Look what's Happening in Tokyo
Issue: November 2004

Public Holidays in November

November 3rd is Bunka no Hi, Culture Day. A national holiday held to celebrate the Meiji Emperor's birthday. After his death the name was changed to culture day. On this day the present Japanese emperor will hand out the Order of Culture Awards. The
Ceremony is held in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Award winners in the past have included designer Hanae Mori, Keizo Saji who helped change the national custom of drinking sake to that of hard liquor, mainly whisky and beer, while he was serving as president from 1961 to 1990 of Suntory Ltd., and Neil Armstrong, Micheal Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr, the 3 American astronauts who were aboard the first landing mission to the moon aboard Apollo 11. Throughout this day there are various festivals held to celebrate art and tradition all over Japan.
November 23rd is Kinro Kansha no hi, Labour Thanksgiving Day as this falls on a Sunday the 24th is a holiday.

Festivals, Lucky Chickens, and Mickey Mouse!

Meiji Reidaisai at Meiji Jingu Shrine October 31st ~ November 3rd
Celebrations are held in memory of the Meiji emperor's birthday. Various events are held over the 5 day period including displays of horseback archery, classical music, dance and Noh.
To get there: Take the Yamanote line to Harajuku station or Chiyoda line to Meiji-jingu mae station and head for the Meiji Shrine.

Tokyo International Film Festival October 23rd ~ November 5th
A chance to catch the last few days of the 17th festival. The main venues will be set at Bunkamura (Shibuya-ku) and Roppongi Hills (Minato-ku). Screenings of "The Terminal" directed by Steven Spielberg , "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers" directed by Stephen Hopkins and "Howl's Moving Castle" directed by Hayao Miyazaki . Web information: http://www.tiff-jp.net/index_e.html

Tori no Ichi - Chicken Market at Juzaisan Chokoku-ji in Askakusa November 2nd, 14th and 26th
Every November on the Chicken's Day, called Tori no Ichi there is a crowd of people over at the Juzaisan Chokoku-ji Temple buying a Kumade. (rake) This is bought in the hope of bringing in good business to the company and to stay in good fortune, you have to come back every year to the Shrine to exchange the old rake with a new one. It is said that the buying of a bigger rake each year will bring happiness for the New Year. The rake is decorated with lucky charms like a money-gathering cats, cranes, pines gold foils etc. The price is determined by the size and the decoration. The chicken days are decided using the Chinese zodiac and it is said that if there are 3 Chicken days in the month then there is a likely chance of a fire breaking out. This year there are 3 days! So be careful when using fire! The Chicken Days are: November 2nd (Tuesday) and 14th (Sunday) and 26th (Friday).
To get there: Take the Hibiya Line to Iriya station (7 mins.. Walk from North Exit #3) or the Ginza line to Tawaramachi station (15 mins. Walk from station)

Shichi-go-san Throughout November
If you have time on and around November 15th you are highly recommended to visit the local shrines in your area there you will see children (Boys who are 5 years old and girls who are 3 or 7 years old) dressed up in beautiful kimonos receiving Shrine blessings. The name of the festival derives from the children's ages and the stages in growth. The custom became popular in the Edo period.

Disneyland Christmas Fantasy and Disney Sea Harborside Christmas November 5th through to December 25th
It is never too early to think about Christmas. 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)

Flowers in bloom this month

Chrysanthemums - This traditional flower plays an important role for the Japanese life. Since the 13th century it has been the official symbol and crest of Japan's Imperial family. The motif was found on clothing, sword blades, and official documents. The cultivation of the Chrysanthemum has become an art form in Japan and it is worth visiting an exhibition if you have time Meiji Shrine has a wonderful display on the main walk to the Shrine. (A full list of other exhibitions is available on request).
To get there: Take the Yamanote line to Harajuku station or Chiyoda line to Meiji-jingu mae station and head for the Meiji Shrine.

What's going on elsewhere in Japan

Hakone - the Federal Lord's Parade. November 3rd
In the Edo period it was necessary for the Daimyo (feudal lords) to present themselves on an annual basis to the Shogun residing in Tokyo to report on the what was happening in the Daimyo's local area. The Federal Lord's Parade is a recreation of the crossings of the Daimyo. Around 250 people wearing clothes of the period proceed up the original stone path.
To get there: Shinkansen or Tokaido line to Odawara. Change to Tozan line to Hakone. From Hakone take a local train to Gora.

by Sarah Yamada