With a current population of some 12 million, Tokyo is by far the largest city in 21st century Japan and one of the charms of Tokyo is to be found in the combination of the traditional and historical sites sitting side by side amidst the ultramodern urban landscape. To that end, there are many places in Tokyo with their own unique character: the Shitamachi (older and more traditional) districts in and around Asakusa and Ueno. The shopping zones of Ginza, Aoyama, Shinjuku and Shibuya and of course other well known areas for visitors to shop or eat till they drop such as Nihombashi, Akihabara, Odaiba, Harajuku, Roppongi and Ikebukuro. For visitors and inhabitants, Tokyo has something for everyone. |
- Makuhari Messe, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture - July 18th (Sat)-September 27th (Sun), 2009 Many of the dinosaurs that attract the attention of paleontologists from around the world will be put on display under one roof, including the "Dakota," a miraculous mummified dinosaur; the 35-meter-long goliath affectionately known as the "Giant Mamenchisaurus," one of the largest dinosaurs to have existed in the world; the "Guanlong wucaii," the oldest ancestor of the tyrannosaur family; the "Gigantoraptor," a giant feathered dinosaur; and the "Spinosaurus," one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs to roam the Earth.The grand-scale exhibition will feature a total of more than 240 items, including exhibits of precious specimens that are the result of the latest dinosaur research, and more than 40 entire skeletons. This largest ever dinosaur exhibition explores the riddles of dinosaur evolution and mysteries of life on Earth.  http://www.kyoryu.jp/ (Japanese version only) |
- Tokyo Big Sight, Koto-ku, Tokyo - July 16th (Thur)-19th (Sun), 2009 *Open to the public on the 18th and 19th. More than one hundred toy makers from both Japan and abroad exhibit their products at this show, which is the largest trade fair for toys in the country. From robot-type toys to card games, you can see and handle the latest toy products before they hit the market. http://www.toys.or.jp/toyshow/english/ |
- Senso-ji Temple, Taito-ku, Tokyo - July 9th (Thur)-10th (Fri), 2009 If somebody visits Senso-ji on July 9th or 10th, they are said to receive credit for many more visits than the one they are then making. The Hozuki-ichi on these days and the market open in the large precincts of Senso-ji therefore make July 9th and 10th especially good time to make the journey as visitors can then purchase potted hozuki (ground cherries) as a good luck charm to take home. Approximately 200 stalls line the sides of the temple grounds during the event. http://www.senso-ji.jp/ |
- Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture - July 2nd (Thur)-5th (Sun), 2009 This year marks the 59th time that this festival will be held, and together with the festival held in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, it is famous as one of Japan's representative Tanabata festivals.With some 3 million visitors, it can boast of being the largest such festival in Japan. The festival features gorgeous bamboo decorations, and the night is lit up beautifully with illuminations, fascinating festival-goers. In addition, various events are held during the festival, such as a parade featuring a Shonan Hiratsuka Orihime (Weaver Princess) selected in a contest and musical bands, and the Tanabata Sennin Odori (Dance of 1,000 People). http://www.city.hiratsuka.kanagawa.jp/tanabata/ (Japanese version only)http://www.city.hiratsuka.kanagawa.jp/tanabata/e_index.htm |
- Hie Shrine, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo - June 7th (Sun)-17th (Wed), 2009 Sanno Matsuri was formerly called Tenka Matsuri, a name under which it was known as one of the most outstanding festivals of the Edo-era, as well as Kanda Matsuri Festival. During the 200 plus years of the era, various rulers from the Tokugawa Shogunate observed the festival and bowed their heads in worship at the portable shrines they saw carried into Edo Castle. Recognized by such prestigious personages of old Japan, the festival became the most respected of Edo's three main festivals and was also ranked as one of the three great festivals in the nation; alongside the Gion Matsuri of Kyoto and the Tenma Matsuri of Osaka. http://www.hiejinja.net/ (Japanese version only) |
- Suigo Sawara Suisei Shokubutsuen (Water Garden), Katori City, Chiba Prefecture - June 1st (Mon)-30th (Tue), 2009 This water garden is the largest in Asia. There are an estimated 1.5 million irises of 400 different varieties in the garden and you can see blue, pink, purple and white flowers in full bloom during the festival. You can also enjoy seeing flowers from a boat going round the garden, which is another overwhelming sight. http://www.katorishi.com/en/ |
- Places in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture - April 28th (Tue)-September 27th (Sun), 2009 Yokohama opened its port to foreigners in 1859 and a big expo is being held at Yokohama this year to commemorate the 150th anniversary. The Bayside area around Minatomirai 21 is the central area of the expo. Surrounded by scenery of the ocean and the port, this area is also the origin of the modern city of Yokohama. A large entertainment display is featured, images are screened on a big screen, and various types of events are held at booths or venues. In the evening, gorgeous shows take place and the venues are fantastically illuminated. At the Hillside area around Zoorasia (Yokohama Zoological Gardens), workshops and other projects are conducted by citizens, ranging from youngsters to adults. At the Mother Port area around the Yokohama Station, Yamashita and Yamate areas, shopping malls in Yokohama in cooperation with the expo offer stroll-around route maps and special benefit plans. http://event.yokohama150.org/en/ |
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