Today the town of 44,000 is transformed during the Koenji Awaodori Festival when around 1.2 million people converge on a two square kilometer area to watch as over 188 groups, comprising 12,000 dancers, parade through the streets of Koenji in the evening. (Koenji Awaodori Festival venue map)

The festival in centered around Koenji Station which is located on the JR Chou line about 20 minutes from Tokyo Station.  Alternatively take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Shin Koenji Station and wander towards Koenji Station.

Photo Credit: Flickr, Awa Odori 2005

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

The Mainichi Daily News has put together a photo special covering Tokyo’s Top Tourist Spots.

Matador Nights included 101 Tokyo Contemporary Art Fair on their list of the 10 Hottest Up and Coming Art Fairs Worldwide at the number two spot.

Economic worries in Japan have sparked new interest in a Marxist novel, “Kanikosen”, or “A Crab-Canning Boat”, written in 1929.  The book has been on the best seller list here since May.

A plan is in the works to help curb the heat island effect around JR Tokyo Station and lower temperatures in the busy business district.

What you need to go through to get a driver’s license in Japan.  Thank heaven for Tokyo Metro!

Google Street View offers a look at Japan’s streets and some people consider it an invasion of privacy.

Finally, this is the last reminder for the Japan Blog Matsuri that will be featured in a special edition of Nihon on the Net next week.  Submit your Impressions of Tokyo by August 20th to have your post included.

Photo Credit:  Flickr, Skiff Under Willows

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler