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Events

Sumida River Fireworks

Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Every summer Japan prepares for its numerous fireworks (hanabi) festivals held throughout the nation. The biggest of these is the display over the Sumida River, which is a major event on the cultural calendar of Tokyo, with spectacular multicoloured layers that blossom into the night sky to awe the millions of spectators gathered along the banks or in boats on the river. Many dress in traditional kimono and festival wear for the occasion. The highlight of the display is a dazzling competition between highly acclaimed fireworks manufacturers. For more information contact the Fireworks Office on +81 (0)3 5246 1111.

Venue: Sumida River; Date: 28 July 2007; Time: 7pm

Hanami party

Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival

Heralding the beginning of spring, cherry trees burst into a riot of pink and white blossoms all over the city drawing thousands of holidaymakers daily for cherry blossom viewing (hanami). The cherry blossom, or Sakura, is Japan's national flower and a symbol of Japan. For many years, the Japanese people have celebrated the cherry blossom season every year, which depends on the local conditions, but usually starts in Okinawa in January, reaching Kyoto and Tokyo in late March to early April, and Hokkaido in late May. They celebrate this popular festival with hanami parties under the trees with picnics, drinking, singing and dancing. Street stalls are set up and musicians serenade the merry picnickers, many of whom are decked out in outrageous costumes and masks. Ueno Park is Tokyos' most beautiful spot for hanami parties. For more information contact the Tokyo Tourist Information Centre on (0)3 5321 3077.

Venue: Various; Date: 27 March to 7 April 2008, TBC

Sanja Festival

Sanja Festival

The Sanja Matsuri or Sanja Festival is the biggest of Tokyo's three great festivals, along with the Kanda Festival and Sanno Festival, which alternate every year. During the annual festival thousands of frenzied devotees gather for traditional portable shrine processions, ancient ritual music and dancing, and other festivities. The processions are in honour of the three resident deities of the Asakusa Shrine, who are paraded through the streets in huge, elaborately decorated mikoshi or portable shrines carried on the shoulders of dozens of strong men dressed in traditional festival clothing, and surrounded by chanting worshippers. Up to 100 other mikoshi are carried around in processions meant to bring blessings and good luck to the area and its inhabitants. For more information contact the Tourist Information Centre on +81 (03) 3201 3331.

Venue: Asakusa Shrine area; Date: 16-18 May 2008; Time: 7am to 7pm

Fernando Alonso © Rick Dikeman

Japanese F1 Grand Prix

The Japanese Grand Prix usually falls towards the end of the Formula One season and has over the years provided much excitement, and often been the track to crown the season's champion. In 2007 the race will move from Suzuka to the Fuji Speedway in the Shizuoka Prefecture.

Venue: Fuji Speedway; Date: 12 October 2008

Times of celebration

Chichibu Yomatsuri

There is nothing small about the town of Chichibu over this weekend as the skies are lit bright with the blaze of thousands of fireworks. The town sees colourful floats marching through to the cheers of celebratory locals as families from all around Japan, and especially Tokyo, come to join in one of Japan's famous fireworks evenings. There will be plenty of food and drink available at the stalls around the town.

Venue: Chichibu (outside Tokyo); Date: 2-3 December 2008; Time: 7pm (Procession)

Wakakusa Yamayaki

No one is sure of the origins of this fascinating event but each January, monks and priests oversee the burning of Wakakusa hill, with over a hundred thousand onlookers watching the fascinating spectacle. And as if the flames weren't enough to light the skies there are additional fireworks to make this one of the most spectacular events on the Japanese calendar.

Venue: Nara Park, Nara; Date: January 2009, TBC; Time: 5.30pm