Tokyo, 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.
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.
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.
Japan Fashion Week
Each year, fashionistas from across the globe converge on Japan’s capital of Tokyo to enjoy the new spring/summer or autumn/winter collections of some of the Japan’s most famous designers.The city buzzes with energy and some events are even open to the public where keen spectators can pop by and get a taste for what’s hot and view new trends for the coming seasons.
