Look what's Happening in Tokyo
Issue: January 2006

Public Holidays in January
1st & 2nd January New Year
During this period Japanese people will participate in Hatsumode which refers to the annual tradition of the first visit to a shrine or temple for 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. 9th January ~ Seijin-no-hi. Coming of Age festival when young people turning 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, Imperial Palace, Antique Fairs and Bullfinches!

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. To get there: Nearest station is the Sakuradamon station (Y17) on the Yurakucho line.

Dezome-shiki 6th January
This annual New Year's Parade by the Fire Brigade is a huge tradition not just in Tokyo but throughout Japan. The firemen perform acrobatic feats on bamboo ladders at the Big Sight. Take the Rinkai line to Kokusai-tenjijo Station or the Yurikamome line to Kokusai-tenjijo Seimon Station. Festival starts at 9:55.

Antique Winter Jamboree 2006 7-9th January
This annual sale at The Tokyo Big Sight offers you a chance to pick up some great trinkets and genuine antiques. Early buyer day on 7th 14:00-18:00 8th&9th open 10:00-18:00 Access this link and print out the coupon to save 200 yen on the entrance fee. http://home.att.ne.jp/sun/jambokun/antique/ Access: Take the Rinkai line to Kokusai-tenjijo Station or the Yurikamome line to Kokusai-tenjijo Seimon Station

Daikon (White Radish) Festival at Matsuchiyama Shouten 7th January
Eating the boiled white radish that has been dedicated to the temple between January 1st and 6th insures you of good health for the whole of year. The service starts at 11:00am and the daikon is served at 11:30am. To get there: Take the Ginza line or Toei Asakusa line to Asakusa station (G19) 10 minute walk from the 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.)

Bullfinch Carving Exchange at Kameido Tenjin Shrine 24th & 25th January
At this traditional festival old wooden bullfinch carvings are exchanged for new ones. 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 82nd 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 214.5 kilometers during Jan. 2nd and 3rd.

by Sarah Yamada