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Events

In the vast metropolis of Tokyo, there are endless things to see and do. For a peek into real Japanese culture and to mingle with the locals, every visitor should attend at least one of the city's festivals. From quiet spiritual celebrations to roaring parades, Tokyo has plenty of annual events and something for everyone. No matter what time of the year you visit Tokyo, an amazing event is going on.

On January 1, the Japanese celebrate New Year's Day, one of the country's most important holidays. Take part in the festivities of Shogatsu Hatsumode (Japanese New Year), which is the traditional first visit of the year to a Buddhist temple or Shinto shrine. Many more festivals are held throughout the month to celebrate the New Year. On Adult's Day in January, those reaching the age of 20 are honored with a fantastic display of archery at Meiji Jingu Shrine. In February, spectators can celebrate the coming of spring by throwing dried beans to banish evil spirits at Sensoji Temple.

When the cherry blossoms burst out in April, city parks come alive with song, dance, and festivities. Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival) at Gokukuji Temple is one of the liveliest of these events and doubles as a celebration of Buddha's birthday. Take the trip to Yokohama-Kamakura for Kamakura Matsuri on the second and third Sundays of April for a parade of portable shrines that honor fallen war heroes. And as Tokyo heats up in the summertime, so do the events. Buddhists believe that the spirits of their ancestors visit during three days in July, known as Obon Festival. Lanterns light up the night sky and on the last day of the festival, fireworks and ceremonial bonfires can be seen from the mountains.

To spice up your trip with Latin sizzle, head to the Asakusa Samba Carnival, a colorful parade in August that mimics Rio's Carnivale. Sports fans visiting Tokyo in September may be in time for the Hon-Basho Sumo Tournaments held for 15 days at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. As the temperature cools in the fall, it is the perfect time to attend one of Tokyo's numerous outdoor events. Kamakura Takigi Noh at Kamakuragu Shrine in October offers an unusual, outdoor theater experience performed by the light of fire. And thousands of spectators come out to see the procession of mando at Oeshiki at Ikegami Honmonji Temple, an annual parade held in honor of Saint Nichiren's death. On December 31, the streets are packed with people celebrating New Year's Eve. At midnight, huge temple bells ring 108 times to signal the end of the old year and the beginning of the new.

From January to December, Tokyo's calendar is packed with events. The only trouble is choosing between them.