geiko. (1) 京阪本線祇園四条駅 then walk 10 min. http://www. -ku, Admissions are 2,500 JPY, 4,200 JPY or 4,800 JPY. For further より徒歩10分 Kinki Kyoto Kobu Kaburenjo Miyako Odori (2) From JR Kyoto Sta., miyako- 4/1 ～ 4/30 Kyoto information, call 075-541-3391 at Kobu kabukai. (2) JR京都駅より市バス近畿京都府甲部歌舞練場都をどり take municipal bus No. odori.jp/engli 京都市 No. 206で30分祇園下 206 to Gion Bus Stop sh/index.html 東山区車、徒歩8分 Schedule & Key events: (30 min.), and then ●daily 12:30-, 14:00-, 15:30-, 16:50- walk 8 min.

(1) Keihan Honsen Line Summary: to Kiyomizu-Gojo Sta., Higashiyama Traditional Kyoto Dance. Admissions are 2,200 JPY, 2,800 JPY, 4,200 and then walk 7 min. (1) 京阪本線清水五条駅 -ku, Miyagawa-cho JPY or 4,800 JPY, sold at major travel agencies. For further (2) From JR Kyoto Sta., より徒歩7分 http://www. Kinki Kyoto Kyo Odori 4/2 ～ 4/17 Kyoto Kaburenjo information, call 075-561-1151 at Miyagawa-cho kabukai. take municipal bus No. (2) JR京都駅より市バス miyagawacho 近畿京都府京おどり京都市宮川町歌舞練場 205, 4 or 17 to No.205, 4又は17で河原 .jp/kyoodori/ 東山区 Schedule & Key events: Kawaramachi-Matsubara 町松原下車、徒歩7分 ●daily 12:30-, 14:30-, 16:30- Bus Stop, and then walk 7 min.

Summary: Some halls and precincts of Kyoto Imperial Palace are specially open (1) Karasuma Subway to the public. Admission is free. Please enter by 15:30. Line to Imadegawa Sta., (1) 地下鉄烏丸線今出川 http://www.k Kamigyo-ku, and then walk 5 min. Kyoto Imperial Kyoto Gosho 駅より徒歩5分 unaicho.go.jp Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Schedule & Key events: (2) From JR Kyoto Sta., 4/6 ～ 4/10 Palace Ippan Kokai (2) JR京都駅より市バスで /e- 近畿京都府京都市 ●daily 9:00-16:15 take municipal bus to 京都御所京都御所一般公開烏丸今出川下車、徒歩5 event/kyotog 上京区 Karasuma-Imadegawa ●4/9 10:00- & 11:00- Gagaku (Imperial court music and dances) 分 osho.html on the stage in front of Shunkoden Bus Stop, and then walk ●4/10 10:00- & 11:00- Kemari (ancient football game of the 5 min. Imperial court) on the stage in front of Shunkoden

(1) JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Kyoto Sta. From there, Summary: (1) JR東海道新幹線京都 take Kintetsu Kyoto Line Serving tea in a giant bowl. Japanese tea is made with huge tea 駅より近鉄京都線で大和西 to Yamato-Saidaiji Sta., http://saidaiji Kinki Nara Nara Saidai-ji Temple Ochamori utensils and served in a giant bowls. Admission is 3,000 JPY. 大寺駅下車、徒歩3分 4/9 ～ 4/10 and then walk 3 min. .or.jp/event/ 近畿奈良県奈良市西大寺大茶盛 (2) JR奈良線奈良駅より (2) JR Nara Line to Nara p1.html 近鉄奈良線で大和西大寺 Schedule & Key events: Sta. From there, take 駅下車、徒歩3分 ●daily 9:00-15:00 Kintetsu Nara Line to Yamato-Saidaiji Sta., and then walk 3 min.

Summary: Festival in commemoration of "Yoshino Tayu" , considered to be one Karasuma Subway Line to Kita-Oji Sta. From 地下鉄烏丸線北大路駅よ Kita-ku, Josho-ji Temple, of the most famous female entertainers in the 17th century. If it http://tsakae. Yoshino Tayu there, take municipal り市バス北系統No. 1で鷹 Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Genko-an Temple rains, the procession will be canceled. justhpbs.jp/jo 4/10 Hana-kuyo bus Kita-No. 1 to 峯源光庵前下車、徒歩2 近畿京都府京都市常照寺、 shoji/revinfo. 吉野太夫花供養 Takagamine Genkoan- 分北区源光庵 html Schedule & Key events: mae Bus Stop, and then 10:20-10:50 Procession of Tayu (female entertainers) from in front walk 2 min. of Genko-an Temple to Josho-ji Temple

Summary: (1) From JR Kyoto Sta., Festival designated as one of the National Important Intangible take municipal bus Cultural Properties, originates from a legend of the shrine having No.205 or 206 to Imamiya-jinja abated a serious epidemic in ancient times. The highlight of this Funaoka-yama Bus (1) JR京都駅より市バス Shrine, Konen-ji festival is a procession of parishioners holding Hanagasa (big Stop, and then walk 7 No.205又は206で船岡山 http://www.i Kita-ku, Temple, Kawakami umbrellas decorated with flowers), devils and children dancing to the min. 下車、徒歩7分 mamiyajinja. Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Dai-jingu Shrine Yasurai Matsuri accompaniment of Japanese drums and gongs. If it rains, the (2) Karasuma Subway (2) 地下鉄烏丸線北大路 org/eng/ima 4/10 近畿京都府京都市 and others やすらい祭 procession will be canceled. Line to Kitaoji Sta. From 駅より市バスNo. 1, 北8, miya_ENG/Ya 北区今宮神社、 there, take municipal 12, M1, 204, 205又は surai_festival. 光念寺、 Schedule & Key events: bus No. 1, Kita-8, 12, 206で船岡山下車、徒歩7 html 川上大神宮ほか 12:00-15:00 Procession from Konen-ji Temple and Kawakami Dai- M1, 204, 205 or 206 to 分 jingu Shrine to Imamiya-jinja Shrine Funaoka-yama Bus Stop, and then walk 7 15:00- Yasurai-mai (Shinto dance with music) in the precincts min. of Imamiya-jinja Shrine

(1) From JR Kyoto Sta., take JR Tokaido Honsen Summary: Line to Yamashina Sta., (1) JR京都駅よりJR東海 and change to Tozai 道本線で山科駅にて地下 Cherry-blossom viewing Procession, featuring a parade of 300 people http://www.d Fushimi-ku, Subway Line to Daigo 鉄東西線に乗り換え醍醐駅 Ho-Taiko clad in gorgeous costumes of Momoyama period (1573-1603?) aigoji.or.jp/ev Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Daigo-ji Temple Sta.(Exit 2), and then 下車（2番出口）、徒歩 4/10 Hanami Gyoretsu marching under the cherry blossoms. ents/events_ 近畿京都府京都市醍醐寺 walk 10 min. 10分豊太閤花見行列 detail2_e.htm 伏見区 (2) From JR Kyoto Sta., (2) JR京都駅より徒歩1分 l Schedule & Key events: walk 1 min. to Hotel のホテル京阪前から京阪バ 13:00-15:00 Parade in the compound of the temple Keihan, and then take スで30分醍醐寺下車 Keihan bus to Daigoji Bus Stop (30 min.)

Summary: Festival designated as one of the National Important Intangible Cultural Properties, features 13 beautifully bedecked floats, on which JR Tokaido Shinkansen http://kitabiw Nagahama Kodomo Kabuki (traditional play by boys) are performed, being Line to Maibara Sta. Nagahama JR東海道新幹線米原駅よ ako.jp/event/ Kinki Shiga Nagahama Hachiman-gu exhibited daily along the streets in the city. From there, take JR 4/13 ～ 4/16 Hikiyama Matsuri りJR北陸本線で長浜駅下 event_2055/? 近畿滋賀県長浜市 Shrine and others Hokuriku Honsen Line to 長浜曳山まつり車、徒歩5分 month=2016 長浜八幡宮ほか Nagahama Sta., and Schedule & Key events: /04 ●4/15 then walk 5 min. 10:00-20:30 Procession of four floats from the shrine to Otabisho and Kodomo Kabuki performance on the floats at the several sites

(1) From JR Kyoto Sta., Summary: take municipal bus No. Annual Festival of the shrine, highlighted by a game of Kemari, 9, 12, 51, 59 to (1) JR京都駅より市バス http://shiram Kamigyo-ku, Shiramine-jingu played by the shrine priests, who loft a small ball with their insteps. Horikawa Imadegawa No. 9、12、51、59で堀 inejingu.or.jp Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Shunki Reitaisai 4/14 Shrine Bus Stop 川今出川下車 /event/jyun- 近畿京都府京都市春季例大祭白峯神宮 Schedule & Key events: (2) Karasuma Subway (2) 地下鉄烏丸線今出川 nin-tennou- 上京区 11:30- Kemari game Line to Imadegawa Sta. 駅 (4番出口)より徒歩8分 sai/ (Exit 4), and then walk 8 min.

JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Nagoya Sta. JR東海道新幹線名古屋駅 Summary: From there, take より Spring Festival of the shrine. Performance of Jingu-Bugaku (ancient (1) Kintetsu Yamada (1) 近鉄山田線で宇治山 Ise-jingu Shrine - court dance with music) is dedicated to the shrine on a makeshift Line to Ujiyamada Sta., http://www.i 田駅下車、バスで15分内 Kinki Mie Ise Naiku Shunki Kagura Sai stage at Naiku. The places and hours of the performances are subject and then take bus to sejingu.or.jp/ 4/28 ～ 4/30 宮前下車近畿三重県伊勢市伊勢神宮春季神楽祭 to change in case of rain. Naiku-mae Bus Stop (15 ritual/annual/ (2) JR快速"みえ"で伊勢 (内宮) min.) event.html 市駅下車、バスで15分内 (2) JR Rapid Train "Mie" Schedule & Key events: 宮前下車 ●daily 11:00- & 14:00- Jingu-Bugaku performance to Ise-shi Sta., and then take bus to Naiku-mae Bus Stop (15 min.)

Summary: Medieval pantomime, designated as one of National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. Mibu Kyogen , 30 pantomime skits, From JR Kyoto Sta., http://www. Nakagyo-ku, have been handed down, and 5 kinds of which, are performed. take municipal bus No. JR京都駅より市バスNo. mibudera.co Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Mibu-dera Temple Mibu Kyogen 4/29 ～ 5/5 Admission is 800 JPY. 26 or 28 to Mibudera- 26又は28で壬生寺道下 m/eng/pages 近畿京都府京都市壬生寺壬生狂言 michi Bus Stop, and 車、徒歩3分 /schedules.ht 中京区 Schedule & Key events: then walk 3 min. ml ●4/29-5/4 13:00-17:30 ●5/5 13:00-17:30 / 18:00-22:00

(1) JR Sanyo Honsen Line to Miyajima-guchi Sta., and then walk 5 min. to Miyajima-guchi Pier. From there, take (1) JR山陽本線宮島口駅 Summary: ferryboat to Miyajima より徒歩5分の宮島口桟橋 Miyajima- Hi-watari Shiki , rigorous religious practice of walking on burnt Pier (10 min.), and then からフェリーで10分宮島桟 http://www. cho, charcoals in the temple's ground. walk 30 min. 橋下船、徒歩30分 miyajima.or.j Chugoku Hiroshima Daisho'in Temple Hi-watari Shiki 4/15 Hatsukaichi (2) JR Sanyo (2) JR山陽新幹線広島駅 p/event/even 中国広島県大聖院火渡り式廿日市市 Schedule & Key events: Shinkansen Line to より市電又はバスで30分広 t_shiwatari.ht 宮島町 11:00- Ritual pray for protection from illness and disaster Hiroshima Sta., and 島宇品港下車、高速船で ml 14:00- 15:00 Hi-watari Shiki then take streetcar or 22分宮島桟橋下船、徒歩 bus to Hiroshima Ujina 30分 Port (30 min.) From there, take hydrofoil to Miyajima Pier (22 min.), and then walk 30 min.

(1) JR Sanyo Honsen Line to Miyajima-guchi Sta., and then walk 5 min. to Miyajima-guchi Summary: Pier. From there, take (1) JR山陽本線宮島口駅 Peach Blossom Festival. Tokasai Bugaku (ancient court dance with ferryboat to Miyajima より徒歩5分の宮島口桟橋 Miyajima- music) and Shin-Noh (traditional masked drama) performances are Pier (10 min.), and then からフェリーで10分宮島桟 http://www. cho, Itsukushima-jinja dedicated to the shrine. walk 10 min. 橋下船、徒歩10分 Chugoku Hiroshima Tokasai & Shin-Noh miyajima.or.j 4/15 ～ 4/18 Hatsukaichi Shrine (2) JR Sanyo (2) JR山陽新幹線広島駅中国広島県桃花祭と神能 p/event/even 廿日市市厳島神社 Schedule & Key events: Shinkansen Line to より市電又はバスで30分広 t02.html 宮島町 ●4/15 17:00- Bugaku performance Hiroshima Sta., and 島宇品港下車、高速船で ●4/16-18 9:00- Shin-Noh performance then take streetcar or 22分宮島桟橋下船、徒歩 bus to Hiroshima Ujina 10分 Port (30 min.) From there, take hydrofoil to Miyajima Pier (22 min.), and then walk 10 min.

Summary: Spring Festival to enjoy cherry blossom viewing at Matsuyama Castle. The highlight of this festival is Daimyo & Musha Gyoretsu (a http://www.c Matsuyama Castle, procession of a feudal lord & Samurai warriors). Many more events JR Yosan Line to ity.matsuyam Matsuyama-jo are scheduled during the period. If it rains, the procession route will Matsuyama Sta. Matsuyama Haru JR予讃線松山駅より市電 a.ehime.jp/ka Shikoku Ehime Matsuyama Ropeway Sta. be changed. From there, take 4/1 ～ 4/4 Matsuri で10分大街道下車、徒歩 nko/kankogui 四国愛媛県松山市 and others streetcar to Okaido (10 松山春まつり 5分 de/matsuriev 松山城、 min.), and then walk 5 Schedule & Key events: ent/oshirohar ロープウェイ駅ほか min. ●4/3 u.html 11:10 - 12:30 Procession from Matsuyama-jo Ropeway Sta. to the intersection with Chifunemachi-dori Street, marching the main shopping street of the city

Summary: Girl's Festival. Sagemon are handsewn ornaments which are displayed all over the city for this festival. When a baby girl is born, JR Sanyo Shinkansen her mother and grandmothers sew Sagemon stitch by stitch wishing Line to Hakata Sta. Yanagawa her to grow up healthy, and decorate them at both sides of Hina dolls From there, take JR JR山陽新幹線博多駅より http://www.y Hina Matsuri Kyushu Fukuoka Yanagawa Yanagawa to celebrate her first Girl's Festival. Festival features Kagoshima Honsen Line JR鹿児島本線で瀬高駅下 anagawa- 2/11 ～ 4/3 Sagemon Meguri 九州福岡県柳川市柳川市 Nagashibina (floating paper dolls ceremony). Many more events are to Setaka Sta., and then 車、バスで15分西鉄柳川 net.com/sage 柳川雛祭り take bus to Nishitetsu 下車 mon.html さげもんめぐり scheduled during the period. Yanagawa Bus Stop Schedule & Key events: (15min.) ●4/3 10:00- Nagashibina around Yanagawa Bridge

JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Hakata Sta. From there, (1) take JR Limited Express "Midori" to Arita Sta., and change to JR山陽新幹線博多駅より Summary: Matsuura Tetsudo Line (1) JR特急"みどり"で有田 Okawachi- Spring Ceramic Fair where 30 Kamamoto (kilns) in this area to Imari Sta., and then 駅にて松浦鉄道線に乗り換 http://www.i cho, Imari Haruno participate in. International amateur ceramic contest is held during take bus to Okawachi- え伊万里駅下車、バスで10 mari- Kyushu Saga Okawachi-yama 4/1 ～ 4/5 Imari Kamamoto Ichi the fair. yama Bus Stop (10 分大川内山下車 ookawachiya 九州佐賀県大川内山伊万里市いまり春の窯元市 min.) (2) 徒歩1分の博多バス ma.com/201 大川内町 Schedule & Key events: (2) walk 1 min. to ターミナルから高速バスで1 6_haru/ ●daily 8:30-17:00 Hakata Bus Terminal. 時間40分伊万里駅下車、 From there, take バスで10分大川内山下車 Highway Bus to Imari Sta. (1h 40min.), and then take bus to Okawachi-yama Bus Stop (10min.)

Summary: Festival with a 100-year history to pray for a good harvest of the http://www.t Hayama-jinja JR Nippo Honsen Line to Hayama Matsuri year. A horse attractively adorned with artificial flowers, rice stalks own.mimata.l Kabayama, Shrine, Hayama Mimata Sta., and then JR日豊本線三股駅よりコ Kyushu Miyazaki (Jankan Uma Odori) and flag-shaped decoration steps on the ground to the sound of g.jp/modules 4/29 Mimata-cho Park take community bus ミュニティーバス"くいまーる"で九州宮崎県早馬まつり music, been followed by people performing local dance. /article/index. 三股町樺山早馬神社、 "Kuimaru" to Hayama- 早馬神社入口下車 (ジャンカン馬踊り) php?cat_id=6 早馬公園 jinja-iriguchi Bus Stop Schedule & Key events: 4 9:00-15:00

Summary: One of the biggest Ceramic Fair with about 500 stalls held along JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Hakata Sta. JR山陽新幹線博多駅より http://www.a "Kyudo" route (about 4 km). About one million people visit the fair Kyushu Saga Arita-cho "Kyudo" route Arita Toki Ichi From there, take JR JR特急"みどり"で有田駅下 rita- 4/29 ～ 5/5 every year. 九州佐賀県有田町旧道有田陶器市 Limited Express "Midori" 車 toukiichi.or.jp to Arita Sta. / Schedule & Key events: ●daily 9:00-17:00

©2016 Japan National Tourism Organization 12/12 Calendar of Events April 2016 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. ©2016 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 Hanami 花見 Hanami, Cherry Blossom Viewing is a common sight in the spring in Japan. When the cherry blossoms - "sakura" are in full bloom, usually from the end of March to April, picnic parties among families, friends and colleagues are held under the cherry trees, where everyone merrily enjoys eating, drinking and socializing. Please visit JNTO Cherry blooming forecast site; Special Remarks: http://www.jnto.go.jp/sakura/eng/index.php Dates and Times are shown as follows which is common in Japan. ⇒ Glossary： Dates : M/D April 3 4/3 Hana Matsuri 花まつり Chigo-Gyoretsu Procession of children in fancy attire Time : 24 hours system 8:00am ⇒ 8:00 Hana Matsuri, A Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Matsuri Festival, Event Sakura Cherry Brossom 8:00pm ⇒ 20:00 Birthday is held at all Buddhist temples on the days centering Taiko Japanese drum around April 8, which is said to be the Buddha's Birthday. At Yabusame Horseback archery the temples, small images of Buddha are open to the public and Amacha (sweet tea) is poured over the images as an expression of devotion. Chigo-Gyoretsu, parades of children in fancy attire, pulling a papier-mache white elephant, a sacred animal associated with the Buddha, are also held at many temples.

Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL

Summary: Cherry Blossom Festival. You can enjoy viewing of about 1200 blooming cherry trees even in the evening, as thousands of Bonbori (paper lanterns) JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo http://www.u Ueno Sakura are lit up. Tokyo Tokyo Taito-ku Ueno Park Metro Ginza or Hibiya Line JR山手線、東京メトロ銀座線又は eno.or.jp/ichi 3/19 ～ 4/10 Matsuri 東京東京都台東区上野公園 to Ueno Sta. (G16, H17), 日比谷線上野駅より徒歩2分 oshi/index.ht うえの桜まつり Schedule & Key events: and then walk 2 min. ml ●daily 10:00-20:00 Open-air antique markets are set up 17:00-20:00 Flowers are lit up

Summary: (1) Toei Asakusa Subway Sumida Park, Cherry Blossom Festival. You can enjoy viewing of cherry blossoms in the Line to Honjo-Azumabashi Sakurabashi Bridge, park. Some events are scheduled on Sakurabashi Bridge over Sumida River Sta. (A19), and then walk 5 (1) 都営地下鉄浅草線本所吾妻 Sumida- Sakurabashi Deck Bokutei Sakura Tokyo Tokyo on Saturdays and Sundays during the festival period. min. 橋駅より徒歩5分 http://visit- 3/22 ～ 4/10 ku Square Matsuri 東京東京都 (2) Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (2) 東京メトロ銀座線又は都営地 sumida.jp/ 墨田区隅田公園、墨堤さくらまつり or Toei Asakusa Subway 下鉄浅草線浅草駅より徒歩5分桜橋橋上、 Schedule & Key events: Line to Asakusa Sta. (G19, 桜橋デッキスクウェア ●daily 18:00-21:00 Flowers are lit up A18), and then walk 5 min.

Chidorigafuchi： (1) Tokyo Metro Tozai, Hanzomon Line or Toei Yasukuni-jinja Summary: 千鳥ヶ淵： Shinjuku Subway Line to http://www.k Shrine, Cherry Blossom Festival. You can enjoy view of cherry blossoms along the (1) 東京メトロ東西線、半蔵門線 Chiyoda- Chiyoda-no- Kudanshita Sta. (T07, Z06, anko- Tokyo Tokyo Chidorigafuchi and Chidorigafuchi path and in the precincts of the shrine. 又は都営地下鉄新宿線九段下駅 3/25 ～ 4/3 ku Sakura Matsuri S05)(Exit 2), and then walk chiyoda.jp/tab 東京東京都 others (2番出口) より徒歩5分千代田区千代田のさくらまつり 5 min. id/1116/defau 靖国神社、 (2) 東京メトロ半蔵門線半蔵門駅 Schedule & Key events: (2) Tokyo Metro Hanzomon lt.aspx 千鳥ヶ淵ほか (5番出口) より徒歩5分 ●daily 18:00-22:00 Flowers are lit up Line to Hanzomon Sta. (Z05)(Exit 5), and then walk 5 min.

Tanashi- Summary: http://www.ci cho, Dharma Doll Fair. Stalls selling Daruma dolls are set up in the compound of Tanashisan Soji-ji Tanashi Daruma Seibu Shinjuku Line to ty.nishitokyo.l Tokyo Tokyo Nishi- the temple. 西武新宿線田無駅 (北口) より徒 4/1 Temple Ichi Tanashi Sta. (North Exit), g.jp/enjoy/sp 東京東京都 Tokyo 歩5分田無山総持寺田無だるま市 and then walk 5 min. ot/tanasisans 西東京市田 Schedule & Key events: ozizi.html 無町 9:00-16:00

Summary: Buddhist Devotionals in commemoration of Priest Honen's death. Honen (1) Toei Mita Subway Line Shonin (1133-1212) is a Japanese Buddhist monk, the founder of the Jodo to Onarimon Sta. (I06) or Sect of Japanese Buddhism. Shibakoen Sta. (I05), and (1) 都営地下鉄三田線御成門駅 http://www.z Gyoki Daie Tokyo Tokyo Minato-ku Zojo-ji Temple then walk 3 min. 又は芝公園駅より徒歩3分 ojoji.or.jp/eve 4/2 ～ 4/7 御忌大会東京東京都港区増上寺 Schedule & Key events: (2) Toei Asakusa or Oedo (2) 都営地下鉄浅草線又は大江 nt/ev_gyokida (ぎょきだいえ) ●daily 12:30- Bugaku (ancient court dance with music) Subway Line to Daimon Sta. 戸線大門駅より徒歩5分 ie.html performance (A09, E20), and then walk 5 ●4/5-7 13:30-14:00 Oneri-Gyoretsu (procession of children in colorful min. attire)

Summary: Spring Festival which consists of two festivals, Goju-no-to Festival - five story pagoda is open to the public, and Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Birthday. "Hana-no-sei" , a parade of children pulling a papier- mache white elephant, is the highlight. (1) Tokyu Ikegami Line to Ikegami Honmon-ji Ikegami Sta., and then walk Temple, Schedule & Key events: (1) 東急池上線池上駅より徒歩 10 min. http://honmo Tokyo Tokyo Ota-ku Tokumochi Kaikan Haru Matsuri ●4/2 10分 4/2 ～ 4/3 (2) Toei Asakusa Subway nji.jp/news/sc 東京東京都大田区 and others 春まつり 10:00-15:00 Five story pagoda is open (2) 都営地下鉄浅草線西馬込駅 Line to Nishi-Magome Sta. hedule.html 池上本門寺、より徒歩12分 10:00-15:00 Nodate (open air tea ceremony) is held in front of Odo (A01), and then walk 12 徳持会館ほか 13:30-14:00 "Ikegami Daiko ", Japanese drum, is performed min. ●4/3 10:00-15:00 Five story pagoda is open 10:00-15:00 Nodate (open air tea ceremony) is held in front of Odo 13:00-13:40 "Hana-no-sei" leaves Tokumochi Kaikan near Ikegami Sta. for the temple

Summary: Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Birthday. Chigo-Gyoretsu is the http://www.ci Bunkyo- Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line ty.bunkyo.lg.j Tokyo Tokyo Gokoku-ji Temple Hana Matsuri highlight. 東京メトロ有楽町線護国寺駅より 4/3 ku to Gokokuji Sta. (Y11), and p/bunka/kank 東京東京都護国寺花まつり徒歩1分文京区 then walk 1 min. o/spot/jisha/g Schedule & Key events: okokuji.html 14:00- Chigo-Gyoretsu

Summary: http://www.s Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Birthday. Chigo-Gyoretsu is the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or enso- Tokyo Tokyo Taito-ku Senso-ji Temple Hana Matsuri highlight. Toei Asakusa Subway Line 東京メトロ銀座線又は都営地下鉄 4/8 ji.jp/annual_e 東京東京都台東区浅草寺花まつり to Asakusa Sta. (G19, A18), 浅草線浅草駅より徒歩5分 vent/bussyou and then walk 5 min. Schedule & Key events: e.html 10:00- Chigo-Gyoretsu

Summary: Tsutsuji (azalea) Flower Festival. You can enjoy viewing of about 3,000 (1) Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Nezu Sta. (C14) or azalea blossoms. Admission to the garden is 200JPY. Please enter the (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 garden by 17:30. は千駄木駅より徒歩5分 4/9 ～ 5/5 ku Matsuri 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 (2) Tokyo Metro Namboku maturi/g.html り徒歩5分 Schedule & Key events: Line to Todaimae Sta. ●daily 9:00-18:00 Azalea Garden is open (N12), and then walk 5 min.

Summary: (1) Toei Mita Subway Line Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Birthday. Chigo-Gyoretsu is the to Sugamo Sta. (I15)(Exit http://www.s Toshima- (1) 都営地下鉄三田線巣鴨駅 Tokyo Tokyo Kogan-ji Temple Hana Matsuri highlight. A3), and then walk 2 min. ugamo.or.jp/e 4/10 ku (A3出口) より徒歩2分東京東京都高岩寺花まつり (2) JR Yamanote Line to vent_detail.ph 豊島区 (2) JR山手線巣鴨駅より徒歩5分 Schedule & Key events: Sugamo Sta., and then walk p?id=41 13:00- Chigo-Gyoretsu 5 min.

Summary: Floral Festival to celebrate the Buddha's Birthday. Chigo-Gyoretsu is the highlight. http://tsukijih Tsukiji Hongan-ji Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Tokyo Tokyo Chuo-ku Hana Matsuri 東京メトロ日比谷線築地駅より徒 ongwanji.jp/2 4/10 Temple Tsukiji Sta. (H10), and then 東京東京都中央区花まつり Schedule & Key events: 歩1分 016/02/4541? 築地本願寺 walk 1 min. 10:00-16:00 Food booths and other stalls are set up fr=top_info 11:00- Chigo-Gyoretsu 12:00- Taiko performance

Summary: Shirasagi (white heron) Dance is performed in front of the main hall of the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or http://www.t Tokyo Tokyo Taito-ku Senso-ji Temple Shirasagi-no-mai temple . If it heavily rains, the dance will be canceled. Toei Asakusa Subway Line 東京メトロ銀座線又は都営地下鉄 aitonavi.jp/en 4/10 東京東京都台東区浅草寺白鷺の舞 to Asakusa Sta. (G19, A18), 浅草線浅草駅より徒歩5分 joy_detail.ht Schedule & Key events: and then walk 5 min. ml?no=101 11:30- & 14:00-

Summary: Fuji (wisteria) Flower Festival. There are over 100 wisteria roots in the Kameido Tenjin JR Sobu Line to Kameido http://kameid Tokyo Tokyo Koto-ku Fuji Matsuri precincts of the shrine, and they are usually in full bloom in this season. JR総武線亀戸駅 (北口) より徒 4/16 ～ 5/5 Shrine Sta. (North Exit), and then otenjin.or.jp/ 東京東京都江東区藤まつり歩15分亀戸天神社 walk 15 min. events/ Schedule & Key events: ●daily sunset - 21:00 Flowers are lit up

Summary: Kusajishi (Japanese archery, targeting on a fake deer) and Yabusame are (1) Tokyo Metro Ginza Line http://www.ci held in the park. Please be reminded that space for Yabusame is limited. If to Asakusa Sta. (G19), and (1)東京メトロ銀座線浅草駅より ty.taito.lg.jp/i Asakusa Tokyo Tokyo Taito-ku Sumida Park it heavily rains, the events will be canceled. then walk 8 min. 徒歩8分 ndex/event/k 4/16 Yabusame 東京東京都台東区隅田公園 (2) Toei Asakusa Subway (2)都営地下鉄浅草線浅草駅より anko/asakusa 浅草流鏑馬 Schedule & Key events: Line to Asakusa Sta. (A18), 徒歩10分 yabusame.ht 11:00- Kusajishi and then walk 10 min. ml 13:00- Yabusame

Takaosan Yakuo-in Summary: Temple： Takaosan Yakuo-in Annual Spring Festival of Mt. Takao features a procession of children in Keio Line to Takaosan-guchi 高尾山薬王院： Temple, fancy attire, Yamabushi mountain priests in their traditional attire and a Sta., and then walk 3 min. 京王線高尾山口駅より徒歩3分の http://www.t Takaosan Shunki Tokyo Tokyo Hachioji Jyuichi-chome Jaya corps of fife & drum. to cable car and chair lift ケーブルカー・リフト乗り場からケーブ akaosan.or.jp 4/17 Taisai 東京東京都八王子市 and others Sta. From there, take calbe ルカーで高尾山駅下車、徒歩20 /spring_ochig 高尾山春季大祭高尾山薬王院、 Schedule & Key events: car to Takaosan Sta., and 分又はリフトで山上駅下車、徒歩 o.html 十一丁目茶屋ほか 11:00-12:30 Procession starts from Jyuichi-chome Jaya (tea house) to the then walk 20 min., or take 30分 temple chair lift to Sanjo Sta., and then walk 30 min.

Summary: Annual Spring Festival. Daidai Kagura (sacred Shinto music and dance) to http://www.si Shinagaw Shinagawa-jinja pray for a good harvest and a good health of the year is presented in the Keikyu Line to Shin-Bamba Tokyo Tokyo Daidai Kagura 京急線新馬場駅 (北口) より徒歩 nakan.jp/entr 4/17 a-ku Shrine main hall of the shrine. Sta. (North Exit), and then 東京東京都太太神楽 1分 y.html?id=34 品川区品川神社 walk 1 min. 822 Schedule & Key events: 14:00- Daidai Kagura

Summary: Hono Ozumo features Sumo matches dedicated by some 200 Rikishi (Sumo wrestlers). This event is open to the first 6,000 people. Admission is Tokyo Metro Tozai, http://www.y free. Hanzomon Line or Toei Chiyoda- Yasukuni-jinja 東京メトロ東西線、半蔵門線又は asukuni.or.jp/ Tokyo Tokyo Hono Ozumo Shinjuku Subway Line to 4/18 ku Shrine 都営地下鉄新宿線九段下駅 (1 news_detail.p 東京東京都奉納大相撲 Schedule & Key events: Kudanshita Sta. (T07, Z06, 千代田区靖国神社番出口) より徒歩5分 hp?article_id S05)(Exit 1), and then walk 9:00- Ritual starts =0097 10:40- Matches by Maku-shita (low-ranking) Rikishi start 5 min. 14:00- Maku-uchi (high-ranking) Rikishi including Yokozuna (grand champions) enter the ring

Summary: Tokyo Metro Tozai, Annual Spring Festival of the shrine. Many Japanese performing arts are Hanzomon Line or Toei http://www.y Chiyoda- Yasukuni-jinja Yasukuni-jinja 東京メトロ東西線、半蔵門線又は Tokyo Tokyo performed during the festival period. Shinjuku Subway Line to asukuni.or.jp/ 4/21 ～ 4/23 ku Shrine Shunki Reitaisai 都営地下鉄新宿線九段下駅 (1 東京東京都 Kudanshita Sta. (T07, Z06, schedule/shu 千代田区靖国神社靖国神社春季例大祭番出口) より徒歩5分 Schedule & Key events: S05)(Exit 1), and then walk nki.html Many Japanese performing arts 5 min.

Summary: Masked priests perform sacred dances to the tune of drum music for a good http://www.ci Tokyu Ikegami Line to ty.ota.tokyo.j Tokyo Tokyo Ota-ku Tenso-jinja Shrine Negi-no-mai harvest of the year. If it rains, the dance will be performed indoors. 東急池上線御嶽山駅より徒歩５ 4/21 Ontakesan Sta., and then p/kuseijoho/g 東京東京都大田区天祖神社禰宜の舞分 walk 5 min. youji/nrginom Schedule & Key events: ai.html 15:00-

Summary: (1) JR Yamanote Line to Annual Spring Festival of the shrine. Many Japanese performing arts are Harajuku Sta., and then http://www. Shibuya- Meiji-jingu Haru- performed during the festival period. 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 p/event/index 渋谷区明治神宮春の大祭 Schedule & Key events: Fukutoshin Line to Meiji- 心線明治神宮前駅より徒歩5分 .html Many Japanese performing arts Jingumae Sta. (C03, F15), and then walk 5 min.

(1) JR Keihin Tohoku or Negishi Line to Negishi Sta. From there, take bus to Summary: Honmoku Bus Stop (10 (1) JR京浜東北線又は根岸線根 Cherry Blossom Festival. This Japanese-style landscape garden has about min.), and then walk 10 岸駅よりバスで10分本牧下車、徒 http://www.s Yokoham 300 cherry trees. You can enjoy viewing of cherry blossoms even in the min. 歩10分 Kanto Kanagawa Sankei-en Kan-ou-no-Yube ankeien.or.jp/ 3/26 ～ 4/3 a evening. Admission to the garden is 500JPY. Please enter by 20:30. (2) JR Keihin Tohoku, (2) JR京浜東北線、東海道線又関東神奈川県三渓園観桜の夕べ news/news65 横浜市 Tokaido Line or Tokyu は東急東横線横浜駅 (東口) より 5.html Schedule & Key events: Toyoko Line to Yokohama バスで35分本牧三渓園前下車、 ●daily 18:30-21:00 Flowers are lit up Sta. (East Exit) From there, 徒歩5分 take bus to Honmoku Sankeien-mae Bus Stop (35 min.), and then walk 5 min.

Summary: Cherry Blossom Festival. You can enjoy viewing of 320 blooming cherry http://www.ci trees in the park even in the evening. The festival period might be subject Joshi Park： ty.odawara.ka Late Odawara Joshi Park Odawara Sakura JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line 城址公園： nagawa.jp/ka Kanto Early Kanagawa Odawara to change depending on cherry flowering period. Marc ～ and others Matsuri or Odakyu Odawara Line to JR東海道新幹線又は小田急小田 nko/Leisure/a 関東 April 神奈川県小田原市 h 小田原城址公園ほか小田原桜まつり Odawara Sta., and then 原線小田原駅より徒歩10分 ruku/Flower/o Schedule & Key events: walk 10 min. dawarasakura ●daily 18:00-22:00 Flowers are lit up 2015.html ●4/3 13:00- Chigo-Gyoretsu is held at Akagane-mon Gate

Kanayama-jinja Summary: Shrine Fertility Festival. The shrine is noted for its Menkake Gyoretsu , a parade of https://www.f (Wakamiya Kanamara masked people carrying the sacred palanquins containing symbols of phallic Keikyu Daishi Line to Kanto Kanagawa Kawasaki 京急大師線川崎大師駅 (南口) acebook.com/ 4/3 Hachiman-gu Matsuri gods. Kawasaki Daishi Sta. (South 関東神奈川県川崎市より徒歩2分 wakamiyasam Shrine) かなまらまつり Exit), and then walk 2 min. a 金山神社 Schedule & Key events: (若宮八幡宮) 12:00-14:00 Menkake Gyoretsu

Summary: Traditional Japanese Taiko Festival. "Sengan Hana-Daiko" , drum beating taken part in by about 800 parishioners, and "Naritasan Sennen Yobutai" , a millennium night stage show of drum-beating under torchlights in the Naritasan Shinsho-ji compound of the temple, are the highlights. Temple： Naritasan Shinsho-ji (1) JR Sobu Honsen Line 成田山新勝寺： Temple, Narita Taiko Schedule & Key events: Rapid Train "Airport Narita" (1) JR総武本線快速"エアポート Kanto Chiba Narita http://nrtm.jp 4/9 ～ 4/10 Omotesando Street Matsuri ●daily to Narita Sta., and then 成田"で成田駅下車、徒歩10分関東千葉県成田市 / 成田山新勝寺、成田太鼓祭 10:00- "Sengan Hana-Daiko " walk 10 min. (2) 京成線京成成田駅より徒歩表参道 ●4/9 (2) Keisei Line to Keisei- 10分 11:00-19:00 Drum beating performances on Omotesando Street Narita Sta., and then walk 17:00- "Naritasan Sennen Yobutai" 10 min. ●4/10 11:00-17:00 Drum beating performances on Omotesando Street 15:00- Parade of drum-beating on Omotesando Street

Summary: Spring Festival to cerebrate the beginning of sightseeing season in Kamakura since 1959. If it heavily rains, the events will be canceled.

Schedule & Key events: Tsurugaoka http://www.k Kamakura ●4/10 JR Yokosuka Line to Kanto Kanagawa Kamakura Hachiman-gu Shrine amakura- 4/10 ～ 4/17 Matsuri 9:30- Kyudo (Japanese archery demonstration) in the precincts of the Kamakura Sta., and then JR横須賀線鎌倉駅より徒歩10分関東神奈川県鎌倉市 and others info.jp/topics/ 鎌倉まつり shrine walk 10 min. 鶴岡八幡宮ほか 40217 15:00- Shizuka-no-mai (Japanese dance) on the Mai-den stage ●4/15 & 16 10:00-15:00 Nodate (Open air tea ceremony) ●4/17 13:00- Yabusame in the precincts of the shrine

Summary: The festival is with over a 1,200 year history. Parade of Hanayatai (11 house-shaped floats, colorfully embellished with artificial cherry blossoms JR Nikko Line to Nikko Sta. or Tobu Nikko Line to Tobu- Futarasan-jinja and paper lanterns) and three Mikoshi (portable shrine) are the highlights. JR日光線日光駅又は東武日光線 Kanto Tochigi Nikko Yayoi Sai Nikko Sta. From there, take http://www.f 4/13 ～ 4/17 Shrine and others 東武日光駅よりバスで7分西参道関東栃木県日光市弥生祭 bus to Nishi-Sando Bus Stop utarasan.jp/ 二荒山神社ほか Schedule & Key events: 下車、徒歩7分 (7 min.), and then walk 7 ●4/16 & 17 Parade of Hanayatai min. ●4/17 12:00- Parade of Mikoshi from Futarasan-jinja Shrine to Hongu- jinja Shrine

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

(1) JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Oyama Sta., and then change to JR Mito Line Summary: http://www. to Shimodate Sta. From (1) JR東北新幹線小山駅よりJR Pottery Fair. Besides 50 shops, about 500 stalls are set up in the town. mashiko- Mashiko- Mashiko Toki there, take Moka Tetsudo 水戸線で下館駅にて真岡鉄道線 Kanto Tochigi Mashiko-machi kankou.org/c 4/29 ～ 5/8 machi Ichi Line to Mashiko Sta. に乗り換え益子駅下車関東栃木県益子町 eramics_baza 益子町益子陶器市 (2) JR Tohoku Shinkansen (2) JR東北新幹線宇都宮駅 (東 ar/index.shtm Schedule & Key events: Line to Utsunomiya Sta. 口) よりバスで1時間益子下車 l ●daily 9:00-17:00 (East Exit). From there, take bus to Mashiko (1 hour)