Look what's Happening in Tokyo
Issue: January 2005

Public Holidays in January
1st January ~ New Year's Day is celebrated. Most companies are closed for the first three days of the year. 10th January ~ Seijin-no-hi. Coming of Age festival when any young people who turn 20 this coming year will be considered adults. This becomes the legal age to drink, smoke and vote. Celebrations are held nationwide.

First visit to the Shrines, Sales, Lucky Bags and Bullfinches
Hatsumode 1st (& 2nd 3rd) January
Hatsumode refers to the annual tradition of the first visit to a shrine or temple in the New Year. It is a time to throw a coin in the collection box and make a wish for health and happiness in the New Year. The larger & famous shrines will be extremely busy.

Ippan Sanga 2nd January
The grounds to the Imperial Palace are usually off limits to the general public, which makes this day so special. The gates are open to allow the public in to offer greetings to the Imperial family who appear on the balcony at different intervals during the day.

New Year Sales and Fukubukuro
2nd January onwards
Sales begin for most of the department stores on the 2nd. You will often find people queuing up for hours before, only to purchase bag! These bags are called Fukubukuro and mean "Lucky Bag." For a set price, you may be one of the lucky people who walk out with an assortment of goods that far exceed the savings that any bargain sale can offer.

Dezomeshiki ~ The New Year's Parade by the Tokyo Fire Brigade 6th January
An annual New Year tradition. The acrobatic performance on ladders by the Edo Fire Brigade at the Big Sight.
To get there: Take the Rinkai line to Kokusai-tenjijo Station or the Yurikamome line to Kokusai-tenjijo Seimon Station.

Setagaya Boro Ichi ~ Setagaya Flea Market 15th & 16th January
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.
To get there: Take the Setagaya line to Kamimachi or Setagaya Station. (3 mins. Walk from the station.)

Usokae ~ Bullfinch Carving Exchange at Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Koto-ku 24th & 25th January
This traditional festival where old wooden bullfinch carvings are exchanged. It is said to symbolize the act of exchanging the bad luck of the previous year for the luck of the New Year.
To get there Take the JR Sobu line to Kameido station. (10 minutes walk from the station)

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
The 81st Tokyo - Hakone College Ekiden Race
The most celebrated sporting event during the New Year holidays is the Hakone Ekiden. 10 runners each from 15 collegiate teams relay their cotton belts in a total distance of 214. 5 kilometers during Jan. 2nd and 3rd.

by Sarah Yamada