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1 Notes: 1. Published by Tourist Information Center of Japan National Tourist Organization and all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. 2. Dates and functions are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the latest information in advance. 3. Events marked with are the major events. 4. Dates of events marked with are the same every year. 5. Japanese explanations appearing at the bottom of each entry give the names of the event and the nearest railway station in Japanese. Point to this Japanese when you need help from a Japanese passerby. Note: The Internet Website of the Japan National Tourist Organization is available at< Calendar Events Asagao-ten (exhibition of morning glories or Asagao) is held in Hibiya Park (in the neighborhood of the tennis courts), Chiyoda-ku, from 9 am daily during the period. Access : Subway Hibiya Line, Chiyoda Line or Toei Mita Line to Hibiya Sta. Hono Asagao-ten (exhibition of morning glories or Asagao) is held at Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda-ku, from 6 am daily during the period. (Morning glories usually can be seen until around 10 or 11 am.) A class of making pressed Asagao flowers for children will be held from around 9:30 am to 10:30 am every day during the exhibition period. Access : Subway Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line or Toei Shinjuku Line to Kudanshita Sta. Hachioji Matsuri Festival, Hachioji in the suburbs of Tokyo, a one-hour train ride from Shinjuku Sta. Major events are as follows: an exhibition of carved ice sculpture from 3:20 pm to 6 pm on the 1st; a demonstration of Taiko (Japanese drum beating) from 3 pm to 5 pm and Minyo-nagashi (folk dancing parade) from 5 pm to 6:30 pm on the 2nd, a parade of floats and Mikoshi (portable shrines) from 6:30 pm to 9 pm on the 2nd; another Mikoshi from 6 pm to 9 pm on the 3rd, Shishimai (Lion Dance) from 2 pm to 3 pm and a parade of Sengan (3,750 kilograms in weight) Mikoshi from 3 pm to 6 pm on the 3rd. Access : JR Chuo Line or Keio Line to Hachioji Sta. Note : Shinagawa Prince Hotel Bon Odori Taikai (folk dancing) open to all people is held in the open space by Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Minato-ku, from 6 pm to 9 pm. When it rains, it will be canceled. Access : JR Yamanote Line, Keihin Tohoku Line, Tokaido Line or Yokosuka Line to Shinagawa Sta. Furusato Kumin Matsuri (Setagaya Summer Festival) at Baji Koen (park), Setagaya-ku. Main events and performances are as follows: Bon Odori & Awa Odori (folk dancing) from 6:10 pm to 9 pm on the 2nd, Japanese drum beating from 11 am to 6:30 pm on the 2nd and from 11:55 am to 4:35 pm on the 3rd, and a parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) and drum band from 2 pm to 4 pm on the 3rd. A charity auction is scheduled from 3 pm to 3:40 pm on the 2nd and from 11 am to 11:40 am & from 5 pm to 5:40 pm on the 3rd. Many stalls will be set up from around 11 am to around 9 pm on both days Access :(1)Tokyu Den-en Toshi Line to Sakura-Shinmachi Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2)30 min. by bus for Seijo-Gakuen or Chofu-eki Minami-guchi from Shibuya Sta., and then get off at Nodai-mae Bus Stop

2 Edogawa Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) is scheduled on the riverbanks of the Edogawa River, Edogawa-ku, from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm (14,000 fireworks). In case of rain or when with a strong wind, it will be postponed to the following day. Access :(1)Subway Toei Shinjuku Line to Shinozaki Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2)JR Sobu Line to Ichikawa Sta., and then walk 15 min. (3)JR Sobu Line to Koiwa Sta., and then walk 25 min. Itabashi Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) on the riverbanks of the Arakawa River, Itabashi-ku, is scheduled from 7 pm to 8:45 pm (11,000 fireworks). In case of rain or when with a strong wind, it will be postponed to the following day. Access :(1)Subway Toei Mita Line to Nishidai Sta., Hasune Sta. or Takashimadaira Sta., and then walk 30 min. (2)JR Saikyo Line to Ukima-Funado Sta., and then walk 30 min. Setomono Ichi (Ceramic Fair) is held from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm at Kakigara-cho near Suitengu Shrine standing on the corner where Shin-Ohashi-dori Ave. and Ningyocho-dori Ave. intersect at Kakigara-cho, Chuo-ku. Access :(1)Subway Hibiya Line or Toei Asakusa Line to Ningyocho Sta. (2)Subway Hanzomon Line to Suitengu-mae Sta. Mitama Matsuri (Soul Festival) of Ikegami Honmonji Temple, Ota-ku, features Bon Odori (folk dancing) from 7 pm to 9 pm on both days. When it rains, it will be postponed to the 6th. Access :(1)Subway Toei Asakusa Line to Nishi-Magome Sta., and then walk 10 min. (2)Tokyu Ikegami Line to Ikegami Sta., and then walk 10 min. Tsukiji Honganji Noryo Bon Odori Taikai (folk dancing) at Tsukiji Honganji Temple, Chuo-ku, from 7 pm to 9 pm on the 5th, 6th & 7th and from 6 pm to 8 pm on the 8th. Many open-air stalls are set up in the evening. When it rains, Bon Odori will be canceled. Access : Subway Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Sta. Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival) is held around Minami-guchi (South Exit) of Asagaya Sta., from around 10 am to 10 pm. Various decorations of colored paper streamers and strips will delight the eyes of people along the shopping street near South Exit of JR Asagaya Sta. Access :(1) JR Chuo Line to Asagaya Sta. (2)Subway Marunouchi Line to Minami-Asagaya Sta. Jingu Gaien Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) takes place at Jingu Kyujo Baseball Stadium in Jingu Gaien (Meiji Shrine Outer Garden), Shibuya-ku, from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm (10,000 fireworks) following the concerts which start from 4 pm at Nanshiki Kyujo (Baseball Park) and from 5:30 pm at Chichibunomiya Rugby & Football Ground. An admission ticket for Nanshiki Kyujo in front of Kaigakan (Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery) is \1,500. The reserved seat tickets for Chichibunomiya Rugby & Football Ground are \3,000 and \2,500. For the tickets, please contact Nikkan Sports Service Center far in advance, Tel. : In case of rain or when with a strong wind, it will be postponed to the following day. Access :(1)Toei Subway Oedo Line to Kokuritsu Kyogijo Sta. (2)JR Sobu Line to Shinanomachi Sta. or Sendagaya Sta. (3)Subway Ginza Line to Gaien-mae Sta

3 Fussa Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival), Fussa, about a 90-min. train ride from Tokyo Sta., features a parade of floats & Mikoshi (portable shrine) from 3:30 pm to 6 pm and Minyo (folk music) dancers' parade from 5 pm to 8:40 pm on the 8th, and Soran Matsuri (folk dancing festival) Show in front of West Exit of JR Fussa Sta. from 3 pm to 4:15 pm on the 9th. More events are held during the festival period. Access : JR Ome Line to Fussa Sta. Oshima Natsu Matsuri or Summer Festival of Oshima Island near Motomachi Port in Oshima Island. A display of fireworks will be held from 9 pm to around 9:30 pm on the 9th. Many street stalls are open in the evening on both days. Access : About 1 hr. 45 min. - 2 hrs. 20 min. by Tokai Kisen ferryboat from Takeshiba Pier to Oshima Okada Pier. From there, 20 min. by bus to Motomachi Bus Stop. (Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Sta. to Takeshiba Sta., and then walk 1 min. to the pier, or JR Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Sta., and then walk 7 min. to the pier.) Tokyo Bay Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Harumi Pier, from 7 pm to 8:20 pm (12,000 fireworks). In case of rain or when with a strong wind, it will be canceled. Access :(1)Subway Toei Oedo Line to Kachidoki Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2)Subway Yurakucho Line to Toyosu Sta. or Tsukishima Sta., and then walk 20 min. (3)Special bus services to the site are available from Tokyo Sta. Yaesu Exit (\200) from around 3:30 pm on the day. \ Noryo Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Hachijojima Island, is scheduled from 8 pm to around 8:30 pm (about 600 fireworks). In case of rain or when with a strong wind, it will be postponed to the 12th. Access : About 11 hrs. by Tokai Kisen boat from Takeshiba Pier to Hachijojima Island. (Yurikamone Line from Shimbashi Sta. to Takeshiba Sta., and then walk 1 min. to the pier, or JR Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Sta., and then walk 7 min. to the pier.) Fukagawa Hachimangu Matsuri or Annual Festival of Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, Koto-ku. This festival is one of the Edo Greatest Three Festivals and called Mizukake Matsuri (pouring water to Mikoshi carriers). Shrine's Mikoshi (portable shrine) and 54 Mikoshi will depart from the Shrine at around 7:30 am, passing Eitai Bridge around 12 noon and will return to the Shrine at around 4 pm on the 17th. Many other events are as follows: Koto (Japanese harp) performance from around 5:30 pm on the 15th, Shorinji Kenpo (karate) demonstration at 6 pm on the 16th, Kendo (Japanese fencing) tournament from 8:30 am and Taiko (drum beating) from 5 pm on the 17th. Many open-air stalls will be also set up during the festival period. Access : Subway Tozai Line to Monzen-Nakacho Sta. Azabu Juban Noryo Matsuri or Summer Festival of Azabu Juban Shopping Streets, Minato-ku, features Bon Odori (folk dancing) from 5 pm to 8 pm and many street vendors from 3 pm to 9 pm every evening during the festival period. Access :(1)Subway Toei Oedo Line or Namboku Line to Azabujuban Sta., and then walk 1 min. (2)Subway Hibiya Line or Toei Oedo Line to Roppongi Sta., and then walk 10 min

4 Annual Summer Festival of Suwa Shrine, Tachikawa, on the outskirts of Tokyo. A parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) and floats can be seen from 2 pm to 4 pm near JR Tachikawa Sta. on the 23rd and 24th. Sumo Taikai (sumo tournament) is held by children from 1 pm to 3 pm on the 23rd, Shishi-mai (Lion Dance) is performed in the precincts of the Shrine from 4 pm on the 23rd and 24th. Access : JR Chuo Line to Tachikawa Sta. (South Exit), and then walk 12 min. Noryo Bon Odori (folk dance), open to all people, takes place at Shinjuku Chuo Koen (Shinjuku Central Park), Shinjuku-ku, from around 6 pm to 9 pm on the 23rd and to 8:30 pm on the 24th. When it rains, it will be canceled. Access :(1)Subway Marunouchi Line to Nishi-Shinjuku Sta., and then walk 3 min. (2)Walk 10 min. from JR Shinjuku Sta. (West Exit). (3)Toei Subway Oedo Line to Tochomae Sta., and then walk 3 min. Koenji Awa Odori (folk dance) originating from Awa region in Tokushima Pref., is demonstrated being participated by townspeople along the streets around Koenji Sta., Suginami-ku, from 6 pm to 9 pm on both days. When it heavily rains, this folk dance will be postponed to the 25th. Access : JR Chuo Line to Koenji Sta. Super Yosakoi Festival (folk dancing festival) similar to that of Kochi City in Shikoku Island is presented with the participation of about 2,300 people from all over Japan along the streets around Harajuku-Omotesando, Meiji-Jingu, Event Square in Yoyogi Park and Keyaki-Namiki-dori Ave. in front of NHK. The festival is scheduled, regardless of the weather, from 12 noon to 8 pm on the 23rd, and from 11 am to 5:30 pm on the 24th. Access : JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Sta. or Subway Chiyoda Line to Meijijingu-mae Sta. or Subway Chiyoda Line, Ginza Line and Hanzomon Line to Omotesando Sta. Kameido Tenjin Taisai or Annual Summer Festival of Kameido Tenjin, Koto-ku, Tokyo, features 1,100 Kentomyo (lighted lanterns) in the precincts of the Shrine will be lit from 7 pm on the 25th and Takigikagura or torch-lighted Kagura (Shinto origin music & dancing) from 7 pm on the 26th. Some more events will be scheduled. The festival is rather small in scale this year. Access : JR Sobu Line to Kameido Sta., and then walk 15 min. Asakusa Samba Carnival on Kaminarimon-dori Ave. and Umamichi-dori Ave. near Sensoji Temple, Taito-ku. The main feature is a big parade, with about 5,000 participants, including baton twirlers, brass bands and a dancing troupe from Brazil, from 1:30 pm to 6 pm. Access : Subway Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa Sta

5 Saitama City Fireworks Display is scheduled at three sites 5,000 fireworks each): at Owada Koen (park) from 7 pm on July 30, at Urawa Racecourse from 7 pm on Aug. 9, at Iwatsuki-bunka Koen from 7 pm on Aug. 23. Access :(1)Owada Koen: Tobu Noda Line to Omiya Koen Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2)Urawa Racecourse: JR Keihin Tohoku Line to Urawa Sta. or Minami Urawa Sta., and then walk 15 min. (3)Iwatsuki-bunka Koen: Tobu Noda Line to Iwatsuki Sta., and then walk 35 min. (Shuttle buses are available on the day.) Sagamiko Kojo-sai (Lake Festival) on the shores of Lake Sagami, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Pref. Drum beating and other events will be held from 6 pm, and a fireworks display is scheduled from 7:30 pm to 8:50 pm (5,000 fireworks). When it rains heavily, the fireworks display will be postponed to the 2nd. Access : JR Chuo Line to Sagamiko Sta., and then walk 10 min. Mito Komon Matsuri Festival, Mito, Ibaraki Pref., features a fireworks display over the lake of Semba-ko from 7:30 pm to 9 pm on the 1st, "Citizens' Carnival in Mito" near the North Exit of JR Mito Sta. from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm on the 2nd and a parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) from 10 am to 12:30 pm in Shimoichi area & from 2 pm to 6 pm in Uwaichi area on the 3rd. Access :(1)To see the fireworks display (Semba-ko), walk min. from Mito Sta. (South Exit) on JR Joban Line. (2)To see the event of Uwaichi area, walk 5 min. from Mito Sta. (North Exit) on JR Joban Line. To see the event of Shimoichi area, walk 30 min. from South Exit or 10 min. by bus bound for Hommachi or Hamadashako and then get off at Hommachi-1chome Bus Stop. Shonan Hiratsuka Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Suka Port, near the mouth of the Sagamigawa River, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Pref., will be held from 7:30 pm (about 3,000 fireworks). When it rains, the fireworks display will be postponed to the 4th. Access : 15 min. by bus bound for Suka Port from the south exit of Hiratsuka Sta. on JR Tokaido Line. Yokosuka Kaikoku Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Shinko Port near Umikaze Koen (Park), Yokosuka, Kanagawa Pref., is scheduled from 7:30 pm to 8:10 pm (10,000 fireworks). When it rains, it will be postponed to the following day. Access : Keihin Kyuko Line to Yokosuka-Chuo Sta., and then walk 15 min. to Shinko Port. Yugawara Yassa Matsuri Festival, Yugawara-machi, Ashigara Shimo-gun Kanagawa Pref., features a parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) and Yassa-Odori (folk dancing) presented by about 3,000 townspeople from around 6 pm to 9:30 pm on the 2nd & 3rd and Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) on the shore of Yugawara Beach, from 8 pm to 8:40 pm on the 3rd (about 4,000 fireworks). When it rains, it will be postponed to the 6th. Access : JR Tokaido Line to Yugawara Sta., and then walk 20 min. Atsugi Ayu Matsuri Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) is held on the riverbanks of the Sagami River, Atsugi, Kanagawa Pref., from 7 pm to 8:40 pm (10,000 fireworks). When it rains, it will be postponed to the following day. Some other events including open-air stage concerts are scheduled for Ayu (trout) Matsuri (festival) at Atsugi Chuo Koen (park) from Aug. 1 to 3. Access : Odakyu Line to Hon-Atsugi Sta., and then walk min

6 Kasama Yasaka Shrine Gion Matsuri Festival, Kasama, Ibaraki Pref., features a parade of Otona (growu-ups) Mikoshi (portable shrines) carried by townspeople and Kodomo (children) Mikoshi carried by children every afternoon during the festival period. The climax of the festival is a parade of Mikoshi including one giant Mikoshi owned by Shrine being carried by grown-ups in the evening on the 3rd. Access : JR Mito Line to Kasama Sta. From there, 10 min. by bus for Tomobe or Inari Jinja, and then get off at Inari Jinja Bus Stop. Tamayodo Suitengu Matsuri Festival at Yorii-machi, Osato-gun, Saitama Pref., features a parade of five beautifully decorated boats with lighted lanterns from 6:30 pm to 7 pm and a fireworks display from 7 pm to 9 pm (about 5,000 fireworks). When it heavily rains, the fireworks display will be canceled. Access : 1)1 hr. 30 min. from Ikebukuro Sta. by Tobu Tojo Line to Tamayodo Sta. or to Yorii Sta., and then walk 15 min. (2)54 min. from Ikebukuro by JR Shonan Shinjuku Line to Kumagaya. From there, 30 min by Chichibu Railway to Yorii Sta., and then walk 15 min. Irumagawa Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival) at the Irumagawa River, Sayama, Saitama Pref. Various decorations of colored paper streamers and strips along the streets will delight the eyes. A fireworks display is scheduled from 8 pm to 8:30 pm on the 2nd (2,000 fireworks). When it heavily rains, it will be postponed to 7:45 pm to 8:15 pm on the 3rd. Access : 1 hr. by Seibu Shinjuku Line for Hon-Kawagoe originating at Seibu-Shinjuku Sta. to Sayamashi Sta. Odawara Sakawa River Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Sports Hiroba on the banks of Sakawa River, Odawara, Kanagawa Pref., is scheduled from 7:30 pm to 8:20 pm (5,000 fireworks). When it heavily rains, the fireworks display will be postponed to the 4th. Access : JR Tokaido Line to Kamonomiya Sta. (South Exit), and then walk 15 min. Numata Matsuri Festival, Numata, Gumma Pref., features the parades of Mikoshi (portable shrines) including 10 Mando (floats) carried by men and 15 Mikoshi by children from 1:30 pm to 10 pm every day during the festival period; a parade of 18 Machi (town) Mikoshi owned by each town in the city from 6 pm to 10 pm on the 3rd and 4th and Jinja (shrine) Mikoshi owned by Shrine from 5 pm to 10 pm on the 5th. The climax of the festival is a parade of two other Mikoshi with 4-meter long masks of Tengu (half-man, half-creature of Japanese folklore having long nose, beak & red face) on the top, carried by about 200 women, departing from Numata City Hall and passing through the streets from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm on the 3rd & 5th. Access : JR Joetsu Line to Numata Sta. From there, walk 15 min. to Numata City Hall or Honcho-dori Street. Enoshima Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Nishi-hama Beach, Katase, Fujisawa, Kanagawa Pref., will be held from 7:15 pm to 8:15 pm (about 5,000 fireworks). In case of rain or when with a strong wind, it will be postponed to the 6th. Access : Odakyu Enoshima Line to Katase-Enoshima Sta., and then walk 5 min

7 Torii-yaki Matsuri (ceremony of the burning of a red-painted Shinto gate) on Lake Ashi, Hakone-machi, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa Pref., is one of the many events of Hakone Ashinoko Summer Festival lasting for a week from July 31. Setting numerous lighted lanterns afloat and a fireworks display will be held simultaneously from 7:45 pm to 8:30 pm (about 3,000 fireworks). When it heavily rains, the fireworks display will be postponed to the 10th. Access : 1 hr. from Odawara Sta. or 40 min from Hakone-Yumoto Sta. by bus bound for Hakonemachi to Hakonemachi Bus Stop, the last stop. Nikko Waraku Odori (folk dance), open to all people, around the pond in the works of Furukawa Electric Co., Nikko, Tochigi Pref., is held from 7 pm to 10 pm. Access :(1)20 min. by bus from Tobu Nikko Sta. and then get off at Kiyotaki Bus Stop. (2)Special bus (free) is available on the day from JR Nikko Sta. to the festival site. Kamakura Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Yuigahama Beach, Kamakura, Kanagawa Pref., is scheduled from 7 pm to 8:15 pm (about 2,900 fireworks). When it rains, the fireworks display will be postponed to the 12th. Access : JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Sta., and then walk 15 min. Funadama Matsuri Festival at Nagatoro Gorge, Chichibu, Saitama Pref. Two Manto-sen (boats with lighted lanterns) will be set adrift on the river at 4:50 pm, 5:30 pm & 8 pm. Toro-nagashi (floating of lighted lanterns) will be held from 6:50 pm and a fireworks display is scheduled from 7:30 pm (about 3,500 fireworks). Access : Chichibu Tetsudo Line to Nagatoro Sta., and then walk 5 min. Hakone Daimonji-yaki (Bonfire Event) on Mt. Myojogatake, with a fireworks display, Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigara Shimo-gun, Kanagawa Pref., is scheduled from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm (about 3,000 fireworks). Access : Hakone Tozan Railway originating at Odawara Sta. to Gora Sta. Mito-no-Oshoro-nagashi (floating of boats), associated with Bon Festival, at Mitohama Beach, Miura, Kanagawa Pref., is held from around 6 am. Three Oshoro-bune (straw-made boats), each 5 meters long, will be built by young people. Townspeople will gather at the beach, bringing miniature Oshoro-bune or offerings. The boats will be towed out to the sea and set adrift around 8 am. Access : Keihin Kyuko Line to Misakiguchi Sta., and then walk 20 min. Yokohama Carnival is a lively event in Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. A procession of Hamakoi-odori (local dancing originating in Yokohama) is held at the traffic circle near West Exit of Yokohama Sta. from 4 pm to 7:30 pm on the 23rd. The highlight of the festival is both Hamakoi-odori contest and demonstration held on the stage set up in Sawatari-chuo Koen (park) from 11 am to 8 pm on the 24th. Access : JR Tokaido Line, JR Negishi Line (Keihin Tohoku Line) or Tokyu Toyoko Line to Yokohama Sta. (West Exit)

8 Tsunabi (fireworks) peculiar to Tsukubamirai, Ibaraki Pref., will be displayed in the precincts of Takaoka Atago Shrine on the 23rd and in the precincts of Obari Atago Shrine on the 24th, starting from 7 pm to 9:30 pm on both days. Access :(1) JR Joban Line to Toride Sta. From there, 50 min. by bus for Yatabe to Takaoka Bus Stop, and then walk 5 min. to Takaoka Atago Shrine (on the 23rd). (2)JR Joban Line to Toride Sta. From there, 50 min. by bus for Yatabe to Obari Bus Stop, and then walk 5 min. to Obari Atago Shrine (on the 24th). Calendar Events Mitsumine-no-Shishi-mai (Lion Dance) in the precincts of Mitsumine Shrine, Otaki, Chichibu, Saitama Pref. Eighteen different lion dances are dedicated by 6 men wearing lions' heads and by 3 men wearing long-nosed masks from 6 am to 3:30 pm. Access : 1 hr. 30 min. from Ikebukuro Sta. on Seibu Ikebukuro Line by Seibu Railway's Limited Express, "Red Arrow," to Seibu-Chichibu Sta. Walk 5 min. to Ohanabatake Sta. From there, 25 min. by Chichibu Tetsudo Railway to Mitsumine-guchi Sta. And then 45 min. by bus to Mitsumine Shrine

9 Notes: 1. Published by Tourist Information Center of Japan National Tourist Organization and all rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. 2. Dates and functions are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the latest information in advance. 3. Events marked with are the major events. 4. Dates of events marked with are the same every year. 5. Japanese explanations appearing at the bottom of each entry give the names of the event and the nearest railway station in Japanese. Point to this Japanese when you need help from a Japanese passerby. Note: The Internet Website of the Japan National Tourist Organization is available at< Calendar Events Sapporo Summer Festival is held in Odori Koen (park) and at some other places in Sapporo. A fireworks display is scheduled over the riverbed of Toyohiragawa Minami-Ohashi upstream from around 7:40 pm to 8:45 pm on July 25 & Aug. 1. An open-air beer hall will be set up in Odori Koen from 12 noon to 10 pm from July 21 to Aug. 15, and Bon Odori (Japanese folk dancing) is scheduled in the Odori-Nishi-2-chome area from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm from Aug. 14 to 20. Access :(1)For seeing the fireworks display, take Subway Namboku Line from JR Sapporo Sta. to Nakajima Koen Sta., and then walk 5 min. to Toyohiragawa Minami-Ohashi Joryu. (2)For Bon Odori site, take Subway Tozai Line,Toho Line or Nanboku Line to Odori Sta. Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival, Hachinohe, Aomori Pref. This festival has a 280-year history and is designated as National Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. It is highlighted by a parade of three Mikoshi (portable shrines) owned by each three Shrine and floats from 3 pm to 7 pm on Aug. 1 & 3., and a parade of beautifully decollated 28 floats going through the city's main streets from 6 pm to 9 pm on the 2nd. Kiba-dakyu (Japanese polo) is held at Shinra Shrine from 2 pm to around 4 pm on the 2nd. Access : JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line to Hachinohe Sta. From there, 20 min. by bus to Jusan-nichi-machi Bus Stop. Note : Sansha means three shrines: Ogami Shrine, Shinra Shrine and Shinmei Shrine. Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri Festival, Hirosaki, Aomori Pref., one-hour train ride from Aomori Sta., is similar to Nebuta Matsuri of Aomori and designated as National Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. Neputa is a huge fan shaped lantern with effigies of warlords or legendary heroines depicted on the both sides set on the carriage. About 80 carriages of lighted Neputa assemble in the evening and are pulled about the city between 7 pm and 10 pm from the 1st to the 6th and a parade of Nanuka-bi Neputa is held from 10 am to 12 noon on the 7th. Access : JR Ou Honsen Line to Hirosaki Sta. Aomori Nebuta Matsuri Festival, Aomori, Aomori Pref., one of the Big Three Festivals in the Tohoku Region, designated as National Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. Nebuta, formed with a framework of bamboo, wire and papier-mache with effigies of men, animals and birds depicted on the surface lighted from inside, is placed on the carriage. About 20 carriages are pulled through the streets of the city from 7:10 pm to 9 pm from the 2nd through the 6th and from 1 pm to 3 pm on the 7th. After the parade on the 7th, seven most-highly-evaluated Nebuta on the boats are set afloat on the sea and a fireworks display (10,000 fireworks) is held in Aomori Bay from 7 pm to 9 pm. Access : JR Tohoku Honsen Line to Aomori Sta

10 Kesennuma Minato Matsuri (Port Festival) at Kesennuma Port, Kesennuma, Miyagi Pref. Main events are as follows: Dai-Hamarainya Odori (local folk dance) from 5:30 pm to 9 pm on the 2nd, a parade of brass band & baton twirlers, Japanese folk dancers and Mikoshi (portable shrines) from 12 noon to 3 pm, a demonstration of Taiko (Japanese drum beating) in Sakanamachi from 5:40 pm to 8:50 pm, Toro-nagashi (floating of lighted lanterns) and a parade of Unzura (papier-mache effigies) or Nebuta set afloat on the sea from 6:30 pm to 7 pm, and a fireworks display from 8 pm to 8:45 pm on the 3rd. Access : JR Kesennuma Line to Minami Kesennuma Sta., and then walk 10 min. Kitakami Michinoku Geino Matsuri or Festival of Performing Arts well known in the Michinoku (Tohoku) Region, Kitakami, Iwate Pref. Shimin (townspeople) Parade, Mikoshi (portable shrines) Parade and Taiko (Japanese drum beating) and Performing Arts take place at Matsuri Hiroba from 6 pm to 9 pm on the 2nd and 3rd. Toro-nagashi (floating lighted lanterns) and a fireworks display are scheduled from 7 pm to 8:45 pm on the 4th. Access : JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line or JR Tohoku Line to Kitakami Sta. Akita Kanto Matsuri Festival, Akita, Akita Pref. Kanto is a long bamboo pole with nine horizontal ribs on which lighted lanterns are hung. The highlight of this festival is a parade of young men in colorful attire trying their skill in balancing Kanto on their foreheads, shoulders, hips and chins without using their hands from 7 pm to 8:50 pm every evening during the festival period. Access : JR Akita Shinkansen Line or JR Ou Honsen Line to Akita Sta., and then walk 15 min. Tanabata E-doro Matsuri (Lantern Festival), Yuzawa, Akita Pref., features big lighted lanterns with legendary heroines painted on them set on the carriages being pulled through the city. A parade of lanterns is held from 11 am to 10:30 pm on the 5th, from 10 am to 10:30 pm on the 6th and from 9 am to 10 pm on the 7th. A demonstration of Taiko (Japanese drum beating) is scheduled for 7:30 pm on the 6th and the 7th in the center of the town. Access : JR Ou Honsen Line to Yuzawa Sta. Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri (floral sedge-hat festival), Yamagata, Yamagata Pref. More than 12,000 townspeople, each wearing a low and round sedge hat adorned with brightly colored artificial flowers, dance their way through the city's main streets from 6 pm to about 9:30 pm every night during the festival period. Access : JR Yamagata Shinkansen Line or JR Ou Honsen Line to Yamagata Sta. Sendai Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival), Sendai, Miyagi Pref. The festival is the largest one of its kind in Japan. The city's busy streets are filled with bamboo branches lavishly decorated with strips of colored paper streamers and other glittering material of fancy designs, which are set up in front of every house. Performances & parades can be seen every evening from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm during the festival period. A fireworks display is held at Nishi Koen (park) near the Hirose River from 7:30 pm to 9 pm on the 5th. Access : JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line or JR Tohoku Honsen Line to Sendai Sta., and then take Subway to Kotodai Koen Sta. (Koen 2 Exit or Minami 1 Exit) - 2 -

11 Funekko Nagashi Festival, Morioka, Iwate Pref. Boats with lanterns are set adrift on the Kitakami River from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm around Meijibashi Bridge. A fireworks display is held from 7 pm to 7:30 pm near Meijibashi Bridge (about 1, 400 fireworks). Access : 15 min. by bus for Morioka Ryutsu Center from JR Morioka Sta., and then get off at Minami Odori Bus Stop. Zenkoku Hanabi Kyogi Taikai (Fireworks Display Contest) is scheduled over the riverbank of the Omono River, Omagari, Akita Pref., from 5 pm to 9:30 pm (15,000 fireworks). When it rains heavily, the fireworks display may be postponed. Access : JR Akita Shinkansen Line or JR Tazawako Line originating at Morioka Sta. to Omagari Sta., and then walk min. Shinjo Matsuri Festival, Shinjo, Yamagata Pref., features a parade of floats from 7 pm to 9 pm on the 24th, from 10:10 am to 12 noon on the 25th and from 5 pm on the 26th. Shishi Odori (Lion Dance) is performed from 10 am & about 3 pm on the 26th. There are more events scheduled during the festival period. Access : JR Yamagata Shinkansen Line or JR Ou Honsen Line to Shinjo Sta. Gujo Odori (folk dance party open to all people), Hachiman-cho, Gujo, Gifu Pref. This is one of the most popular folk dances in which thousands of townspeople in yukata (cotton kimono) join and dance to the accompaniment of festival music. It will be held on the following days: July 12, 16, 19, 20, 26-28, 30, Aug. 1-5, 7-20, 23, 24, 30, 31 and Sep. 6 from 8 pm to around 10:30 pm on weekdays and Sundays, and from 8 pm to 11 pm on Saturdays. Access :(1) Meitetsu Line to Shin-Gifu Sta., and then 1 hr. by bus for Shirotori or for Gujo-Hachiman to Gujo-Hachiman Bus Stop. From there, 10 min. by shuttle bus to the site during the festival period. (2 Nagaragawa Tetsudo Line to Gujo-Hachiman Sta. From there, 5-10 min. by taxi to the site. Nafune Matsuri Festival of Hakusan Shrine, Nafune-machi, Wajima, Ishikawa Pref. Gojinjo-daiko (Japanese folkloristic drum beating is presented by men wearing grotesque masks from 10:30 pm to 11 pm on the 31st. A parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) is held from 11 pm to midnight on July 31 and from 2 pm to 4 pm on Aug. 1. Access : JR Nanao Line to Wajima Sta. From there, 20 min. by bus to Nafune-machi Bus Stop. Nagaoka Matsuri Festival, Nagaoka, Niigata Pref., features mainly a parade of folk dancers & Mikoshi (portable shrines) from 5:45 pm to 10 pm on the 1st and Taiko (Japanese drum beating) from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm on the 2nd. A fireworks display is scheduled from 7:25 pm to 9:20 pm on the 2nd & 3rd (10,000 fireworks each day). More events are scheduled during the festival period. Access : JR Joetsu Shinkansen Line or JR Shin'etsu Line to Nagaoka Sta

12 Takaoka Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival), Takaoka, Toyama Pref., features a thousand of bamboo branches beautifully decorated with glittering material along the streets, and a fireworks display near Kokutobashi Bridge on the Oyabegawa River from 8 pm to 8:50 pm on the 1st and near Takaoka-Ohashi Bridge on the Shogawa River on the 4th. A parade of Japanese folk dancers is scheduled from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm on the 3rd. Access : JR Hokuriku Line to Takaoka Sta. Summer Festival of the Fuji Five Lakes is featured by fireworks displays. They are scheduled as follows: Lake Yamanaka from 7:30 pm to 9 pm on the 1st (about 8,000 fireworks), Lake Sai from 7:30 pm to 8 pm on the 2nd (about 2,000 fireworks), Lake Motosu from 8 pm to 9 pm on the 3rd (about 1,000 fireworks), Lake Shoji from 7 pm to 9 pm on the 4th (300 fireworks) and Lake Kawaguchi from 8 pm to 8:30 pm (about 2,000 fireworks) on the 4th and from 7:30 pm to 9 pm (about 8,000 fireworks) on the 5th. Access : Bus services are available to each lake from Shinjuku. (1) Lake Yamanaka: 2 hrs. 30 min., get off at Hotel Mt. Fuji Iriguchi Bus Stop. (2) Lake Sai: 30 min. by bus for Saiko Minshuku from Kawaguchiko and get off at Nenba Minshuku-mae Bus Stop. (3) Lake Motosu: 2 hrs. 40 min., get off at Motosuko Bus Stop. (4) Lake Shoji: 2 hrs. 45 min., get off at Shojiko Bus Stop. (5) Lake Kawaguchi: 2 hrs., get off at Kawaguchiko Bus Stop. Note : There are no bus services after around 6 pm or 7 pm from all the venues of fireworks displays. Atami Kaijo Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Atami Beach, Atami, Shizuoka Pref., is scheduled from 8:20 pm to 8:50 pm each night. This event is also held on the 24th as well. Access : JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line or JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Atami Sta. Niigata Matsuri Festival, Niigata, Niigata Pref., features a parade of Japanese folk dancers from 7 pm to 9 pm on the 8th, Sumiyoshi Gyoretsu or a parade of participants in traditional attire following Bandai-Taiko (Japanese drum beating) starting from 10 am & 2:10 pm on the 9th and from 10 am & 1:10 pm on the 10th, and Shimin Mikoshi (portable shrines) carried by townspeople from 4:10 pm on the 9th. A fireworks display is scheduled from 7:15 pm to 9 pm on the 10th. Access : JR Joetsu Shinkansen Line or JR Shinetsu Honsen Line to Niigata Sta. Anjin Matsuri (festival in memory of William Adams), Ito, Shizuoka Pref. William Adams ( ), a naturalized British shipwright, (named "Anjin Miura" in Japanese) contributed greatly to the development of Japanese culture. The festival is held to commemorate his feat of building a Western-style sailboat, the first of its kind in Japan. Main events are as follows: Toro-nagashi (floating lighted lanterns) on the Matsukawa River from 7:30 pm on the 8th, Taiko (Japanese drum beating) Contest from 6 pm to 9 pm on the 9th at Nagisa Koen (park) and Anjin-sai masquerade parade, the highlight of the festival, from 2:30 pm to 4 pm on the 10th. A fireworks display is scheduled from 8:50 pm to 9 pm on the 8th & 9th and from 8 pm to 9 pm on the 10th. Access : JR Limited Express "Odoriko" or JR Ito Line to Ito Sta

13 Scot Summer Season, Toga Festival 2008 is held at Toga Geijutsu Koen, Toga Village, Higashi-Tonami-gun, Toyama Pref. Performances will be held on Aug. 9, 10, 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 & 31. An admission ticket for performances is \3,000, \4,000 and \5,000. For further information & booking tickets, please call JPAF (The Japan Performing Arts Foundation) office in Toga Village ( ). Access : JR Takayama Line to Etchu-Yatsuo Sta. From there, 1 hr. by bus to Gassho-Bunka-mura Bus Stop. Yaizu Annual Festival of Yaizu Shrine, Yaizu, Shizuoka Pref., features a parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) from 10 am to around 11 pm on the 13th. Access : JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Yaizu Sta., and then walk 10 min. Mishima Natsu Matsuri or Annual Summer Festival of Mishima Shrine, Mishima, Shizuoka Pref., is highlighted by Musha Gyoretsu (warriors procession) starting from the Shrine around 4:10 pm on the 16th. Many events are scheduled during the festival period. Access : JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line or JR Tokaido Line to Mishima Sta. Fuefuki-shi Natsu Matsuri Festival, Fuefuki, Yamanashi Pref. is featured by Toro-nagashi (floating lighted lanterns) on the Fuefuki River from 7 pm to 8 pm on the 19th, a parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) from 7:30 pm to 10 pm on the 20th and a fireworks display from 7:30 pm to 9 pm on the 21st. Ukai (cormorant fishing) is scheduled from 8 pm to 8:50 pm on the Fuefuki River every Wed., Thu., Sat. and Sun. between Jul. 20 and Aug. 19. Access : JR Chuo Honsen Line to Isawa Sta., and then walk 20 min. Shiroyama Hi-Matsuri Festival at Tsumago, Nagiso-machi, Kiso-gun, Nagano Pref. Many torches are lighted and Kiso Odori (folk dancing) will be held from around 8 pm to 9 pm at a public square in front of Fureai-kan. Access : JR Chuo Honsen Line to Nagiso Sta. From there, 10 min. by bus to Tsumago Bus Stop, and then walk min. Yoshida-no-Hi-Matsuri (Fire Festival), Fuji-Yoshida, Yamanashi Pref. The event is held to mark the end of the Mt. Fuji climbing season. About 70 giant torches placed along the national highway near Fuji-Yoshida Sta. are lighted from around 6:40 pm to 10:20 pm followed by a parade of Mikoshi (portable shrines) starting from Sengen Shrine at 5 pm, arriving at Otabisho (portable shrine storage) at 6 pm on the 26th. On the 27th, Mikoshi parade from 3 pm and finally return to the Shrine at 7 pm. Access : Fuji Kyuko Line to Fuji-Yoshida Sta., and then walk 3 min. O-Chochin Matsuri (lantern festival) at Suwa Shrine, Isshiki-cho, Hazu-gun, Aichi Pref. In the evening, great paper lanterns painted with colorful designs are lighted in the precincts of the Shrine from 7 pm to around 11:30 pm on the 26th. Access : Meitetsu Honsen Line to Shin-Anjo Sta., and then take Meitetsu Nishio Line to Nishio Sta. From there 20 min. by bus to Taihobashi Bus Stop, and then walk 5 min

14 Himeji Oshiro Matsuri (Himeji Castle Festival), Himeji, Hyogo Pref., features Takigi Noh (open-air torchlight Noh performance) from 6:30 pm to 9 pm on the 1st, Oshiro Matsuri (Castle Festival) Parade of warriors participated by 150 townspeople from 4 pm to 8 pm on the 2nd, folk dancing performances on the main streets & Otemae Koen(park) from 9:30 am to 9 pm and Sound Festival by amateur music bands from 4 pm to 9 pm in Sannomaru Hiroba (square) on the 3rd. When it rains, Takigi Noh will be held in Shimin-kaikan (civic hall). Access : JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line or JR Sanyo Honsen Line to Himeji Sta., and then walk 10 min. Toki Matsuri (Ceramic Fair) on Gojozaka Street (near Kiyomizu Temple), Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto. Many stalls, selling various kinds of ceramics at bargain prices, are open from around 9 am to 11 pm during the fair period. Access :(1)From Kyoto Sta. take municipal bus (City bus) No. 205, and then get off at Kawaramachi-Gojo Bus Stop or take municipal bus No. 206, and then get off at Gojozaka Bus Stop. (2)Gojo Sta. on Keihan Railway. Biwako Dai-Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Display) at Lake Biwa, Shiga Pref., is scheduled from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm (about 10,000 fireworks). When it rains heavily, it may be postponed to the 11th. Access :(1)Keihan railway to Hama-Otsu Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2)JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Otsu Sta. or Zeze Sta., and then walk min. Mando Kuyo-e (ceremony of lighted lanterns) at Mibu Temple, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto. About 1,100 decorative lanterns in the corridor of Hondo (main hall) are lit to console the ancestors' souls from sunset to around 10 pm every day from the 9th to the 16th. Rokusai Nenbutsu (traditional folk dance with a Buddhist chant) is also performed from 8 pm on the 9th and from 8:30 pm on the 16th. Access : From Kyoto Sta. take municipal bus (City bus) No. 26 or No. 28, and then get off at Mibuderamachi Bus Stop or take municipal bus No. 206, and then get off at Shijo-Omiya Bus Stop. Osaka Takigi Noh (open-air torchlight Noh performance) at Ikutama Shrine, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, is scheduled from 5 pm to 8:30 pm on both days. Admission for an advanced ticket is \3,000 or \3,500 on the day. When it rains, the performance will be postponed to the 13th. Access : Subway Tanimachi Line to Tanimachi Kyu-chome Sta. Kasuga Man-toro Festival at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara, Nara Pref. Some 3,000 stone lanterns on both sides of the approach from the second torii (Shrine's gate) to the south gate are lit for the occasion from 7 pm to 9:30 pm each day. Main performances are Bagaku (ancient court dance with music) from around 6:30 pm to 7 pm on the 14th and Kagura (Shinto dance & music) from 6:30 pm to 7 pm on the 15th. Access : 10 min. by bus from Kintetsu Nara Sta., and then get off at Kasuga Taisha-mae Bus Stop. Daimonji Okuri-bi (Bonfire Event) on Mt. Takamado, Nara, Nara Pref. A spectacular bonfire in the shape of the Chinese character Dai meaning "large" is kindled on the slope of the mountain around 8 pm and lasts for about 30 min. Access : Kintetsu Nara Line to Kintetsu Nara Sta. or JR Nara Line to JR Nara Sta., and then walk 5 min. to Nara Park

15 Daimonji Gozan Okuri-bi (Great Bonfire Event) on the five mountains surrounding Kyoto. A great spectacular bonfire in the shape of the Chinese character Dai meaning "large" on the slope of Higashiyama and four other bonfires on each mountain are lighted around 8 pm. This is the most spectacular feature of the Bon Festival in Kyoto. The event schedule is subject to change in case of a heavy rain. Access : Keihan Dentetsu Railway to Demachi-Yanagi Sta. Toro-nagashi (floating of lighted lanterns), Hiroshima, Hiroshima Pref. Since August 6, 1945, Hiroshima has suffered the world's first atomic bombing. In memory of the atomic bomb victims, the ceremony is conducted at Peace Memorial Park in the city. In the evening from 6 pm to 9 pm, about 10,000 lighted lanterns are set adrift on the Motoyasu River by Hiroshima citizens with prayers for world peace. Access : 20 min. by streetcar from JR Hiroshima Sta., and then get off at Genbaku Domu-mae Sta. The 12th Hiroshima International Animation Festival 2008 at Aster Plaza, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Pref. The festival has been held every other year, long since its establishment in 1985 under the spirits of LOVE & PEACE. It is a big competition of animation films from all over the world, in which selected titles are shown to the public from the 7th to 10th. There are many events such as "Frame-in" for non-professionals, "Nexus Point" for production companies, and "Kid's Clip" animation workshop for children during the festival period. Advance admission ticket for one program is \ 1,000 (\1,200 on the day), and can be purchased at ticket agencies, convenience stores and travel agencies such as Ticket Pia, Lawson, Family Mart, Seven-Eleven, CircleKSunkus and JTB. < Access : JR Sanyo Shinkansen Line to Hiroshima Sta. From there, take a street car No. 1 (via Kamiya-cho) bound for Ujina Port and get off at Shiyakusho-mae Sta., and then walk 10 min. Awa Odori (folk dance), Naruto, Tokushima Pref. on Shikoku Island. Awa Odori, native to the Awa Region (Tokushima Pref.), is one of the most popular folk dancing in Japan and is scheduled from 7 pm to 10 pm every evening during the festival period. Access : JR Naruto Line to Naruto Sta. Kochi Yosakoi Matsuri Festival, Kochi, Kochi Pref., is highlighted by a parade of Yosakoi Odori (folk dancing) held from 6:30 pm to 10 pm on the 9th, from 11:30 am to 10 pm on the 10th & 11th and from 6:30 pm to 10 pm on the 12th along Obiyamachi Arcade, at Chuo Koen (park) and in Kochi Castle. A fireworks display is scheduled from 7:30 pm to 9 pm on the 13th over the riverbank of the Kagami River. Access :(1) JR Dosan Line to Kochi Sta., and then walk 20 min. to Kochi Castle. (2) min. by taxi from JR Kochi Sta. to see the fireworks display on the Kagami River. Awa Odori (folk dance), Tokushima, Tokushima Pref. This is the biggest one of all Awa Odori and the entire city is enlivened with singing and dancing. Day and night, groups of people in fancy attire dance to the accompaniment of merry music created by Shamisen (three-stringed instruments), drums and flutes. The climax will be from 6 pm to 10:30 pm every day during the period. Access : JR Kotoku Line to Tokushima Sta. Nagasaki Peiron Senshuken Taikai or boat race by over about 70 boats in ancient Chinese style, at Matsugae Futo (pier) of Nagasaki Port, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Pref., from 9 am to 4:15 pm on the 2nd & from 9 am to 2:45 pm on the 3rd. Access : JR Nagasaki Line to Nagasaki Sta. From there, 5 min. by taxi to the pier

16 Shoro-nagashi Festival, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Pref. Thousands of Shoro-bune (featuring boat beautifully decorated with paper lanterns) on the carriage are carried through the city's main streets from around 6 pm to 10 pm. Access : 5 min. by streetcar from JR Nagasaki Sta., and then get off at Ohato Sta. Yamaga Toro Matsuri Festival, Yamaga, Kumamoto Pref. A parade of Toro Odori folk dancers, women in yukata (cotton kimono), each wearing headgear in the shape of a lantern, is held from 6:30 pm to 12 midnight on both days. A fireworks display is held from 8 pm to 9 pm on the 15th. Taimatsu Gyoretsu (torch-lighted parade) can be seen in many places in the town from 8:55 pm to 9:45 pm, and Sennin Toro Odori (featuring 1,000 people dancing) will be held in the playground of Yamaga Shogakko (primary school) from 6:45 pm to 8:10 pm and from 9:20 pm to 10:40 pm on the 16th. Access : 50 min. by bus for Yamaga from Tamana Sta. on JR Kagoshima Line, and then get off at Yamaga Bus Stop. Okinawa Zento Ei-sa Matsuri Festival, Okinawa City, Okinawa Pref., features various of Ei-sa or Bon Odori (folk dancing) with drum beating native to Okinawa main island, at Okinawashi Koza Undo Koen (park) from 3 pm to 9 pm, and a fireworks display from 8:30 pm to 9 pm on both days. Access :(1)Take bus No. 111 from Naha Airport to Okinawa-Minami Interchange Bus Stop, and then walk 3 min. (2)Take bus No. 123 from Naha Airport to Sonda Bus Stop, and then walk 10 min. Seinen Furusato Ei-sa Matsuri Festival features demonstrations of various traditional entertainments by local people from 4 pm to 9:30 pm on the 30th, and Ei-sai (folk dance with drum beating) at Chatan Koen (park) Rikujo Kyogijo (athletic sports ground) in Chatan Town from 4 pm to 9:30 pm on both days. Access : 40 min. by car from Naha Airport. Nagaragawa Ukai, Nagara River, Gifu Pref. Period of time: May 11 - Oct. 15 (departure time: 6:45 pm & 7:15 pm; lasting for about one hour each). Charge: \3,000 (meals excluded). Reservation: Call (Gifu City Ukai Kanransen Jimusho) in Japanese, or reserve through JTB, travel agency. Cormorant fishing is an ancient method of catching Ayu sweetfish or trout-like fish) handling trained cormorants. This takes place at night under the light of blazing torches fastened to the prows of fishing boats. It will be held every day during the period except on the night of the full moon or when the water is excessively muddy. Access : JR Tokaido Honsen Line to Gifu Sta. From there, 15 min. by bus to Nagaragawa-bashi Bus Stop. Note : Please come to the pier earlier than the departure time. Seki-no-Oze-no-Ukai, Nagara River, Gifu Pref. Period of time: May 11 - Oct. 15, May - Jul.(departure time: 6:40 pm), Aug. (departure time: 6:30 pm), Sep. (departure time: 6 pm), Oct. (departure time: 5:50 pm). Charge: \3,150 (meals excluded). Obento (boxed meal) Charge: \2,000 and up. Reservation (daily from 3 pm): Call (Seki Yusen Jimusho) in Japanese. Access : Nagaragawa Tetsudo Railway to Seki Sta., and then 10 min. by taxi. Note : Please come to the pier before the departure time

17 Kisogawa Ukai, Kiso River, Aichi Pref. Period of time: May 11 - Oct. 15, May 11 - Aug. 31 (departure time: 7 pm), Sep. 1 - Oct. 15 (departure time: 6:30 pm). Charge: \2,500 (May 11 - Jun. 30 & Sep. 1 - Oct. 15), \2,800 (Jul. 1 - Aug. 31) meals excluded each. Reservation: Call (Kisogawa Kanko) in Japanese, or reserve through major travel agencies which can also make a hotel reservation, if you would like. Access : Meitetsu Inuyama Line to Inuyama-Yuen Sta., and then walk 2 min. Note : Please come to the pier a little earlier than the departure time. Ujigawa Ukai, Uji River, Kyoto Pref. Period of time: Jun Sep. 28 (departure time: 6:30 pm - 7 pm) Charge: \1,800 (child: \900) meals excluded. No reservation is necessary unless you charter a boat. Access :(1) Keihan Uji Line to Keihan Uji Sta., and then walk 5 min. (2) JR Nara Line to Uji Sta., and then walk 10 min. Note : Please come to the pier before the departure time. Ukai (cormorant fishing), Oi River (formerly Yodo River near Togetsukyo Bridge), Arashiyama, Kyoto. Period of time: July 1 - Aug. 31 (departure time: 7 pm and 8 pm), Sep (departure time: 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm) Charge: \1,700 (meals excluded) Access : Keifuku Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Sta. or Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Hankyu Arashiyama Sta. Note : Please come to the pier before the departure time. Calendar Events - 9 -