Feb. 11
Ta-asobi
Ta-asobi, a traditional ceremony to pray for a rich harvest of the year, takes place at Tokumaru Kitano Shrine, Itabashi-ku, from about 6 to 8 p.m., following a ritual at 5 p.m. This is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. About thirty people in traditional attire pantomime the process of rice cultivation on a plank stage representing a paddy field.
Access: The Tobu Tojo Line to Tobu Nerima Station, and then walk 17 minutes.
Feb. 13
Ta-asobi
Ta-asobi, a traditional ceremony to pray for a rich harvest of the year, designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, takes place at Akatsuka Suwa Shrine, Itabashi-ku. A mikoshi (portable shrine) is carried onto the ground in the precincts of the Shrine, and then shishimai (lion dance) and tengumai (dance by men with long red-nosed masks) are performed from 7 p.m. to around 9 p.m..
Access: The Toei Mita Subway Line to Shin-Takashimadaira Station (I 26), and then walk 15 minutes.
JAPANESE MYTHOLOGY & FOLKLORE 