About Japan Travel

Launch of the Festive Season in Tokyo

2009-11-06T08:18:18Z

Many popular Christmas trees and holiday lights in Japan are illuminated from mid-November. One of the most popular Christmas trees in Tokyo is the Mikimoto Christmas Tree, which has been lightening up the holiday season in Ginza over 30 years. The 2009 Mikimoto Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is held on November 7, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. Stop by the Mikimoto Pearls main store to see the tree when you go shopping in Ginza.

Related Content:

The Mikimoto Jumbo Christmas Tree (2006) Photo by Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com Inc.

Launch of the Festive Season in Tokyo originally appeared on About.com Japan Travel on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 08:18:18.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

The 20th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan

2009-11-04T08:53:58Z

This year marks the 20th anniversary of His Majesty the Emperor Akihito's accession to the throne, and the national celebration takes place on November 12, 2009 in Tokyo. Although only ticket-holders are admitted to the stage ceremony starting at 3 p.m., everyone can watch other events, such as festive parades, traditional Japanese music and dance performances, and regional speciality item sales, which are held from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in the Kokyo Gaien (Tokyo Imperial Palace Outer Garden) area.

Related Content:

View from Tokyo Imperial Palace Inner Grounds Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com

The 20th Anniversary of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan originally appeared on About.com Japan Travel on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 08:53:58.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Tori-no-ichi in Tokyo

2009-11-02T07:42:46Z

Tori-no-ichi are traditional Japanese open-air markets take place on the days of the rooster (tori-no-hi) in November according to the Chinese calendar, which fall on November 12 and 24 in 2009. There are vendors sell colorfully decorated kumade (rake shaped bamboo charms) of different sizes at the markets. People visit tori-no-ichi to pray for good luck and good business and buy charms. Check out the list of popular places for tori-no-ichi in Tokyo.

Read More:

Kumade Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com

Tori-no-ichi in Tokyo originally appeared on About.com Japan Travel on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 07:42:46.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Holiday in Tokyo

2009-10-30T08:43:47Z

A traveler to Japan needs your advice and writes, "I will be on holiday in Tokyo for about 9days and will like to check whether there are any place you would like to recommend apart from the usual tourist attractions.... Somewhere that is not too popular with the tourist which is full of the Japanese favour... " Post Your Suggestions Here

Read More:

Holiday in Tokyo originally appeared on About.com Japan Travel on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 08:43:47.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Hakone Federal Lord's Procession

2009-10-28T08:17:43Z

Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu (Hakone Federal Lord's Procession) is held on November 3 in Hakone Yumoto Onsen, Kanagawa prefecture. It's a parade of about 170 people wearing historical costumes from the Edo period. The procession leaves Sounji Temple at ten in the morning and arrives at Yumoto Fujiya Hotel in the afternoon. Hakone is a popular onsen town with easy access from Tokyo. Take a day trip to see the procession and visit onsen for day use.

Related Content:

Photo Courtesy of Hakone Town Tourist Association

Hakone Federal Lord's Procession originally appeared on About.com Japan Travel on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 08:17:43.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Special Opening of Kyoto Imperial Palace

2009-10-26T08:51:48Z

The Kyoto Imperial Palace is open to the public from November 1-11, 2009 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of His Majesty the Emperor's accession to the throne. Visitors don't need to obtain advance permission during this time and can see several buildings which are not normally open to the public. If you are visiting Kyoto, go into the palace from the Gishumon gate between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Read More:

Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com, Inc.

Special Opening of Kyoto Imperial Palace originally appeared on About.com Japan Travel on Monday, October 26th, 2009 at 08:51:48.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Tokyo Motor Show 2009

2009-10-23T01:41:54Z

The 41st Tokyo Motor Show is open to the public from October 24 through November 4, 2009 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba. It displays 261 cars and motorcycles, and 39 of them make their world premieres. Visitors can participate in the test ride programs for passenger cars, motorcycles, and electricity-assisted bicycles. About one million people are expected to visit the show during the 12 days.

Read More:

The 39th Tokyo Motor Show Photo by Koichi Kamoshida / Getty Images

Tokyo Motor Show 2009 originally appeared on About.com Japan Travel on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 01:41:54.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Halloween Around the World

2009-10-21T04:10:44Z

Although Halloween wasn't celebrated in Japan until recent years, it's becoming more popular year after year. Many stores sell colorful Halloween decorations, costumes, and sweets, and Halloween costume parties and trick-or-treat events are seen in many Japanese cities. Do you ever wonder how Halloween is celebrated in different countries? Take a look at this list of Halloween festivities around the world, compiled by About.com's Guide to Hotels and Resorts.

Related Content:

Photo (c) Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com

Halloween Around the World originally appeared on About.com Japan Travel on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 04:10:44.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Kyoto Jidai Matsuri - Festival of the Ages

2009-10-19T07:49:17Z

Jidai Matsuri at Heian Jingu Shrine is known as one of the three greatest festivals in Kyoto alongside Gion Matsuri and Aoi Matsuri. It's held on October 22nd every year. The main attraction of this festival is a procession of about 2,000 people which represents seven ages in Japanese history. It's early to see peak fall foliage in Kyoto, but Jidai Matsuri is worth a visit.

Read More:

Heian Jingu Photo Courtesy of UNESCO Photobank

Kyoto Jidai Matsuri - Festival of the Ages originally appeared on About.com Japan Travel on Monday, October 19th, 2009 at 07:49:17.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Tokyo International Film Festival 2009

2009-10-16T07:44:44Z

The 22nd Annual Tokyo International Film Festival runs from October 17-25, 2009 at the Roppongi Hills and other facilities in Tokyo. The film festival screens about 270 films from a variety of genres and countries during the nine days. The venues for the screening are TOHO CINEMAS Roppongi Hills and Cinemart Roppongi. If you are interested in visiting the festival, Walk-up tickets are available at the box office.

Related Content:

Roppongi Hills Arena Photo by Shizuko Mishima, licensed to About.com

Tokyo International Film Festival 2009 originally appeared on About.com Japan Travel on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 07:44:44.

Permalink | Comment | Email this