Eventos en Japón durante el mes de Abril (en inglés)
14/03/2011
Visto en: Whatsonwhen
Relación de algunos de los eventos más atractivos del próximo mes de abril en Japón
Art Fair Tokyo 1 - 3 Apr 2011 (annual)
Art enthusiasts browse and buy antique and contemporary pieces at Art Fair Tokyo. Traditional Japanese genres, such as ukiyoe woodblock prints and Nihonga paintings, are among the many exhibits on display at the Tokyo International Forum in the Marunouchi district.
Togo Shrine Markets 3 Apr 2011 (monthly)
The lively Togo Shrine Markets occur once a month in Jingumae. From dawn onwards, locals browse through old plates, folk arts, traditional dolls, and junk, with the shrine as a backdrop. There are great bargains amongst the second-hand kimono racks.
SonarSound Tokyo 1 - 3 Apr 2011
Barcelona's forward-thinking music and multimedia arts festival spreads its feelers to Asia with SonarSound Tokyo. Experimental DJs and bands perform live for crowds at the ageHa nightclub (also known as Studio Live) in the Koto-ku area of Tokyo.
Hana Matsuri 8 Apr 2011 (annual)
Temples throughout Japan are packed during Hana Matsuri as people gather to celebrate the birth of Buddha. Small halls covered with flowers are built inside the temples and locals pour sweet tea on the head of the Buddha statue inside.
According to legend, Buddha was born in the garden of Lumbini in Nepal. It is said that when he was born the birds sang, the flowers bloomed and sweet rain fell from the heavens to welcome him - which explains the flowers and sweet tea in today's ceremonies.
Hana Matsuri happens in Buddhist temples throughout Japan, but Tokyo is especially festive at this time. Head for the Sensoji Temple in the ancient Asakusa district of the city, where there is a children's parade in the morning.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Mar - Apr 2011 (annual)
Admire delicate cherry blossom during Tokyo's spring-time hanami season. Have a sake party under the pinky-white flowers (Shinjyuku Gyoen garden and Ueno and Sumida parks are popular spots) or rent a rowing boat around the tree-lined moats of Chidorigafuchi castle.
Due to the seasonal nature of this event, the dates we provide for this event are a guideline only. Please contact the local tourist office to find out more about this year's cherry blossom viewing before making travel arrangements.
Cherry Blossoms at Yoshinoyama Mar - Apr 2011 (annual)
Admiring the Hanami cherry blossoms at Yoshinoyama is a Japanese tradition that goes back centuries. With about 30,000 cherry trees covering the entire mountain, the vista is breathtaking. Visit in April or early May for a good chance of some action.
The season here is also longer than usual, as the 1000 trees at the foot of the mountain bloom first. The blossoming gradually progresses upwards, reaching the last 1000 or so trees nearly a month later.
According to legend, it was here at Yoshino that the goddess of spring - Konohana-sakuyahime - first appeared on Earth. They say she was able to descend from heaven by taking possession of a cherry tree with her spirit. Consequently, people have gathered under blossoming cherry trees throughout the ages, to offer prayers to Konohana-sakuyahime for a bountiful harvest.
Cherry Blossom Viewing in Kyoto Mar - Apr 2011 (annual)
Kyoto's most famous spot for the annual ritual of hanami (cherry blossom viewing), Philosopher's Path is a shady trail along a small canal. In keeping with Kyoto's refined image, this is a gentle affair of couples walking hand in hand.
Try as they might, even the Japanese are not able to predict exactly when the cherry blossoms will bloom, but it is usually a safe bet to aim for late March/early April. As soon as the blossoms start to open, sightseers rush from near and far to catch their transient beauty, the progress of the flowers is much discussed on national TV, and photographers descend in droves.
Takayama Matsuri Apr 2011 (various dates)
Takayama's biannual Takayama Matsuri festival dates back to the 15th century. Spectacular float parades, solemn ceremonies and traditional folk performances are held at the city's main shrines: Hie Jinja shrine during the spring festival and Sakurayama Hachimangu shrine in autumn.
The Takayama festival floats are stunning, even by the standards of other Japanese festivals. Beautifully decorated with dolls, thick woven curtains, lacquerware and bamboo blinds, even their interiors are covered with intricate carvings.
The festival opens and closes with a solemn ritual ceremony at the shrine. In between there are processions featuring the floats and hundreds of participants dressed up in medieval costumes. There's also music, dancing and traditional marionette performances dedicated to the gods.
Yabusame Festival Apr 2011 (annual)
The Yabusame Festival in Tokyo's Sumida Park is an impressive display of horseback archery, a traditional Japanese sport from Edo times. The fiendishly difficult activity sees jockeys in samurai costumes shoot arrows at a target as they gallop past.
The spectacular sport was originally practised to celebrate New Year in the Edo period. Any archer to hit three targets wins a prize. There is also a costumed parade from Denpo-in Temple to Sumida Park on the same day.
Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Apr 2011 (annual)
No flower has a greater place in the hearts of the Japanese than the cherry blossom - the national flower of Japan. During hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season there's an impressive display in the grounds of Osaka's Japan Mint.
The Ministry of Finance's Osaka Mint Office (the Japan Mint) is situated on the Yodo Riverside Promenade, a stretch of land thickly planted with cherry trees which produce clouds of delicate pink and white blossoms every spring. The promenade can be walked along freely at any time, but in a tradition dating back to the late-19th century, the Mint Gardens open to the public for just one week a year during the peak blossom period. As an added bonus the cherry trees are illuminated in the evenings to magical effect.
No one can predict exactly when the cherry blossom will bloom, but it's usually a safe bet to aim for late March/early April. As soon as the blossoms start to open, sightseers rush from near and far to catch their transient beauty, the progress of the flowers is much discussed on national TV, and photographers descend in droves. Everyone from politicians to sumo wrestlers turns out to do hanami - picnicking under the blossoms and consuming copious amounts of beer and Japanese sake.
For an overview of Osaka's cherry season take a boat trip down the blossom-lined river, or head to the grounds of the imposing Osaka castle where the Nishinomaru Garden's hundreds of cherry trees attract enormous numbers of people for picnics and frivolous fun.
Japanese Moto GP Apr 2011 (annual)
The Moto GP is one of the fastest, most thrilling sports in the world. The World Championship season continues with the Japanese Moto GP at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit.
The bikes reach speeds of up to 310kph (194mph) and, unlike Formula One, overtaking is frequent. The riders weave the bravest lines and when the bikes close on each other they push it to the limit.
It feels like the crowd is collectively holding its breath as the riders brake as late as possible into the corners. Then there is the roaring engine noise - a constant reminder of the sheer power the riders are fighting to control.
La Folle Journée Apr - May 2011 (annual)
Like the original La Folle Journée in Nantes, France, this classical music gala follows a different musical theme each year. Audiences fill the Tokyo International Forum and venues in Marunouchi to hear the strains of stirring orchestras and gifted soloists.
The 2010 theme of Tokyo's La Folle Journée is Chopin, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the composer's birthday.
Concerts at the Tokyo International Forum take place between 2 and 4 of May, but there are events at venues in the Marunouchi district for the festival's entire duration. Full programme details and tickets are available in mid-March.
MOT Annual Exhibition 26 Feb - 8 May 2011; not Mon (annual)
The MOT Annual Exhibition at Tokyo's Museum of Contemporary Art explores the latest trends in the art world. For over a decade the exhibition has displayed the best works by cutting-edge young artists, changing its central theme each year.
In 2011, the exhibition focuses on the idea of a 'nearby distant world', choosing artists who repetitively use simple techniques and themes to create works of greath depth and flexibility.
Artist File: The NACT Annual Show of Contemporary Art 16 Mar - 6 Jun 2011; not Tue (annual)
Tokyo's National Art Centre selects seven modern artists to spotlight in its Annual Show of Contemporary Art. The Artist File exhibition doesn't follow a particular theme, but showcases a range of artists who differ in age, experience and style.
Art enthusiasts browse and buy antique and contemporary pieces at Art Fair Tokyo. Traditional Japanese genres, such as ukiyoe woodblock prints and Nihonga paintings, are among the many exhibits on display at the Tokyo International Forum in the Marunouchi district.
Togo Shrine Markets 3 Apr 2011 (monthly)
The lively Togo Shrine Markets occur once a month in Jingumae. From dawn onwards, locals browse through old plates, folk arts, traditional dolls, and junk, with the shrine as a backdrop. There are great bargains amongst the second-hand kimono racks.
SonarSound Tokyo 1 - 3 Apr 2011
Barcelona's forward-thinking music and multimedia arts festival spreads its feelers to Asia with SonarSound Tokyo. Experimental DJs and bands perform live for crowds at the ageHa nightclub (also known as Studio Live) in the Koto-ku area of Tokyo.
Hana Matsuri 8 Apr 2011 (annual)
Temples throughout Japan are packed during Hana Matsuri as people gather to celebrate the birth of Buddha. Small halls covered with flowers are built inside the temples and locals pour sweet tea on the head of the Buddha statue inside.
According to legend, Buddha was born in the garden of Lumbini in Nepal. It is said that when he was born the birds sang, the flowers bloomed and sweet rain fell from the heavens to welcome him - which explains the flowers and sweet tea in today's ceremonies.
Hana Matsuri happens in Buddhist temples throughout Japan, but Tokyo is especially festive at this time. Head for the Sensoji Temple in the ancient Asakusa district of the city, where there is a children's parade in the morning.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Mar - Apr 2011 (annual)
Admire delicate cherry blossom during Tokyo's spring-time hanami season. Have a sake party under the pinky-white flowers (Shinjyuku Gyoen garden and Ueno and Sumida parks are popular spots) or rent a rowing boat around the tree-lined moats of Chidorigafuchi castle.
Due to the seasonal nature of this event, the dates we provide for this event are a guideline only. Please contact the local tourist office to find out more about this year's cherry blossom viewing before making travel arrangements.
Cherry Blossoms at Yoshinoyama Mar - Apr 2011 (annual)
Admiring the Hanami cherry blossoms at Yoshinoyama is a Japanese tradition that goes back centuries. With about 30,000 cherry trees covering the entire mountain, the vista is breathtaking. Visit in April or early May for a good chance of some action.
The season here is also longer than usual, as the 1000 trees at the foot of the mountain bloom first. The blossoming gradually progresses upwards, reaching the last 1000 or so trees nearly a month later.
According to legend, it was here at Yoshino that the goddess of spring - Konohana-sakuyahime - first appeared on Earth. They say she was able to descend from heaven by taking possession of a cherry tree with her spirit. Consequently, people have gathered under blossoming cherry trees throughout the ages, to offer prayers to Konohana-sakuyahime for a bountiful harvest.
Cherry Blossom Viewing in Kyoto Mar - Apr 2011 (annual)
Kyoto's most famous spot for the annual ritual of hanami (cherry blossom viewing), Philosopher's Path is a shady trail along a small canal. In keeping with Kyoto's refined image, this is a gentle affair of couples walking hand in hand.
Try as they might, even the Japanese are not able to predict exactly when the cherry blossoms will bloom, but it is usually a safe bet to aim for late March/early April. As soon as the blossoms start to open, sightseers rush from near and far to catch their transient beauty, the progress of the flowers is much discussed on national TV, and photographers descend in droves.
Takayama Matsuri Apr 2011 (various dates)
Takayama's biannual Takayama Matsuri festival dates back to the 15th century. Spectacular float parades, solemn ceremonies and traditional folk performances are held at the city's main shrines: Hie Jinja shrine during the spring festival and Sakurayama Hachimangu shrine in autumn.
The Takayama festival floats are stunning, even by the standards of other Japanese festivals. Beautifully decorated with dolls, thick woven curtains, lacquerware and bamboo blinds, even their interiors are covered with intricate carvings.
The festival opens and closes with a solemn ritual ceremony at the shrine. In between there are processions featuring the floats and hundreds of participants dressed up in medieval costumes. There's also music, dancing and traditional marionette performances dedicated to the gods.
Yabusame Festival Apr 2011 (annual)
The Yabusame Festival in Tokyo's Sumida Park is an impressive display of horseback archery, a traditional Japanese sport from Edo times. The fiendishly difficult activity sees jockeys in samurai costumes shoot arrows at a target as they gallop past.
The spectacular sport was originally practised to celebrate New Year in the Edo period. Any archer to hit three targets wins a prize. There is also a costumed parade from Denpo-in Temple to Sumida Park on the same day.
Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Apr 2011 (annual)
No flower has a greater place in the hearts of the Japanese than the cherry blossom - the national flower of Japan. During hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season there's an impressive display in the grounds of Osaka's Japan Mint.
The Ministry of Finance's Osaka Mint Office (the Japan Mint) is situated on the Yodo Riverside Promenade, a stretch of land thickly planted with cherry trees which produce clouds of delicate pink and white blossoms every spring. The promenade can be walked along freely at any time, but in a tradition dating back to the late-19th century, the Mint Gardens open to the public for just one week a year during the peak blossom period. As an added bonus the cherry trees are illuminated in the evenings to magical effect.
No one can predict exactly when the cherry blossom will bloom, but it's usually a safe bet to aim for late March/early April. As soon as the blossoms start to open, sightseers rush from near and far to catch their transient beauty, the progress of the flowers is much discussed on national TV, and photographers descend in droves. Everyone from politicians to sumo wrestlers turns out to do hanami - picnicking under the blossoms and consuming copious amounts of beer and Japanese sake.
For an overview of Osaka's cherry season take a boat trip down the blossom-lined river, or head to the grounds of the imposing Osaka castle where the Nishinomaru Garden's hundreds of cherry trees attract enormous numbers of people for picnics and frivolous fun.
Japanese Moto GP Apr 2011 (annual)
The Moto GP is one of the fastest, most thrilling sports in the world. The World Championship season continues with the Japanese Moto GP at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit.
The bikes reach speeds of up to 310kph (194mph) and, unlike Formula One, overtaking is frequent. The riders weave the bravest lines and when the bikes close on each other they push it to the limit.
It feels like the crowd is collectively holding its breath as the riders brake as late as possible into the corners. Then there is the roaring engine noise - a constant reminder of the sheer power the riders are fighting to control.
La Folle Journée Apr - May 2011 (annual)
Like the original La Folle Journée in Nantes, France, this classical music gala follows a different musical theme each year. Audiences fill the Tokyo International Forum and venues in Marunouchi to hear the strains of stirring orchestras and gifted soloists.
The 2010 theme of Tokyo's La Folle Journée is Chopin, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the composer's birthday.
Concerts at the Tokyo International Forum take place between 2 and 4 of May, but there are events at venues in the Marunouchi district for the festival's entire duration. Full programme details and tickets are available in mid-March.
MOT Annual Exhibition 26 Feb - 8 May 2011; not Mon (annual)
The MOT Annual Exhibition at Tokyo's Museum of Contemporary Art explores the latest trends in the art world. For over a decade the exhibition has displayed the best works by cutting-edge young artists, changing its central theme each year.
In 2011, the exhibition focuses on the idea of a 'nearby distant world', choosing artists who repetitively use simple techniques and themes to create works of greath depth and flexibility.
Artist File: The NACT Annual Show of Contemporary Art 16 Mar - 6 Jun 2011; not Tue (annual)
Tokyo's National Art Centre selects seven modern artists to spotlight in its Annual Show of Contemporary Art. The Artist File exhibition doesn't follow a particular theme, but showcases a range of artists who differ in age, experience and style.
