Look what's Happening in Tokyo
Issue: March 2006

Public Holidays in March

March 21st Vernal Equinox day or Shunbun-no-hi.

Doll Festivals, Walking on Fire, Dragon dancing and concerts

Hina Matsuri Doll Festival 3rd March
Around mid-February households with daughters will set up a 5 or 7-tiered platforms covered in red felt and display dolls representing the emperor, empress, court ladies and attendants in traditional Heian era clothing. This is done in order to pray for their daughter's health. On 3rd March Chirashi Sushi is eaten and then the dolls are put away for another year. It is said that if the dolls are not put away by the morning of the 4th then the daughter will not be able to find a husband!!!

Yokohama Dolls Museum

Starting with a collection of 3,149 dolls from 92 countries, the collection has been enriched over the years and now stands at 12,926 dolls from 140 countries

The museum is undergoing renewal
and is set to reopen in mid April




Takaosan Hiwatari Matsuri (Fire-walking Ceremony) 12th March
The walk up Mt.Takao doesn't require special footwear and the views from the top are wonderful. On this day you have a chance to witness an ascetic exercise by the mountain priests who will walk on hot coals. Visitors are also welcome to participate in this ceremony, so if you are looking for something different to do at the weekend this might be the thing for you. (Starts at 13:00)
How to get there: Take the Keio line to Takaosan-guchi or JR Takao Station.

White Day 14th March
An extremely clever sweet maker launched a new campaign 40 years ago urging men to repay valentine gifts with marshmallows. The day was originally called Marshmallow Day but eventually changed to White Day. Other candy makers soon joined in and gradually the original association with marshmallows disappeared.

Golden Dragon Dance 18th March
It is said that in 628AD two brothers netted a 6cm-high golden statue of Kannon while fishing. Recognizing it's sacred qualities the master of the brothers decided to build his house on the land. To celebrate the finding of the statue this annual festival is held and the locals participate in the Golden Dragon Dance.
How to get there: Take the Ginza line (G19) or the Asakusa line (E11) to Asakusa station.

33rd Tokyo MotorCycle Show 31st March - 2nd April
Missing the wide open road and a chance to put your foot down and feel the air rush through your hair? Come over to the Big Sight (West. Hall 1 & 2) for a view of the latest Motorcycles available. Hours: 10:00 -18:00 Admission fee: 1500yen
Access: 3-min. walk from Kokusai-tenjijo on the JR line or Rinkai line. 5 min. From Kokusai Tenjijo station on the Yurikamome line.

Gift from Malahkho 24th February - 9th March
Malahkov leads an all-star cast to perform some of the best loved pas de deux from the classic repertoire. Performance at 18:30 at the Yu-Port Kan-i Hoken Hall (Gotanda). Tickets 6,000 yen to 16,000 yen Performance at 15:00
Access: 5 mins. Walk from Gotanda station on JR Yamanote line or Toei Asakusa (A05) line

Sean Paul February 13th - 14th
The catchy tunes of Sean Paul have been setting the dance floors on fire.
2 performances at the Tokyo International Forum (19:00) Tickets: 8,000
Access: 1 minute from Yurakucho station (Y18) or 5 minutes from Tokyo station.

James Brown March 4th & 5th
The Godfather of Soul returns to Japan for another exciting concert. performances at the Tokyo International Forum (19:00) Tickets: 5,500
Access: 1 minute from Yurakucho station (18) or 5 minutes from Tokyo station.

The Rolling Stones "A Bigger Bang" March 22nd & 24th
The giants are back to perform old favorites and new delights at Tokyo Dome. various ticket prices available
Access: 1 min. from Korakuen station on the Maruouchi line or 2 mins. from Suidobashi on the JR Sobu line

Flowers in bloom this month
Cherry Blossoms could start to bloom at the end of March, it all depends on the weather! A detailed Cherry Blossom guide can be obtained from the Bureau Information Center.

What's going on elsewhere in Japan
Omizutori-The Drawing of Water Ceremony at Todai-ji Temple, Nara 1st-14th March
Priests conduct a fire ceremony every evening from 18:00, swinging long torches in the air to ward off evil. At 2:00 in the morning of the 13th, water is drawn from the 1200 year-old well and offered to visitors to drive away diseases.

by Sarah Yamada