Look what's Happening in Tokyo
Issue: February 2006

Public Holidays in February
Kenkoku Kinen-no-hi This day celebrates the founding of Japan. Unfortunately it falls on a Saturday this year so next extra day off!

Setsu-Bun - Bean Scattering Festival Feb. 3rd
If you were to peak through the window you would also be surprised to see the adult of the house wearing an "Oni" (Devil) mask and children throwing beans at the Devil. This old custom called Oni-yarai dates back to the old Chinese Lunar calendar when "Setsu" was the last day of winter, and it's origins come from another custom that dates back to the 8th century.
The general idea of Setsu-bun is to drive out any bad luck in the house and to welcome good luck into the house by scattering the beans around the house and at the person wearing the devil mask. Finally, you must eat the number of beans equivalent to your age to ensure good luck for the rest of the year. See the public ceremonies performed for this festival at the following places.
n Zojoji Temple at 12:30
Access: 3 minutes walk from Shiba-Koen station on the Toei Mita line.
n Sensoji in Asakusa at 11:30 & 13:30
Access: 5 mins. walk from Asakusa station on the Ginza line.
n Hie Shrine at 11:30
Access: 8 min. walk from Akasakamitsuke station or 15 mins. walk from Nagatacho station.
n Kanda Shrine at 14:00
Access: 5 mins. walk from Ochanomizu station. or 5 mins. walk from Suehiro station on the Ginza line.

Plum Viewing
The Japanese plum 'Ume' trees are some of the first blossoms to open in the year and are associated with the start of spring. Throughout Japan people visit the local parks, shrines and temples to view these beautiful flowers. You can do your viewing at the following parks from around the 2nd week in February to the end of March.
Yushima Tenjin Shrine
Open-air tea ceremony & other activities happening on the weekends. To get there: A 1-minute walk from Yushima Station on the Chiyoda Subway Line.
Yoshino Baigo Plum Festival
This park has 25,000 plum trees and with that number makes it the largest plum tree orchard in the Kanto area. When the plums are in full bloom it is a truly wonderful sight to see. It is definitely worth making a visit to this park.
To get there: A 10-minute walk from Hinata Wada Station on the JR Ome Line.
Kameido Tenjin Plum Festival
200 plum trees the shrine grounds. Events such as tea ceremony & rubber stamp collecting rally. To get there: A 10-minute walk from Kameido Station or Kinshicho Station on the JR Sobu Line.
Hanegi Park
A small park with over 700 plum trees. Festivals are held throughout February and the holidays. And koto concerts along with other local celebrations and parades.
To get there: Take the Odakyu line to Umegaoka station.

Camellia Viewing - There is said to be over 2000 varieties of Japanese Camellia. This beautiful flower blooms in the mid-winter bringing warmth to the air. This month brings the famous Camellia festival on the Island of Oshima just two hours from Tokyo.
All Izu Island ship routes are serviced by the Tokai Kisen Company (03-5472-9999). Ferries leave from the Takeshiba
Passenger Terminal at Takeshiba station on the Yurikamome line.
Air Nippon flights leave Haneda airport departing to Oshima, Miyakejima and Hachijojima.

Hadaka Matsuri 10th February
Since 767BC the Naked Man, otherwise known as Shin-otokoa, has walked this same route going through sweaty, desperate men to reach the Konomiya Shrine. Tradition believes the Naked Man absorbs all bad luck and evil deeds from the men who touch him.
To get there: You can take a train or a flight to the city of Nagoya. From there take a short bus ride to Inazawa City

56th Hokkaido Snow Festival 6th - 12th February
For 7 days in February every year, hundreds of snow statues and ice sculptures line the streets of Sapporo City, Hokkaido. The festival began in 1950 when senior high school students of the city made six snow statues in Odori Park. In 1955, the Self Defense Force joined in and built massive snow statues as well. The Festival has grown from these humble beginnings to become the biggest and most well-known of Hokkaido's winter events and a snow festival of international caliber.
To get there: Hourly operated flights by several airlines offer easy access to New Chintose airport. From there you need to take a train to the town centre.

Impressionist Collection of the Pola Museum Until 26th February
This show features over 80 pieces of famous French impressionist paintings from painters like Monet and Renoir on loan at the Bunkamura Musuem of Art. From 10:00-19:00 (Till 21:00 on Fri. and Sat., enter 30 minutes before the closing) Adult ¥1,300 College/HS ¥800 JHS/Child ¥500
To get there: 7 minutes walk from JR Shibuya Station (Hachiko exit)

Norman Brown and Peabo Bryson 6th - 11th February
Since the release of his critically acclaimed 2002 album, Just Chillin' - which won a Grammy® this innovative and original guitarist has been at the center in the fast evolving fusion of pop, R&B and jazz. Along with Peabo Bryson who established a career as one of the premiere soul crooners of the last quarter century come together to create a relaxing evening for you at the Blue Note.
Performances: 19:00 (doors open at 17:30) and 21:20 (doors open at 20:30) 2/11 Performances: 18:30 and 21:20. Ticket Prices: 8,400
To get there: 8 minutes walk from Omotesando station on the Ginza, Hanzomon and Chiyoda lines.

by Sarah Yamada