December Festivities to Look Forward to in Japan
As 2021 draws to a close, amazing things have happened over the course of the year. COVID-19 vaccinations was rolled out all around the globe to fight the pandemic that plagued the world in 2020. The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics after being postponed due to the pandemic finally pushed through under strict measures, yet numerous Olympic world records were broken in several categories. The very first direct observation of light from behind a black is reported, confirming Einstein’s theory of general relativity. The U.S. withdraws its last remaining troops from Afghanistan after 20 years. Fumio Kishida becomes the 100th Prime Minister of Japan, succeeding Yoshihide Suga. The United Nations Climate Change Conference after being postponed due to COVID-19 in 2020 is held. World leaders agree on phasing down the use of unabated coal power, a 30% cut in methane emissions by 2030, cease deforestation and increase financial support for developing countries. What a promising year it has been!
Celebrating the last month of the year in Japan is also something anticipate. Hoping for an even better 2022. Check out some of the December festivities to enjoy in Japan!
Sanpoji Daikon Festival – 9th – 10th of December
Sanpoji Temple, Narutaki, Kyoto
Daikon radish is one of autumns bounties. Daikon radish is popular in the season’s cuisine. The radish festival in Kyoto flaunts the autumn root vegetable in all its glory. Tons of daikon radish are boiled and thousands of people flock to the festival to eat it believing it to be healthy for the body.
Sengakuji Temple
Gishisai Festival – 14th of December
Sengakuji Temple, Minato-ku, Tokyo
The festival celebrates the loyalty and sacrifice for the 47 Ronin at Sengakuji Temple where their graves are located. Stalls and street food run aplenty. A parade featuring 47 volunteers dressed as the iconic ronin walk from Zojoji near Tokyo Tower ending at Sengakuji where it hosts a memorial service.
Setagaya no Boro Ichi – 15th – 17th of December
Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Dating back to 400 years ago, the annual event sees hundreds of vendors lining the streets selling almost anything and everything. The Setagaya no Boro Ichi has thousands of visitors searching for great finds on the streets surrounding the Setagaya Daikan Yashiki.
Hagoita for sale
Asakusa Kannon Hagoita-ichi – 17th– 19 of December
17-19 December
Senso-ji Temple, Asakusu, Tokyo
Hagoita are Japanese wooden paddles used in the traditional game hanetsuki . The game, something like badminton, is usually played during the New Year. During the Edo Period that the wooden paddles gained popularity as gifts to wish family and friends good fortune for the coming New Year as well as for baby girls in their first new year. An array of colorful and artistic hagoita are displayed and sold during this event.
