Joanna James
Are you planning on visiting Japan during the month of July? Then read on and learn about the fabulous festivals and events that take place within the bustling and vibrant city of Tokyo.
This is Japans largest festival dedicated to varieties of morning glory flowers; it is held annually around the 6th to 8th of July. Located on Iriya-kishimojin and kototoi-dori Street this three day festival draws a crowd of over 400,000 spectators, eager to explore the 100 fair stalls and wares of over 120 producers on display. Iriya is the name of the Goddess of Childbirth and children and this festival is believed to have become popular during the Edo period of Japan. A gorgeous network of colour awaits you as cross pollinated versions as well as traditional varieties of the Morning Glory are put up on display. Nothing signifies summer like a visit to the Iriya Asagao Matsui festival.
This lovely market takes place on the Nishi Hoshasen U Road which spans the north exit of Hachioji Station and Yokamachi. The market is famous for its stalls selling Edo Furin wind bells, many hued morning glories and a whole host of delicious local bites. Around this precinct you can also catch the Yukata Tanabata-matsuri Festival which is a fair that offers traditional shows such as rickshaw rides from the Edo period. Scheduled to take place around the first week of July the precinct of this festival is easy to reach from a well-placed apartment hotel, Tokyo is home to.
A marvellous excuse to visit Tokyo's oldest temple the Senso-ji; the Hozuki-ichi festival sees over a 100 stalls selling baskets of the colourful Ground Cherry plants. Senos-ji Temple just 20 minutes for guests at Roppongi Residences was built in 628 and is an iconic pilgrimage site for all Japanese. It is believed that one prayer offered at this temple in the month of July is equal to 46,000 prayers. Enjoy the serene atmosphere punctuated with the soothing sounds of wind chimes and sights of people in vivid Yukata gowns. Open from 6 am to 8 pm this is a must visit site. Festivities are scheduled to take place from the 9th to 10th of July.
Ueno Natsu Matsuri or Ueno Summer Festival is made up of varied events that take place on each day of the festival. For instance there is the ice sculpture display and the toro nagashi paper lantern display. The events take place around Taito-ku; head over to the Shinobazuno-ike Pond where you can explore the famous antiques market. The area is also highly conducive for relaxing at and enjoying the soft breezes.
Testimony to goldfish farming that became popular in the Meiji Period, Edogawa-ku host this festival around the 22nd and 23rd of July. There are over 20 varieties of goldfish on display during this festival and can be bought on the spot. Many events are planned during this time with the most popular being the goldfish scooping competition in which over 20,000 fish are used.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
