Look what's Happening in Tokyo
Issue: August 2005

Public Holidays in August
There are no holidays in Japan, but a lot of Japanese people take time off work to go back to their hometowns to participate in the Obon "All Souls'" Festival. It is believed that this is a time when the ancestors' spirits return to the home. Typically a family will visit the family graves, water and sake will be poured over the grave and incense will be lit. Then they return home with the spirits. A special meal is laid out on the family altar and the spirits stay for 3 days. For most people the highlight of the festival is the Bon Odori a dance held in the local neighbourhood park or open space. The dance is not hard to learn, so feel free to join in.

Hashi Kanshasai ~ Memorial Mass for Old Chopsticks at the Hie Shrine August 4th
A festival in which many regular used chopsticks and a giant pair of chopsticks are burned before the altar in thanks for their service and for the food eaten from them. Starts at 11:00am
To get there: Akasaka-Mitsuke st. G05 Ginza line or M13 Marunouchi line Or Nagatacho st. N07 Namboku line, Z04 Hanzomon line

Ningyocho Seto-Mono Ichi ~China Ware Market(Open 9:00~21:00) August 4th ~6th
Famous for it's chinaware wholesalers, Ningyocho holds an annual clearance sale that attracts many locals and tourist alike.
To get there: Ningyocho station H13 on the Hibiya line or A14 on the Asakusa line.

Togo Shrine Flea Market August 7th and August 28th
This friendly and popular open market sells antiques and used-goods. Remember to bargain.
To get there: Harajuku St on the JR line or Meiji Jingumae St C03 on the Chiyoda line

Mizukake Matsuri ~ Water-Throwing Festival at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine August 13th ~15th
One of the annual three Tokyo festivals this year is the hon-ban festival which is held on the 3rd year. When the portable shrine is carried out on 14th (7:30 - 15:30) the spectators throw water over the bearers to express their wishes for one's good health. To get there: Monzen-Nakacho Station T12 on the Tozai line or E15 on the Oedo line

Koenji no Awaodori (From 18:30 onwards) August 27th ~ 28th
An extremely popular street festival organized by the local shop owners and local community leaders in an effort to bring the community together. The traditional dance has its origins in the Tokushima folk dance. It is also known as the "Fool's Dance". And comes from the words of the song which are: "You're a fool whether you dance or not, so you may as well dance."
To get there: Take the JR Chuo line to Koenji station.

Samba Carnival Parade (13:30 ~ 18:00) August 27th
If you didn't make it to Rio for this year's carnival, don't worry! Tokyo brings the carnival to you. Join in all the fun of the Samba festival.
To get there: Asakusa station A18 on the Asakusa line or G19 on the Ginza line.

by Sarah Yamada