|  Celebrations for Ireland's most famous holiday are gaining in popularity worldwide, and Japan is no exception. St. Patrick, who helped spread Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century, is the country's patron saint. Legend has it that he died on March 17, so the Irish celebrate the day by wearing green, symbolizing the shamrock. In Japan, people have enjoyed the St. Patrick's Day parade since 1992. As an international cultural exchange event, it has become more popular, with recent years seeing around 1,000 participants and 50,000 spectators taking part in Omotesando, Tokyo. This year's parade is on March 14 and starts from Omotesando Hills; it runs from 2 p.m. till 4 p.m.
|
The custodians of the grand canals in Venice and the colorful floating markets in Bangkok need not worry about their status just yet, but in Tokyo a group of concerned citizens is convinced it can transform the city's sludge-clogged waterways into a magnet for tourism.
The hubbub on the capital's rivers and canals was once one of its most celebrated sights.
During the Edo Period (1603-1867), boats carried people and goods on an intricate water system that was the equal of any in the world.
It's springtime in Japan and that means one thing.
Actually, two things. Penis festivals and vagina festivals.
It may sound like a sophomoric gag. But these are folk rites going back at least 1,500 years, into Japan's agricultural past. They're held to ensure a good harvest and promote baby-making. One of the best-known penis festivals is at Komaki City's Tagata shrine, about 45 minutes outside Nagoya, every March 15. In a neighboring village, a vagina festival is held the Sunday before that.
Hotel New Otani will hold walking tours of historic and scenic areas of Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, with a lunch at the hotel after the tour. Held during cherry blossom season, there are two tours - the Imperial Palace and former Edo castle course on March 28, and Asakusa and Bokutei course on April 4, both of which include some of Tokyo's best hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots.