Tokyo events for Monday, February 27 to Sunday, March 5, 2023.
The traditional festival for doll lovers, Hinamatsuri — also known as Girls’ Day or Dolls’ Day — is this week on March 3. Expect to see Hina dolls (they’ll be wearing Edo and Heian period court regalia) in shop windows and plenty of events around Japan.
This may be your last chance to see some of the early-blooming cherry blossom — as well as plum blossom — festivals, so make sure to double-check the finishing dates.
Katsuura Big Hinamatsuri
The Katsuura Big Hinamatsuri sees around 4,000 traditional Japanese dolls set up around Katsuura City. There will be three main event venues to see: about 2,000 dolls on the steps leading up to Tomisaki Shrine, a large display outside the Kakuoji Temple gate, and another display at the Sumina Intersection.
Kōnosu Surprise Hinamatsuri
Kōnosu City in Saitama has nearly 400 years of experience in the doll-making industry. There will be several pyramids of Hina dolls set up around Kōnosu, but the biggest is held at the main venue in Elumi Kounosu Shopping Mall on the 1F.
Jindaiji Temple Daruma Doll Fair
You’ll be seeing red at the Jindaiji Temple Yakuyoke Ganzan Jie Daishi Festival. As one of Japan’s three biggest daruma doll markets, there are around 300 street stalls selling these traditional dolls.
5th Holi Mela in Tokyo
Away from home, a group of volunteers under the banner Holi Mela Committee has started organizing the festival of colors (Holi) in Nishi-Kasai. Colors will be available at the site, so turn up in white and be prepared to get colorful!
Tokyo Marathon 2023
Even if you are not running the event, there’s a festive atmosphere along the course of Tokyo Marathon that’s worth checking out. Typically, there are about 38,000 runners — 37,500 for the marathon and 500 for the 10km race.
Japan Brewers’ Cup 2023
Held at the end of the architecturally marvelous Osanbashi pier, the Japan Brewers’ Cup is one of the major events on the craft beer calendar. It’s both a festival and, as the name suggests, a contest between the brewers.
| Advance sales: ¥1,000 | At the door: ¥1,200 | |
Yokohama Bread Festival
Load up on carbohydrates at this year’s bread festival. There will be plenty of stores involved and some of the famous ones will require reservations if you want to purchase. Eat truffle bread, cheese bread, and bread stuffed with everything under the sun.
Mar. 3–5Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Free (paid entry for some areas depending on time)
Official website
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