Sensō-Ji Temple’s Setsubun festival and the Dance of the Seven Lucky Gods
Setsubun, the 800-year-old tradition in which roasted soybeans are flung into the air to symbolise the removal of evil spirits and the arrival of health and prosperity, is celebrated with pomp and ritual at Sensō-Ji, Tokyo’s most famous and visited temple.
Join cheering crowds all trying to catch roasted soybeans tossed by priests and Japanese celebrities, and watch masked dancers perform the famous Dance of the Seven Lucky Gods to praise the virtues of Kannon Bodhisattva (the Buddhist goddess of mercy).
During traditional Setsubun festivals, participants cry oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi (demons out, fortune in). However, at Sensō-Ji, the chant is senshu banzai, fuku wa uchi ( long life, fortune in) because it’s believed that no demons can be present in front of the Kannon Bodhisattva.
The festival is held at Sensō-Ji Temple in Asakusa on the 3rd of February from 10 am to 4 pm.
The Samurai Festival
Captivated by samurai suits, swords and armoury? Or do your friends accuse you of being secretive or sneaky? Thank them, and let them know it’s because you learned how to be a shinobi (ninja) at the three day Samurai Festival in Ueno.
Famed for their stealth, shinobi were mercenaries hired by 15th century Japanese warlords to carry out acts of espionage, sabotage, and assassination.
Demonstrations of weaponry techniques, iai (the art of drawing a sword unannounced), shuriken (star throwing) and swordsmithing will add to your samurai knowledge and the Japanese street food and sake stalls will keep you well nourished.
Head to Takenodai Square, Ueno Park in Ueno from the 16th to the 18th February from 10 am to 6 pm.
Ume Matsuri – the Plum Blossom Festival
Don’t despair If you’re not in Tokyo for cherry blossom season (late March to early April) as many public parks and shrines also celebrate the blooming of ume (plum) trees.
We think that the best place to see the fluffy pink and white blossoms is at Yushima Tenjin Shrine (just near Ueno Park) which has over 300 ume trees.
The month-long celebration from the 8th of February to the 8th of March includes tea ceremonies, traditional drum and music performances, street food stalls and plum wine tasting events.
You’ll find Yushima Tenjin Shrine near Yushima Station.
Sakana and Japan Festival
Need an immediate Omega-3 Fatty Acid boost? You’ll find it at this four day sakana (fish) festival where you can enjoy seafood delicacies from all over Japan.
Over 80 food stalls will be selling cooked and raw dishes featuring the country’s best sea urchin, king crab, tuna, salmon, scallops and oysters.
The fish festival takes place at Yoyogi Event Plaza in Yoyogi Park, Harajuku from the 20th to the 23rd of February.
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