Sumida River Fireworks FestivalEvery summer Japan prepares for its numerous fireworks (hanabi) festivals held throughout the nation. The biggest of these is the display over the Sumida River, which is a major event on the cultural calendar of Tokyo, with spectacular multicolored layers that blossom into the night sky to awe the millions of spectators gathered along the banks or in boats on the river. Many dress in traditional kimono and festival wear for the occasion. The highlight of the display is a dazzling competition between highly acclaimed fireworks manufacturers. For more
information contact the Fireworks Office on +81 (0)3 5246 1111.
Venue: Sumida River
Date: 28 July 2007
Time: 7pm
Japanese Cherry Blossom FestivalHeralding the beginning of spring, cherry trees burst into a riot of pink and white blossoms all over the city drawing thousands of holidaymakers daily for cherry blossom viewing (hanami). The cherry blossom, or Sakura, is Japan's national flower and a symbol of Japan. For many years, the Japanese people have celebrated the cherry blossom season every year, which depends on the local conditions, but usually starts in Okinawa in January, reaching Kyoto and Tokyo in late March to early April, and Hokkaido in late May. They celebrate this popular festival with hanami parties under the trees with picnics, drinking, singing and dancing. Street stalls are set up and musicians serenade the merry picnickers, many of whom are decked out in outrageous costumes and masks. For more information contact the Tokyo Tourist Information Center on (0)3 5321 3077.
Venue: Various
Date: March\April 2008, TBC
Sanja FestivalThe Sanja Matsuri or Sanja Festival is the biggest of Tokyo's three great festivals, along with the Kanda Festival and Sanno Festival, which alternate every year. During the annual festival thousands of frenzied devotees gather for traditional portable shrine processions, ancient ritual music and dancing, and other festivities. The processions are in honor of the three resident deities of the Asakusa Shrine, who are paraded through the streets in huge, elaborately decorated mikoshi or portable shrines carried on the shoulders of dozens of strong men dressed in traditional festival clothing, and surrounded by chanting worshippers. Up to 100 other mikoshi are carried around in processions meant to bring blessings and good luck to the area and its inhabitants. For more information contact the Tourist Information Center on +81 (03) 3201 3331.
Venue: Asakusa Shrine area
Date: 16-18 May 2008, TBC
Time: 7am to 7pm
Japanese F1 Grand PrixThe Japanese Grand Prix usually falls towards the end of the Formula One season and has over the years provided much excitement, and often been the track to crown the season's champion. In 2007 the race will move from Suzuka to the Fuji Speedway in the Shizuoka Prefecture.
Venue: Fuji Speedway
Date: 12 October 2008
Chichibu YomatsuriThere is nothing small about the town of Chichibu over this weekend as the skies are lit bright with the blaze of thousands of fireworks. The town sees colorful floats marching through to the cheers of celebratory locals as families from all around Japan, and especially Tokyo, come to join in one of Japan's famous fireworks evenings. There will be plenty of food and drink available at the stalls around the town.
Venue: Chichibu (outside Tokyo)
Date: 2-3 December 2007
Time: 7pm (Procession)
Wakakusa YamayakiNo one is sure of the origins of this fascinating event but each January, monks and priests oversee the burning of Wakakusa hill, with over a hundred thousand onlookers watching the fascinating spectacle. And as if the flames weren't enough to light the skies there are additional fireworks to make this one of the most spectacular events on the Japanese calendar.
Venue: Nara Park, Nara
Date: 13 January 2008
Time: 5.30pm
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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