May Festivals
In Japan the month of May is also known as ‘satsuki.’ As rice is often planted during this period, the month was historically known as ‘sanahetsuki’ (rice sprout month), and the most likely theory is that ‘satsuki’ is a shortened version of this word. It’s refreshing to watch as rice is planted in fields in the suburb areas. Early May marks the Golden Week holiday period with many people heading out for leisure activities. Here we’ll introduce Tokyo area festivals in May.
Meiji Shrine Spring Grand FestivalMeiji JinguApril 28 to May 3,2018 Meiji Jingu is a shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Each year various ceremonies are held for the Spring Grand Festival. During this period, various Japanese traditional performing arts such as Bugaku (ancient imperial court music), Noh and Kyogen (classical Japanese theatre) are performed in honor of the deities on the stage in front of the main shrine building. Also, the grounds of the shrine are fresh with new foliage, and bloom with flowers from spring to early summer making it a relaxing place for a nature walk.
The Yokohama ParadeYamashita ParkMay 3,2018 The Yokohama Parade is held to commemorate the opening of Yokohama Port in Kanagawa Prefecture. A marching band and decorated floats parade through the Yokohama Port area starting from Yamashita Park. The Yokohama Kawaii Parade in which local idols dolled up in Japanese pop culture costumes walk through the streets is also held at the same time. In the case of inclement weather this event will be postponed to May 4 (a Friday and public holiday).
Sanja Matsuri FestivalAsakusa ShrineMay 18 to May 20,2018 Sanja Festival is a tradition continuing since 1312, and is a large-scale festival counted among the three great Shinto festivals in Tokyo along with the Sanno Festival and Fukagawa Festival. Sanja Festival is held at Asakusa Shrine where, for 3 days, approximately 100 ‘mikoshi’ portable shrines dedicated to Shinto deities are paraded around Asakusa. Watch the energy and vigor of the participants tasked with carrying the divine palanquins, and experience the district of Asakusa decked out in festive colors.
Hanazono Shrine Grand FestivalHanazono JinjaMay 25 to May 28,2018 Hanazono Shrine has held an important position as the shrine dedicated to the protective deity of Shinjuku since the Tokugawa shogunate was ruled by Tokugawa Ieyasu (1603). The formal festival is held once every two years, with this year being a festival year. The festival starts from 11:00 a.m. on the 26th (Sat.) with a mikoshi divine palanquin procession conducted by shrine parishioners. From 10:00 a.m. on the 27th (Sun.), two main mikoshi palanquins proceed through Shinjuku along parish sections of Meiji-dori, Yasukuni-dori, and Shinjuku-dori streets for over 10 hours.
Yushima Tenmangu Festival (Tenjin Matsuri)Yushima Tenman-gu (Yushima Tenjin)May 26 to May 27,2018 Yushima Tenjin is dedicated to Ame-no-Tajikarao, the god of good fortune and physical power, and scholar Michizane Sugawara. Tenjin festival is held annually on May 25. The official festival (the Shinko festival) is held once every 2 years, on even numbered years according to the Western calendar. A ‘mikoshi’ portable shrine topped with a phoenix decoration is paraded through the streets on the 26th for the Shinkosai-togyo ceremony, and the 27th marks the appearance of the Yushima Tenjin deity for another mikoshi ceremony.
The 70th Tokyo Port FestivalHarumi HarborMay 26 to May 27,2018 Held in commemoration of the opening of Tokyo Port as an international trade port. The main venue is Harumi Passenger Terminal at Harumi Wharf, with a variety of events scheduled. In addition to a waterborne firefighting pageant by the Tokyo Fire Department, attendees can look forward to seeing rare boats not normally on display to the public, a character show, and more, for a fun-filled event!