Moon Viewing..

In Japan on September 23rd-25th is a national holiday time.
The Autumn Equinox is a national holiday and in parks all over Japan people will gather for moon viewing, an activity called “o-tsukimi.”
In the Heian period (794-1192), courtesans have written poetry under the moon, but nowadays most people stake out a patch of grass, spread out a cloth and eat sweets and drink tea or sake while watching the moon. Where I live, this is the only day of the year the botanical park is open at night and people are allowed to sit on the grass. A very special occasion indeed.

Wherever you happen to be in Japan at this time, there are surely going to be moon-viewing events or those celebrating the Autumn Equinox. Traditional Japanese events such as tea ceremonies, ikebana exhibits and Shakuhachi, or other live performances, abound. So grab a piece of grass, get some snacks and sake, and pray it doesn’t rain!

virtual arcade

Bored teenagers in tow, grumbling at yet another temple or shrine? Bring them to life at Tokyo’s most sophisticated virtual amusement arcade, outfitted with the latest in video games and high-tech virtual-reality attractions, courtesy of Sega. Video games include bobsledding and car races, in which participants maneuver curves utilizing virtual-reality equipment, as well as numerous aeronautical battle games. There’s also a 3-D sightseeing tour with seats that move with the action on the screen, several virtual reality rides, and much, much more. Most harmless are the Print Club machines, which will print your face on stickers with the background of your choice.

Sumo wrestlers

14-28 January 2007 (Starts 2nd Sun of every Jan)

The greatest Sumo wrestlers in Japan meet at Tokyo’s Kokugikan Sumo Hall for the January Basho, one of the year’s six Grand Tournaments. It starts on the 14th of January.

Sumo is one of Japan’s most popular sports, steeped in legend, history and ceremony. To the outsider it can seem like a mere battle of strength and power but, it should be remembered, this is a sport with over 70 different throws, trips, forms and tricks.:)

As a spectacle Sumo is amazing. The men are giants and when they collide the forces at work are beyond comprehension. In front of a packed house they attempt to eject each other from the 4.5-metre circle or throw each other to the hard clay floor.

It`s worth seeing.