First visit of the year to a shrine or a temple (January) First visit of the year to a shrine or a temple (January) People visit temples or shrines praying for happy new year. Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is crowded with some 3 million people during 3 day period from New Year's Day to January 3. New Year's Prayer for Aviation Safety (January 1) To pray for the safety of the aircrafs and the passengers using Narita International Airport, and to promote international exchange, a Horaku ceremony is held at the airport's two passenger terminal buildings by the monks of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. In the departure lobbies of Passenger Terminal 1 and 2, there are decorations of kagami-mochi rice cakes and performances of New Year's music by Koto zither players and a lion dance by a group called Sanrizuka Tenjin Bayashi, giving visitors the chance to experience the custom of Japanese New Year. Setsubun (February 3) Setsubun is a traditional Japanese event in which people scatter roasted soy beans to drive away goblins and draw in happiness. This event takes place in household, and a ceremony is also held at Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. This is a huge event where sumo wrestlers and show business celebrities join in bean throwing. Celebration for Spring (early February) This is actually a celebration to make New Year's Day in the old Chinese calendar. The Narita International Friendship Society helps promote friendly relations between Japan and China. Nado no Obisha Festival (February 13) Obisha is a rural event used be held in various regions in old times. The Obisha of Nado area is designated as Chiba Prefecture's intangible folklore cultural asset, and it is held on February 13 every year. In accordance with the ancient ritual, people pray for bumper crops and the safety of their households at Iwasaku Shrine, which is followed by Kagura (Shinto music and dance) and a Shinto ritual at Sansaro. Ume Festival (mid-February to mid-March) In Naritasan Park, there are some 460 ume(plum) trees bloom with beautiful red and white flowers. Open-air tea ceremonies are held on Sundays and National holiday during the period of the festival. Odori Hanami (April 3) Traditional dance is performed under the cherry trees in full bloom to celebrate the coming of spring. Women in the Narita Neighborhood Association dance in kimonos that are of the same design. Narita Drums Festival (mid-April) Narita Drums Festival is the largest drum festival in the Kanto region. Shops along the main approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple hold sales during the festival. Fudo's Great Well Tea Ceremony (mid-to-late April) Using the water pumped from the "Fudo no Oido (Great Well of Fudo)", the Omotesenke Narita City Tea Club holds an open-air tea ceremony. To make it easier for people, there is no charge to take part in the ceremony, and all participants receive Fudo's great spring water. In the case of rain, the ceremony is held inside. Ino no Oasobi, Spring Festival (mid-April) Ino no Oasobi is a festival of the Osuga Daijin Shrine in the Taiei area. The festival is held every year on the first Sunday after April 17th. Dashi floats and people with mando (Japanese lantern) join the parade of women dressed up in colorful costumes who dance beautifully to the festival tunes played by Gezaren performers. Hono (dedication) Kabuki and other entertainment are also performed. Komikado Shrine Annual Festival (late April) Every year on April 29, a spring festival is held at Komikado Shrine. The autumn festival is held on October 4. At the festival, there is a Chikurin-style longbow ceremony at 10am. followed by a demonstration of Tatsumi-style Iai (drawing a sword from the sitting position) and testing of the sword. Also gagaku (Japanese classical music and dance) and Tsuchimuro Shishi Kagura (Shinto music and dance) are performed as well as a tea ceremony (Urasenke-style). Daito Festival (mid-May) This festival is held in celebration of the building of Naritasan Heiwa Daito in 1984. A procession of people in kimono dancing from JR Narita Station through Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is a quite a sight. Takigi-Noh (mid-May) A special stage is set up in front of Naritasan Komeido Hall for Hono (dedication) Takigi-Noh performed by the Umewaka clan. Noh is one of Japan's classical dances, and it being performed by the light of takigi (bonfire) creates a profound, mysterious atmosphere. Sogo Reido Sanctuary's Ajisai Festival (Every Sunday in June) In the precincts of Sogo Reido Sanctuary at the back of its main building, about 4,650 stumps of various hydrangeas (ajisai) are planted, including local hydrangeas, hydrangea macrophylla and hydrangea quereifolia. During the festival, there are So zither and Kokyu fiddle (Chinese fiddle) performances and tea ceremonies for visitor's enjoyment. (open to all) Narita Gion Festival (early in July) This is the biggest festival in Narita in which Ten floats and stages for dancing go in procession around the city and along the main approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple. Sukesaki Gion Festival (mid-July) Held every July 19, this is a festival of Suka Shrine in the Shimofusa area, also known as Sukesaki no Tenno-sama. The young villagers carry the mikoshi (portable shrine) made from plain woods until very late at night and pray for children's good health. Many stalls are set up around the shrine, adding a festive atmosphere to the scene. Kichioka Gion Festival (late July) Every July 24, the Kichioka area holds a Gion festival at Yasaka Shrine. Dancing, festival music, and other entertainment create much excitement till late at night. Tanabata Festival (Star Festival) (August 7) Shops along the main approach to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple have big, colorful Tanabata decorations at their entrances and hold sales. Narita Furusato Festival (late August) This summer festival is held in Narita New Town. Its residents' Associations set up various booths there, and concerts will be held. Naritasan Mitama Matsuri Bon Dance Feast (August 23-24) This dance festival has a long history. As a festival for all townspeople, many ladies, including the female group called Nyoninko, foreigners and small children wearing yukata come together to the music. The place is filled with excitement as many people come to watch the dancing and enjoy a summer night of fun. Otaiya Festival (early September) This festival is held at Sogo Reido Sanctuary as a memorial service for Sakura Sogo. The festival includes a float parade, fireworks and some entertainment. Citizen's Sports Meet (mid-October) This sports meet, held around Physical Education Day at Nakadai track and field, aims to help improve people's health and promote friendship. Heated competition can be seen among teams, each consisting of people living in the same elementary school district. Gorisho Festival (mid-October) This festival is quite a spectacle. With the aim of promoting international exchange, a stage is built and people from various countries perform their traditional songs and dances. Chrysanthemum Festival (mid-October to mid-November) Chrysanthemum flowers, a symbol of Japanese autumn, are on display at various locations. Exhibitions of potted and bonsai (dwarfed and shaped plants in shallow pots) flowers at Naritasan and Sogo Reido Sanctuary are famous, among others. Halloween Party (late October) A party is held with pumpkin lantern making and a fancy Halloween costume parade. Many foreigners join in the party. Citizen's Cultural Festival (mid-October to early November) People in Narita City show the results of their daily cultural activities. Exhibitions are held at Narita International Cultural Center and Chuo Community Center. A Sports meet is also held at that time. Naritasan Park Momiji Festival (mid-to-late November) The beautiful view of Naritasan Park changes from season to season. During the fall when leaves start to turn red, about 250 old trees including maple trees, sawtooth oak, quercus, and gingko trees create a wonderful spectrum of fall. There are performances of Koto zither, Shakuhachi flute, and Kokyu fiddle as well as tea ceremonies during the festival. (open to all) Namegawa Kannon Kimachi "Gomako" (mid November) Kimachi is a festival held every year on November 18th. A plant fair is also held during this festival. Previously, a horse fair was held where people traded horses, but because the demand for horse decreased, it was replaced by the plant fair. To pray for the safety of children, the Nerikuyo parade by children dressed up is also held on the day of the festival along with the Ogoma Shugyo ceremony. Harvest Festival (late November) This is a festival to celebrate the harvest. Many people come to buy farm produce and other specialty products of Narita City. International Cultural Exchange Gathering (December) Foreigners bring their native foods and have fun. The party is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Narita International Friendship Society. Sakurada no Obi (mid December) This is a night festival held every year in mid-December. People pray for sound health by laying fires at 99 god precincts. On the day of the festival, children prepare for the festival, and then pray for their good health by running through the fires. It is also a custom for local people to refrain from eating any fish from the moment the fires are laid until the ceremony is over. Osame Fudo (December 28) Ceremonies are held for the burning of Osamefuda pilgrim's cards, and all the ofudas (cards that are alter ego of Fudomyo-o) that were offered throughout the year are returned to the flame of Fudomyo-o, one of the Buddhist deities. The Saito Ogomaku ceremony is conducted by about 20 Naritasan monks and Naritasan Shuhoshi (certified ministers) at the west-side square in front of the main building. New Year's visit to a Shrine or Temple Setsubun Ume Festival Narita Gion Festival Narita Furusato Festival Otaiya Festival