Page 32 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Tokyo

30  INTRODUCING T OK Y O
TOKYO THROUGH THE YEAR

The seasons are closely observed in In addition to seasonal matsuri and
Japan. Many ritual observances are assorted events, each suburb in the city
founded on traditional rural matsuri also organizes its own festivals, more
(festivals). There is nothing solemn so during the summer months, when
about these events, however, because dancers in kimonos and Japanese drum
hard-working, hard-playing Tokyoites groups perform, and clear skies explode
enjoy nothing more than a good festival. with spectacular fireworks. In contrast,
The festivals, sports events, trade shows, the winter months are devoted to travel,
flower exhibitions, and blossom-viewing especially around the New Year period,
all add up to a full cultural calendar. and religious ceremonies.

court dances, yabu same May
Spring
(horseback archery), and Kodomo no hi (Children’s Day,
Spring in Japan is when the music performances. May 5). Focusing largely on
new economic year begins, Hana Matsuri (Buddha’s boys, families fly colorful koi
students graduate, and Birthday, Apr 8). Devotees pour nobori (carp streamers),
projects are launched. While sweet tea over a small image symbolizing strength and
March and April can be rainy, of the Buddha to honor determination.
May is usually sublime. The his birth. Services are Summer Sumo Tournament
Japanese tend to value spring held at some temples. (mid-May). This 15-day event
for its transience and the Azalea Festival is held in the Kokugikan hall
cherry, more than any (Apr 10–May 5). in Ryogoku.
other flower, embodies Held at various Kanda Matsuri (Sat & Sun
the imper manence venues, the before May 15, alternate odd-
of life. However, there best known numbered years). One of the
is nothing mournful being Nezu city’s three big festivals. Floats
about the vibrant Shrine, and mikoshi (portable shrines)
cherry blossom- where parade through the streets
viewing parties countless around Kanda Myojin Shrine.
held at parks bushes grow along Sanja Matsuri (3rd Fri–Sun in
throughout the city. an embankment. May). A wild and heady mix
AnimeJapan (late of dance, music, ritual, and
March Mar or early Apr). the jostling of heavy portable
Hina Matsuri (Girls’ One of the world’s shrines, near Asakusa Jinja.
Day and Doll Festival, largest anime Design Festa (mid–late May).
Mar 3). Dolls dressed events for fans Asia’s biggest art event.
in traditional Heian- of animation and Thousands of people set
period imperial Bugaku dancer, Meiji manga. It is held up displays at this two-day
costumes are Shrine Festival at Tokyo Big Sight. fair at Tokyo Big Sight.
displayed in homes
and public places.
Golden Dragon Dance (Mar 18).
This colorful event takes place
thrice a day at Senso-ji temple
in Asakusa.
April
Hanami (Cherry blossom-
viewing, late Mar to Apr). A
glorious spring rite celebrated
wherever there are cherry
trees, but most famously in
Chidorigafuchi, Ueno Park,
and Sumida Park.
Meiji Shrine Spring Festival
(Apr 29–May 3). An extensive
compen dium of traditional
cultural events attended by
devotees, including color ful Visitors at the resplendent Azalea Festival

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