Let’s go to see The Grand Sumo Tournament together!!
The New Year Grand Sumo Tournament is taking place at the Kokugikan in Ryogoku, Tokyo from January 13th through the 27nd. Sumo is Japan’s national sport; its history goes back to Edo period or 17th century.
Only top-level professional sumo wrestlers can be seen at the grand sumo tournaments which is held only six times a year. January, March, May, July, September, and November.
And, each tournaments lasts only 15 days which means you can see them only 90 days a year.
You should make time to watch them into your travel schedule.
Do not miss it.
Snowman visit in my house
Photo by Katsuyuki
We have a winter storm warning this year.
On 14th, it was heavy snow in cities across Japan. So, a cute snowman visited at my house.
It sets a snow record twice as much as normal years.
Japanese public transport is well known as amazing-so efficient and punctual.
But, it cannot beat snow.
“Seijinshiki” – Coming of Age Ceremony
Japanese who is coming of 20 years old this year will attend ceremonies held throughout the country.
On the second week of Monday of January, Seiji no hi, or coming-of-age ceremony, a national holiday is held. Japanese who are coming of age this year will attend ceremonies held throughout the country.
It started since 13th century, and in 1950, the same hometown people get together in a designated place and celebrate. It is rare worldwide. Japanese women ordinarily celebrate by wearing furisode, which is a traditional formal kimono with an elegant long-sleeved Kimoo for unmarried. To wear a black kimono and a hakama, or formal traditional Japanese menswear for Japanese men became the trend.
On the day, you can see so many Japanese wearing Kimono or Hakama throughout Japan. In that sense, you cannot miss the day.
Traditionally, government officials and other distinguished guests give speeches at the ceremony. It is ok to miss them.
All Japan Tours in a convention
All Japan Tours in Travel and Adventure Show in Long Beach on January 12th and 13th.
Please come to see us. We are in Japan Pavilion booth near the entrance.
We are waiting for you, see you there!
“Shishibutai” – Stage of Lion
Photo by Tomoko
Photo by Tomoko
Approximately 80 percent of Japanese visit a shrine or temple every year on New Years. So, it is very crowded at Nanba Yasaka shrine at this time. It is known as “Lion dances” which are performed on stage for you to watch.
Some of the kids are scared of the architecture and cry. I could not see the stage because of a lot of parked cars at its parking lots. Each one has a different purpose to be there. Some are for good health, a happy marriage, or traffic safety, and the success in an entrance examination.
But, those who parked there today have traffic safety.