Calendar of Events May 2018 Notes: 1

Home , Aoi Matsuri

Calendar of Events May 2018 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. ©2018 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 Glossary： with boys display dolls that depict warriors or heroes, and Buddhist saint who is seeking a state of Bosatsu fly carp streamers to express their hopes that the boys will spiritual enlightenment Special Remarks: advance in life, like strong carps that swim upstream. Bugaku Ancient court dance with music Dates and Times are shown as follows which is common in Japan. May 5 has been changed to become a national holiday Matsuri Festival, Event Dates : M/D April 3 ⇒ 4/3 Mikoshi Portable shrine called Children's Day to celebrate the growth of children Noh Traditional masked drama Time : 24 hours system 8:00am ⇒ 8:00 regardless of boys or girls. Yamahoko/Yama Float 8:00pm ⇒ 20:00 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: 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. Tohoku Aomori Hirosaki 4/21 ～ 5/6 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 hirosakipark.j 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、 p/sakura/ 弘前城跡 Schedule & Key events: Bus Stop (15 min.), and 徒歩4分 ●daily sunset-23:00 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: Festival featuring a 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 Hiraizumi Sta., and JR東北本線平泉駅より Chuson-ji Temple, Schedule & Key events: http://hiraizu Hiraizumi- then (1) 中尊寺: Tohoku Iwate Motsu-ji Temple Fujiwara Matsuri ●5/3 mi.or.jp/even 5/1 ～ 5/5 cho (1) Chuson-ji Temple: 徒歩25分東北岩手県中尊寺、藤原まつり 10:00- Procession from Chuson-ji Temple to Motsu-ji Temple t/haru_fuji.ht 平泉町 walk 25 min. (2) 毛越寺: 毛越寺 ml 13:30- Procession from Motsu-ji Temple to Konjikido in the precincts (2) Motsu-ji Temple: 徒歩7分 of Chuson-ji Temple walk 7 min. ●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 featuring 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: http://www. Aoba-jinja Shrine JR Tohoku Shinkansen Tohoku Miyagi Sendai Sendai Aoba Matsuri ●5/19 JR東北新幹線仙台駅より aoba- 5/19 ～ 5/20 and others Line to Sendai Sta., and 東北宮城県仙台市仙台青葉祭り 10:00-21:00 Suzume Odori in Simin Hiroba (civic open space), 徒歩20分 matsuri.com/ 市民広場、 then walk 20 min. index.html 青葉神社ほか Motokajicho Park and other sites in the city ●5/20 9:00- Mikoshi leaves Aoba-jinja Shrine to join Jidai-emaki Junko procession 11:15-16:30 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 lions' http://www.s Sakata City Hall head) along the city's main streets. Many more events are scheduled JR Uetsu Honsen Line to Tohoku Yamagata Sakata Sakata Matsuri JR羽越本線酒田駅より徒 akata- 5/19 ～ 5/21 and others during the festival period. Sakata Sta., and then 東北山形県酒田市酒田祭り歩10～15分 kankou.com/ 酒田市役所ほか walk 10-15 min. event/80 Schedule & Key events: ●5/20 12:00- Ritual pray near Sakata City Hall 13:00- Parade of Mikoshi and 50 floats

Summary: Oribe Hills One of the biggest Ceramic Fair in Japan. Mino-yaki ceramic has a JR Chuo Honsen Line to (Toki Mino-yaki 400-year history and more than 300,000 people come and visit this Toki-shi Sta. (North JR中央本線土岐市駅(北 http://www. Chubu Gifu Toki Oroshi Center) Toki Mino-yaki Matsuri 5/3 ～ 5/5 festival every year. Exit) From there, take 口)より無料シャトルバス oribe- 中部岐阜県土岐市織部ヒルズ土岐美濃焼まつり free shuttle bus (15分おき) hills.com/ (土岐美濃焼卸商業団 (every 15 min.) 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' kites by JR Tokaido Shinkansen skillful maneuvering. JR東海道新幹線浜松駅下 http://hama Nakatajima Tako- Line to Hamamatsu Sta. Chubu Shizuoka Hamamatsu Hamamatsu Matsuri 車、アクトシティイベントホー matsu- 5/3 ～ 5/5 age Site and others From in front of Act-City 中部静岡県浜松市浜松まつり Schedule & Key events: ル前よりシャトルバス daisuki.net/m 中田島凧揚げ会場ほか Event-Hall, take shuttle (9:00-14:00) atsuri/ ●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 floats, through the city's main streets

Summary: Cormorant fishing. It will be held every day during the period except on the night of the full moon (9/25 this year) or when the water is JR Tokaido Honsen Line excessively muddy. Fee is 3,100 JPY or 3,400 JPY without meal. For https://www. to Gifu Sta. From there, Chubu Gifu Gifu Nagara River Nagaragawa Ukai reservation, please call 058-262-0104 (Gifu City Ukai Kanransen JR東海道本線岐阜駅より ukai- 5/11 ～ 10/15 take bus to Nagara- 中部岐阜県岐阜市長良川長良川鵜飼 Jimusho), or reserve through major travel agencies. バスで15分長良橋下車 gifucity.jp/uk bashi Bus Stop (15 ai/ min.) Schedule & Key events: ●daily (except 9/25) 19:45-20:30 (Departure time: 18:15, 18:45, 19:15)

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, fireworks display will be held http://www.s From JR Tokyo Sta, take Shimoda Port on the following day. himoda- Chubu Shizuoka Shimoda Kurofune Matsuri JR Limited Express JR東京駅よりJR特急"踊り 5/18 ～ 5/20 and others city.info/even 中部静岡県下田市黒船祭 "Odoriko" to Izu-Kyu 子"で伊豆急下田駅下車下田港ほか Schedule & Key events: t/kurofune.ht Shimoda Sta. ●5/18 ml 20:15-20:40 Fireworks display over Shimoda Port ●5/19 11:30-12:30 Parade of brass bands and people disguised as Perry and his men along the city's main streets ●5/20 11:00-12:00 Parade of brass bands and people disguised as Perry and his men along the city's main streets

Summary: Festival, designated as both the National Important Tangible and Intangible Folk Cultural Property, and registered as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The highlight of this festival is a procession of seven floats featuring gorgeous goldwork and lacquer https://www. Katahara-cho Mikurumayama Hokuriku Toyama Takaoka ware, which are local specialty industry and artifacts, escorted by JR Johana Line to takaoka.or.jp 5/1 Intersection Matsuri JR城端線高岡駅より徒歩北陸富山県高岡市 people in traditional attire. Takaoka Sta., and then /event/?mc_i and others 御車山祭 15分 walk 15 min. d=587 片原町交差点ほか If it rains heavily, the procession will be canceled.

Schedule & Key events: 11:00-18:00 Procession of floats on the city's main streets 12:00 All floats meet at Katahara-cho Intersection

Summary: Festival, designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties, and registered as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This festival features three huge gorgeously bedecked Otokonushi-jinja floats from three towns, each 12-meter in length and 20-ton in Shrine, weight, parading daily during the festival period. Misogi River JR Nanao Line to Nanao http://www. Hokuriku Ishikawa Nanao Seihaku-sai JR七尾線七尾駅より徒歩5 5/3 ～ 5/5 and others Schedule & Key events: Sta., and then walk 5- nanaoh.net/p 北陸石川県七尾市青柏祭～10分大地主神社、 ●5/4 10 min. 100.html 御祓川河畔 12:30- Floats are gathered at the shrine for the ritual ほか 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: Kutani Togei-mura Pottery Fair of Kutani-yaki Ware with more than 50 stalls. About JR Hokuriku Honsen http://www.k Hokuriku Ishikawa Nomi Tokusetsu Kaijo Kutani Chawan Matsuri 200,000 people visit the fair every year. Line to Nomineagari JR北陸本線能美根上駅よ utani.or.jp/sy 5/3 ～ 5/5 北陸石川県能美市九谷陶芸村九谷茶碗まつり Sta. From there, take りシャトルバス okumi/maturi 特設会場 Schedule & Key events: shuttle bus. /maturi.html ●daily 8:30-18:00

Summary: Festival, designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties, and registered as the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The highlight of this 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 JR Hokuriku Shinkansen http://www.t Johana, Hikiyama Kaikan area) are performed on Yama. Line to Shin-Takaoka Johana Hikiyama JR北陸新幹線新高岡駅よ abi- Hokuriku Toyama Nanto and others Sta. From there, take JR 5/4 ～ 5/5 Matsuri りJR城端線で城端駅下 nanto.jp/eve 北陸富山県南砺市曳山会館前 Schedule & Key events: Johana Line to Johana 城端曳山祭車、徒歩10分 nt/post_11.h 城端ほか Sta., and then walk 10 ●5/4 tml 18:00-22:00 Exhibition of six gorgeously bedecked Yama with min. lighted lanterns along the street ●5/5 9:00-22:30 Hikiyama Junko through the towns 14:00-&20:30- Karakuri Ningyo and Iori-uta performance on Yama in front of Hikiyama Kaikan

Summary: Medieval pantomime, designated as one of National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. Mibu Kyogen , 30 pantomime skits, From JR Kyoto Sta., Nakagyo-ku, http://www. 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. Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Mibu-dera Temple Mibu Kyogen mibudera.co 4/29 ～ 5/5 Admission is 1000 JPY. 26 or 28 to Mibudera- 26又は28で壬生寺道下近畿京都府京都市壬生寺壬生狂言 m/kyougen.h michi Bus Stop, and 車、徒歩3分中京区 tm Schedule & Key events: then walk 3 min. ●4/29-5/4 13:00-17:30 ●5/5 13:00-17:30 / 18:00-22:00

Summary: Kyogen (traditional comic drama) performance at the temple. Kamigyo-ku, Admission is free. From JR Kyoto Sta., Senbon Enma-do http://www. Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Enma-do Kyogen take municipal bus No. JR京都駅より市バスNo. 5/1 ～ 5/4 Temple geocities.jp/e 近畿京都府京都市えんま堂狂言 Schedule & Key events: 206 to Kenryuko-mae 206で30分乾隆校前下車千本えんま堂 _kyogen/ 上京区 ●5/1&2 19:00- Bus Stop (30 min.) ●5/3 15:00-&18:00- ●5/4 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 are scheduled (1) JR Nara Line to Fushimi-ku, Fujinomori-jinja during the festival period. Fujinomori Sta., and http://www.f (1) JR奈良線藤森駅より Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Shrine Fujinomori Matsuri then walk 5 min. ujinomorijinjy 5/1 ～ 5/5 徒歩5分近畿京都府京都市 and others 藤森祭 Schedule & Key events: (2) Keihan Honsen Line a.or.jp/fujino (2) 京阪本線墨染駅より伏見区藤森神社ほか to Sumizome Sta., and morisai.htm ●5/5 徒歩7分 9:00-16:00 Procession of four Mikoshi and Musha-Gyoretsu then walk 7 min. (warriors' processions), through the towns 13:00-&15:00- Kakeuma-Shinji in the precincts of the shrine

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

Summary: Sakyo-ku, Horseback archery, associated with Aoi Matsuri Festival held on 5/15. From JR Kyoto Sta., http://www.s Shimogamo-jinja JR京都駅より市バスNo. 4 Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Yabusame-Shinji take municipal bus No. himogamo- 5/3 Shrine 又は205で下鴨神社前下近畿京都府京都市やぶさめ神事 Schedule & Key events: 4 or 205 to Shimogamo jinja.or.jp/rit 下鴨神社車左京区 13:00- Ritual pray Jinjya-mae Bus Stop uals/ 14:00-15:30 Yabusame in the precincts of the shrine

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

Summary: Kita-ku, Horse racing of olden times. Riders wearing fancy court robes From JR Kyoto Sta., http://www.k Kamigamo-jinja Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Kamo Kurabe-Uma demonstrate courtly horsemanship. take municipal bus No. JR京都駅より市バスNo. 4 amigamojinja 5/5 Shrine 近畿京都府京都市賀茂競馬 4 to Kamigamo Jinja- で上賀茂神社前下車 .jp/saiten_su 上賀茂神社北区 Schedule & Key events: mae Bus Stop mmer.html 14:00- Horse racing

Summary: Festival featuring a parade of priests, maidens, 100 people disguised From JR Kyoto Sta., http://www.j Higashiyama as warriors, flower venders and the like, and children in fancy attire, take municipal bus No. ishujinja.or.jp -ku, Jishu-jinja Shrine marching in tune with Gagaku (court music). If it rains, the parade JR京都駅より市バスNo. Kinki Kyoto Jishu-jinja Reitaisai 100 or 206 to Kiyomizu- /jishu/gyouji/ 5/5 Kyoto and others will be canceled. 100又は206で清水道又近畿京都府地主神社例大祭 michi Bus Stop or 0505jishumat 京都市地主神社ほかは五条坂下車、徒歩10分 Gojozaka Bus Stop, and suri/index.ht 東山区 Schedule & Key events: then walk 10 min. ml 13:00- Parade in the neighborhood of the shrine 14:30- Ritual pray at the shrine

Summary: Festival featuring a "Grand Parade" including brass-bands, Miss Oshiro (Beauty Queens), Taiko (Japanese drum), folk dancing and a warriors' parade of 1,500 townspeople, and So-odori (folk dancing parade by 1,000 townspeople). Many more events are scheduled during the festival period. http://www.c Around Himeji JR Sanyo Shinkansen ity.himeji.lg.j Kinki Hyogo Himeji Himeji Oshiro Matsuri Schedule & Key events: JR山陽新幹線姫路駅より 5/11 ～ 5/13 Castle Line to Himeji Sta., and p/contents/o 近畿兵庫県姫路市姫路お城まつり ●5/11 徒歩20分姫路城周辺 then walk 20 min. shirofes/even 18:00-21:00 Takigi Noh (an open-air masked drama by torchlights) t/index.html performance at San'nomaru Hiroba ●5/12 11:20-18:00 "Grand Parade" on Otemae-dori Street 18:00-19:00 So-odori parade on Otemae-dori Street ●5/13 10:00-17:00 Events for children at San'nomaru Hiroba

(1) JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Kyoto Sta. From there, take Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Kashihara Jingu- (1) JR東海道新幹線京都 mae Sta., and change to 駅より近鉄橿原線で橿原神 Kintetsu Minami Osaka Summary: 宮前駅にて近鉄南大阪線 Line to Taimadera Sta., Requiem Parade. Procession of 25 priests wearing masks and special に乗り換え当麻寺駅下車、 and then walk 15 min. http://www.c costumes of Bosatsu crosses a long bridge, which is believed to link 徒歩15分 Kinki Nara Katsuragi Taima-dera Temple Nerikuyo Eshiki (2) JR Nara Line to Nara ity.katsuragi. 5/14 this world with the Pure Land, leading people in fancy attire. (2) JR奈良線奈良駅より近畿奈良県葛城市當麻寺練供養会式 Sta. From there, take nara.jp/index 近鉄奈良線で大和西大寺 Kintetsu Nara Line to .cfm/14,2657 駅にて近鉄橿原線に乗り換 Schedule & Key events: Yamato-Saidaiji Sta., ,43,211,html え橿原神宮前駅にて近鉄 16:00- Procession of Bosatsu and change to Kintetsu 南大阪線に乗り換え当麻寺 Kashihara Line to 駅下車、徒歩15分 Kashihara Jingu-mae Sta., and change to Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line to Taimadera Sta., and then walk 15 min.

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

Summary: Boat Festival, held on Oi River near Arashiyama. This festival features "Ofuna-asobi" (which literally means playing & pleasure on the boat), http://www.k Ukyo-ku, Oi River, in which people wearing various costumes of Heian period (794-1185) Togetsukyo Bridge: urumazakijinj Kinki Kyoto Kyoto Togetsukyo Bridge Mifune Matsuri play and pleasure over 20 kinds of various Japanese traditional Keifuku Arashiyama 渡月橋周辺: 5/20 a.or.jp/mifun 近畿京都府京都市 and others 三船祭 performing arts including Bugaku , tea ceremony and the like on the Honsen Line or Hankyu 京福嵐山本線または阪急 emathuri2.ht 右京区大堰川、 Arashiyama Line to 嵐山線嵐山駅下車 gaily decorated floating boats. ml 渡月橋ほか Arashiyama Sta. Schedule & Key events: 13:00-15:00 "Ofuna-asobi" on Oi River near Togetsukyo Bridge

Summary: JR San-in Honsen Line Annual Festival of the shrine. to Izumoshi Sta. From there, take JR山陰本線出雲市駅より Schedule & Key events: (1) Ichibata Railway (1) 一畑電鉄北松江線で Izumo Taisha ●5/14 11:30- Kita-matsue Line to http://www.i 川跡駅にて一畑電鉄大社 Chugoku Shimane Izumo Shrine Daisairei Otaue-mai (dance of rice-planting) & Yabusame (horseback archery) Kawato Sta., and zumo- 5/14 ～ 5/16 線に乗り換え出雲大社前駅中国島根県出雲市 and others 大祭礼 in the precincts of the shrine change to Ichibata kankou.gr.jp/ 下車、徒歩7分出雲大社ほか Railway Taisha Line to 5272 ●5/15 12:00- (2) バスで25分出雲大社 Izumo-Taisha-mae Sta., Procession of shrine's Mikoshi and children in fancy attire in the city 下車 ●5/16 12:00- and then walk 7 min. Performing arts, such as Shishi-mai (lion dance) and Ise-Dai-Kagura (2) bus to Izumo Taisha Bus Stop (25 min.) (Shinto dance with music), in the precincts of the shrine

Summary: JR Dosan Line to Kochi http://www.s Tosa Ichijo Kuge Festival featuring an elegant pageant of 200 people in court costumes Sta. From there, take JR Nakamura, himanto- Ichijo-jinja Shrine Gyoretsu "Fuji of the Muromachi period, when the aristocracy Ichijo and his family Limited Express to JR土讃線高知駅よりJR特 Shikoku Kochi Shimanto kankou.com/ 5/3 and others Matsuri" moved into Nakamura from Kyoto in 1468 in order to avoid civil wars. Nakamura Sta. via Tosa 急で土佐くろしお鉄道中村四国高知県四万十市 kanko/culture 一條神社ほか土佐一条公家行列 Kuroshio Railway 宿毛線経由中村駅下車、中村 /fujimatsuri.h ｢藤祭り」 Nakamura-Shukumo 徒歩20分 Schedule & Key events: tml 13:00- Procession from Ichijo-jinja Shrine, parading through the city Line, and then walk 20 min.

Summary: One of the biggest Ceramic Fair with about 500 stalls held along JR Sanyo Shinkansen http://www. "Kyudo" route (about 4 km). About one million people visit the fair Line to Hakata Sta. JR山陽新幹線博多駅より Kyushu Saga Arita-cho "Kyudo" route Arita Toki Ichi arita- 4/29 ～ 5/5 every year. From there, take JR JR特急"みどり"で有田駅下九州佐賀県有田町旧道有田陶器市 toukiichi.or.jp Limited Express "Midori" 車 / Schedule & Key events: to Arita Sta. ●daily 8:00-17:00

Summary: Festival featuring a procession of Dontaku-tai in which three Deities JR Hakata Sta., of Good Fortune in disguise, escorted by people wearing traditional Meiji-dori Street, clothes in the Muromachi period (1338-1573), and children in fancy Gofukumachi costumes dancing to the music parade. The entire city, especially Subway Sta., Dontaku Hiroba in front of City Hall is filled with townspeople singing Dontaku Hiroba and dancing with rice paddles in hands, and various entertainments http://www. Kyushu Fukuoka Fukuoka and others Hakata Dontaku 5/3 ～ 5/4 are staged daily in the city. JR Sanyo Shinkansen dontaku.fuku 九州福岡県福岡市 JR博多駅前、博多どんたく JR山陽新幹線博多駅下車 Line to Hakata Sta. net.or.jp/ 明治通り、呉服町駅、 Schedule & Key events: どんたく広場 ●5/3 10:00-11:30 & 5/4 10:00-13:00 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 townspeople along Meiji-dori Street from Gofukumachi Subway Sta. to Dontaku Hiroba

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

https://www. Naha Shinko Port Schedule & Key events: Okinawa Okinawa Naha Naha "Hari" From Naha Airport, take 那覇空港よりタクシーで25 naha- 5/3 ～ 5/5 那覇新港 ●5/3 沖縄沖縄県那覇市那覇ハーリー taxi (25 min.) 分 navi.or.jp/ma (那覇港新埠頭) 10:00-17:45 Boat race gazine/2227/ ●5/5 11:00-17:10 Boat race ●daily 20:40-21:00 Fireworks display over the port

©2018 Japan National Tourism Organization 11/11 Calendar of Events May 2018 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. ©2018 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 Special Remarks: Glossary： Tango-no-sekku, Boy's Festival held on May 5. Families with boys Matsuri Festival, Event Dates and Times are shown as follows which is common in Japan. display dolls that depict warriors or heroes, and fly carp streamers Mikoshi Portable shrine Dates : M/D April 3 ⇒ 4/3 to express their hopes that the boys will advance in life, like strong Noh Traditional masked drama Time : 24 hours system 8:00am ⇒ 8:00 carps that swim upstream. May 5 has been changed to become a Otabisho Portable shrine resting place national holiday called Children's Day to celebrate the growth of Taiko Japanese drum 8:00pm ⇒ 20:00 children regardless of boys or girls.

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. Stalls selling potted plants, antiques and others are set up in the precincts (1) Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Nezu Sta. (C14) or of the shrine. (1) 東京メトロ千代田線根津駅又 Bunkyo- Nezu-jinja Shrine Bunkyo Tsutsuji Sendagi Sta. (C15), and http://www.ci Tokyo Tokyo If it rains, art performances will be canceled. は千駄木駅より徒歩5分 4/7 ～ 5/6 ku and others Matsuri then walk 5 min. ty.bunkyo.lg.j 東京東京都 (2) 東京メトロ南北線東大前駅よ文京区根津神社ほか文京つつじまつり (2) Tokyo Metro Namboku p/tutuji.html り徒歩5分 Schedule & Key events: Line to Todaimae Sta. ●daily 9:00-17:30 Azalea garden is open (N12), and then walk 5 min. ●5/3 - 5 12:00- Taiko in the precincts of the shrine 13:00- Various entertainments in the precincts of the shrine ●5/5 13:00- Urayasu-no-mai (Shinto dance with music)

Summary: Fuji (wisteria) Flower Festival. There are over 50 wisteria roots in the precincts of the shrine, and they are usually in full bloom in this season. Several events are held during the festival period. (1)JR Sobu Line to Kameido Sta. (North Exit), and then (1)JR総武線亀戸駅 (北口) より Schedule & Key events: http://kameid Kameido Tenjin walk 15 min. 徒歩15分 Tokyo Tokyo Koto-ku Fuji Matsuri ●5/2 13:00-16:00 Shigin & Kenbu (traditional performing arts) otenjin.or.jp/i 4/15 ～ 5/6 Shrine (2)JR Sobu Line or Tokyo (2)JR総武線又は東京メトロ半蔵東京東京都江東区藤まつり nfo/2018/03/ 亀戸天神社 ●5/3-5 10:00-15:00 Cha-kai (tea ceremony) Metro Hanzomon Line to 門線錦糸町駅 (北口)より徒歩15 21 ●5/4 daytime Awa-odori (Japanese folk dance) Kinshicho Sta.(Z13)(North 分 13:00-15:30 Ryukyu-Sanshin (banjo-like instrument) Exit), and then walk 15 min. performance ●5/5 10:30-12:30 Shakuhachi (bamboo flute) performance 14:30-16:00 Taiko performance by children ●5/6 daytime Monkey show

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) and Shamisen (banjo-like instrument) are held in the (1) JR Yamanote Line to precincts of the shrine. Harajuku Sta.(Omotesando (1) JR山手線原宿駅（表参道 Exit), and then walk 5 min. http://meijijin Shibuya- Meiji-jingu Haru- 口）より徒歩5分 Tokyo Tokyo Meiji-jingu Shrine Schedule & Key events: (2) Tokyo Metro Chiyoda or gu.or.jp/haru 4/28 ～ 5/3 ku no Taisai (2) 東京メトロ千代田線又は副都東京東京都明治神宮 ●5/2 Fukutoshin Line to Meiji- notaisai/index 渋谷区明治神宮春の大祭心線明治神宮前駅（2番出口） Jingumae Sta. (C03, .html 11:45- Noh & Kyogen performance より徒歩5分 15:45- Sankyoku performance F15)(Exit 2), and then walk ●5/3 5 min. 9:00- Kyudo (Japanese archery) performance in Shiseikan 11:30- Japanese folk entertainments 12:00- Traditional Japanese music and dance 14:30- Satsuma-Biwa (Japanese lute) performance

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

Schedule & Key events: ●5/3 20:00- Komakurabe (demonstration of horseback riding) on Okunitama-jinja Kurayami (1) Keio Line to Fuchu Sta. Kyu-Koshu-kaido Street https://www. Shrine, Matsuri (South Exit), and then walk (1) 京王線府中駅 (南口）より徒 ●5/4 ookunitamajin Tokyo Tokyo Fuchu Kyu-Koshu-kaido (Okunitama-jinja 5 min. 歩5分 4/30 ～ 5/6 13:30- Parade of 20 Mikoshi carried by children from the shrine ja.or.jp/matsu 東京東京都府中市 Street and others Reitaisai) (2) JR Nambu or Musashino (2) JR南武線又は武蔵野線府中 to the city ri/5- 大国魂神社、くらやみまつり Line to Fuchu-Hommachi 本町駅より徒歩5分 kurayami.php 旧甲州街道ほか (大国魂神社例大祭) 17:00-18:00 Taiko performance Sta., and then walk 5 min. 18:00-21:00 Parade of 24 Dashi floats through the streets in the city ●5/5 14:30- Taiko performance 18:00- Parade of eight Mikoshi from the shrine to Otabisho 22:30- Yabusame (horseback archery) performance ●5/6 4:00-8:00 Parade of eight Mikoshi from Otabisho to the shrine

Summary: Annual Festival of the shrine. The highlight of this festival is a procession of Horen (palanquins) & Mikoshi and Kodomo Kabuki (traditional play by boys). If it rains, the play will take place at Chuo Elementaly School.

Schedule & Key events: ●5/3 8:00- Teppozu Azumabayashi (Japanese festival music) Teppozu Inari- 8:30-15:00 Procession of Horen through the neighborhood JR Keiyo Line or Tokyo http://www.te Teppozu Inari-jinja Tokyo Tokyo Chuo-ku jinja Reitaisai 16:00- Gineikenbu (sword dance with reciting a poem） Metro Hibiya Line to JR京葉線又は東京メトロ日比谷線 ppozujinja.or.j 5/1 ～ 5/5 Shrine and others 東京東京都中央区鉄砲洲稲荷神社例大 17:00- Nihonbuyo (classical Japanese music and dance) Hatchobori Sta. (H11), and 八丁堀駅より徒歩5分 p/nenkan.htm 鉄砲洲稲荷神社ほか祭 17:30- & 18:30- Taiko performance then walk 5 min. l ●5/4 9:00- Teppozu Azumabayashi (Japanese festival music) 10:00- Kagura-mai (Shinto dance with music) 13:00- Procession of Mikoshi through the neighborhood 18:30- Nihonbuyo (classical Japanese music and dance) 19:00 Minyobuyo (Japanese folk dance) ●5/5 10:30- Musoshindenryu-Iai (Japanese martial art) 13:30- Kodomo Kabuki

Summary: Heiwajima Antique Fair where more than 300 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 http://www.ci ship-shaped float laden with treasure) is drawn by children from Denbo-in Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or ty.taito.lg.jp/i 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 ndex/event/ka 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 nko/takara- and then walk 5 min. Schedule & Key events: no-mai.html 11:00- 13:30-

©2018 Japan National Tourism Organization 3/8 Region Dates Pref. City Venue Event Summary Access URL Summary: Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan Hall. 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 Sumo wrestlers) start. Advance tickets are sold at Ticket Pia, convenience (1) JR Sobu Line to Ryogoku Sta. (West Exit), and then (1) JR総武線両国駅 (西口) より Sumida- Ozumo Gogatsu stores, and so on. Unreserved-seat tickets are sold on the day at the Hall Tokyo Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan walk 2 min. 徒歩2分 http://www.s 5/13 ～ 5/27 ku Basho from 7:45 every day during the tournament period, on a first-come, first- 東京東京都両国国技館 (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 served basis. The number of the tickets is limited to around 400 daily. to Ryogoku Sta. (E12)(Exit (A3出口) より徒歩5分 A3), and then walk 5 min. Schedule & Key events: Daily ●8:20-18:00 Tournament ●15:55- Dohyo-iri by Yokozuna

(1) JR Chuo Line or Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ochanomizu Sta. Summary: (1) JR中央線又は東京メトロ丸ノ (M20)(Hijiribashi Exit, Exit The festival is one of the three grandest festivals in Tokyo, but the festival 内線御茶ノ水駅 (聖橋口、1番出 1), and then walk 5 min. of this year is rather small in scale. \3,500 ticket for Takigi Noh (open-air 口) より徒歩5分 http://www.k Chiyoda- (2) Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Tokyo Tokyo Kanda Myojin Shrine Kanda Matsuri torchlight Noh play) is sold at the shrine on the day from 10:00, but the (2) 東京メトロ千代田線新御茶ノ andamyoujin. 5/14 ～ 5/15 ku Line to Shin-Ochanomizu 東京東京都神田明神神田祭 number of the tickets is limited. 水駅 (B1出口) より徒歩5分 or.jp/event/de 千代田区 Sta. (C12)(Exit B1), and (3) JR山手線、京浜東北線又は tail/?id=68 then walk 5 min. 総武線秋葉原駅 (電気街口) より Schedule & Key events: (3) JR Yamanote, Keihin 徒歩7分 5/14 18:00-20:30 Takigi Noh Tohoku or Sobu Line to Akihabara Sta. (Denkigai Exit), and then walk 7 min.

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.

Schedule & Key events: ●5/18 Asakusa-jinja Shrine, 13:00- Daigyoretsu through the town, proceeding on Nakamise-dori Street Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or https://www. Nakamise-dori Street to the shrine Tokyo Tokyo Taito-ku Sanja Matsuri Toei Asakusa Subway Line 東京メトロ銀座線又は都営地下鉄 asakusajinja.j 5/18 ～ 5/20 and others 14:20- Binzasara-mai performance in Shaden Hall 東京東京都台東区三社祭 to Asakusa Sta. (G19, A18), 浅草線浅草駅より徒歩5分 p/sanjamatsur 浅草神社、 15:00- Binzasara-mai performance on Kaguraden stage and then walk 5 min. i/schedule/ 仲見世通りほか ●5/19 12:00- Parade of 100 Mikoshi through the town 16:00- Buyo (Japanese dance) on Kaguraden stage 17:00- Miko (shrine maiden) dance on Kaguraden stage ●5/20 6:00- Parade of three Mikoshi in the shrine's neighborhood 14:00- Miko (shrine maiden) dance on Kaguraden stage 15:00- Buyo (Japanese dance) on Kaguraden stage 16:00- Taiko in the precincts of the shrine

Summary: Annual Festival of the shrine. The highlight of the festival is a procession of http://www.h Tokyo Metro Marunouchi, two Mikoshi and floats from the shrine, parading on Yasukuni-dori Street, anazono- Shinjuku- Hanazono-jinja Hanazono-jinja Fukutoshin Line or Toei 東京メトロ丸の内線, 副都心線又 Tokyo Tokyo Shinjuku-dori Street and Meiji-dori Street. Open-air stalls selling foods and jinja.or.jp/mt/ 5/25 ～ 5/28 ku Shrine and others Reitaisai Shinjuku Subway Line to は都営地下鉄新宿線新宿三丁目東京東京都 others are set up. cms- 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) sh/webdir/ind (M09, F13, S02)(Exit E2) Schedule & Key events: ex.html ●5/27 9:40-19:30 Parade of Mikoshi

Summary: Annual Festival of the shrine. The highlight of this festival is Shinkosai , a procession of Horen (palanquins) and Mikoshi drawn by townspeople, (1) Tokyo Metro Chiyoda parading in the neighborhood of the shrine. Edosato-Kagura (Shinto dance 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 with music) is also performed several times a day. (C13)(Exit 3), and then walk ushimatenjin. Tokyo Tokyo (3番出口) より徒歩2分 5/26 ～ 5/27 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/nittei30.ht 駅より徒歩5分 ●5/26 10:00- Shinkosai to Ueno-hirokoji Sta.(G15), m 10:00-20:00 Edosato-Kagura performance on Kaguraden and then walk 5 min. stage ●5/27 7:30-17:00 Parade of Mikoshi

(1) JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Oyama Sta., and then change to JR Mito Line to Shimodate Sta. From Summary: (1) JR東北新幹線小山駅よりJR there, take Moka Tetsudo Pottery Fair. Besides 50 shops, about 500 stalls are set up in the town. 水戸線で下館駅にて真岡鉄道線 Line to Mashiko Sta. http://www. ※Special bus services between the Mashiko Toki Ichi venue and the に乗り換え益子駅下車 Mashiko- Mashiko Toki (2) JR Tohoku Shinkansen mashiko- Kanto Tochigi Mashiko-machi Kasama-no-Himatsuri venue on 4/29-30, 5/3-5 will be operated by Ibaraki (2) JR東北新幹線宇都宮駅下車 4/28 ～ 5/6 machi Ichi Line to Utsunomiya Sta. kankou.org/ce 関東栃木県益子町 Kotsu Bus. (500JPY) (西口)、14番バス乗り場よりバス益益子町益子陶器市 (West Exit) From No.14 Bus ramics_bazaar 子駅行で1時間益子駅下車 Stop, take bus (for Mashiko /index.shtml (3)秋葉原バスターミナルより高速バ Schedule & Key events: Sta.) to Mashiko Sta.(1 スで2時間30分益子駅下車 ●daily 9:00-17:00 hour) (3)From Akihabara Bus Terminal, take Highway bus to Mashiko Sta. (2.5 hours)

(1) JR Mito Line to Kasama Summary: Sta., and then walk 30 min. or take temporary bus (10 Pottery Fair. Over 200 stalls are set up in the park. (1) JR水戸線笠間駅より徒歩30 min.) Kasama-no- ※Special bus services between the Mashiko Toki Ichi venue and the 分又は臨時バスで10分 Kasama Geijutsu-no- (2) JR Joban Line to Tomobe Kanto Ibaraki Kasama Himatsuri Kasama-no-Himatsuri venue on 4/29-30, 5/3-5 will be operated by Ibaraki (2) JR常磐線友部駅 (北口) より http://www.hi 4/29 ～ 5/5 mori Park Sta. (North Exit) From there, 関東茨城県笠間市笠間の陶炎祭(ひまつ Kotsu Bus. (500JPY) シャトルバスで15分 matsuri.net/ 笠間芸術の森公園 take shuttle bus (15 min.) り) (3)秋葉原バスターミナルより高速バ (3)From Akihabara Bus スで1時間40分やきもの通り下車 Schedule & Key events: Terminal, take Highway bus ●daily 9:00-17:00 to Yakimono-dori (1 hour 40min.)

Summary: International Masquerade Parade. The main parade leaves Yamashita Park, (1) Tokyu Toyoko Line or Yamashita Park, passing by Aka Renga Soko (Red Brick Warehouse) and proceeding on Yokohama Minatomirai Line (1) 東急東横線又は横浜みなとみ http://www.y Red Brick Warehouse The Yokohama Bashamichi Ave., for Isezakicho 6-chome area. If it rains, the parade will be to Motomachi-Chukagai らい線元町・中華街駅(1番出口) Kanto Kanagawa Yokohama okohama- 5/3 and others Parade postponed to the following day. Sta.(Exit 1) or Bashamichi 又は馬車道駅下車関東神奈川県横浜市 cci.com/index. 山下公園、ザよこはまパレード Sta. (2) JR京浜東北線又は根岸線関 html 赤レンガ倉庫ほか Schedule & Key events: (2) JR Keihin Tohoku or 内駅下車 10:45- Kids' parade in the city Negishi Line to Kannai Sta. 11:15- Super Parade in the city

Summary: The main event of this festival is Musha Gyoretsu (a warriors' procession) from Akagane-mon Gate of the castle, going through the city. If it rain the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line http://www.o Odawara Castle and Odawara Hojo JR東海道新幹線又は小田急小田 Kanto Kanagawa Odawara event will be canceled. or Odakyu Odawara Line to dawara- 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), kankou.com/h 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. oujyou/ 12:20- The opening ceremony 13:30-15:30 Musha Gyoretsu parade

Summary: (1) Tobu Isezaki Line to Kasukabe Sta. (East Exit) Nishi- Giant Kite Flying Festival. Flying two smaller kites, each weighing 150 kg http://www.ci From there, take bus to (1) 東武伊勢崎線春日部駅 (東 hoshuban and two giant kites, each weighing 800 kg are featured. The festival may be ty.kasukabe.lg Otako-age Otakokaikan-Iriguchi Bus 口) よりバスで30分大凧会館入口 Kanto Saitama a, Edogawa River postponed to 5/6 depending on weather conditions. .jp/bunka_spo 5/3 & 5/5 Matsuri Stop (30 min.) 下車関東埼玉県 Kasukabe 江戸川河川敷 rts/kankou/oo 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 dakomatsuri/i Schedule & Key events: Minamisakurai Sta. (North よりシャトルバスで15分(\200) 宝珠花 ndex.html ●5/3 & 5 13:00- Small kite flying Exit) From there, take 14:00- Giant kite flying shuttle bus (15 min.,\200)

Summary: Giant Kite Flying Festival on the riverbank near Zakaebashi Bridge over Sagami River. Over 100 people fly a giant kite of weighting 1 ton. Zakaebashi Bridge, This year, fireworks display using smoke and sound will be shot for about 5 http://www.ci Odakyu Line to Sobudai-mae Sagami River Zama-no-Otako minutes. Open-air stalls selling foods and others are set up and various 小田急線相武台前駅よりシャトル ty.zama.kana Kanto Kanagawa Zama Sta., and then take shuttle 5/4 ～ 5/5 ground Matsuri events are scheduled at the venue. The festival may be canceled depending バス (毎20分間隔で運行 9:00- gawa.jp/www 関東神奈川県座間市 bus (The shuttle bus runs 座架依橋、座間の大凧まつり on weather conditions. 15:00) /contents/124 every 20 min, 9:00-15:00) 相模川グラウンド 9366479690/ Schedule & Key events: ●daily 10:00-16:00 Kite Flying Festival ●5/4 Around 9:30- Fireworks Display

Summary: Giant Kite Flying Festival at four venues along Sagami River, mainly at Shindo Sports Hiroba. About 100 men wearing Happi coats fly a giant kite of http://www.e Shindo Sports Hiroba： Sagamiha Shindo Sports Hiroba Sagami-no- 14.5 square meters, weighing 950 kg, at the venue. Open-air stalls selling 新戸スポーツ広場： - Kanto Kanagawa JR Sagami Line to Sobudai- 5/4 ～ 5/5 ra and others Otako Matsuri foods and others are set up. The festival may be canceled depending on JR相模線相武台下駅より徒歩15 sagamihara.c 関東神奈川県 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 weather conditions. 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 Oiso Sta. From there, take okusho.jp/ne 5/5 machi Konomachi Schedule & Key events: JR東海道本線大磯駅よりバスで国関東神奈川県 others bus to Kokufu-Shinshuku ws/news06.ht 大磯町相模国府祭 12:00- Mikoshi parade through the town, after "Zamondo " ritual is 府新宿下車、徒歩5分六所神社、 Bus Stop, and then walk 5 ml 神揃山、 conducted on Mt. Kamisoroi min. 馬場公園ほか 13:30- 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. Procession of over 1,200 armor-clad people followed by Mikoshi is the highlight. JR Nikko Line to Nikko Sta. Nikko Tosho-gu or Tobu Nikko Line to Tobu- http://www.ni Tosho-gu Shrine and Schedule & Key events: JR日光線日光駅又は東武日光線 Kanto Tochigi Nikko Shunki Reitaisai Nikko Sta. From there, take kko- 5/17 ～ 5/18 others ●5/17 東武日光駅よりバスで10分西参道関東栃木県日光市日光東照宮春季例大 bus to Nishisando Bus Stop kankou.org/ev 東照宮ほか 13:30- Yabusame (horseback archery) performance 下車、徒歩5分祭 (10 min.), and then walk 5 ent/27/ ●5/18 min. 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

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 bride) and local Japanese entertainments are performed during the festival period.

Schedule & Key events: (1) JR Kashima Line to Itako ●daily (1) JR鹿島線潮来駅より徒歩3 Sta., and then walk 3 min. http://www.ci Suigo Itako Ayame- Suigo Itako 18:30-22:00 Flowers are lit up 分 Kanto Ibaraki Itako (2) From Tokyo Sta. Yaesu ty.itako.lg.jp/ 5/26 ～ 6/24 en Ayame Matsuri ●every Wednesday (2) 東京駅八重洲南口より高速バ関東茨城県潮来市 South Exit, take highway page/page003 水郷潮来あやめ園水郷潮来あやめ祭 11:00- Yomeiri-fune スで70分水郷潮来バスターミナル bus to Suigo Itako Bus 125.html 下車 ●every Saturday Terminal (70min.) 11:00-, 14:00- and 19:30- Yomeiri-fune ●every Sunday 11:00- Yomeiri-fune 12:00-13:00 Ayame-odori folk dancing 13:00- Itakogionsairei-odori dancing with Itakobayashi festival music 14:00- Yomeiri-fune