Japanese festival "Matsuri" held in September
In Japan, September is sometimes called “Nagatsuki” (long month), which is thought to indicate the shortening days and lengthening nights which occur during this period. The remainder of summer’s heat continues to be felt all the while as autumn takes hold, and this is also when autumn festivals are held in many areas. Here we’ll introduce Tokyo-area festivals held in the month of September.
Yoshiwara-niwakaYoshiwara ShrineSeptember 3, 2017
A niwaka is a kind of impromptu performance which began in the Edo period, held in the Yoshiwara red-light district, a highly popular spot of the time. Niwaka performance and other forms of classical theater are held, with street stalls also lining the area.
Daradara FestivalShiba Daijingu ShrineSeptember 11 to 21,2017
Known as the “Daradara (endless) Festival” due to the long period over which the festival is held. Various events such as a dedication dance are held, with the annual major festival on the 16th, the middle day of the festival. Ginger, thought to bring good luck, will be sold on the grounds of Shiba Daijingu Shrine, and it is said that those who eat some will not catch a cold.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine Reitai-sai (Annual Major Festival)Tsurugaoka HachimanguSeptember 14 to 16,2017
First held about 800 years ago. The festival begins early in the morning on the 14th with a purification ritual on Yuigahama Beach. On the 15th, the Reitai-sai is followed by the Shinko-sai (Portable Shrine Procession) in which portable shrines are followed in a parade by servers holding items with dignity such as sacred horses, pennants, halberds, swords and more. On the 16th, the Yabusame-shinji (Yabusame horseback archery ritual) is held.
The Akasaka Hikawa FestivalAkasaka Hikawa ShrineSeptember 15 to 17,2017
Edo picture scrolls spring to life on the streets of Akasaka. Floats restored by the people in the community who value inheritance and culture of the festival, and a newly-made miya-mikoshi portable shrine (made last year) are paraded grandly through the streets. This festival is held by 3,000 participants, making a total of 20,000 people including spectators.
Nezu-jinja Shrine Reitai-sai (Annual Major Festival)Nezu ShrineSeptember 16 to 17,2017
Said to be one of the three great festivals of Edo, along with the Sanno Festival and Kanda Festival. In the Edo period (1603-1868), this was one of the festivals attended by the Tokugawa Shogun himself. Dedication of the kagura (a stately dance and music of the Shinto religion) “Sanza-no-Mai,” designated as intangible cultural property of Bunkyo-ku , is also performed, and many street stalls are opened on the vast shrine grounds.
Cosmos Flower Festival 2017Showa Memorial ParkSeptember 16 to October 29,2017
Admire 5.5 million cosmos blossoms, one of the largest displays in all of the metropolitan area. The largest cosmos field provides a pleasant view, featuring a flower hill dyed pink by about 4 million dwarf sensation blossoms along with 4 other types of cosmos.
Sanriku Ofunato Sanma Matsuri at Tokyo TowerTokyo TowerSeptember 23, 2017
Here Pacific saury direct from Iwate Prefecture’s Ofunato are grilled over charcoals creating a mouthwatering aroma. Drawing from the fact that the event venue, Tokyo Tower, is 333 meters tall, grilled Pacific saury are given out free to a total of 3,333 people. Vouchers are handed out at the venue starting at 7:30 a.m. in the morning.
The 50th Fukuro FestivalIkebukuro Nishiguchi ParkSeptember 23 to 24, 2017
The Fukuro Festival is celebrating its 50th iteration this year, bringing a festive color to the streets of Ikebukuro. The festival begins in the evening of the 23rd, and continues with a mikoshi portable shrine parade on the 24th. The festival also features Japanese taiko drum performances, shishimai (lion dance), ohayashi festival music, a yoimioshi palanquin parade in the evening, Okinawa Eisa folk dance show, and more.
The 27th Shinagawa Shukuba FestivalTokaido Shinagawa-jukuSeptember 23 to 24, 2017
In the Edo period (1603-1868), the Tokaido was Japan’s main east-west route, with 53 post stations between Nihonbashi and Kyoto. This festival is held at Shinagawa-juku, the first stop on the Tokaido, and lets visitors feel as if they’ve gone back in time. Starting from 16:00 on September 23, oiran (Edo period courtesans) walk through the streets, and on the 24th a parade featuring participants dressed as Edo townspeople is also held.
The 29th Hokkaido Fair in Yoyogi: The Road of Hokkai-FoodsYoyogi Park Event SpaceSeptember 28 to October 1,2017
During this event, ingredients from the sea and mountains in Hokkaido are dynamically prepared and served. Popular standard dishes are of course on offer hot and fresh, as well as rarer local foods. A variety of programs are planned, including the ever-popular “390 yen low-price dishes.”