Look what's Happening in Tokyo
Issue: December 2004

Public Holidays in December

23rd December is the Emperor's Birthday.
Since 1990, when the present Emperor took over the role of his father who had passed away in 1989 this day has been a national holiday. On this day the Emperor will receive congratulatory birthday wishes from his family, the Prime Minister and speakers of the Houses of Representatives in a ceremony known as Shukuga no Gi.

Master less Samurai, Flea Markets, Battledores and New Year trips to the Shrine.
Disneyland Christmas Fantasy and Disney Sea Harborside Christmas Till December 25th
Being away from home can be the hardest at this time of the year. But a visit to Disneyland or Disney Sea will help to add some Christmas cheer. Classic Christmas songs fill the park, lovely decorations adorn the different park areas. Disney characters wander the park in their Christmas outfits and special Christmas menus are put on in the restaurants.
To get there: Take the JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line from Tokyo station to JR Maihama Station (South Exit)

Sengakuji Temple in Minato-ku 12th ~ 14th December
This small temple holds an annual memorial service for the famous 47 samurai who committed ritual suicide in 1702 and are laid here to rest. Various activities are held during the 3 day period, with the memorial service held on the morning of the 14th.
To get there: Sengakuji Station (A07) on Mita Subway Line

Setagaya Boro Ichi ~ Setagaya Flea Market 15th & 16th December
The Boroichi "rag fair" is a winter feature in Setagaya. This outdoor flea market was first held in the 1570's. Every year on both 15th and 16th of December and January, the grand Boroichi Fair is held along the well-known Boroichi-dori street converging around Setagaya Daikan Yashiki. Many people show up to visit the more than 700 booths set up along the 1-km route. Take the Setagaya line to Kamimachi or
To get there: Setagaya Station. (3 mins. Walk from the station.)

Hagoita Ichi ~ Battledore Fair at Sensoji Temple ~ Taito-ku. 17th ~ 19th December
A traditional game played by girls over the new year period is Hanetsuki. This is similar to badminton and uses a paddle shaped bat to hit the shuttlecock. In December people gather at the Hagoita market at Sensoji Temple to buy their ornamental versions. These lavishly decorated Battledores are made using silk collage and range in size and price. You can choose from the traditional kabuki decorations to the modern day style with sports stars, pop stars and television stars.
To get there: Take the Asakusa or Ginza line to Asakusa Station (A18 G19).

Ameyayokocho anytime in December
This place was famous for its black market activities during WWII. Nowadays it carries various imported goods, industrial products and even dry fish. It is always crowded with people, but you must see it just before the New Year if you don't mind the crowds.
To get there: Take the JR, Ginza or Hibiya line to Ueno station (G18 H1)

Joya no Kane 31st December
Join the crowds at Meiji Shrine at midnight to wish in the new year or visit a temple to hear the temple bells that are struck 108 times to dispel the 108 earthly desires that, according to Buddhist doctrine, plague us all. You can also join the locals ringing the temple bells at Zojoji Temple and Shojuin Temple.
To get there: Meiji Shrine: Take the Yamanote line to Harajuku station or the Chiyoda line to Meiji-jingu mae station (C03). Zojoji Temple: JR line to Hamamatsucho station. Shojuin Temple: Take the Marunouchi line to Shinjuku-sanchome (S02 M09)

Flowers in bloom this month
Suisen - Narcissuses can be viewed from the end of December through to January. Zuisenji- Temple in Kamakura offers the visitor a quiet rest from the busy new year rush. The Temple is famous for its Zen gardens.
To get there: Take the Yokusuka line to Kamakura from Shinagawa station.

What's going on elsewhere in Japan
Osama-no-daishi at Kawasaki Daishi Temple in Kawasaki 21st December
Throughout the Tokyo area, Year-end fairs are celebrated at temples, but the Kawasaki Daishi Temple, famed for good fortune, it is said to hold the most luck. On this day Lucky charms bought earlier in the year can be burned for good luck in the future. A great place to spend some time and money on battledores (decorated wooden rackets), good luck charms and Dharma Dolls. To get there: Take the Keihin Kyuko Line from Shinagawa station to Keikyu-Kawasaki Station, change onto the Kehinkyuko- Daishi Line to Kawasakidiashi Station. (5 mins. Walk from the station.)

by Sarah Yamada