Japanese festival "Matsuri" held in November
In Japan, November is also known as shimotsuki, meaning ‘frost month,’ most likely as it is the month that the cold weather starts to bring frosts. It is the period when fall starts turning to winter, and the season which produces the beloved natural sight of the leaves changing color and falling. Temples and shrines across the country also hold regular events known as Tori no Ichi Fairs. We introduce some of the festivals that are held in Tokyo and surrounding areas in November.
Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand FestivalOctober 29 to November 3,2017
You can see a range of traditional Japanese cultural activities. The Yabusame display (an archer on horseback fires arrows at a target while the horse is running) is especially popular and people queue for hours to grab a spot on the lawn near Nishi-sando. You can also enjoy a wide range of other celebration events for free at various locations within the shrine grounds.
The Bunkyo Chrysanthemum FestivalNovember 1 to 23,2017
In Japan, chrysanthemums are the representative flower of fall, and here you can find around 2,000 chrysanthemums that have been lovingly grown by enthusiasts. The kiku-ningyo (chrysanthemum dolls) wearing clothing made from chrysanthemums or leaves, and kengai, where the stalks and branches hang down below the edge of the pot, are worth seeing.
The Asakusa Tori no Ichi FairNovember 6, 18, 30,2017
The kumade (bamboo rake), with its long handle ending in multiple tines, was originally a tool for gathering crops, fallen leaves and the like. Now they are sold at temples and shrines associated with eagles and birds, beautifully decorated as a lucky charm, with a wish to gather good fortune or wealth . In this season stalls are arranged, and you can enjoy a wide variety of differently decorated kumade. Although they are primarily a symbol of thriving commerce, they can also be bought by regular customers.
Hanazono Shrine Otori FestivalNovember 5, 6, 17, 18, 29, 30,2017
Within the grounds of Hanazono Shrine there are around 60 stores selling kumade charms, surrounded by around 170 food and drink stalls. There are also about 60 stalls set up on the sidewalk of Yasukuni-dori Street. Illuminated by over 1,000 dedicatory paper lanterns, the shrine grounds overflow with worshippers from evening until well into the night.
The 21st Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival 2017November 17 to December 3,2017
Japanese have been enjoying koyo, the changing color of leaves before defoliation in fall, since ancient times. At the Ginkgo Festival held at Meiji Jingu Gaien, you can appreciate the ginkgo trees that have turned to brilliant yellow. The festival is popular with many tourists, and you can find Japanese specialty goods, handicrafts, and local gourmet foods.