Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is the largest city in the country. There are a number of events held in Tokyo which are good sources of fun and enjoyment. The events of Tokyo have a special significance of their own.
Most of the festivals in Tokyo are important events and major dates of the Japanese calender. These events are quite traditional, taking place since years back. The festivals include wonderful celebrations and a lively atmosphere inviting tourists to this jubilant city. Some of these festivals are:
- Sumida River fireworks festival - This is the most popular and largest of all events in Tokyo. Visitors from all over the place gather around the Sumida River to watch the exclusive fireworks display. Some of the tourists and visitors sit on boats in the river to get a spectacular view of the sparking night sky. People rejoice wearing their traditional costume known as Kimono.
- Wakakusa Yamayaki - This is one of the most exciting events in Tokyo, that takes place on the Wakakusa Hill. This is one of the important festivals of the Japanese, where the hill is set to blaze with fire engulfing the whole region. The burning of the grass on the hill is an old custom of the people. Before the grasses are ignited by the priests and monks, they offer prayers and perform sacred rituals. The event is held on January 14th, every year, with huge number of people crowding by the side of the hill.
- Sanja Festival - This is the biggest religious festival that attracts visitors from far and wide. The Asakusa shrine at the Sensoji Temple is
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the main attraction of the Sanja festival. During this grand event, the temple area is crowded with huge processions, uttering the words 'So iya!So iya!'. The people carry with them a portable shrine known as 'mikoshi'. The festive occasion continues for three days in the month of May.
- Japanese cherry Blossom Festival - The spring season heralds the onset of the beautiful 'Sakura' or cherry trees with colorful white or pink flowers that spread like a thick soft sheet of velvet all over Tokyo. During spring time in April the cherry blossom festival is held in different parts of Tokyo.
A large number of tourists visit the city during this time to participate in 'Hana-mi' or flower watching. Many programs are organized in the areas filled with Sakura trees, and food stalls are crowed with people of all ages. Some of the major festivals are Okajo Koen Cherry Blossom Festival, Seibu Koen Cherry Blossom Festival, Matsuyama Castle Cherry Blossom Festival and Kumamoto Castle Cherry Blossom Festival.
- Obon Festival - The Japanese people celebrate the Obon festival from 13th to 16th of August. According to them, the soul of their ancestors enter their houses during this time to reunite with the family members. This is actually a Buddhist custom but also a major part of the Japanese tradition. The homes are cleaned to welcome the ancestral souls. People lignt up paper lanterns and offer fruits and vegetables at the 'Butsudan', the altar of the Buddhist families.
All the events of Tokyo are quite popular. Plenty of visitors participate in the wonderful festive spirit.
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