Vol.17: 2019 MAKING THE MOST OF TOKYO WINTERS

Welcome to TOKYO BEAT – a special series by your trusty Tokyo Tourism Representative (New York Office) that aims to provide you with story ideas and inspiration. Just because the holidays are behind us, it doesn’t mean that life in Tokyo slows down. Like New York, the city offers visitors during the early months of 2019 many unique events, from shopping for second-hand valuables to witnessing time-honored traditions, and pursuing the future of amusement. There’s no such thing as off-season, and here are the activities to prove it.

Exploring Rituals January in Tokyo is filled with events that continue the renewal of good fortune ushered in by the New Year. Among the most unique are Usokae Bullfinch Exchange (Jan. 24~25) at Kameido Tenjin Shrine, where locals trade in figurines of this lucky bird for new ones during an annual ritual, and Daikoku Matsuri (Jan. 26~27) at Kanda Myojin Shrine, where participants douse themselves in ice-cold water for purification. February also kicks off with various Setsubun events, but you may want to first check out the Kite Festival (Feb. 7) at Oji Inari Shrine, which sells traditional kites that help with luck. On Feb. 25, the Edo Nagashi-bina ceremony, associated with Hinamatsuri (an ancient custom celebrating the health of girls with an arrangement of dolls), will be held at Sumida Park, where these dolls are floated downriver. Once the cold weather is tamed in March, it’s the perfect time to go pick up one of the most iconic of  ‘lucky’ dolls, the Daruma, at Jindaiji Temple Daruma Doll Fair (Mar. 3~4). These bright red, round, big-eyed depictions of Bodhidharma help to make individual wishes come true. If that’s not enough, head to the Mt. Takao Hiwatari Festival (Mar. 10) to be purified by walking on smoldering hot coals. The month will finally culminate with the 6th annual Anime Fair (Mar. 24~25) at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition hall. During this two-day event, anime fans can rub shoulders with industry big wigs, purchase exclusive goods, watch stage shows, and much more. It’s the perfect excuse for a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the global anime phenomenon.

Timeless Mementos Picking up a souvenir becomes an anthropological journey during the winter, as many weekend flea markets and antique markets come to life during weekends. Tokyo City Flea Market aka the Oi Racecourse Market (every Saturday and Sunday through March) is among the biggest, with over 600 vendors selling a variety of wares, from secondhand clothing to home goods and electronics.  Those hoping to discover gems of Japanese culture like old charms, sculptures and kimono should check out Oedo Kottoichi Japanese Antique Market (every first and third Sunday until March 17) at the Tokyo International Forum and Heiwajima Antiques Fair (Mar. 1~3) at Tokyo Ryutsu Center. Foodies can check out the Raw Tokyo Flea Market (every first Saturday and Sunday year round) at the Farmer’s Market at the United Nations University (UNU) for the perfect pairing of shopping and eating.

For more information about popular winter events in Tokyo, contact  press@tokyo-nyc.com or call 917-200-4887. For general information on traveling in Tokyo, head to TokyoTokyo.jp and Gotokyo.org/en/