Top 10 Events in Tokyo
November 20, 2007
1. Gishi-sai (Vendetta of the 47 Ronin)
To commemorate a traditional Japanese tale telling about 47 infamous Ronin who committed ritual suicide after revenging the death of their master, people dress in samurai costumes parading along with beating drums at the Sengaku-ji Temple in Tokyo.
2. Shichi-go-san
Shichi-go-san, which means seven-five-three, is the festival concerned with boys aged five and girls aged three and seven. They are dressed in the traditional costumes and taken to Shinto shrines to give thanks for reaching these ages and to be blessed for continued good things.
3. Tako-age Taikai (Kite-Flying Meeting)
Tako-age Taikai is a fortune-seeking event which is annually held in January. Japanese fly kites over Arakawa Todabashi Ryokuchi recreation ground with the belief that their kites will be picked up by the wind and brought to heaven.
4. The January Basho
The greatest International and local big names Sumo wrestlers take on one another for January Basho, one of the year’s six Grand Tournaments, at Tokyo’s Kokugikan Sumo Hall.
5. Tokyo International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival
The Tokyo International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival features around 45 films from 13 different countries. The event is the biggest of its kind in Asia. All the films are displayed in Tokyo among 10,000 people.
6. Asakusa Samba Carnival
The streets in Tokyo’s Asakusa district are painted by the colorful Grand Parade which last several hours in Asakusa Samba Carnival. Local girls and Brazilians dress in prominent costumes dancing along Latin rhythms.
7. Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival
Cherry blossom or Sakura is Japan’s national flower and a symbol of Japan. When Sakura blossom out, it’s a sign of coming spring. Japanese people have celebrated this festival for decades. All families go out on vacation, picnicking and have fun under Cherry blossom trees.
8. Sanja Matsuri
Sanja Matsui is the festival in honor of the three resident deities of the Asakusa Shrine. A number of strong men, dress in traditional festival costume carrying decorated shrines over their shoulders and parade through the streets. The processions mean to bring good luck to the areas.
9. Setsuban
Setsuban is taken place on February 3rd which marks the end of winter. All temples hold bean-throwing competitions which they believe will scare away the evil spirits and bad luck.
10. Hina Matsuri
Families wish their daughters a happy and successful life in the Hina Matsuri or Doll Festival. Seven-tiered dolls are put on the red platform. They believe that all bad fortunes will be transformed to the dolls and drop them in the river to eliminate those bad lucks.
