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FESTIVAL LISTINGS

Japanese festivals and fairs in and around Tokyo (Aug. 2008) Tourist Information Center, Japan National Tourist Organization The Japanese festival information was compiled in cooperation with the Tourist Information Center of the Japan National Tourist Organization. (10th Floor, Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Bldg., 2-10-1, Yurakucho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo 100-0006). Call (03) 3201-3331 for all your Japan tourist information needs (open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily). Festivals around other areas of Kanto

Asagao-ten July 27 to Aug. 03		Asagao-ten (exhibition of morning glories) is held in Hibiya Park (in the area close to the tennis courts), Chiyoda-ku, beginning at 9 a.m. every day. Access: Subway Hibiya Line, Chiyoda Line or Toei Mita Line to Hibiya Station

Asagao-ten July 27 to Aug. 03		Hono Asagao-ten (exhibition of morning glories) is held at Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda-ku, beginning at 6 a.m. every day (morning glories can usually be seen until about 10 or 11 a.m.). A class for making pressed asagao flowers is offered to children. Classes will be held from around 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. every day during the exhibition period. Access: Subway Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line or Toei Shinjuku Line to Kudanshita Station

Hachioji Matsuri Aug. 01 to Aug. 03		Hachioji Matsuri Festival, Hachioji in the suburbs of Tokyo, a one-hour train ride from Shinjuku Station Major events are as follows: an exhibition of carved ice sculpture from 3:20 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the 1st; a demonstration of taiko (Japanese drum beating) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., a minyo-nagashi (folk dancing parade) from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and a parade of floats and mikoshi (portable shrines) from 6:30 pm to 9 p.m. on the 2nd; a shishimai (lion dance) from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., a parade of sengan (3,750 kilograms in weight) mikoshi from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and another mikoshi from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the 3rd. Access: JR Chuo Line or Keio Line to Hachioji Station

Shinagawa Prince Hotel Bon Odori Aug. 01 to Aug. 02		Shinagawa Prince Hotel Bon Odori Taikai (folk dancing) open to all people is held in the open space by Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Minato-ku, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Will be cancelled if it rains. Access: JR Yamanote Line, Keihin Tohoku Line, Tokaido Line or Yokosuka Line to Shinagawa Station

Furusato Kumin Matsuri Aug. 02 to Aug. 03		Furusato Kumin Matsuri (Setagaya Summer Festival) at Baji Koen (park), Setagaya-ku. Main events and performances are as follows: Bon odori and awa odori (folk dancing) from 6:10 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the 2nd; Japanese drum beating from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the 2nd and from 11:55 a.m. to 4:35 p.m. on the 3rd; a parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) and drum band from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the 3rd. A charity auction is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 3:40 p.m. on the 2nd, and from 11 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. on the 3rd. Many stalls will be set up from around 11 a.m. to around 9 p.m. on both days. Access: (1) Tokyu Den-en Toshi Line to Sakura-Shinmachi Station, and then walk 15 min. (2) 30 min. by bus for Seijo-Gakuen or Chofu-eki Minami-guchi from Shibuya Station, and then get off at Nodai-mae Bus Stop.

Edogawa-ku Hanabi Taikai Aug. 02		Edogawa Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) is scheduled on the riverbanks of the Edogawa River, Edogawa-ku, from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be 14,000 fireworks lit. In case of rain or strong wind, the fireworks will be postponed until the following day. Access: (1) Subway Toei Shinjuku Line to Shinozaki Station, and then walk 15 min. (2) JR Sobu Line to Ichikawa Station, and then walk 15 min. (3) JR Sobu Line to Koiwa Station, and then walk 25 min.

Itabashi Hanabi Taikai Aug. 02		Itabashi Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) on the riverbanks of the Arakawa River, Itabashi-ku, is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. (11,000 fireworks). In case of rain or strong wind, the fireworks will be postponed to the following day. Access: (1) Subway Toei Mita Line to Nishidai Station, Hasune Station or Takashimadaira Station, and then walk 30 min. (2) JR Saikyo Line to Ukima-Funado Station, and then walk 30 min.

Setomono Ichi Aug. 04 to Aug. 06		Setomono Ichi (Ceramic Fair) is held from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Kakigara-cho near Suitengu Shrine standing on the corner where Shin-Ohashi-dori Ave. and Ningyocho-dori Ave. intersect at Kakigara-cho, Chuo-ku. Access: (1) Subway Hibiya Line or Toei Asakusa Line to Ningyocho Station (2) Subway Hanzomon Line to Suitengu-mae Station

Mitama Matsuri Aug. 04 to Aug. 05		Mitama Matsuri (Soul Festival) of Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Ota-ku, features Bon Odori (folk dancing) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both days. If it rains, the festival will be postponed to the 6th. Access: (1) Subway Toei Asakusa Line to Nishi-Magome Station, and then walk 10 min. (2) Tokyu Ikegami Line to Ikegami Station, and then walk 10 min.

Tsukiji Honganji Noryo Bon Odori Taikai Aug. 05 to Aug. 08		Tsukiji Honganji Noryo Bon Odori Taikai (folk dancing) at Tsukiji Honganji Temple, Chuo-ku. Festivites from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the 5th, 6th and 7th, and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the 8th. Many open-air stalls are set up in the evening. If it rains, bon odori will be canceled. Access: Subway Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Station

Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri Aug. 06 to Aug. 10		Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival) is held around Minami-guchi (South Exit) of Asagaya Station, from around 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Various decorations of colored paper streamers and strips will delight the eyes of people along the shopping street near South Exit of JR Asagaya Station Access: (1) JR Chuo Line to Asagaya Station (2) Subway Marunouchi Line to Minami-Asagaya Station

Jingu Gaien Hanabi Taikai Aug. 07		Jingu Gaien Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) takes place at Jingu Kyujo Baseball Stadium in Jingu Gaien (Meiji Shrine Outer Garden), Shibuya-ku, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (10,000 fireworks) following the concerts which start from 4 p.m. at Nanshiki Kyujo (Baseball Park) and from 5:30 p.m. at Chichibunomiya Rugby and Football Ground. An admission ticket for Nanshiki Kyujo in front of Kaigakan (Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery) is ¥1,500. The reserved seat tickets for Chichibunomiya Rugby and Football Ground are ¥3,000 and ¥2,500. To purchase the tickets, please contact Nikkan Sports Service Center far in advance, Tel. : 03-5550-8935. In case of rain or strong wind, the fireworks will be postponed to the following day. Access: (1) Toei Subway Oedo Line to Kokuritsu Kyogijo Station (2) JR Sobu Line to Shinanomachi Station or Sendagaya Station (3) Subway Ginza Line to Gaien-mae Station

Fussa Tanabata Matsuri Aug. 07 to Aug. 10		Fussa Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival), Fussa, about a 90-min. train ride from Tokyo Station, features a parade of floats and mikoshi (portable shrine) from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and minyo (folk music) dancers' parade from 5 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. on the 8th. There will be a soran matsuri (folk dancing festival) show in front of the West Exit of JR Fussa Station from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on the 9th. More events are held during the festival period. Access: JR Ome Line to Fussa Station

Oshima Natsu Matsuri Aug. 09 to Aug. 10		Oshima Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival of Oshima Island) near Motomachi Port in Oshima Island. A display of fireworks will be held from 9 p.m. to around 9:30 p.m. on the 9th. Many street stalls are open in the evening on both days. Access: About 1 hr. 45 min. - 2 hrs. 20 min. by Tokai Kisen ferryboat from Takeshiba Pier to Oshima Okada Pier. From there, 20 min. by bus to Motomachi Bus Stop. (Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Station to Takeshiba Station, and then walk 1 min. to the pier, or JR Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Station, and then walk 7 min. to the pier.)

Tokyo-wan O-Hanabi Taikai Aug. 10		Tokyo Bay Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Harumi Pier, from 7 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. (12,000 fireworks). In case of rain or strong wind, the fireworks will be canceled. Access: (1) Subway Toei Oedo Line to Kachidoki Station, and then walk 15 min. (2) Subway Yurakucho Line to Toyosu Station or Tsukishima Station, and then walk 20 min. (3) Special bus services to the site are available from Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit (¥200) from around 3:30 pm on the day.

Noryo Hanabi Taikai Aug. 11		Noryo Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Hachijojima Island, is scheduled from 8 p.m. to around 8:30 p.m. (about 600 fireworks). In case of rain or strong wind, the fireworks will be postponed to the 12th. Access: About 11 hrs. by Tokai Kisen boat from Takeshiba Pier to Hachijojima Island. (Yurikamone Line from Shimbashi Station to Takeshiba Station, and then walk 1 min. to the pier, or JR Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Station, and then walk 7 min. to the pier.)

Fukagawa Hachimangu Matsuri Festival of Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine Aug. 13 to Aug. 17		Fukagawa Hachimangu Matsuri or Annual Festival of Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, Koto-ku. This festival is one of the Edo Greatest Three Festivals and called Mizukake Matsuri (pouring water to mikoshi carriers). The shrine's mikoshi (portable shrine) and 54 other mikoshi will depart from the shrine at around 7:30 a.m., passing Eitai Bridge around 12 noon and returning to the shrine at around 4 p.m. on the 17th. Other events are as follows: Koto (Japanese harp) performance from around 5:30 p.m. on the 15th, shorinji kenpo (karate) demonstration at 6 p.m. on the 16th, kendo (Japanese fencing) tournament from 8:30 a.m. and taiko (drum beating) from 5 p.m. on the 17th. Many open-air stalls will be set up during the festival period. Access: Subway Tozai Line to Monzen-Nakacho Station

Summer Festival of Azabu Juban Shopping Streets Aug. 22 to Aug. 24		Azabu Juban Noryo Matsuri (Summer Festival of Azabu Juban Shopping Streets), Minato-ku, features bon odori (folk dancing) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be many street vendors from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m every evening during the festival period. Access: (1) Subway Toei Oedo Line or Namboku Line to Azabujuban Station, and then walk 1 min. (2) Subway Hibiya Line or Toei Oedo Line to Roppongi Station, and then walk 10 min.

Annual Summer Festival of Suwa Shrine Aug. 22 to Aug. 24		Annual Summer Festival of Suwa Shrine, Tachikawa, on the outskirts of Tokyo. A parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) and floats can be seen from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. near JR Tachikawa Station on the 23rd and 24th. Sumo taikai (sumo tournament) is held by children from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the 23rd. Shishi-mai (Lion Dance) is performed in the precincts of the shrine from 4 p.m. on the 23rd and 24th. Access: JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa Station (South Exit), and then walk 12 min.

Bon Odori folk dance Aug. 23 to Aug. 24		Noryo Bon odori (folk dance), open to all people, takes place at Shinjuku Chuo Koen (Shinjuku Central Park), Shinjuku-ku, from around 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the 23rd and to 8:30 p.m. on the 24th. If it rains, the event will be canceled. Access: (1) Subway Marunouchi Line to Nishi-Shinjuku Station, and then walk 3 min. (2) Walk 10 min. from JR Shinjuku Station (West Exit). (3) Toei Subway Oedo Line to Tochomae Station, and then walk 3 min.

Awa Odori folk dance Aug. 23 to Aug. 24		Koenji Awa Odori (folk dance), from Awa region in Tokushima Pref., is demonstrated and participated by townspeople along the streets around Koenji Station, Suginami-ku, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both days. If there is heavy rain, the folk dance will be postponed to the 25th. Access: JR Chuo Line to Koenji Station

Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi 2008 Aug. 23 to Aug. 24		Super Yosakoi Festival (folk dancing festival), similar to that of Kochi City in Shikoku Island, is presented, with the participation of about 2,300 people from all over Japan, along the streets around Harajuku-Omotesando, Meiji-Jingu, Event Square in Yoyogi Park and Keyaki-Namiki-dori Ave. in front of NHK. The festival is scheduled, regardless of the weather, from 12 noon to 8 p.m. on the 23rd, and from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the 24th. Access: JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station or Subway Chiyoda Line to Meijijingu-mae Station or Subway Chiyoda Line, Ginza Line and Hanzomon Line to Omotesando Station

Summer Grand Festival Aug. 25		Kameido Tenjin Taisai (Annual Summer Festival of Kameido Tenjin), Koto-ku, Tokyo, features 1,100 kentomyo (lit lanterns) in the precincts of the shrine. They will be lit from 7 p.m. on the 25th and takigikagura or torch-lit kagura (Shinto music and dancing) will be held from 7 p.m. on the 26th. Some more events will be scheduled. The festival is rather small in scale this year. Access: JR Sobu Line to Kameido Station, and then walk 15 min.

Asakusa Samba Carnival Aug. 30		Asakusa Samba Carnival on Kaminarimon-dori Ave. and Umamichi-dori Ave. near Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. The main feature is a big parade with about 5,000 participants. The parade will include baton twirlers, brass bands, and a dancing troupe from Brazil. Event is from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Access: Subway Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa Station

Festivals around other areas of Kanto Tourist Information Center, Japan National Tourist Organization Festivals around Tokyo

Sagamiko-Kojo-sai Aug. 01		Sagamiko Kojo-sai (Lake Festival) on the shores of Lake Sagami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Pref. Drum beating and other events will be held from 6 p.m. and a fireworks display is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 8:50 p.m. (5,000 fireworks). If it rains heavily, the fireworks display will be postponed to the 2nd. Access: JR Chuo Line to Sagamiko Station, and then walk 10 min.

Mito Komon Matsuri Aug. 01 to Aug. 03		Mito Komon Matsuri Festival, Mito, Ibaraki Pref., features a fireworks display over the lake of Semba-ko from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the 1st, Citizens' Carnival in Mito, near the North Exit of JR Mito Station from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the 2nd, and a parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Shimoichi area and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Uwaichi area on the 3rd. Access: (1) To see the fireworks display (Semba-ko), walk 10-15 min. from Mito Station (South Exit) on JR Joban Line. (2) To see the event of Uwaichi area, walk 5 min. from Mito Station (North Exit) on JR Joban Line. To see the event of Shimoichi area, walk 30 min. from South Exit or ride 10 min. by bus bound for Hommachi or Hamadashako and then get off at Hommachi-1chome Bus Stop.

Shonan Hiratsuka Fireworks Display Aug. 01		Shonan Hiratsuka Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Suka Port, near the mouth of the Sagamigawa River, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Pref., will be held from 7:30 p.m. (about 3,000 fireworks). If it rains, the fireworks display will be postponed to the 4th. Access: 15 min. by bus bound for Suka Port from the south exit of Hiratsuka Station on JR Tokaido Line.

Hanabi Taikai Aug. 02		Yokosuka Kaikoku Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Shinko Port near Umikaze Koen (Park), Yokosuka, Kanagawa Pref., is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. (10,000 fireworks). If it rains, it will be postponed to the following day. Access: Keihin Kyuko Line to Yokosuka-Chuo Station, and then walk 15 min. to Shinko Port.

Yugawara Yassa MatsuriHanabi Taikai Aug. 02 to Aug. 03		Yugawara Yassa Matsuri Festival, Yugawara-machi, Ashigara Shimo-gun Kanagawa Pref., features a parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) and yassa-odori (folk dancing) presented by about 3,000 townspeople from around 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the 2nd & 3rd. There will also be a Hanabi taikai (Fireworks Display) on the shore of Yugawara Beach, from 8 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. on the 3rd (about 4,000 fireworks). If it rains, the fireworks will be postponed to the 6th. Access: JR Tokaido Line to Yugawara Station, and then walk 20 min.

Atsugi Ayu Matsuri Hanabi Taikai Aug. 02		Atsugi Ayu Matsuri Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) is held on the riverbanks of the Sagami River, Atsugi, Kanagawa Pref., from 7 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. (10,000 fireworks). If it rains, the fireworks will be postponed to the following day. Some other events including open-air stage concerts are scheduled for ayu (trout) matsuri (festival) at Atsugi Chuo Koen (park) from Aug. 1 to 3. Access: Odakyu Line to Hon-Atsugi Station, and then walk 10-20 min.

Kasama Yasaka Jinja Gion Festival Aug. 02 to Aug. 04		Kasama Yasaka Shrine Gion Matsuri Festival, Kasama, Ibaraki Pref., features a parade of otona (adults) mikoshi (portable shrines) carried by townspeople and kodomo (children) mikoshi carried by children every afternoon during the festival period. The climax of the festival is a parade of mikoshi, including one giant mikoshi owned by the shrine, being carried by 40-50 adults in the evening on the 3rd. Access: JR Mito Line to Kasama Station From there, 10 min. by bus for Tomobe or Inari Jinja, and then get off at Inari Jinja Bus Stop.

Suitengu Matsuri Festival Aug. 02		Tamayodo Suitengu Matsuri Festival at Yorii-machi, Osato-gun, Saitama Pref., features a parade of five beautifully decorated boats with lighted lanterns from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a fireworks display from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (about 5,000 fireworks). If there is heavy rain, the fireworks display will be canceled. Access: (1) 1 hr. 30 min. from Ikebukuro Station by Tobu Tojo Line to Tamayodo Station or to Yorii Station, and then walk 15 min. (2) 54 min. from Ikebukuro by JR Shonan Shinjuku Line to Kumagaya. From there, 30 min by Chichibu Railway to Yorii Station, and then walk 15 min.

Tanabata Matsuri Aug. 02 to Aug. 03		Irumagawa Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival) at the Irumagawa River, Sayama, Saitama Pref. Various decorations of colored paper streamers and strips along the streets will delight the eyes. A fireworks display is scheduled from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the 2nd (2,000 fireworks). If there is heavy rain, it will be postponed to 7:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on the 3rd. Access: 1 hr. by Seibu Shinjuku Line for Hon-Kawagoe originating at Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Sayamashi Station

Odawara Sakawagawa Hanabi Taikai Aug. 02		Odawara Sakawa River Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Sports Hiroba on the banks of Sakawa River, Odawara, Kanagawa Pref., is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. (5,000 fireworks). If there is heavy rain, the fireworks display will be postponed to the 4th. Access: JR Tokaido Line to Kamonomiya Station (South Exit), and then walk 15 min.

Numata Matsuri Aug. 03 to Aug. 05		Numata Matsuri Festival, Numata, Gumma Pref., features the parades of mikoshi (portable shrines) including 10 mando (floats) carried by men and 15 mikoshi carried by children from 1:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day during the festival period; a parade of 18 machi (town) mikoshi owned by each town in the city from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the 3rd and 4th; a jinja (shrine) mikoshi owned by the shrine from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the 5th. The climax of the festival is a parade of two other mikoshi with 4-meter long masks of tengu (half-man, half-creature of Japanese folklore having long nose, beak and red face) on the top, carried by about 200 women, departing from Numata City Hall and passing through the streets from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the 3rd & 5th. Access: JR Joetsu Line to Numata Station From there, walk 15 min. to Numata City Hall or Honcho-dori Street.

Enoshima-Hanabi Taikai Aug. 05		Enoshima Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Nishi-hama Beach, Katase, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Pref., will be held from 7:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. (about 5,000 fireworks). In case of rain or strong wind, it will be postponed to the 6th. Access: Odakyu Enoshima Line to Katase-Enoshima Station, and then walk 5 min.

Torii-yaki Matsuri Aug. 05		Torii-yaki Matsuri (ceremony of the burning of a red-painted Shinto gate) on Lake Ashi, Hakone-machi, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa Pref., is one of the many events of Hakone Ashinoko Summer Festival lasting for a week from July 31. Setting numerous lighted lanterns afloat and a fireworks display will be held simultaneously from 7:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (about 3,000 fireworks). If there is heavy rain, the fireworks display will be postponed to the 10th. Access: 1 hr. from Odawara Station or 40 min from Hakone-Yumoto Station by bus bound for Hakonemachi to Hakonemachi Bus Stop, the last stop.

Nikko Waraku Odori folk dance Aug. 08		Nikko Waraku Odori (folk dance), an event open to all people, takes place around the pond in the area of Furukawa Electric Co., Nikko, Tochigi Pref. Event held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Access: (1) 20 min. by bus from Tobu Nikko Station and then get off at Kiyotaki Bus Stop. (2) Special bus (free) is available on the day from JR Nikko Station to the festival site.

Hanabi Taikai Aug. 11		Kamakura Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Yuigahama Beach, Kamakura, Kanagawa Pref., is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. (about 2,900 fireworks). If it rains, the fireworks display will be postponed to the 12th. Access: JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station, and then walk 15 min.

Funadama Matsuri Festival Aug. 15		Funadama Matsuri Festival at Nagatoro Gorge, Chichibu, Saitama Pref. Two manto-sen (boats with lighted lanterns) will be set adrift on the river at 4:50 p.m., 5:30 p.m. & 8 p.m. Toro-nagashi (floating of lighted lanterns) will be held from 6:50 p.m. and a fireworks display is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. (about 3,500 fireworks). Access: Chichibu Tetsudo Line to Nagatoro Station, and then walk 5 min.

Hakone Daimonji-yaki Aug. 16		Hakone Daimonji-yaki (Bonfire Event) on Mt. Myojogatake, with a fireworks display, Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa Pref. The event is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (about 3,000 fireworks). Access: Hakone Tozan Railway originating at Odawara Station to Gora Station

Mito-no Oshoro-nagashi Aug. 16		Mito-no-Oshoro-nagashi (floating of boats), associated with Bon Festival, at Mitohama Beach, Miura, Kanagawa Pref., is held from around 6 a.m. Three oshoro-bune (straw-made boats), each 5 meters long, will be built by young people. Townspeople will gather at the beach, bringing miniature oshoro-bune or offerings. The boats will be towed out to the sea and set adrift around 8 a.m. Access: Keihin Kyuko Line to Misakiguchi Station, and then walk 20 min.

Yokohama Carnival Aug. 23 to Aug. 24		Yokohama Carnival is a lively event in Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. A procession of hamakoi-odori (local dancing originating in Yokohama) is held at the traffic circle near West Exit of Yokohama Station from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the 23rd. The highlight of the festival is the hamakoi-odori contest and the demonstration held on the stage set up in Sawatari-chuo Koen (park) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the 24th. Access: JR Tokaido Line, JR Negishi Line (Keihin Tohoku Line) or Tokyu Toyoko Line to Yokohama Station (West Exit).

Tsunabi Aug. 23 to Aug. 24		Tsunabi (fireworks) peculiar to Tsukubamirai, Ibaraki Pref., will be displayed in the precincts of Takaoka Atago Shrine on the 23rd, and in the precincts of Obari Atago Shrine on the 24th, starting from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on both days. Access: (1) JR Joban Line to Toride Station From there, 50 min. by bus for Yatabe to Takaoka Bus Stop, and then walk 5 min. to Takaoka Atago Shrine (on the 23rd). (2) JR Joban Line to Toride Station From there, 50 min. by bus for Yatabe to Obari Bus Stop, and then walk 5 min. to Obari Atago Shrine (on the 24th).

Mitsumine-no-Shishi-mai Aug. 24		Mitsumine-no-Shishi-mai (Lion Dance) in the precincts of Mitsumine Shrine, Otaki, Chichibu, Saitama Pref. Eighteen different lion dances are dedicated by 6 men wearing lions' heads and by 3 men wearing long-nosed masks from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Access: 1 hr. 30 min. from Ikebukuro Station on Seibu Ikebukuro Line by Seibu Railway's Limited Express, ""Red Arrow,"" to Seibu-Chichibu Station Walk 5 min. to Ohanabatake Station From there, 25 min. by Chichibu Tetsudo Railway to Mitsumine-guchi Station And then 45 min. by bus to Mitsumine Shrine.

Saitama city Fireworks Display July 302008 to Aug. 23		Saitama City Fireworks Display is scheduled at three sites (5,000 fireworks each): at Owada Koen (park) from 7 p.m. on July 30, at Urawa Racecourse from 7 p.m. on Aug. 9, and at Iwatsuki-bunka Koen from 7 p.m. on Aug. 23. Access: (1) Owada Koen: Tobu Noda Line to Omiya Koen Station, and then walk 15 min. (2) Urawa Racecourse: JR Keihin Tohoku Line to Urawa Station or Minami Urawa Station, and then walk 15 min. (3) Iwatsuki-bunka Koen: Tobu Noda Line to Iwatsuki Station, and then walk 35 min. (Shuttle buses are available on the day.)

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