Page 35 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Tokyo

T OK Y O THROUGH THE Y EAR  33

Average monthly temperature Temperature Chart
Spring is comfortable for
°C °F most visitors. Summer
30 90 temperatures can be
25 80 misleading. June to
September are muggy
20 70 with high levels of
15 60 humidity. Winter
temperatures can drop
10 50
to freezing. May and
5 40 October are the most
0 30 pleasant months with
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec crisp, clear skies.

Joya-no-Kane (midnight Dec February
Winter
31). Temple bells begin to toll Setsubun (Feb 3 or 4). Marking
Winter can be cold in Tokyo, at midnight, 108 rings repre- the first day of spring on the
however there is usually only senting the 108 human sins old lunar calendar, temple
a day or two of snowfall. The that must be expunged. priests and celebrities throw
return of mochi (rice cakes) dried soy beans into crowds
and little jars of warmed up January of onlookers, symbolizing the
sake are seasonal signs. An Oshogatsu (New Year’s Day). casting out of bad spirits.
exodus takes place at Japan’s most important Plum Viewing (late Feb). Yushima
Oshogatsu (New Year), festival. The first few days Tenjin shrine is a famous spot,
which is one of the are family-oriented. People though there are few plum trees
year’s peak travel visit Shinto shrines to offer here. Open-air tea cere monies
times. For those their wishes for the coming and floral exhibits are displayed,
who remain at new year. and plum bonsai are sold.
home, it is a Water Purification
chance to enjoy Rituals (Jan Public Holidays
traditional New 10–12). A ritual
Year dishes and to clean sing by If a public holiday falls on
offer prayers for the both young a Sunday, the follow ing
coming year. and old. The Monday is also a holiday.
best places to catch New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
December this event are at Coming-of-Age Day
Hagoita Ichi (Racket Kanda Myojin and (2nd Mon in Jan)
Fair, Dec 17–19). Kabuki actor in costume Teppozu Inari shrines. National Foundation
Ornate rackets, sold in Seijin no hi (Coming- Day (Feb 11)
the precincts of Senso-ji of-Age Day, 2nd Mon in Jan). Vernal Equinox Day
temple, feature the faces Young people turning 20 this (around Mar 20)
of famous Kabuki actors, year cele brate their passage
celebrities, and sports stars. to adulthood. Showa Day (Apr 29)
Constitution Memorial Day
(May 3)
Greenery Day (May 4)
Children’s Day (May 5)
Marine Day (3rd Mon in Jul)
Mountain Day (Aug 11)
Respect-for-the-Aged
Day (3rd Mon in Sep)
Fall Equinox Day
(around Sep 23)
Health-Sports Day (2nd Mon
in Oct)
Culture Day (Nov 3)
Labor Thanksgiving Day
(Nov 23)
Emperor’s Birthday
(Dec 23)
Braving the icy waters during a purification ritual

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