takao Archives | Tokyo Cheapo

Spring is coming, and we have the best list of events -- from traditional fire festivals to the much-anticipated cherry-blossom parties. There's also Hinamatsuri and St. Patrick's Day this month, as well as the last of the early-blooming cherry trees -- keep up to date with our event listings on the site. Don't miss: Check out our guide to the top events in Tokyo throughout the year -- organized by month. 1. Cherry-blossom festivals in Tokyo All over Tokyo Fleeting, but iconic No guide to events in March would be complete without Japan's famous cherry-blossom festivals. If you're looking for a few to visit, then try our mega guide to the best cherry-blossom spots in Tokyo. Whether you just want to see them in the daytime, see them while doing something fun, or admire them all lit-up at night, we've got all the bases covered. Here's a quick rundown of the top cherry-blossom festivals in Tokyo, but remember to read our guide for the full list: Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival Bokutei Cherry Blossom Festival Nakameguro River Cherry Blossom Festival Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival Koganei Cherry Blossom Festival Edo Fukagawa Sakura Festival 2. Mt. Takao Hiwatari-Sai Fire Festival Near Takaosanguchi Station, Hachiōji Feel the burn Join the yearly fire-walking ritual at Mount Takao, where which barefooted monks chant sutras and prayers while walking atop smoldering embers. Visitors are welcome to try walking atop the embers as well, but only after they've slightly cooled down -- safety first, after all! This ritual is said to bring good luck. Note that while this event is organized by Takaosan Yakuōin Temple, which is atop Mount Takao, the fire-walking festival takes place at a public square that's just a 5-minute walk from Takaosanguchi Station. 3. Sensōji Temple Golden Dragon Dance Sensōji Temple, Asakusa An old tradition in the heart of Tokyo The Kinryu no Mai is one of the highlights of the event calendar at the already popular Sensōji Temple in Tokyo. The Golden Dragon Dance celebrates the founding of the temple back in 628, when two fishermen pulled a Buddhist statue from the river. It takes place on March 18 every year. Why a golden dragon, you ask? Well, as legend has it, one night after the temple's founding, Kannon appeared as a dragon and created a forest of over 1000 trees to represent prosperity, abundance, and longevity. Today's dragon doesn't quite swoop in from the sky but is instead a massive marionette, needing eight people to support it as it dances through the crowds. 4. Anime Japan Tokyo Big Sight, Ariake Why not go to an anime convention in the country that started it all? Anime Japan has everything you'd expect: exhibitions, goods, special anime-business collaborations, and stage appearances and performances by some of the biggest names in the industry. Along with Winter Comiket and Summer Comiket, it's one of the biggest events on the anime calendar. 5. Tokyo Marathon Starts at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building; finishes near Tokyo Station Watch from the sidelines as athletes from across the world compete The Tokyo Marathon is a major event. Even if you're not cheering for anyone, check it out for the human interest aspect. The marathon kicks off in Shinjuku at 9:10 a.m. and passes through Iidabashi, Ginza, and Shinagawa, before coming to a finish near Tokyo Station. Some neighborhoods hold mini events and performances (marching bands and more) to keep morale up and cheer runners on. 6. St. Patrick’s Day Parade Omotesandō Avenue, Omotesandō A lively parade celebrating Irish culture Not many countries get their own parade in Tokyo, but Ireland is one of the few. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade makes its way down Omotesandō Avenue to the sounds of traditional Irish music, fluttering flags, and cheers. The color of choice is, of course, green, with many also sporting leprechaun attire. 7. Jindaiji Temple Daruma Doll Fair Jindaiji Temple, Chofu One of Japan's biggest daruma doll markets Daruma are round dolls used for making wishes. At this expansive fair in Tokyo, you can expect around 300 stalls of the bright red charms, as well as rituals, special shrine stamps, and processions. Once you've bought your doll, you can take it to a special monk to get the eye filled in, and in the process, make a wish. While we do our best to ensure it is correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in February 2017. Last updated February 2025, by Alex Ziminski.

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