Traveling to Tokyo? The Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau has released their 2010 Calendar of Events, featuring cultural, educational and entertaining excursions for visitors heading to the capital of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Here are a few events to look forward to:
Celebrate Kokyo Ippan Sanga, New Year Greeting, on January 2, one of only two days during the year when the Imperial Palace grounds are open to the public. Here visitors can try and sneak a peek at the Imperial Family.
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| Tokyo Imperial Palace |
On January 6 be sure to catch Dezomeshiki, a parade featuring acrobatic stunts, displayed to the public by firefighters wearing traditional Japanese costume.
Also coming next month, the January Sumo Tournament held from January 10 through the 24. This is the most popular traditional sport in japan, featuring over 70 different throws, trips, forms and tricks. Tokyo also hosts two other tournaments in May and September.
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| Ueno Park during cherry blossom season |
When February rolls around check out Setsubun, a traditional custom performed to welcome spring. On February 3, the public throws soybeans, said to hold powers to destroy the eyes of demons, while yelling "Fortune in! Devils out!"
Anime anyone? In late March Tokyo will host the International Anime Fair, featuring booth exhibits, stage performances, theater movie showings and the "Tokyo Anime Awards."
A trip to Japan in the spring would be remiss without a viewing of cherry blossoms. The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival also comes to Tokyo in late March in Ueno Park. Can't make it during the day? You may enjoy it more at night as 1500 lanterns light up the park.