Calendar Events to be enjoyed in February 2014 - Japan National

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. ©2014 Japan National Tourism Organization. 2. Dates and functions are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the latest information in advance. 3. Events marked with are the major events. 4. Dates of events marked with are the same every year. 5. Japanese explanation appearing at the bottom of each entry give the name of the event and the nearest railway station in Japanese. Point to this Japanese when you need help from a Japanese passerby. 6. Please refer to URL (basically in Japanese) for each event.
Note: The Internet Website of Japan National Tourism Organization is available at <http://www.jnto.go.jp>.
HOKKAIDO & TOHOKU
Dec. 28 Mar. 2
Zao Juhyo Light-up at Zao Onsen Ski Ground, Yamagata, Yamagata Pref., features the lights lit over Juhyo known as "Ice Monster", trees covered with frost, along the Zao Ropeway Sancho Line and around Jizo Sancho Sta., from 5 pm to 9 pm daily on the following days; Dec. 28th-Jan. 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th-Mar. 2nd. On Feb. 1st, an event in which skiers and snowboarders holding torchlights descend on the Uwanodai ski slope under a fireworks display is held from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Access The JR Ou Honsen Line or JR Yamagata Shinkansen Line to Yamagata Sta. From there, 45 min. by bus to Zao Onsen Bus Stop, and then walk 15 min. to Uwanodai Gelande Ropeway Sta.
URL http://www.zaoropeway.co.jp/w_season02.html

JRJR45 15
Jan. 24 Feb. 16
ChitoseShikotsu Hyoto Matsuri or Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, Chitose, Hokkaido. Many ice sculptures exhibited on the shore are lit up from 4:30 pm to 10 pm daily during the festival period. A fireworks display is held from 6:30 pm to around 6:45 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and some more events are scheduled during the period.
Access 50 min. by bus from Shin-Chitose Airport, and then get off at Shikotsuko Bus Stop. URL http://www.1000sai-chitose.or.jp/

Jan. 31 Feb. 11
Iwate Yuki Matsuri, or Snow Festival of Koiwai Bokujo Ranch, Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Pref. The festival is highlighted by ice sculptures, snow carvings and about 66 Kamakura (huts made of snow). A fireworks display with music is scheduled from 7:30 pm to 7:40 pm every night, and many more events such as games and demonstrations of snow boarders are scheduled during the period.
Access The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Morioka Sta. From there, 35 min. by bus to Iwate Yuki Matsuri Kaijo Bus Stop. URL http://www.iwateyukimatsuri.com/index.html

1. Published by Tourist Information Center of Japan National Tourism Organization and all rights reserved.
Calendar Events to be enjoyed in February 2014
1
Feb. 5 Feb. 11 The 65th Sapporo Yuki Matsuri, Snow Festival in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The festival, the biggest in
scale of this kind, started in 1950, and has become one of the most popular events in winter for now. Approximately 200 snow creations and ice sculptures are exhibited at three sites, mainly at the Odori Site with enormous snow creations and many attractions, at the Susukino Site with fantastic ice sculptures, and at the Tsu-dome Site with the huge playground where children and adults can play in snow.
Access (1) The JR Hakodate Honsen Line to Sapporo Sta. (2) About 50 min. by bus from Shin-Chitose Airport to Sapporo Eki-mae Bus Terminal.
URL http://www.snowfes.com/english/index.html
65 (1) JR
(2) 50
Feb. 6 Feb. 11
Asahikawa Fuyu Matsuri, Winter Festival in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. Many snow creations and ice statues are exhibited at the Asahibashi-kahan site on the riversides of the Ishikarigawa River, on Heiwa-dori Street where about 50 ice sculptures are to be judged in competition. A fireworks display is held from 7 pm to 7:15 pm on the 6th and 11th. Many attractive events such as a music show, Japanese drumming and dancing are scheduled during the festival period.
Access The JR Hakodate Honsen Line to Asahikawa Sta. URL http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/files/kankou/awf/
JR
Feb. 7 Feb. 9 Namahage Sedo Matsuri Festival at Shinzan Shrine, Oga, Akita Pref. The festival, designated as
one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties, features about 15 Namahage (men wearing devil masks) dancing wildly, drumming vigorously, running around and then serving mochi (rice cakes) to people thronged in the precincts of the Shrine, from around 7 pm to around 8:30 pm daily during the period.
Access The JR Oga Line to Oga Sta. From there to the Shrine, about 1 hr. by Rinji-basu (temporary buses) which are available daily during the festival period.
URL http://www.city.oga.akita.jp/index.cfm/14,7194,136,html

Feb. 8 Feb. 11
Abashiri-Okhotsk Ryuhyo Matsuri, Ice Floe Festival around Abashiri Port, Abashiri, Hokkaido, features thousands of ice floe covering over the sea, and about 40 snow sculptures and ice carvings on exhibition, which are lit up at night until 9 pm on the 8th, 9th and 10th. Some more events such as a popular song-show, games and performances are scheduled during the festival period.
Access The JR Sekihoku Honsen Line to Abashiri Sta. From there, 10 min. by bus to " Ryuhyo Saihyo-sen Noriba" Bus Stop. URL http://www.abakanko.jp/event/2013ryuhyomatsuri.html

Feb. 8 Feb. 11
Hirosaki-jo Yukidoro Matsuri, Snow Lantern Festival at Hirosaki Castle, Hirosaki, Aomori Pref. About 150 snow lanterns and about 300 Mini-Kamakura (miniature huts made of snow) are lit up from around 4:30 pm to 9 pm daily , which creates fantastic atmosphere in the Hirosaki Castle park during the festival period.
Access The JR Ou Honsen Line to Hirosaki Sta., and then 15 min. by bus or walk 30 min. URL http://www.hirosakipark.jp/84.html

Feb. 8 Feb. 9
Uesugi Yukidoro Matsuri, Snow Lantern Festival, Yonezawa, Yamagata Pref. About 300 Yuki-doro (big snow lanterns) and more than 3,000 Yuki-bonbori (small snow lanterns) at Uesugi Shrine and at Matsugasaki Koen (park) are lit up from 5:30 pm to 9 pm (to 8 pm on the 9th), and some more events are scheduled on both days.
Access The JR Yamagata Shinkansen or the JR Ou Honsen Line to Yonezawa Sta. From there, 6 min. by bus to Uesugi Jinja- mae Bus Stop or to Matsugasaki Koen Bus Stop. Shuttle buses run from the station to the site between 10:30 am and 9:30 pm (to 8:30 pm on the 9th) on both days
URL http://yukidourou.yonezawa.info/?p=log&l=307893

JR6 : 10:30pm-9pm
Feb. 10 Kariwano Otsuna-hiki, a tug of war in Kariwano, Daisen, Akita Pref. The festival with a 500-year
history is held to pray for a rich harvest of this year, and is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. Townspeople lay out a giant straw-rope (70 centimeters in diameter and 200 meters long) for a fight on Omachi-dori Street around 7 pm, and then the tug-of-war starts at 9 pm.
Access The JR Ou Honsen Line to Kariwano Sta., and then walk 3 min.

Feb. 11
Daito Ohara Mizu-kake Matsuri, Water Pouring Festival at Ohara Hachiman Shrine, Daito-machi, Ichinoseki, Iwate Pref. This festival has a 350-year history. Local people dedicate a giant Shimenawa (sacred straw festoon) to the Shrine from 10:10 am to 12 noon. About 300 half- naked men who are purified by the ritual at the Shrine at 2:30, rush on the streets in the town, while townspeople dash cold water over the rushing men from 3 pm to around 3:50 pm.
Access The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Ichinoseki Sta. and then take the JR Ofunato Line to Surisawa Sta. From there, 20 min. by bus bound for Kami-Ohara or Daito Bus Center, and then get off at Shimomachi or Daito Bus Center Bus Stop.
URL http://www.city.ichinoseki.iwate.jp/index.cfm/6,44810,107,html

JR 20
Feb. 11, Feb. 16 & Feb. 17 Bonden Festival in Daisen on the 11th, and in Yokote on the 16th &17th, Akita Pref. Dozens of
Bonden (sacred bamboo baskets decorated with colorful cloth and streamers, 30kg in weight and 5 meters in length each) are carried by villagers who vie with each other to be the first in dedicating Bonden to the Shrines. On the 11th in Daisen, boats transfer Bonden from Hanadate Pier to the other side of the Omono River from around 9:30 am, and then people carry all these Bonden up to Izusan Shrine on the mountain until 11:30 am. On the 16th, Bonden Workmanship Contest is held at the festival site near Yokote Chiiki-kyoku, Yokote City Hall branch office, from 9:30 am to 1 pm. On the 17th in Yokote, local young men carrying about 40 Bonden leave Yokote Chiiki-kyoku at around 10 am for Asahiokayama Shrine, to which Bonden are dedicated around 1 pm.
Access (1) On Feb. 11th, Hanadate in Daisen: The JR Akita Shinkansen Line or Ou Honsen Line to Omagari Sta., and then walk 20 min. to the Omonogawa River site. (2) On Feb.16th &17th, Asahiokayama Shrine in Yokote: the JR Ou Honsen Line to Yokote Sta., and then walk 10 min. to the contest site, and by bus bound for Mitsumata Onsen to Osawa Bus Stop, and walk 30 min. to Asahioka Shrine.
URL http://www.izu.or.jp/bonden.html http://www.akitafan.com/sightseeing/detail.html?data_id=1253

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Feb. 15 Feb. 16
Yokote Kamakura, Snow Huts in Yokote, Akita Pref. Playing in snow huts is a popular pastime in winter for children living in the heavy snowfall areas. They make snow huts called "Kamakura " in which they play games and eat traditional delicacies. About 100 snow huts, and a number of snow creations are built on Kamakura-dori Street, in front of the Yokote City Hall branch office and at Yokote Park and so on. The best time to see this event is from 6 pm to 9 pm on both days.
Access (1) The JR Ou Honsen Line to Yokote Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) 3 min. by bus from JR Yokote Sta. to Yokote Chiikikyoku-mae Bus Stop.
URL http://www.michinokugodai.com/yokote02.html

(1) JR10 (2) JR3
Feb. 15 Feb. 17 Kuromori Kabuki (local Kabuki Play) with a more-than-270-year tradition is performed on the
makeshift stage set up in the precincts of Hie Shrine at Kuromori, Sakata, Yamagata Pref. Shonen-Taiko (Japanese drumming performed by boys), Kodomo Kabuki (play by boys) are performed after the rites starting from 10 am, and the Kabuki & Kyogen (Noh farce) are performed from around 1 pm to 5 pm on both days.
Access The JR Uetsu Honsen Line to Sakata Sta. From there, 40 min. by bus for Nanakubo, and then get off at Naka- Kuromori Bus Stop.
URL http://www.city.sakata.lg.jp/ou/kyoiku/shakaikyoiku/bunkazai/180613.html
JR40
Feb. 17 Feb. 20 Emburi Festival, Chojasan Shinra Shrine, Hachinohe, Aomori Pref. This is a unique harvest festival
native to Hachinohe and its vicinities, with an 800-year history, and is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. On the 17th, over 30 grouped villagers in fancy costumes trail up to Chojasan Shinra Shrine around 7 am and there perform Ohayashi festive music, and then parade through the city from around 10 am to 11:20 am. Emburi (local dances) are performed at Shimin Hiroba (civic square) near the city hall from 12:15 pm on the 17th, from 1 pm and from 2 pm on the 19th & 20th, and under the torchlights from 6 pm to 9 pm daily during the festival period.
Access (1) The JR Hachinohe Line to Hon-Hachinohe Sta., and then walk 25 min. or 10 min. by taxi to Chojasan Shinra Shrine, or walk 5 min. from the station to Hachinohe-shi Kokaido-mae Hiroba (civic square). (2) The JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Hachinohe Sta., and then 30 min. by bus to the center of the city.
URL http://www.city.hachinohe.aomori.jp/kanko/festival/enburi/ http://en.aptinet.jp/detail/xmldetail.html?xmlid=00001826
CHUBU
Jan. 11 Mar. 9
Atami Baien Ume Matsuri, Japanese Apricot Festival at Atami Baien (Japanese apricot garden), Atami, Shizuoka Pref. There are about 450 Japanese apricot trees of 60 species in the garden and they begin to bloom usually from the middle of January. Various events are scheduled during the period. The garden is open from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Admission is \300.
Access (1) The JR Ito Line to Kinomiya Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) The JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line or JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Atami Sta. From there, 15 min. by bus bound for
URL http://www.ataminews.gr.jp/ume/

4
Feb. 5 Mar. 10
Kawazu-zakura Matsuri, Cherry Blossom Festival in Kawazu, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka Pref. Rich pink blossoms are distinctive of Kawazu-zakura which come into bloom in February. One could enjoy seeing the cherry blossoms along the Kawazu River, even at night until 9 pm, since the blossoms are lit up daily during the period.
Access (1) 2 hrs. 30 min. by JR Limited Express "Odoriko" from Tokyo Sta. to Kawazu Sta. (2) 50 min. by the Izukyuko Line from Ito Sta. on the JR Ito Line to Kawazu Sta.
URL http://www.kawazu-onsen.com/sakura/kaika.htm
(1) JR230 (2) JR50
Feb. 10 Feb. 11
Toyohashi Oni Matsuri, Devil Festival at Akumikanbe Shinmeisha Shrine, Toyohashi, Aichi Pref., is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. It features several kinds of Kagura (Shinto dance with music) dedicated to the Shrine to dispel evil spirits, and ame- maki (candy-throwing ceremony) to pray for a good harvest of the year on both days. The festival is highlighted by "Oni-odori" in which Tengu (a long-nosed goblin) banters red devils from around 2 pm to 3 pm, and Japanese drum-beating is dedicated to the Shrine from 7 pm, both on the 11th.
Access The JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line or JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Toyohashi Sta. From there, 10 min. by streetcar to Toyohashi Koen-mae or Shiyakusho-mae, and then walk 2 min. to the Shrine.
URL http://www.aichi-kanko.jp/search/detail.asp?id=1336

Feb. 15
Akatani Donzuki Matsuri Festival at Akatanisan Shrine, Shibata, Niigata Pref. The festival has an over 700-year history. Local men dressed only in loincloth jostle one another in the precincts of the Shrine to pray for a good harvest of the year and good health throughout the year, from 7 pm to around 8:30 pm.
Access The JR Hakushin Line or Uetsu Honsen Line to Shibata Sta. From there 40 min. by bus and then walk 15 min. URL http://www.niigata-kankou.or.jp/shibata/shibatakanko/event/0017.html

Feb. 14 Feb. 16
Tokamachi Yuki Matsuri, Snow Festival in Tokamachi, Niigata Pref., is featured by exhibitions of snow creations in the city. A music and dance show by popular artists is held on the stage in the Jogaoka Pure Land site from 5 pm to 6:30 pm on the 15th. As Tokamachi is noted for its silk fabrics, a Kimono show and a contest of "Kimono Queen", both being participated by citizens are held at CrossTen Hall from 1 pm on the 16th. Many more events are scheduled during the period.
Access The JR Joetsu Shinkansen Line or the JR Joetsu Line to Echigo-Yuzawa Sta. From there, take the Hokuhoku Line to Tokamachi Sta.
URL http://snowfes.jp/

5
Feb. 22 Feb. 23 Katsuyama Sagicho, burning piles used New Year's decorations at Katsuyama, Fukui Pref. The
festival with a 300-year history is to pray for a good harvest of this year. Local performing arts to the tune of Japanese music and drumming are demonstrated on a dozen of Yagura (wooden high stages) in the city from 1 pm to 10 pm on the 22nd, and from 10 am to 8:30 pm on the 23rd. Dondo-yaki , setting fire to New Year's decorations and ornaments, is scheduled on the riverbank of the Kuzuryu River from 9 pm on the 23rd.
Access The JR Hokuriku Honsen Line to Fukui Sta. From there, take the Echizen Railways to Katsuyama Sta., and then walk 10 min. to the site.
URL http://www.city.katsuyama.fukui.jp/kankou/sagityo/about/about01.html
Dec. 1 Mar. 8
Gion Corner Winter Tokubetsu Koen, or Winter Special Performance at Gion Corner, Higashiyama- ku, Kyoto. The demonstration of several kinds of traditional Japanese entertainments and arts is staged twice a day from 6 pm and from 7 pm, every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and national holidays during the period (except from Dec. 29th to Jan. 3rd). Admission is \3,150, (\2,500 for foreigners). For further information, call 075-561-1119 (in English).
Access 25 min. by municipal bus No. 100 and No. 206 from Kyoto Sta., and then get off at Gion Bus Stop. URL http://www.kyoto-gioncorner.com/performance/index.html

Jan. 31 Feb. 2
Shunsetsu-sai, Chinese New Year's Day, according to the lunar calendar is celebrated at Nankinmachi-hiroba Square in Chinatown of Kobe, Hyogo Pref. On Jan. 31st, a procession of people in Chinese traditional costumes parades on the main street in Chinatown, and in the shopping areas of Motomachi and Sannomiya from 12 noon to 5 pm. Various and colorful events including lion dance, Chinese dance, and Chinese martial arts are demonstrated daily during the period.
Access (1) To Nankinmachi, Motomachi and Sannomiya sites: The JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Motomachi Sta. or the Hanshin Railways to Hanshin-Motomachi Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2) To Harborland: The JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Kobe Sta., and then walk 5 min.
URL http://www.nankinmachi.or.jp/event/shunsetsu/2014/

(1) JR 5 (2) JR5
Feb. 1 Feb. 5
Yah-Ya Matsuri Festival at Owase Shrine, Owase, Mie Pref. The festival with a 300-year tradition is known as a "quarreling" festival. Men in traditional white costumes shove and jostle one another at three places in the city from 7 pm, and then Kori-kaki , men jumping into icy ocean of Owase Bay to purify themselves, takes place from around 8:30 pm on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th. On the 5th, a procession of feudal lord and local dancing is held on the old Kumano road to the Shrine from 12 noon to 4 pm. Japanese archery from 7 pm and Shishimai lion dance from 8:40 pm are demonstrated in the precincts of the Shrine.
Access The JR Kisei Honsen Line to Owase Sta., and then walk 10 min. URL http://www.city.owase.lg.jp/contents_detail.php?frmId=5405

Feb. 2
Asuka-no-Onda Matsuri (rice field work pantomime) at Asuka-ni-imasu Shrine, Asuka-mura, Takaichi-gun, Nara Pref. This festival is to pray for a rich harvest of this year. Masked men pantomime a process of rice farming in the precincts of the Shrine from 2 pm to around 3:30 pm.
Access The Kintetsu Kashihara Line to Kashihara Jingu-mae Sta. From there, take Asuka Circuit Bus to Asuka Daibutsu-mae Bus Stop.



Feb. 3 Setsubun Mantoro, or Lantern Festival at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara, Nara Pref. Bugaku (ancient
court dance with music) are performed from 5:30 pm to 6 pm. More than 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns in the precincts which had been dedicated by people in the Heian era (794-1185) up to now, are lit up from 6 pm to 8:30 pm.
Access (1) The Kintetsu Nara Line to Kintetsu Nara Sta. or the JR Kansai Honsen Line to Nara Sta., and then walk 30-40 min. (2) Take Shinai-junkan Bus at Kintetsu Nara Sta.or the JR Kansai Honsen Line Nara Sta. and then get off at Kasuga Omotesando Bus Stop.
URL http://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/calendar/winter02.html

Feb. 3
Oni-oi-shiki, rites of driving away devils take place at the two major temples; Horyuji Temple in Ikaruga-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Pref., and Kofukuji Temple, Nara, Nara Pref. Both are listed as the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites. The rites including Buddhist sermon are conducted at Horyuji Temple from around 7 pm to 7:30 pm, and at Kofukuji Temple from 6:30 pm to 8 pm.
Access (1) Kofukuji Temple: The Kintetsu Nara Line to Kintetsu-Nara Sta., and then walk 5 min. or the JR Kansai Honsen Line to Nara Sta. and then take Shinai Bus to Kencho-mae Bus Stop. (2) Horyuji Temple: The JR Kansai Honsen Line to Horyuji Sta., and then walk 25 min., or 5 min. by bus to Horyuji-mae Bus Stop.
URL http://shireba.nara-kankou.or.jp/bakend/special/february/setusbun9579.html
Feb. 4
Fushimi Inari Hatsu-uma, the year's first "Horse Day" festival at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. The Shrine is thronged with people from all over the country to pray for the business prosperity and the safety of the family. The ritual is held from 8 am to 9:30 am. Open-air stalls are set up along the approach to the Shrine from around 8 am to 5 pm.
Access (1) The JR Nara Line to Inari Sta., and then walk 2 min. (2) The Keihan Railways to Fushimi-Inari Sta., and then walk 5 min.

(1) JR2 (2) 5
Feb. 23 Daigoji Godairikison Nin-no-e at Daigoji Temple, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. A contest, in which young
men and women show their strength by lifting mochi (rice cakes), weighing some 150 kilograms (for men) and 90 kilograms (for women), is held from 12 noon for women, and from 1 pm for men, in front of Kaido Hall of the temple.
Access The Tozai Subway Line to Daigo Sta. (No.1 Exit), and then walk 10 min.

Feb. 24
Kamigamo Sanyare-sai Festival at Kamigamo Shrine, Kita-ku, Kyoto. The festival takes place from around 11 am to 12 noon. A group of boys who have become the age of 15, solemnly goes up the steps in line to the Shrine for their Genpuku , the traditional initiation ceremony of coming-of-age.
Access By municipal bus (Shibasu) No. 4 from Kyoto Sta. to Kamigamo-Jinjya-mae Bus Stop, or bus No. 9 to Kamigamo Misonobashi Bus Stop.

No. 4No. 9
Feb. 25 Baika-sai, Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto.
Nodate or open-air tea ceremony (Fee: \1,500 per person) is held from 10 am to 3 pm near Sanko-mon Gate. There are 1,500 apricot trees of 50 species in the garden where is open to the public from the beginning of February to the end of March, depending on the flowering. Admission is \600, open from 10 am to 4 pm.
Access About 40 min. by municipal bus (Shibasu) No. 50 or 101 from Kyoto Sta., and then get off at Kitano Tenmangu Bus Stop.

Feb. 1
Chizu-shuku Yuki Matsuri or Snow Festival, Chizu, Tottori Pref., features hundreds of Yuki Toro or lanterns made of snow, displayed on the both sides of streets in the town. On the evening when all the lanterns are lit up, a magical atmosphere is created throughout this old post town Chizu. Some other events are scheduled in the daytime.
Access The JR Inbi Line to Chizu Sta. URL http://cms.sanin.jp/p/chizu/kankou/event/yukimatsuri/

Feb. 11
Akiba Matsuri Festival of Akiba Shrine, Niyodokawa, Kochi Pref., has an over 200-year history and features a pageant of about 200 townspeople wearing traditional costumes following Mikoshi (portable shrine). They start from Iwaya Shrine at 9 am, and parade along the mountain paths stopping by three major sites where they perform local performing arts to the tune of music, and eventually arrive at Akiba Shrine at 3:30 pm.
Access The JR Dosan Line to Sakawa Sta., and then take a bus bound for Ochide and get off at Betshiguchi Bus Stop. From there about 10 min. by taxi to Iwaya Shrine.
URL http://www.town.niyodogawa.lg.jp/life/life_dtl.php?hdnKey=776

Feb. 15
Saidaiji Eyo or Hadaka Matsuri, literally Naked Festival of Saidaiji Temple, the largest in scale of this kind, is held at Saidaiji Temple, Okayama, Okayama Pref. Some 9,000 young men wearing only loincloth vigorously purify themselves by pouring cold water over their bodies in the Yoshii River. They gather at the temple from around 5:40 pm, and then vie with each other to get a pair of Shingi (amulets) which are thrown over the throng in the compound by the priest from 10 pm to around midnight. The gallery tickets are sold at the temple on the day.
Access (1) The JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Okayama Sta. From there, 40 min. by temporary buses to Saidaiji temple are available on the day (2) The JR Ako Line to Saidaiji Sta., and then walk 10 min.
URL http://www.optic.or.jp/saidaijicci/eyo/eyo_index.html

KYUSHU & OKINAWA
Jan. 31 Feb. 14
2014 Nagasaki Lantern Festival, Nagasaki Pref., is a picturesque Chinese event featuring 15,000 lanterns in the shape of various creatures along the streets lit up daily during the festival period. Chinese dragon dances and some other performing arts are daily demonstrated at Minato Koen Park, Chuo Koen Park, Kofukuji Temple and other sites. Kotei-gyoretsu (a parade of Chinese emperor) marches from Chuo Koen to Minato Koen (park) from 2 pm to 4:30 pm on the 1st and the 8th. Maso-gyoretsu (a parade of the goddess of voyage) starts from Koshi-byo to Kofukuji Temple from 2 pm to 5:20 pm on the 2nd, and from Kofukuji Temple to Koshi-byo from 2 pm to 5:20 pm on 9th. Many other events are scheduled during the festival period.
Note Koshi-byo: Joss house for Koshi or Kongzi (BC551-BC479) Access (1) Minato Koen (park): By street car from Nagasaki Sta. to Tsukicho Sta. and then walk 3 min.
(2) Chuo Koen (park): 6 min. by bus from JR Sasebo Sta. to Matsuura Bus Stop, and then walk 3 min. (3) Kofukuji Temple: 5 min. by street car bound for Hotaru-chaya from Nagasaki Sta. and get off at Kokaido-mae Sta., and then walk 5 min.
URL http://www.nagasaki-lantern.com/
2014
(1) 3 (2) JR63 (3) JR55
Feb. 15 Mar. 31
Tenryo Hita Ohina-Matsuri, or Girl's Festival of Hita, Oita Pref. The Hita area prospered under the reign of Tenryo (Tokugawa Shogunate dependency) in the time of the Edo era. Hina Ningyo or traditional Japanese dolls which have been handed down for generations, have been well preserved, and are displayed at about 20 houses in the city, where everybody can visit and view from around 9 am to 4 pm during the festival period.
Access (1) Mameda-machi and Kuma-machi: The JR Kyudai Honsen Line to Hita Sta., and then walk 20 min. (2) Amagase-machi: The JR Kyudai Honsen Line to Amagase Sta.
URL http://www.oidehita.com/13640.html

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Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. ©2014 Japan National Tourism Organization. 2. Dates and functions are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the latest information in advance. 3. Events marked with are the major events. 4. Date of events marked with are the same every year. 5. Japanese explanations appearing at the bottom of each entry give the names of the event and the nearest railway station in Japanese. Point to this Japanese when you need help from a Japanese passerby. 6. Please refer to URL (basically in Japanese) for each event. 7. The subway line and station number are indicated in parentheses ( ).
The Internet Website of Japan National Tourism Organization is available at <http://www.jnto.go.jp>.
Calendar Events to be enjoyed in February 2014
A. Tokyo
Date Feb. 3
Setsubun, a traditional ceremony to dispel demons at the noted temples and shrines all over Japan. According to the lunar calendar, "Setsubun " marks the last day of winter. People throng temples and shrines to vie with each other for lucky beans which are thrown by priests, monks or famous figures who shout "Fuku-wa-uchi, Oni-wa-soto !" (Fortune in, Devils out!) to drive away imaginary devils. Mamemaki, bean-throwing ceremonies are scheduled at the following major temples and shrines in Tokyo:
(1) Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place twice from 12 noon and from 2 pm, following the rites which start from 11:30 am and from 1:30 pm. After that, well-known figures join bean-throwing ceremonies four times from 4 pm to 5 pm.
URL http://www.senso-ji.jp/annual_event/setsubune.html
Access The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta. (G 19, A 18)

URL http://www.zojoji.or.jp/event/ev_setsubun.html
Access (1) The Toei Mita Subway Line to Onarimon Sta. (I 06), and then walk 3 min. (2) The Toei Asakusa or Toei Oedo Subway Line to Daimon Sta. (A 09, E 20), and then walk 5 min.

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(3) Gokokuji Temple, Bunkyo-ku. Wadaiko (Japanese drum beating) is performed from 1 pm. And then, Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 3:30 pm.
Access The Yurakucho Subway Line to Gokokuji Sta. (Y 11)

(4) Hie Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 11:45 am to 12:15 pm, following the rites which start from 11:30 am.
Access (1) The Ginza or Namboku Subway Line to Tameike-Sanno Sta. (G 06, N 06), and then walk 5 min. (2) The Ginza or Marunouchi Subway Line to Akasaka-Mitsuke Sta. (G 05, M 13), and then walk 8 min. (3) The Chiyoda Subway Line to Kokkaigijidomae Sta. (C 07), and then walk 5 min.

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(5) Kanda Myojin Shrine, Chiyoda-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place several times from around 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm, following the rites which start from 2 pm.
Access (1) The JR Chuo Line, JR Sobu Line or the Marunouchi Subway Line to Ochanomizu Sta.(M 20), and then walk 5 min. (2) The Chiyoda Subway Line to Shin-Ochanomizu Sta. (C 12), and then walk 5 min (3) The Ginza Subway Line to Suehirocho Sta. (G 14), and then walk 5 min.

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(6) Kameido Tenjin Shrine, Koto-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 6:15 pm to 6:25 pm, following Tsuina-shiki (rites of driving away devils) which start from around 6 pm.
Access The JR Sobu Line to Kameido Sta., and then walk 15 min.

URL http://honmonji.jp/05topic/05event/setubun/setubun2014.html
Access (1) The Tokyu Ikegami Line to Ikegami Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) The Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Nishi-Magome Sta. (A 01), and then walk 10 min.

(8) Toyokawa Inari Betsuin, Minato-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 3 pm to 3:30 pm, following the rites which start from 2 pm.
Access The Marunouchi or Ginza Subway Line to Akasaka-Mitsuke Sta. (M 13, G 05), and then walk 5 min.

(9) Torigoe Shrine, Taito-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 4 pm to 6 pm, following the rites which start from 3:40 pm.
Access (1) The JR Sobu Line, or the Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusabashi Sta. (A 16), and then walk 8 min. (2) The Toei Asakusa or Toei Oedo Subway Line to Kuramae Sta. (A 17, E 11), and then walk 8 min.

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(10) Shibamata Taishakuten Temple (Daikyoji Temple), Katsushika-ku. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 2 pm and 3 pm, each lasting for 10 min.
Access The Keisei Kanamachi Line to Shibamata Sta.


Date Feb. 3 Daruma-kuyo, memorial services for used Dharma dolls at Nishi-Arai Daishi Temple, Adachi-ku.
When people make a wish and it is granted, they paint eyes of Dharma dolls. The memorial service in which the priest sets fire to stacks of used Dharma dolls while chanting a Buddhist sutra, is conducted from 11:30 am to around 12 noon. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 3:30 pm to around 4 pm.
URL http://www.nishiaraidaishi.or.jp/event/
Access The Tobu Isesaki Line to Nishi-Arai Sta., and then take the Tobu Daishi Line to Daishi-mae Sta.

Date Feb. 3
Setsubun Mamemaki-shiki (bean-throwing ceremony) at Takahata Fudoson Temple, Hino in the suburbs of Tokyo, takes place from 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm. About 100 open-air stalls selling Dharma dolls are set up in and around the compound of the temple.
Access The Keio Line or the Tama-Toshi Monorail to Takahata-Fudo Sta.


Date Feb. 3 Sohei-Gyoretsu, a procession of monk soldiers at Hosenji Temple, Nakano-ku. About 100 monks
and parishioners attired in monk soldier costumes leave Meitoku Inari Shrine at 3:30 pm for Hosenji Temple, to arrive there around 4 pm. The bean-throwing ceremony takes place in the compound of the temple from around 4:30 pm (lasting for about 10 min.). When it rains, the procession will be canceled.
URL http://www.housen.org/news/140101.html
Access The Marunouchi or Toei Oedo Subway Line to Nakano-Sakaue Sta. (M 06, E 30), and then walk 5 min.

Date Feb. 4
Hatsu-uma, the year's first "Horse Day" festival at Toyokawa Inari Betsuin Temple, Minato-ku. Open-air stalls are set up from 9 am to around 4 pm.
Access The Marunouchi or Ginza Subway Line to Akasaka-Mitsuke Sta. (M 13, G 05), and then walk 5 min.

Date Feb. 4, Feb. 16 Feb. 28
Tako Ichi, Kite Fair at Oji Inari Shrine, Kita-ku. Kites, regarded as a talisman for preventing fire, are sold at some stalls among many other open-air stalls, which are set up in the precincts and along the approach to the shrine from around 10 am to 6 pm.
Access The JR Keihin Tohoku Line, or the Namboku Subway Line to Oji Sta. (N 16), and then walk 6 min.

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Date Feb. 8 Hari-kuyo, or memorial services for used, broken needles and pins. People put those needles and
pins into a huge cake of Tofu (soybean curd) placed on an altar, praying for improving their skills of needlework. The services are conducted at the following three temples:
(1) Shojuin Temple, Shinjuku-ku. The memorial service is held from around 12:15 pm to 1:30 pm.
Access (1) The Marunouchi Subway Line to Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Sta. (M 10), and then walk 5 min. (2) The Marunouchi or Toei Shinjuku Subway Line to Shinjuku-Sanchome Sta. (M 09, S 02), and then walk 5 min.

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(2) Shinganji Temple, Setagaya-ku. The memorial service is held from around 1:30 pm, lasting for around 30 min.
Access The Keio Inokashira Line or the Odakyu Line to Shimokitazawa Sta. (South Exit), and then walk 10 min.

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(3) Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. The memorial service is held from 11 am to 11:30 am. URL http://www.senso-ji.jp/annual_event/harikuyoue.html
Access The Ginza or Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusa Sta. (G 19, A 18)

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Date Feb. 8 Mar. 2 Setagaya Ume Matsuri, Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival at Hanegi Koen Park, Setagaya-ku. There are nearly 650 apricot trees in the park. Various entertainments are held, such as Koto (Japanese harp) from 1:30 pm on Feb. 11th, and Taiko (Japanese drumming) from 1 pm on Feb. 22nd and from 11:30 am on Mar. 1st. Matcha (powdered green tea) is served from 10 am on Feb. 23rd, and Sencha (green tea) is served from 10 am on Mar. 2nd, both at Chashitsu (tea ceremony room) and open-air. Free tea tickets are distributed twice from 9:30 am and 11:30 am on both days, on a first-come, first-served basis.
URL http://www.city.setagaya.lg.jp/event/1993/d00123799.html

Date Feb. 8 Mar. 9
Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri, Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival at Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Bunkyo-ku. Nodate (an open-air tea ceremony) is held from 11 am on Feb. 16th, 23rd, Mar. 2nd and 9th. A tea ticket is \500. Taiko (Japanese drumming) and other entertainments are scheduled for every Saturday and Sunday during the festival period.
URL http://www.yushimatenjin.or.jp/pc/ume/index.htm
Access The Chiyoda Subway Line to Yushima Sta. (C 13)


Date Feb. 9 Nihon O-Zumo Tournament, or the 38th Grand Sumo Tournament takes place at Kokugikan Hall, Sumida-ku from around 12:10 pm to 5:30 pm. (The venue is open at 11 am.) The admission tickets range from \1,000 to \14,000. The day tickets are put on sale at Kokugikan Hall on the day. For further information, please call Nihon O-Zumo Tournament Jimukyoku (office) at 03-5530-2052 (in Japanese only).
URL http://www.grandsumo.jp/
Access The JR Sobu Line, or the Toei Oedo Subway Line to Ryogoku Sta. (E 12)

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Date Feb. 11 NHK Fukushi O-Zumo, Sumo for charity at Kokugikan Hall, Sumida-ku, from 1 pm to around 5:20 pm. (The venue is open at 12:10 pm.) Some matches as well as demonstrations of wrestling styles and some comical sumo bouts for entertainment are featured. Admission tickets range from \2,500 to \8,000. The advance tickets are sold at Ticket Pia and convenience stores. For further information, call Hello Dial at 03-5405-8686 (in English).
URL http://www.npwo.or.jp/info/2013/47nhk_2111117.html
Access The JR Sobu Line or the Toei Oedo Subway Line to Ryogoku Sta. (E 12)
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Date Feb. 11 Kenkoku Kinen-no-hi Hoshuku Parade is held in celebration on National Foundation Day. The
parade of a brass band and cars decorated with flowers starts from Meiji Park at 10 am, proceeding along Gaien-Nishi Street, Aoyama Street, and Omote-Sando Street where Mikosh i (portable shrines) join the parade, and then reaches Meiji Shrine around 12:30 pm.
URL http://kenkoku.web.fc2.com/parade.htm
Access (1) Meiji Park. (the starting point near Nihon Seinen-kan): The Toei Oedo Subway Line to Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Sta. (E 25), the JR Sobu Line to Sendagaya Sta. or Shinanomachi Sta. (2) Meiji Shrine: The JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Sta., or the Chiyoda Subway Line to Meiji-Jingumae Sta. (C 03)

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Date Feb. 11 Ta-asobi, a traditional ceremony to pray for a rich harvest of the year, takes place at Tokumaru
Kitano Shrine, Itabashi-ku, from about 6 pm to around 8 pm, following the ritual which starts from 5 pm. This is designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. About thirty people in traditional attire pantomime the process of rice cultivation on the plank stage representing a paddy field.
Access The Tobu Tojo Line to Tobu Nerima Sta., and then walk 17 min.
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Date Feb. 13
Ta-asobi, a traditional ceremony to pray for a rich harvest of the year, designated as one of the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties, takes place at Akatsuka Suwa Shrine, Itabashi-ku. Mikoshi (a portable shrine) is carried onto the ground in the precincts of the Shrine, and then Shishimai (lion dance) and Tengumai (dance by men with long red-nosed masks) are performed from 7 pm to around 9 pm.
Access The Toei Mita Subway Line to Shin-Takashimadaira Sta. (I 26), and then walk 15 min.

Date Feb. 16
The Ome Marathon, with 20,000 runners participated, starts at 9:30 am (for the 10-km race) and at 11: 30 am (for the 30-km race) from Nihon Tabako Sangyo Ome Eigyosho Higashi near JR Kabe Sta.
Access The JR Ome Line to Kabe Sta.

Date Feb. 23
Tokyo Marathon 2014, with 35,000 runners participated, starts at Tocho, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, Shinjuku-ku at 9:10 am. The race runs through Iidabashi, Imperial Palace, Hibiya, Shinagawa, Ginza, Nihombashi, Asakusa Kaminarimon, Tsukiji, Toyosu, and eventually reaches the finish line at Tokyo Big Sight (Ariake) in Odaiba.
URL http://www.tokyo42195.org/2014en/
Access (1) The Metropolitan Government Office : The JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Sta. or the Oedo Subway Line to Tochomae Sta. (E 28) (2) Tokyo Big Sight : The Yurikamome Line to Ariake Sta. or the Rinkai Line to Kokusaitenjijo Sta.

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Date Jan. 31 Feb. 14
2014 Shunsetsu, Chinese New Year's Day, Jan. 31st, according to the lunar calendar, in "Chinatown," Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. Shishimai (Chinese lion dance) is performed throughout Chinatown from 3:30 pm to 8 pm on the 31st. Many Chinese performing arts are demonstrated at Yamashitacho-koen Park on Feb. 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, and 11th. People in Chinese traditional attire parade in Chinatown from 4 pm to 6 pm on the 8th.
URL http://www.chinatown.or.jp/agenda/event/2014shunsetsu?from=top
Access (1) The JR Negishi Line from Yokohama (or JR Keihin Tohoku Line from Tokyo) to Ishikawacho Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) The Tokyu Toyoko LineMinatomirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Sta.

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Date Feb. 1 Mar. 2 Odawara Ume Matsuri, Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival at Joshi Koen Park and Soga Bairin (Japanese apricot garden) in Odawara, Kanagawa Pref. There are about 250 apricot trees in Odawara Joshi Koen, and about 35,000 trees in Soga Bairin which consists of three gardens: Bessho, Nakagawara and Hara gardens. Yabusame (horseback archery in traditional attire) is scheduled at the Hara garden from 1 pm on Feb. 11th. (In case of rain, it will be postponed until Feb. 16th.) Many other events are scheduled for every Saturday and Sunday during the festival period.
URL http://www.city.odawara.kanagawa.jp/kanko/event/FEB/umematuri-teirei.html http://soganosato.com/index.html
Access (1) To Odawara Joshi Koen: the JR Tokaido Line or the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Odawara Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) To Nakagawara and Bessho garden: the JR Gotemba Line to Shimo-Soga Sta., and then walk 10 min. (3) To Hara garden: the JR Gotemba Line to Shimo-Soga Sta., and then walk 7 min. ()

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Date Feb. 3 Yoroi Toshikoshi Shuko (or Shugyo) at Bannaji Temple, Ashikaga, Tochigi Pref. Yoroi-gyoretsu , a
procession of about 200 people clad in armored warriors proceeds along Odori Ave. from Orihime Kominkan Public Hall to the temple, from 7 pm to around 8 pm. Thereafter, Mamemaki (bean- throwing ceremony) takes place.
Access (1) The Tobu Isesaki Line to Ashikaga-shi Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2) The JR Ryomo Line to Ashikaga Sta., and then walk 15 min.

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Date Feb. 3 Oni-yarai, traditional rites of driving away devils, take place at Chichibu Shrine, Chichibu, Saitama Pref. The bean-throwing ceremony is held at 10 am, 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm. The Oni-yarai ritual is conducted from around 7:30 pm, and Fukujin-mai (Shinto dance with music) is performed at around 9 pm.
URL http://navi.city.chichibu.lg.jp/festival/oniyarai/index.html
Access (1) 1 hr. 50 min. by Seibu Railways' Express Train (Kyuko), or 1 hr. 30 min. by Seibu Railways' Limited Express (Tokkyu) "Red Arrow," from Ikebukuro Sta. to Seibu-Chichibu Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2) The JR Takasaki Line to Kumagaya Sta. From there, the Chichibu Tetsudo Railway to Chichibu Sta., and then walk 3 min.

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Date Feb. 3 Setsubun-e, a traditional ceremony to dispel demons at Kawagoe Daishi Temple, Kawagoe, Saitama
Pref. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 1:15 pm to 1:30 pm, following the rites which start from 12:45 pm.
Access (1) The Seibu Shinjuku Line to Hon-Kawagoe Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2) The Tobu Tojo Line to Kawagoeshi Sta., and then walk 20 min.
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Date Feb. 3 Setsubun, a traditional ceremony to dispel demons, at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Narita, Chiba
Pref. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place three times from 11 am, 1:30 pm, and 4 pm, each lasting for about 5 min.
URL http://www.naritasan.or.jp/english/events.html
Access (1) The JR Sobu Honsen-Narita Line's Rapid Train "Airport Narita" to Narita Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2) The Keisei Line to Narita Sta., and then walk 15 min.

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Date Feb. 3
Setsubun, a traditional ceremony to dispel demons at the noted temples and shrines all over Japan. According to the lunar calendar, "Setsubun " marks the last day of winter. People throng temples and shrines to vie with each other for catching lucky beans which are thrown by famous figures who shout "Fuku-wa-uchi, Oni-wa-soto! " (Fortune in, Devils out!) to drive away imaginary devils. Bean-throwing ceremonies are scheduled at the following major temples and shrines in Kanagawa Pref.:
(1) Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, about one hour by train from Tokyo. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 1:30 pm, following the rites which start from 1 pm.
Access The JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Sta., and then walk 10 min.

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(2) Hasedera Temple in Kamakura. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from 12 noon to 12:15 pm. As the number of visitors is limited, it might be better to come to the temple by 11 am. Admission is 300.
Access The Enoden Line to Hase Sta., and then walk 5 min.

(3)Kamakuragu Shrine in Kamakura. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 3:40 pm to 4 pm, following the rites which start from 3:20 pm.
Access (1) The JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Sta., and then walk 25 min. (2) 10 min. by bus from JR Kamakura Sta., and then get off at Daitonomiya Bus Stop.

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(4) Sojiji Temple in Yokohama. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place from around 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. As the number of visitors is limited, numbered tickets are distributed at the gate which is open at 10 am for this event.
Access The JR Keihin Tohoku Line to Tsurumi Sta., and then walk 5 min.

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(5) Kawasaki Daishi Temple in Kawasaki. Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) takes place three times from 11:30 am, 2 pm, and 4:30 pm, lasting for about 5 min. respectively.
Access The Keihin Kyuko Line to Keikyu Kawasaki Sta. From there, change for the Keikyu Daishi Line to Kawasaki-Daishi Sta., then walk 5 min.

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Date Feb. 3 Tsuina-Gyoretsu at Hakone Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi, Hakone, Ashigara Shimo-gun,
Kanagawa Pref. A procession of about 150 people, including 20 of them attired in court costumes of the Heian period (794-1185), starts from Ichi-no-Torii Gate at around 11 am and arrives at Hakone Shrine around 11:30 am. From 12 noon, Tsuina-shiki, rites of driving away torch-bearing devils, take place in the main hall of the Shrine, and then Mamemaki (bean-throwing ceremony) is held for 20 min.
Access 50 min. by bus from Odawara Sta., get off at Moto-Hakone Bus Stop, and then walk 5 min. to the Shrine. (To go to Odawara Sta., take the JR Tokaido Line or the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line from Tokyo Sta., or take the Odakyu Railways from Shinjuku Sta.)
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Date Feb. 8 Mar. 16
Yugawara-bairin "Ume-no-Utage", Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival at Makuyama Park in Yugawara, Kanagawa Pref. Visitors can enjoy viewing about 4,000 Japanese apricot trees in blossom from 9 am to 4 pm daily during the period. Admission is \200. Wadaiko (Japanese drumming) is performed from 11am and 1pm on Feb. 16th.
URL http://www.yugawara.or.jp/event/details.php?log=1384137943
Access The JR Tokaido Line to Yugawara Sta., and then take a direct bus (about 10 min.) for Makuyama Park, which is available during the period.

Date Feb. 15 Mar. 9
Sankei-en Kanbai-kai or Ume Matsuri, Japanese Apricot Blossom Festival at Sankei-en Garden, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. This Japanese-style landscape garden has about 600 Japanese apricot trees, and is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Admission is \500.
URL http://www.sankeien.or.jp/en-event/03.html
Access (1) The JR Negishi Line to Negishi Sta. From there, 10 min. by bus to Honmoku Bus Stop, and then walk 7 min. (2) The JR Keihin Tohoku, JR Tokaido or the Tokyu Toyoko Line to Yokohama Sta. (East Exit). From there, 35 min. by bus to Honmoku Sankeien-mae Bus Stop, and then walk 3 min.

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Date Feb. 20 Mar. 31
Mito-no-Ume Matsuri, Japanese Apricot Flower Festival at Kairakuen Garden, Mito, Ibaraki Pref. Various events are scheduled, such as (1) Japanese traditional music from 10 am to 3 pm on Feb. 23rd, (2) Hina-nagashi , the event of floating paper dolls down on a stream from 11 am on Mar. 2nd, and from 10:30 am on Mar. 8th, and (3) Nodate (an open-air tea ceremony) from 10 am to 3 pm on Mar. 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd. Admission to this garden is free.
URL http://www.mitokoumon.com/festival_ume
Access (1) The JR Joban Line to Kairakuen Rinji Sta. (temporary station). Direct local trains & Limited Express trains leaving Ueno Sta. from 8 am to 2 pm are operated on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the period. (2) The JR Joban Line to Mito Sta., and then 20 min. by bus to Kairakuen Bus Stop.

Date Feb. 25
Hadaka Matsuri (literally, naked festival) at Mimusubi Shrine, Yotsukaido, Chiba Pref., from around 1 pm to 3 pm. Local young men in loincloth who hold infants in their arms, step into the sacred muddy rice paddy and put a pinch of mud on their infants' faces. It is believed to protect babies from harm. And then, the young men play cavalry battles in the muddy rice paddy in prayer for a good harvest of the year.
URL http://www.city.yotsukaido.chiba.jp/miryoku/smile/kanko/matsuri_geinou/ysangyowarabihadaka.html
Access The JR Sobu Line to Yotsukaido Sta. (South Exit), and then walk 15 min.