Japanese festival "Matsuri" held in October
October is also known as “Kannazuki,” or the month without gods. The supposed origin of this is the belief that during this period, gods all throughout Japan would gather at Izumo-Taisha Shrine, leaving no gods in other regions. October is also the harvest season, and people feel thankful for the gifts provided by nature. Here we’ll introduce Tokyo-area festivals held in the month of October.
The 18th Tokyo YosakoiIkebukuro Nishiguchi ParkOctober 7 to 8,2017
The Yosakoi Festival was born in Kochi Prefecture, and is currently held each year in locations throughout Japan. This year’s Tokyo Yosakoi will feature 100 teams and over 4,500 dancers using naruko wooden clappers in one hand and showing off the results of their daily practices. An award ceremony is held on the last day and features an impressive dance in which all the dancers perform together.
Tsukiji Autumn FestivalTsukiji Outer MarketOctober 7 to 8,2017
So many foods come into season in Japan during this period that it’s even called “appetizing autumn.” Famous regional shops and beer breweries congregate to offer their fare for this festival. Hands-on activities that can only be found in Tsukiji, the kitchen of Tokyo, are also held. Visitors can learn new skills, such as how to make a Japanese rolled omelet and how to sharpen kitchen knives.
Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2017Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural MuseumOctober 7 to 8,2017
The Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony was first held in 2008 so that those without much experience of the tea ceremony and international visitors to Japan can enjoy the culture of tea casually. At Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, the event offers authentic tea ceremonies in tearooms and outdoor settings, as well as tea ceremony lessons for children, food stalls from the local commercial and industrial associations, and more.
Jindai Botanical Garden Autumn Rose FestivalJindai Botanical GardensOctober 7 to 31,2017
Jindai Botanical Garden lets visitors cherish and deepen their understanding of plant life. Its rose garden received an Award of Garden Excellence from the World Federation of Rose Societies , and is highly acclaimed. The Autumn Rose Festival offers a vivid-color arrangement of flowers, and on weekends and holidays during the festival period the garden opens at 8:00 in the morning, when the scent of roses is at its most potent.
Kawagoe FestivalKawagoe Matsuri KaikanOctober 14 to 15,2017
Kawagoe flourished as a castle town during the Edo period, and even now is still known as ‘Little Edo.’ This festival has over 360 years of history, and brings out the Edo-period atmosphere of Kawagoe. The spectacular floats which are pulled through the city’s old-fashioned streets throughout the day are truly a remarkable sight.
Zōshigaya Kishimojindo OeshikiZoshigaya KishimojindoOctober 16 to 18,2017
Oeshiki is a memorial service for Nichiren, a Buddhist priest and the founder of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. The Kishimojindo Oeshiki Festival is a favorite local tradition, held continuously as a traditional event since the Edo period. The highlight of the festival is the Mando (Buddhist lantern) Parade held on the 18th. A mystical scene can be witnessed as many 3 to 4-meter-tall lanterns with flowers created from white Japanese paper are carried through the streets.
Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2017Hamarikyu GardensOctober 21 to 22,2017
The Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony offers an easy way to enjoy the culture of tea. At Hamarikyu Gardens, explanations on tea etiquette in English, open-air tea ceremonies held by high school students, and stage performances of Japanese traditional performing arts are planned.
The 45th Nihonbashi-Kyobashi FestivalNihonbashiOctober 22,2017
Nihonbashi was the starting point of the Five Highways (five arterial roads created on land) radiating from Edo (Tokyo) in the Edo period. Based on the local history, this festival holds performances of traditional festivals and dances from around Japan. The festival also features a popular marketplace offering specialties from each region in Japan.
The Tokyo Ramen Show 2017Komazawa Olympic ParkOctober 28 to 29,2017
Japan’s famous ramen dishes from around the country are gathered here! Look forward to long-time favorites and local ramen varieties made with regional ingredients, plus original collaboration ramen dishes made by famous shops working together. Enjoy as much of the international dish of ramen as your heart desires.