Look what's Happening in Tokyo
Issue: October 2004

Public Holidays in October

11th October is Taiiku-no-hi or Physical Fitness day. Created in commemoration of the opening day of the Olympics in Tokyo in 1964. From September through to October various sport activities are held by local schools and groups. The Bureau Information
Center has information on various sports centers in Tokyo. Call us to help you find the one best suited to your needs.

Festivals, Markets, Buckwheat Noodles and Pickled Radishes

Aki Matsuri ~ Autumn festival in Ueno Park Rain or Shine ~ everyday in October
The autumn antique market is held daily in the Ueno Park by the Shinobazu Pond. Throughout October from 9:00 - until sunset.
To get there: Take JR or Ginza line to Keisei Ueno station.

Oeshiki (Nichiren Memorial Service) October 11th ~ 13th
Nichiren Shonin, founder of the Nichiren Sect of Buddhism, is honored in this requiem ceremony. Various activities are held throughout the day and nighttime processions with lanterns and huge paper decorations called Mando.
To get there: Take the Tokyu Ikegami line to Ikegami station

Kiba no Kakunori in Kiba Park October 16th & 17th
See a wonderful display of acrobatic stunts on floating timber at Kiba park. These traditional skills were used by the lumber workers who once rode loose logs, steering them down the river using a bamboo pole to steer them.
To get there: Tozai line to Kiba st (T13) (10 mins. walk) or O-Edo line to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa station. (20 mins. walk from the st.)

Ningyo Kanshasai at Meiji Shrine October 17th
An annual Thank the Doll festival also known as Ningyo Kanshasai is held at the Meiji Jingu shrine. All kinds of dolls, both Western and Japanese are given to the Shrine where they will be displayed before they destroyed in a ceremonial rite. (9:00 - 15:00)
To get there: Take the Yamanote line to Harajuku st. or Chiyoda line to Meiji-jingu mae st. (C03)and head for the Meiji Shrine.

Bettara Ichi (Radish Fair) at Takarada Ebisu Shrine October 19th ~20th
This annual festival dates back to sometime between the 1590s and 1610s, the Bettara-ichi, often referred to as the "Radish Fair" is a welcomed event by the locals with numerous stalls selling this pickled radish around Takarada Ebisu Shrine from noon till 21:00
To get there: Hibiya line to Kodemmacho station (H14) or the Ginza line to Mitsukoshi Mae (G12)station.

Meiji Reidaisai at Meiji Shrine October 31st ~ November 3rd
Celebrations are held in memory of the Meiji emperor's birthday. Various events are held over the 4 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. Take the Yamanote line to Harajuku st. or Chiyoda line to Meiji-jingu mae st. (C03)and head for the Meiji Shrine.

Soba Festival at Jindaiji Temple October 16th
Jindaiji Temple and the local area is famous for its soba. Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour. They can be eaten either hot or cold in a soya based soup. The shops on these grounds present handmade soba offerings to a statue of Kannon.
After visiting the Temple enjoy the simple dish of soba in the local restaurants. (Festival from 11:00am onwards)
To get there: Take the Keio Line to Chofu station

Flowers in bloom this month

Cosmos - a trip to Kurihama Hana-no-kuni is well worth a visit. A million cosmoses bloom on the gentle slopes from September through to October 14th. On the last day you can pluck the flowers quite freely until mid-afternoon. The middle of September
to the beginning of October is the best time to visit. Within the park grounds there is also a Herb garden & Café.
To get there: Take the Keikyu line from Shinagawa station to Keikyu-Kurihama station. It is 15 minutes walk from the station.

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

Nagasaki Kunchi Okuni Matsuri October 7th - 9th
One of the largest festivals in Japan featuring Chinese dragons
To get there: by train take the Nozomi shinkansen from Tokyo station to Hakata station (Fukuoka City). From there take the Kamome #1 train to Nagasaki city. Or for a faster alternative you can fly direct to Nagasaki airport.

by Sarah Yamada