Japan — Events
Chichibu Yomatsuri
There is nothing small about the town of Chichibu over this weekend as the skies are brightly lit 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 most famous fireworks evenings. There will be plenty of food and drink available at the stalls around the town.
Japanese F1 Grand Prix
The 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. The Fuji Speedway and Suzuka circuits are to host the Japanese Grand Prix on alternate years starting in 2009. Fuji will stage the 2008 event, with Suzuka returning to the calendar the following season.
Tokyo International Film Festival
Each year the Tokyo International Film Festival exclusively screens new and exciting films cinemas around Roppongi Hills. Film buffs can enjoy world premieres by some of Japan’s top directors as well as voting for their favorite film in the Audience Choice.
Wakakusa Yamayaki
No 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.
Sapporo Snow Festival
Since its humble beginnings in 1950, when local students built six snow statues in Odori Park, the Snow Festival has grown into an international event and is the biggest and most spectacular festival in Japan, and a major tourist attraction. Every winter local and international teams compete in the Snow Statue Contest in which sculptors create fantastic art out of snow and ice. Hundreds of beautiful and elaborate snow statues and ice sculptures dot the area, some the size of multi-story buildings, and it is these massive sculptures in particular that have made the festival famous.
Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival
Heralding the beginning of spring, cherry trees burst into a riot of pink and white blossoms all over the city drawing thousands of vacationers 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.
Sumo Spring Grand Tournament
Sumo is by far the most recognizable sport of Japan, and the Spring Grand Tournament in Osaka is one of the biggest events on its calendar. Held mid-March annually at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. Fans have the chance to see some of the biggest names in sumo go at it over the course of 13 days. Tickets are available through the Nihon Sumo Kyokai Official Grand Sumo Home Page.
Sanja Festival
The 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.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Every 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.
Great Japan Beer Festival
Contrary to popular belief, the Japanese drink more than just Sake and rice wine. Beer is also highly popular and the city of Sapporo in Hokkaido is famed for its brews. Many of these are available at Tokyo’s Great Japan Beer Festival each year where 120 local and international craft brews can be sampled. Tickets cost approximately ¥4,300.
