The Tokyo Traveler

Kodomo no hi (Children’s Day) is observed in Japan on May 5th. The event is celebrated by hanging carp streamers (koi-nobori) and displaying samurai dolls and helmets (kabuto) in and around the home.
Kodomo no hi was originally the day that Japanese families would pray for the health, strength and future success of their sons. This holiday said to have originated in ancient China as Tango no Sekku which was held on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese believe that the 5th month is one for purification and rituals were …read more

3 Comments

You may have heard of Golden Week if you live in a popular destination for Japanese tourists but do you really know what Golden Week is?  Golden Week runs from Tuesday, April 29th through Tuesday, May 6th, 2008 and there are four national holidays during this 8 day period.  Many Japanese take this opportunity to maximize their vacation days and plan overseas trips or trips within Japan during this period. 
Many smaller business close completely during this period so if you are planning a trip to Tokyo during Golden Week be sure to confirm that any of the more …read more

2 Comments