Events: Whats happening around this corner??

Lets share events/festivals happening around here in Tokyo to keep our weekends occupied and our stay here more adventurous and interesting!!

Sakura Matsuri March 20 to April 5 2009


Ueno Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) at Ueno Park, Taito Ward. An antique fair from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day during the period, Ueki-ichi (potted plant fair) at around Shinobazu-no-ike from around 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 24 to April 5, Shishi-mai (Lion Dance) in the precincts of Kiyomizu Kan'on-do at 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. on March 29, and some other performances are also scheduled. People can enjoy the viewing of the cherry blossoms even in the evening, as thousands of bonbori (paper lantern) are lit up from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. from the first day of the cherry blooming through April 5.
Access: JR Yamanote Line, Subway Ginza or Hibiya Line to Ueno Station

Shinki-sai March 25

Shinkisai, also called Taimatsu Matsuri (Torchlight Festival), at Kameido Tenjin (Tenmangu) Shrine, Koto Ward, features a torchlight parade of about 100 children and adults from around 6 p.m. to 7 pm. In the case of rain, a torchlight parade will be held indoors.
Access: JR Sobu Line to Kameido Station or Kinshicho Station, and then walk 15 min.

Sakura Matsuri March 27 to April 05

Chiyoda-no-Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) at Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda Ward. One can enjoy the cherry blossoms along the path of Chidorigafuchi moat and in the precincts of Yasukuni Shrine until around 10 p.m., since the path and the shrine precincts are lit up. Ueki-ichi (potted plant fair) is held at Yasukuni Shrine from around 10 a.m. to sunset during the festival period. The festival period might be subject to change depending on the condition of cherry blossoms.
Access: Subway Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line or Toei Shinjuku Line to Kudan****a Station to Yasukuni Shrine & Chidorigafuchi.

Bokutei Sakura Matsuri March 28 to April 5

Bokutei Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) at Sumida Koen (park), Sumida Ward. Many events such as daidogei (street performances), wadaiko (Japanese drum beating), kappore odori (Japanese folk dance) and some other performances are scheduled on Sakurabashi Bridge over the Sumida River. Hours are still pending.
Access: Subway Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa Station

18th march

Asakusa Kannon Jigen-kai (Memorial Service for Asakusa Kwan-yin) and Konryu-no Mai (Golden Dragon Dance)
Date/Time : Mar. 18 (Wed.) *2009
Venue:
Location: Sensoji Temple
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

URL： http://www.taitocity.com/kanko/asakusa_ueno/e_guide/

At the ceremony, dedicatory "Golden Dragon Dance" is performed in the temple's precincts, which is based on the legend that a golden guardian dragon appeared from the heaven at the time of the revelation of Kwan-yin. Sensoji's sango (a title given to the temple's name) "Kinryuzan (golden dragon mountain)" is also given after this legend.

Tokyo International Anime Fair 2009 March 20 to 21

Tokyo International Anime Fair 2009 at Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba brings together more than 100 anime-related Japanese firms, as well as companies from around the world, including animation-production companies, toy and software developers, motion picture and TV companies, publishers and advertising agencies. This largest-ever "Tokyo International Anime Fair" is set to attract great attention. The fair is open to the public 10 a.m.-6 p.m., only on March 20 and 21. (Please enter by 5:30 pm.) Admission is ¥1,000 (on the day). Advance tickets are sold for ¥800 from Feb. 1 to March 19 at convenience stores such as Lawson, Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart, and am/pm. http://www.tokyoanime.jp/en
Access: (1) Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Station to Kokusaitenjijo-seimon Station
(2) About 30 min. by Toei Bus from Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal to Tokyo Big Sight.